Component for a pipe-line waste-water system

Abstract

A component (1) for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building is described. The component includes an inlet (2) connected to an outlet (3) by a tube (4) shaped such that there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube between the inlet (2) and outlet (3). The tube (4) includes a portion which follows a U-shaped path. The tube (4) is shaped such that it can be aligned relative to gravity with the inlet (2) above the outlet (3) and every part of the tube sloping downwards. The tube (4) includes, or take the form of, anti-microbial material or is internally lined with anti- microbial material.

Description

[0001] Component for a pipe-line waste-water system

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention relates to a component for a pipe-line waste-water system, in particular to reducing or preventing bacteria or other pathogens from spreading from a trap back to a drain, for example a sink outlet.

[0004] Background

[0005] Colonised drain pipes of sinks, washbasins, sluices, showers, baths and similar sanitary ware products have been associated with many outbreaks of multi-resistant bacteria and may be one of the main causes of the current antibiotic resistance crisis.

[0006] Current drains descend vertically into a trap, for example a U-bend, which is full of dirty water which harbours many bacteria including multi-resistant ones. Such traps are needed to prevent odours from drains passing up into rooms, and consequently the risk from the potential reservoir of bacteria and other pathogens cannot be removed, only mitigated.

[0007] E.C. Deasy et al., “Minimizing microbial contamination risk simultaneously from multiple hospital washbasins by automated cleaning and disinfection of U-bends with electrochemically activated solutions”, Journal of Hospital Infection too, egS-eioq (2018) describes a sequential treatment with a highly oxidising anolyte solution followed by a highly basic catholyte solution. US 10,550,015 B2 describes an active, powered system used to disinfect a U-bend.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a component for a pipeline system for waste- water in a building, including an inlet connected to an outlet by a tube shaped such that there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube between the inlet and outlet. The tube comprises a portion which follows a U- shaped path. The tube is shaped such that it can be aligned relative to gravity with the inlet above the outlet and every part of the tube sloping downwards. The tube includes, or takes the form of, anti-microbial material or is internally lined with anti-microbial material.

[0010] In normal use (i.e. in the absence of flooding and / or downstream blockages), water may not be retained in any portion of the component. In other words, this means that there is no standing water in the component. The exclusion of standing water does not preclude the presence of droplets of water within the component, or that some portions of the component may remain wetted.

[0011] References to the geometry of the tube may refer to a path which runs through a centre of the cross-section of the tube at each point. The cross-section of the tube may be substantially constant in shape and area. The inlet may be above the outlet if the centre of the inlet is above the centre of the outlet. A cross-section of the inlet may overlap vertically with a cross-section of the outlet.

[0012] Alignment relative to gravity may mean that a reference direction exists relative to the component such that when the reference direction is aligned with gravity, the inlet is above the outlet and eveiy part of the tube slopes downwards. More than one possible reference direction may exist for the device. A cone of reference directions satisfying the criteria may exist. The key point is whether any reference direction satisfying the criteria exists. When the component is installed between a drain and a trap, the absence of an uninterrupted straight-line path passing through the tube between the inlet and the outlet may help to reduce or prevent backsplash droplets generated at the trap from passing back up to the drain. This may help to reduce the spread of bacteria which may persist in the trap (in part because such elements typically do not diy out in routine use). The trap may be a P trap, an S trap, a Q trap, a gully trap, a bottle trap, an intercepting trap, a grease trap, a drum trap, a running trap, a straight through trap, a low-level bath trap, a building trap. The trap may be a U-bend. The constant slope in the tube (that is, every part of the tube sloping downwards) means that, when the component is installed between a drain and a trap, residual water in the tube of the component will be minimised. The less damp the path between the drain and the trap, the harder it may be for a biofilm to colonise back up towards the drain.

[0013] The use of anti-microbial materials, whether bulk or an internal lining, may help to slow, or even prevent, biofilms from spreading from the trap through the component and towards the drain. Additionally, the shape of the tube so that there is no straight- line path between inlet and outlet means that, for given spacing of inlet and outlet, the path through the tube is lengthened compared to a direct path. Increasing the length of pipe and tube which a biofilm needs to colonise before reaching the drain may also help to further reduce the chance of bacteria or other pathogens reaching the drain.

[0014] The tube may include a structure proximate to the inlet and configured to reduce or prevent generation of backsplash droplets in response to fluid incident through the inlet. Proximate to the inlet may mean within 10% or less of a total path length between the inlet and the outlet.

[0015] In this way, even if a biofilm is able to spread up through the component, the reduced generation of backsplash droplets, compared to fluid falling into standing water of a trap, may help to further reduce the risk of bacteria escaping from a connected drain.

[0016] The structure may include, or take the form of, a slope and / or a curvature of the tube wall following the inlet. When the component is installed between a drain and a trap, fluid and / or droplets from the drain fall into the inlet generally in the direction of gravity. The slope and / or curvature of the tube wall may be arranged such that such fluid and / or droplets hit the slope or curvature of the tube wall at an angle away from 90°. In this way, backsplash droplets may tend to be deflected about the normal to the tube wall instead of back out through the inlet. The slope and / or curvature may form a ‘ski-jump slope’, such that when the tube is aligned relative to gravity, fluid falling in through the inlet experiences a gradient which decreases as it descends. The structure may include, or take the form of, a plurality of protrusions supported on a portion of the tube wall onto which a fluid incident through the inlet impacts. The structure may include, or take the form of, a mesh and / or a grating spanning the tube.

[0017] The structure may include, or take the form of, any type known from use in urinals for reduction or prevention of backsplash, and / or from use in sinks for reduction or prevention of backsplash. Whilst known for such purposes, to the applicant’s knowledge such structures have not previously been used below a drain, within a channel connecting the drain to the trap.

[0018] The tube may include a portion which follows a helical path. The tube may take the form of the portion which follows the helical path. The inlet and outlet may be connected to the tube by respective connecting portions. The connecting portions may take the form of elbow joints. The connecting portions may be integrally formed with the tube. The connecting portions may be separate from the tube, and joined using appropriate coupling means such as, for example, an O-ring compression fitting.

[0019] A pitch and / or a radius of the helical path may vary along an axis of the helical path.

[0020] The tube may take the form of the portion which follows the U-shaped path. A U- shaped path may alternatively be described as hairpin shaped. A U-shaped path may progress monotonically between a starting angle and a finishing angle, with a difference between the starting angle and the finishing angle being less than 180°. The inlet and outlet may be connected to the tube by respective connecting portions. The connecting portions may take the form of elbow joints. The connecting portions may be integrally formed with the tube (for example, as bends). The connecting portions may be separate from the tube, and joined using appropriate coupling means such as, for example, an O-ring compression fitting.

[0021] The tube may include a portion which follows a serpentine path. The tube may take the form of the portion which follows the serpentine path. The serpentine path may include, or take the form of, two or more U-shaped portions connected end to end. The serpentine path may have a generally sinusoidal shape. The inlet and outlet may be connected to the tube by respective connecting portions. The connecting portions may take the form of elbow joints. The connecting portions may be integrally formed with the tube. The connecting portions may be separate from the tube, and joined using appropriate coupling means such as, for example, an O-ring compression fitting.

[0022] The anti-microbial material may include, or take the form of, a metal. The metal may be an alloy. The metal may be an alloy of two or more metallic elements.

[0023] The metal may include, or take the form of, copper. Copper may take the form of pure or substantially pure copper (for example for a coating or lining), or a copper alloy such as 6000 series alloy copper, 7000 series alloy copper, brass, bronze, or copper-nickel. The metal may include, or take the form of, a lead alloy.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the anti-microbial material may comprise or take the form of silver or an alloy thereof. The anti-microbial material may take the form of a plating of silver on an interior surface of a less precious metal tube. For example, a solution of silver nitrate may be used for a displacement reaction to form a silver layer on the interior surface. Alternatively, the anti-microbial material may take the form of an organosilane or quaternary ammonium compound. Organic anti-microbial materials may be incorporated in a polymer such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene (PP), or may be applied as a surface treatment to such polymers. Alternatively, anti-microbial material in the form of powders, flakes, wires and so forth may be embedded in a polymer matrix or otherwise incorporated in the polymer matrix. For example, powders, flakes or wires or the metals described herein.

[0025] The tube may be composed of the metal. When included, the connecting portions may be formed of the same or a different metal as the tube. When included, the connecting portions may be formed of plastic, for example PVC or PP.

[0026] When the tube is formed from metal, it may be heated to relatively high temperatures using an external heat source such as a heat gun. The heat will be efficiently conducted to the interior surfaces, causing efficient drying of residual water within the tube. Additionally, if any biofilm has formed on the tube interior, the diying may help to kill the film, or to reduce adhesion and / or cause spallation of the drying film to facilitate a subsequent rinsing operation. If the temperature is raised high enough, for example to within the range of 6o°C or more, then some bacteria and other biofilm forming organisms may be killed (though higher temperatures would be needed before using the term sterilisation, for example 120 °C).

[0027] In this way, the presence and / or growth of a biofilm across the component and towards a connected drain may be reduced or prevented.

[0028] A length of the tube may be such that when a midpoint of the tube is raised to a temperature between 60 and too degrees Celsius, the maximum of a temperature at the inlet and a temperature at the outlet remains at least 10 degrees Celsius lower than the temperature at the midpoint of the tube.

[0029] These conditions may refer to thermal behaviour of the tube in ambient conditions corresponding to standard temperature, pressure and a humidity within the range of 30 to 60%.

[0030] In this way, the length, and often tortuous shape, of the metal tube, coupled with radiative and surface heat losses from the metal tube surfaces, may allow the temperatures at the tube ends (corresponding to, or at least proximate to the inlet and outlet) to remain at lower temperatures. This may allow higher temperatures to be applied to the metal tube at its centre, without imposing undue thermal stresses and / or aging on connected components, for example polymeric components connected to the inlet and / or outlet.

[0031] A pipe-line system for waste-water in a building may include the component, connected between a drain and a trap.

[0032] The drain may be the drain of a sink, such as a washbasin. The drain may be the drain of a shower, a bath, or a bidet. The drain may be a drain of a dishwasher or a washing machine. The drain may be a drain of a sluice in a hospital. The drain may be a drain of a wet room. The drain may provide an outlet for waste-water from any domestic, industrial, agricultural or medical plumbing. The system may be used in a house, a hospital, a farm, an abattoir (slaughterhouse), a nursing home, an airport, a railway station, a plant for preparing, processing or manufacturing food, a restaurant, a nursery, a school, or any other location in which infection control is a concern.

[0033] The inlet of the component may be directly connected to the drain. Alternatively, the inlet of the component may be connected to a pipe descending vertically from the drain.

[0034] The outlet of the component may be directly connected to the trap. Alternatively, the outlet of the component may be connected to a pipe descending vertically to the trap. The trap may be connected to a sewage system. The trap may be connected to a septic tank.

[0035] The component may be sized for commercial, residential or industrial drains. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building including a component connected between a drain and a trap. The component includes an inlet connected to an outlet by a tube shaped such that there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube between the inlet and outlet, and the tube is arranged relative to gravity with the inlet above the outlet and eveiy part of the tube sloping downwards.

[0036] In this way, a length of a path between the drain and the trap may be increased. This may help to reduce the spread of bacteria from the trap to the drain, as described hereinbefore in relation to the component of the first aspect and a system incorporating the component.

[0037] The system according to the second aspect may include features corresponding to any features of the component according to the first aspect or a system incorporating that component. Definitions applicable to the component according to the first aspect (or features thereof) or a system incorporating that component (or features thereof) may be equally applicable to the system of the second aspect.

[0038] In the system of the first or second aspects, the inclusion of the component may increases a path length between the drain and the trap by a factor of at least 1.5 compared to connecting the drain directly to the trap. The inclusion of the component may increase a path length between the drain and the trap by a fraction of at least 2 compared to connecting the drain directly to the trap. The inclusion of the component may increase a path length between the drain and the trap by a fraction of at least 3 compared to connecting the drain directly to the trap. The inclusion of the component may increase a path length between the drain and the trap by a fraction of at least 5 compared to connecting the drain directly to the trap.

[0039] In the system of the first or second aspects, in normal use (i.e. in the absence of flooding and / or downstream blockages), water is not retained in any portion of the component. In other words, this means that there is no standing water in the component. The exclusion of standing water does not preclude the presence of droplets of water within the component, or that some portions of the component may remain wetted.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts including the component of the first aspect, a first connector for connecting the inlet of the component to a drain, and a second connector for connecting the outlet of the component to a trap.

[0041] At least one of the first connector and the second connector may respectively comprise a curved part, for example an elbow bend, formed of a plastic material, optionally polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene (PP). The first and / or second connector may be connectable to the component using any suitable means, including but not limited to, adhesives, compression fitting, the connectors may screw directly onto the component, and so forth. If the first and / or second connectors are metals, they may be connectable to the component by brazing or soldering.

[0042] The kit according to the third aspect may include features corresponding to any features of the component according to the first aspect, the system incorporating that component, and / or the system according to the second aspect. Definitions applicable to the component according to the first aspect (or features thereof) or a system incorporating that component (or features thereof) may be equally applicable to the kit of the third aspect.

[0043] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting the component of the first aspect to a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building which includes a drain connected to a trap. The method includes replacing all or part of a connection between the drain and the trap with the component.

[0044] The method according to the fourth aspect may include features corresponding to any features of the component according to the first aspect, the system incorporating that component, and / or the system according to the second aspect. Definitions applicable to the component according to the first aspect (or features thereof) or a system incorporating that component (or features thereof) may be equally applicable to the method of the fourth aspect.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method applicable to the systems of the first or second aspects, when the tube of the component is formed of metal. The method includes using a heat source to heat the tube to a temperature between 60 and too degrees Celsius for a time period at least long enough to cause drying of the interior surface of the tube.

[0046] The heating may be carried out using a heat gun. Heat from the heat gun may be applied at or around a midpoint of the tube. The time period may be at least long enough to kill or comprise a biofilm formed on the interior of the tube. The time period may be at least 5 minutes. The time period may be between 5 and 10 minutes (inclusive of end-points). The time period may be longer than ten minutes. The method according to the fifth aspect may include features corresponding to any features of the component according to the first aspect, the system incorporating that component, and / or the system according to the second aspect. Definitions applicable to the component according to the first aspect (or features thereof) or a system incorporating that component (or feature thereof) may be equally applicable to the method of the fifth aspect. Brief description of drawings

[0047] Figure 1A is a photograph of a first exemplary component in accordance with the present specification;

[0048] Figure 1B is a photograph of the first exemplaiy component from the side; Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of the first exemplaiy component;

[0049] Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the first exemplary component;

[0050] Figure 2C is a schematic side view of the first exemplary component from the opposite direction to Figure 2B;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a second exemplary component; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a third exemplary component; and

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a fourth exemplary component.

[0053] Detailed description of certain embodiments

[0054] In the following, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0055] Lengthening the pipe connecting the drain to the trap and making it curved might reduce the frequency with which trap bacteria may escape the drain sink, thus reducing transmission. In other words, the likelihood of a bacteria ascending from the drain / trap up to the sink (and then onwards), whether in an aerosolised droplet or as a biofilm, may be reduced.

[0056] In the invention defined in the appended claims, the vertical drain pipe is replaced by a curved section, for example of copper pipe, orientated so the lumen was always descending on its course away from the sink. The lower end of this would be attached to the trap or U bend. Optional and advantageous features of the invention are described in the dependent claims and summary of the present specification.

[0057] First example of a component for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building

[0058] A first example of the invention (referred to herein as the “first exemplary component”) shall be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures rA and 1B, which are photographs of a first exemplary component 1 (Figure 2A) in accordance with the present invention.

[0059] With the curved drain splash back of the water from the traps to the drain would not occur as the splash (backsplash droplets) would not be able to travel through the component. Bacterial biofilms would have further to grow over the (sometimes) dry tube, for example formed of antibacterial copper, before reaching the drain. Partial blockage downstream of the trap would be less likely to lead to trap water entering the sink as there would be more dead space above the trap. On falling from the sink outlet water would hit a ‘ski jump slope’ (or similar splash reducing / preventing structure), as the copper pipe has a progressive bend. Unlike bacteria in trap water, any bacteria attached to the side of the device (that is, the component) would be less likely to splash upwards as the ‘ski jump slope’ would cause a gradual change in course.

[0060] In the event of drain contamination occurring (for example in a sink or washbasin) despite the component, as copper tube as shown in Figures 1A and 1B could easily be decontaminated in situ by the application of heat using an electric paint stripper. That would mean that any biofilms would have to re-grow before the risk of drain contamination recurred.

[0061] Referring also to Figures 2A to 2C, generalised schematic views of the first exemplary component are shown. The photographs shown in Figures 1A and 1B show one possible implementation of the first exemplary component 1, which in the general case is defined by its general shape, which is not limited to the specific angles, lengths, diameters and so forth illustrated in Figure 1A and 1B.

[0062] Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of the first exemplaiy component 1 (along the negative z direction as illustrated, Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the first exemplary component 1 (along the negative x direction as illustrated), and Figure 2C is a schematic side view of the first exemplaiy component 1 from the opposite direction to Figure 2B (along the positive x direction as illustrated).

[0063] The first exemplary component 1 includes an inlet 2 connected to an outlet 3 by a tube 4 shaped such that there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube

[0064] 4 between the inlet 2 and outlet 3. The tube 4 is shaped such that it can be aligned relative to gravity with the inlet 2 above the outlet 3 and every part of the tube 4 sloping downwards. The inlet 2 and outlet 3 may be coupled to other elements of pipework connecting to the drain and trap respectively using any suitable method, for example 0- ring compression fittings. The tube 4 may be formed as a single, integral piece.

[0065] Alternatively, the tube 4 may be formed from two or more sections which are joined or bonded together. For example, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the tube 4 may be formed from sections of copper piping soldered or brazed together. In other implementations, the tube 4 may be formed from two or more sections formed using different materials.

[0066] In the case of the first exemplary component 1, the tube 4 is shaped to be generally helical and elliptical. Figures 2A to 2C are oriented such that the illustrated z-axis substantially corresponds to the vertical when installed (within for example within ±5° or within ±10° to account for practicalities of installation). Immediately below the inlet 2, the tube 4 enters a first bend 5 which curves about an axis parallel to the x-axis as illustrated so that the tube is diverted from being initially parallel to the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) to being aligned in a direction perpendicular to the illustrated x-axis and angled at a first angle , to the illustrated y-axis. The slope of the first bend 5 transitions gradually from vertical to the first angle ft, similar to a ‘ski jump slope’. This may help to reduce or prevent generation of backsplash droplets from fluid dops falling in through the inlet 2 (or at least direct them away from straight back up the vertical). This may provide additional protection from potential infection even in the event that a biofilm is able to colonise all the way up to the first bend 5. The tube 4 continues from the first bend 5 though a first straight section 6 oriented along the first angle 0i to ensure drainage of fluids in use. The first straight section 6 connects to a second bend 7 which curves clockwise about an axis parallel to the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) through 180°, finishing at an orientation perpendicular to the illustrated x-axis and angled at a second angle 02to the illustrated y-axis. The first and second angles ft, 02may be of equal magnitude (equivalently “slope”), however, this is not essential provided that the second angle 02will continue to provide drainage of fluids in use.

[0067] From the exit of the second bend 7 the tube 4 continues along a second straight section 8 oriented along the second angle 02. The second straight section 8 connects to a third bend 9 which curves clockwise about an axis parallel to the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) through 180°, finishing at an orientation perpendicular to the illustrated x- axis and angled at a third angle 03to the illustrated y-axis. The second and third angles 02, 03may be of equal magnitude (equivalently “slope”), however, this is not essential provided that the third angle 03will continue to provide drainage of fluids in use. Leaving the third bend 9, a third straight section 10 extending along the third angle 63connects to a fourth and final bend 11 which curves about an axis parallel to the x-axis as illustrated from the third angle 03back to parallel with the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) at the outlet 3.

[0068] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, the first, second and third angles are all equal 0i= 02= 03, and the second straight section 8 is longer than the first straight section 6, such that the start and finish of the second straight section 8 are equally spaced about the inlet 2 in a direction parallel to the y-axis as illustrated. This configuration positions the inlet 2 and outlet 3 to be coincident along the vertical (z- axis as illustrated), and the equal angles 0,= 02= 03mean that the first exemplary component 1 functions identically whichever of the inlet 2 and outlet 3 is installed upwards relative to the vertical (z-axis as illustrated). However, in other implementations of the first exemplary component 1, one or both of the second 02and third 03angles may be different from the first angle Oi. For example, it may be the case that 0i> 02> 03, i.e., that the pitch of the generally helical path decreases between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 of the tube 4. Additionally or alternatively, the first 6 and third 10 straight sections need not be of equal length, and / or the second straight section 8 need not be centred about the inlet 2 or outlet 3 in a direction parallel to the y-axis as illustrated. In still further implementations, the second 7 and third bends 9 need not be through 180° about the vertical, and need not have the same radii of curvature (viewed along the vertical). For example, the radii of curvature of bends may increase between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 of the tube. The requirement is that the angles Oi, 02, 03may provide continuous drainage for a range of possible orientations relative to the vertical (gravity) when installed.

[0069] In Figures 2A to 2C, the cross-section of the tube 4 being substantially constant in shape and area. However, this need not be the case and the cross-section of the tube 4 may vary from the inlet 2 to the outlet 3, provided that a component can be installed such that eveiy part of the interior surface is sloped down for fluid drainage.

[0070] The first exemplary component 1 includes three straight sections 6, 8, 10 and four bends 5, 7, 9, 11 and has a generally elliptical path which extends over one full turn in the Ay-plane. However, this is not required to be the case. More specifically, the first exemplary component may be modified to include a different number of straight sections and bends and to have a path which extends over less than (or more than) one full turn in the xy-plane, provided that there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube 4 between the inlet 2 and outlet 3 and that the tube 4 can be aligned relative to gravity with the inlet 2 above the outlet 3 and every part of the tube 4 sloping downwards

[0071] Provided that the tube 4 includes or is internally lined with anti-microbial material, it may be formed from materials other than copper. Suitable materials include (without being limited to) other metals such as stainless steel and brass, or plastics such as PVC and PP). Although the tube 4 of the first exemplary component 1 is a formed from one material (copper), in other examples the tube 4 may be formed from two or more different sections along the length of the path from the inlet 2 to the outlet 3, and these sections may be formed from different materials. Lead alloys may also be considered.

[0072] Second example of a component for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building Referring also to Figure 3, a schematic side view of a second example of a component 12 for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building (hereinafter the “second exemplaiy component”) is shown (along the positive x direction as illustrated).

[0073] The second exemplary component 12 is the same as the first exemplary component 1, except that the first 5 and fourth 11 bends are omitted, such that the end of the first straight section 6 away from the second bend 7 provides the inlet 13 and the end of the third straight section 10 away from the third bend 9 provides the outlet 14. The inlet 13 is the same as the inlet 2, except that it is provided at the end of the first straight section 6 away from the second bend 7. Likewise, the outlet 14 is the same as the outlet 3, except that it is provided at the end of the third straight section away from the third bend 9.

[0074] Whilst the first bend 5 and the fourth bend 11 are omitted, the second exemplary component 12 can provide the same advantageous effects as the first exemplary component 1. In particular, there is no direct path between the inlet 2 and outlet 3 for backsplash droplets, and the overall path length between a trap and a drain may be significantly increased. Connections of the inlet 2 and / or the outlet 3 to the rest of the pipe-line system for waste-water may made using usual methods such as O-ring compression fitting, soldering and so forth (depending on the materials of the tube 4 and the sections of the pipe-line system is it to be connected to). Connections of the inlet 2 and / or the outlet 3 may be made to connecting portions of the pipe-line system which are curved and / or straight, for example the inlet 2 and / or the outlet 3 may be connected to elbow sections (not shown) of the pipe-line system such that the combination of the second exemplary component 12 with the adjoining elbow sections (not shown) has a similar overall shape to the first exemplaiy component 1.

[0075] Third example of a component for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building Referring also to Figure 4, a schematic side view (along the negative x direction as illustrated) is shown for a third example of a component 15 for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building (hereinafter the “third exemplaiy component”).

[0076] The third exemplary component 13 is shaped differently to the first exemplary component 1, but is the same as the first exemplary component 1 in relation to materials, applications and in all other respects except for the particular shape. Tube 4 of the third exemplary component 13 is shaped to be generally serpentine, following a path which is substantially within the z-y plane as illustrated. Figure 4 is oriented such that the illustrated z-axis substantially corresponds to the vertical when installed (within for example ±10° to account for practicalities of installation). Immediately below the inlet 2, the tube 4 enters a first bend 14 which curves about an axis parallel to the x-axis as illustrated so that the tube is diverted from being initially parallel to the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) to being aligned in a direction perpendicular to the illustrated x-axis and angled at a first angle 0, to the illustrated y- axis. The slope of the first bend 14 transitions gradually from vertical to the first angle 0i in the same way as the first bend 5 of the first exemplary component 1, providing the same effects to help to reduce or prevent generation of backsplash droplets from fluid dops falling in through the inlet 2 (or at least direct them away from straight back up the vertical). This may provide additional protection from potential infection even in the event that a biofilm is able to colonise all the way up to the first bend 14. The tube 4 continues from the first bend 14 though a first straight section 15 oriented along the first angle 0i to ensure drainage of fluids in use. The first straight section 15 connects to a second bend 16 which curves clockwise about an axis perpendicular to the yz-plane (parallel to the x-axis as illustrated) through a hairpin curve which finishes at an orientation perpendicular to the illustrated x-axis and angled at a second angle 02to the illustrated y-axis. The entrance and exit from the second bend 16 are directed oppositely relative to the y-axis as illustrated. The first and second angles ft, 02may be of equal magnitude (equivalently “slope”), however, this is not essential provided that the second angle 02will continue to provide drainage of fluids in use. The first and second angles Oi, 02of the third exemplary component 13 need not be the same as those of the first exemplary component 1.

[0077] From the exit of the second bend 16 the tube 4 continues along a second straight section 17 oriented along the second angle 02and heading in the opposite sense to the first straight section 15 relative to the illustrated y-axis. The second straight section 17 connects to a third bend 18 which curves anti -clockwise about an axis perpendicular to the yz-plane (parallel to the x-axis as illustrated) through a hairpin curve which finishes at an orientation perpendicular to the illustrated x-axis and angled at a third angle 03to the illustrated y-axis. The entrance and exit from the third bend 18 are directed oppositely relative to the y-axis as illustrated. The second and third angles 02, 03may be of equal magnitude (equivalently “slope”), however, this is not essential provided that the third angle 03will continue to provide drainage of fluids in use. The second and third angles 02, 03of the third exemplary component 13 need not be the same as those of the first exemplary component 1.

[0078] Leaving the third bend 18, a third straight section 19 extending along the third angle 03and heading in the same sense as the first straight section 15 relative to the illustrated y-axis connects to a fourth and final bend 20 which curves about an axis parallel to the x-axis as illustrated from the third angle 03back to parallel with the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) at the outlet 3. Despite the different shape, the third exemplary component 13 may provide the same effects as the first exemplaiy component 1. In particular, there is no direct path between the inlet 2 and outlet 3 for backsplash droplets, and the overall path length between a trap and a drain may be significantly increased. In terms of the materials, composition, and connections to the rest of the pipe-line system (in particular the drain and the trap), the third exemplaiy component 13 may be configured in any way described in relation to the first exemplary component 1

[0079] Fourth example of a component for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building Referring also to Figure 5, a schematic side view (along the negative x direction as illustrated) is shown for a fourth example of a component 21 for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building (hereinafter the “fourth exemplary component”) . The fourth exemplary component 21 is the same as the third exemplary component 13, except that its tube 4 omits the third bend 18 and third straight section 19, whilst the second straight section 17 is shortened to have the same length as the first straight section 15. The end of the second straight section 17 extending away from the second bend 16 connects directly to the fourth bend 20, which is also rotated 180° about the vertical (z-axis as illustrated) to make the connection. In this way, the tube 4 between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 of the fourth exemplary component 21 follows a generally U- shaped path which lies within the yz-plane.

[0080] The fourth exemplary component 21 can provide the same effects as any of the first to third exemplary components 1, 12, 13. In particular, there is no direct path between the inlet 2 and outlet 3 for backsplash droplets, and the overall path length between a trap and a drain may be significantly increased.

[0081] Applications Installation locations for components 1, 12, 13, 21 according to the present specification are not particularly limited. Components 1, 12, 13, 21 may be sized for commercial, residential or industrial drains, and may be useful in any building or context in which there may be waste-water and infection control may be a concern. Such locations include (without being limited to) a house, a hospital, a farm, an abattoir (slaughterhouse), a nursing home, an airport, a railway station, a plant for preparing, processing or manufacturing food, a restaurant, a nursery, a school, and so forth.

[0082] Components 1, 12, 13, 21 according to the present specification may be used with a variety of different kinds of sanitaryware product. The only requirement for a compatible sanitaryware product is that it has a drain which can be connected to the inlet 2 of the component 1, 12, 13, 21. Suitable sanitaryware products include (without being limited to) sinks and washbasins, showers and baths, bidets, dishwashers and washing machines, sluice rooms and wet rooms, and so forth. Components 1, 12, 13, 21 according to the present specification may be used with a variety of different kinds of trap. The only requirement is that a compatible trap can be connected to the outlet 3 of the component 1, 12, 13, 21. Suitable traps include (without being limited to) P traps, S traps, Q traps, gully traps, bottle traps, intercepting traps, grease traps, drum traps, running traps, straight through traps, low-level bath traps, building traps, U-bends, and so forth.

[0083] When installed, the outlet 3 of a component 1, 12, 13, 21 according to the present specification is typically connected to an inlet of the trap, whilst the outlet of the trap may be connected to a sewage system, a septic tank and so forth. Drying method

[0084] As previously explained, the risk from the potential reservoir of bacteria and other pathogens in a trap cannot be removed, only mitigated.

[0085] In examples in which at least a section of the tube 4 is formed from a metal, or another material which can withstand application of elevated temperatures, a method of drying or even decontaminating a component 1, 12, 13, 21 may be applied. Use of a metal tube 4, or at least a tube 4 incorporating a metal segment, may be preferable due to the high thermal conductance of metals effectively transferring heat to the interior surfaces. A heat source, for example a heat gun such as paint stripper or hairdryer, may be used to locally apply heat to a part of the tube 4. The heat applied will be conducted to the interior surfaces of the tube 4, accelerating drying of residual moisture. It is harder for a biofilm to colonise across a dry material, and if a biofilm has already penetrated partway through the tube 4 prior to the heat treatment, drying the biofilm out may retard growth.

[0086] Any elevation of temperature above ambient will accelerate diying, and the higher the temperature the faster the interior of the tube 4 will dry. Diying of any biofilm present may help to facilitate a subsequent rinsing operation by reducing the adhesion of such a biofilm to an internal surface of the tube 4 by causing spallation of the drying biofilm.

[0087] If the temperature of internal surfaces of the tube 4 may be increased to a range between 6o°C and too°C (range including end-points), then in addition to diying the elevated temperatures may help to kill some bacteria and other biofilm forming organisms. To allow enough time for applied heat to fully act on a biofilm on an internal surface during a decontamination process, it may be necessary to apply a heat source, for example an electric paint stripper or similar heat gun, for at least five minutes or at least ten minutes. The precise times for a given component 1, 12, 13, 21 and installation may be readily determined by routine experimentation.

[0088] This drying method can be carried out when the component 1, 12, 1321 is installed between a drain and a trap, which makes the method simple, convenient and fully compatible with existing decontamination methods such as chemical treatment and / or rinsing. For example, a sink could be treated by pouring chemicals (e.g. bleach) into the drain, followed after an interval to allow chemical action by rinsing. After the rinsing, the heat treatment may be applied, drying out at least part of an interior surface of the tube 4. If the chemical used to treat the sink drain will not generate dangerous fumes on heating, the heat treatment could also be applied after applying chemicals but before rinsing to increase rates of reaction.

[0089] The length of the tube 4 in components 1, 12, 13, 21 may have an advantage beyond simply increasing the total path length between the trap and the drain. For example, in relation to the heating method, if the heat source is applied to a mid-point of the tube 4, then heat losses along the length of the tube may allow a high temperature to be sustained at the application point, whilst reducing temperature increases at the inlet 2 and outlet 3. For example, the heat source may be applied to the middle of the second straight sections 8, 17 of the first to third exemplary components 1, 12, 13, or the second bend 16 of the fourth exemplary component 21. This may help to reduce / avoid undue thermal stresses and / or aging on components of the pipe-line system connected to the inlet 2 and / or outlet 3. For example, polymeric components connected to the inlet 2 and / or outlet 3 (or rubber O-rings used in compression fittings which may be susceptible to thermally induced embrittlement). Preferably, the tube 4 of a component 1, 12, 13, 21 intended to make use of the drying method may have a length such that when its midpoint is raised to a temperature between 6o°C and too°C, the maximum temperature at the inlet 2 and / or outlet 3 may remains at least to°C lower than a temperature at the point of applying the heat source. This may be controlled via the length and materials of the tube, and may be readily modelled based on thermal conductance and geometiy of the tube 4, combined with typical surface heat loss assumptions. Results of a blinded, randomised paired comparison trial of the component

[0090] New drainage was installed in an outpatients facility at Great Ormond Street Hospital in May, 2023 and monthly bacterial counts were conducted on swabs taken from the 36 sink outlets from June 2023 to Mar 2024 (excepting August 2023). Eighteen of the sinks had been randomised to include the component, specifically the first exemplary component 1. The other eighteen sinks had standard plumbing. Each sink that had a first exemplary component 1 had a paired control without a first exemplary component 1.

[0091] The paired design helped to reduce effects of other factors such as sink usage. Before the study it was decided on certain target bacteria that were of interest to control, because they live in sink outlets, cause infections of humans and are multi-antibiotic resistance or can acquire multi-resistance. The target bacteria are Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the Enterobacteriales, and Acinetobacter baumanii.

[0092] The geometric means (over months) of the counts of target bacteria in the deviceplumbed sinks were on average lower than those in their paired controls, with a p-value of p= 0.0127 using a sign test 2 tailed analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 corresponds to significance using this statistical test. This finding supports the inclusion of the first exemplary components 1 in a pipe-line waste-water system, as a means of reducing the risk of transmission of multi-resistant bacterial pathogens. Modifications

[0093] It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described. Such modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the design and use of components for pipe-line systems for waste-water in a building, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. Features of one embodiment may be replaced or supplemented by features of another embodiment.

[0094] In each of the first 1, third 13 and fourth 21 exemplary components, the slope of the first bend 5, 14 transitions gradually from vertical to the first angle Oi, similar to a ‘ski-jump slope’. This can help to reduce or prevent generation of backsplash droplets from fluid dops falling in through the inlet 2. However, the section of any component 1, 12, 13, 21 immediately following the inlet 2 may additionally or alternatively include any known type of splash reducing / preventing structure. For example, instead of the ‘ski jump slope’ being curved it may be made up of one or more adjacent and linearly sloped (i.e., not individually curved) sections having a slope between 0i and vertical. Additionally or alternatively, protrusions may be supported on an internal wall immediately following the inlet 2 (for example in / before the first bend 5, 14). Structures such as these can help to diffuse incident flow and thereby reduce or prevent backsplash droplets from passing back up to the drain. Splash reducing / preventing structures known from use in urinals and / or sinks may also be included immediately following the inlet 2 (for example in / before the first bend 5, 14). Whilst known for such purposes, to the applicant’s knowledge such structures have not previously been used below a drain, within a channel connecting the drain to the trap. Each of these splash reducing / preventing structures may be included in the tube 4 proximate to the inlet 2 (for example, within 10% or less of a total path length between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3. Of course, the specific location for placement of such structures will vaiy depending on the shape of the tube 4 following the inlet and the intended installation location, and in other examples splash reducing / preventing structure(s) may be positioned further away from the inlet 2.

[0095] The inlet 2 and outlet 3 have been described as being couplable to the rest of the pipeline system using O-ring compression fittings. However, alternative methods of fluid- tight sealing / coupling may be used instead and include (without being limited to) applying adhesives, screwing directly onto the component, and (in the case that the parts to be connected are both formed from metals) brazing or soldering.

[0096] Particular options and alternatives are specified in the dependent claims appended hereto, and in the preceding summary section. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel features or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0097] The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

Claims

Claims1. A component for a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building, comprising an inlet connected to an outlet by a tube shaped such that: there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube between the inlet and outlet, the tube comprises a portion which follows a U-shaped path; the tube can be aligned relative to gravity with the inlet above the outlet and eveiy part of the tube sloping downwards; and wherein the tube comprises anti-microbial material or is internally lined with anti-microbial material.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the tube comprises a structure proximate to the inlet and configured to reduce or prevent generation of backsplash droplets in response to fluid incident through the inlet.

3. The component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure comprises a slope and / or a curvature of the tube wall following the inlet.

4. The component of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of protrusions supported on a portion of the tube wall onto which a fluid incident through the inlet impacts.

5. The component of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure comprises a mesh and / or a grating spanning the tube.

6. The component of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tube comprises a portion which follows a helical path.

7. The component of claim 6, wherein a pitch and / or a radius of the helical path varies along an axis of the helical path.

8. The component of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tube comprises a portion which follows a serpentine path.

9. The component of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the anti-microbial material is a metal.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein the metal comprises copper.

11. The component of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the tube is composed of the metal.

12. The component of claim 11, wherein a length of the tube is such that when a midpoint of the tube is raised to a temperature between 60 and too degrees Celsius, the maximum of a temperature at the inlet and a temperature at the outlet remains at least 10 degrees Celsius lower than the temperature at the midpoint of the tube.

13. A pipe-line system for waste-water in a building, comprising a component according to any one of claims 1 to 12 connected between a drain and a trap.

14. A pipe-line system for waste-water in a building comprising a component connected between a drain and a trap, the component comprising an inlet connected to an outlet by a tube shaped such that: there is no straight-line path passing uninterrupted through the tube between the inlet and outlet; the tube is arranged relative to gravity with the inlet above the outlet and eveiy part of the tube sloping downwards.

15. A system according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the inclusion of the component increases a path length between the drain and the trap by a factor of at least 1.5 compared to connecting the drain directly to the trap.

16. The pipe-line system for waste-water in a building according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein water is not retained in any portion of the component during normal use.

17. A kit of parts comprising: the component of any one of claims 1 to 12; a first connector for connecting the inlet of the component to a drain; and a second connector for connecting the outlet of the component to a trap.

18. A method of fitting the component of any one of claims 1 to 12 to a pipe-line system for waste-water in a building comprising a drain connected to a trap, the method comprising: replacing all or part of a connection between the drain and the trap with the component.

19. A method for a system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the tube of the component is formed of metal, comprising using a heat source to heat the tube to a temperature between 60 and too degrees Celsius for a time period at least long enough to cause diying of the interior surface of the tube.

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