Decontamination system and decontamination method

Abstract

To provide a decontamination system capable of generating a decontamination gas after completing sealing operation.SOLUTION: A decontamination system 1 decontaminates a decontamination target space by generating a decontamination gas through the supply of a liquid agent to a reagent or a reaction position. The decontamination system 1 includes an operation device and a liquid agent supply portion (a liquid agent pump and a liquid agent tube 18). The operation device is disposed in the external space exterior to the decontamination target space and receives the liquid agent supply operation of an operator. The liquid agent supply portion is at least partially disposed in the decontamination target space, and by the liquid agent supply operation performed on the operation device, the liquid agent is supplied to the reagent or the reaction position arranged in the decontamination target space to generate the decontamination gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a decontamination system that decontaminates a space to be decontaminated using a decontamination gas. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a generator that generates chlorine dioxide gas as a decontamination gas. The generator is placed in a space to be decontaminated. The generator includes a heater, a container placed on the heater, a tank, and a pinch nozzle. Pellets of sodium chlorite are supplied to the container. An acidic solution is stored in the tank. When an operator opens the pinch nozzle, the acidic solution is supplied from the tank to the container. As a result, the acidic solution is heated by the heater, accelerating the reaction between the acidic solution and sodium chlorite, generating chlorine dioxide gas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5944760 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When decontamination is performed, it is necessary to seal the space to be decontaminated to prevent the decontamination gas from leaking outside the space. Therefore, when using the generator described in Patent Document 1, the sealing work is completed after operating the heater and pinch nozzle of the generator placed in the space to be decontaminated. In this case, a reaction begins after operating the pinch nozzle, so there is a possibility that decontamination gas will be generated during the sealing work. Therefore, measures to prevent this are required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination system that is capable of generating decontamination gas after the sealing work is completed.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a decontamination system having the following configuration: The position where Decontamination gas is generated by supplying a liquid agent to the reaction location. and sealed from the outside space. The decontamination system decontaminates a space to be decontaminated. The decontamination system includes an operating device and a liquid agent supply unit. The aforementioned The liquid supply unit is disposed in an external space and receives a liquid supply operation from an operator. A portion that releases the liquid agent at a position where the reactant is placed or at the reaction position The operation device is arranged in the space to be decontaminated, and the liquid agent supply operation is performed on the operation device, thereby The above Reactant The position where or The aforementioned The liquid agent is supplied to a reaction location to generate the decontamination gas.

[0008] This means that after the sealing work of the space to be decontaminated is completed, the operator simply supplies the liquid from the outside space, and decontamination gas is generated. Therefore, there is no need for countermeasures to prevent the generation of decontamination gas during the sealing work.

[0009] The decontamination system preferably has the following configuration: the liquid agent supply unit is a liquid agent pump and a liquid agent tube. When the liquid agent supply operation is performed, the liquid agent pump delivers the liquid agent, and the liquid agent is supplied to the reactant or reaction position via the liquid agent tube.

[0010] This allows the liquid agent to be supplied to the reactant or reaction site from outside with a simple configuration.

[0011] The decontamination system preferably has the following configuration: the decontamination system includes a fan filter unit disposed in the space to be decontaminated. The fan filter unit includes a main housing, a filter, a filter housing, a fan, and a fan housing. The main housing includes: The position where the reactant is placed or the reaction position The main housing covers a space where the decontamination gas is present. The filter removes unwanted substances contained in the decontamination gas. The filter housing covers the filter. The fan sucks in gas from the space to be decontaminated and generates a flow that exhausts the sucked gas and the decontamination gas into the space to be decontaminated. The fan housing covers the fan. The main housing, the filter housing, and the fan housing are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other.

[0012] This allows for efficient decontamination using the decontamination gas and removal of unwanted substances contained in the decontamination gas by generating a flow of decontamination gas. In addition, because the three housings are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other, it is unlikely that any of the housings will fall.

[0013] The decontamination system preferably has the following configuration: the main housing has a gas inlet; the fan housing has a gas outlet; the filter includes a pre-filter and a main filter; and the main housing, the pre-filter, the main filter, and the fan are arranged in this order.

[0014] This allows the decontamination gas to pass through the fan after passing through the pre-filter and main filter, thereby reducing deterioration of the fan due to the decontamination gas.

[0015] The decontamination system preferably has the following configuration: the decontamination system includes a connection panel disposed at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space, and the connection panel is provided with a gas connection portion into which a gas tube for circulating gas in the space to be decontaminated is inserted or attached.

[0016] This makes it easy to arrange the gas tube, which needs to be arranged so as to pass through the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the outside space.

[0017] The decontamination system preferably has the following configuration. That is, the decontamination system includes a connection panel arranged at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space. The connection panel is provided with a liquid connection portion, a power connection portion, and a gas connection portion. A liquid tube for supplying the liquid is inserted into or attached to the liquid connection portion. A cable for supplying power to electrical equipment arranged in the space to be decontaminated is inserted into or attached to the power connection portion. A gas tube for circulating gas in the space to be decontaminated is inserted into or attached to the gas connection portion.

[0018] This makes it easy to arrange tubes and cables that need to pass through the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the outside space, and reduces the effort required to seal the space to be decontaminated.

[0019] The decontamination system preferably has the following configuration: The liquid connection portion is a liquid connector that connects the liquid tube in the external space with the liquid tube in the space to be decontaminated. The power connection portion is a power connector that connects the cable in the external space with the cable in the space to be decontaminated. The gas connection portion is a gas connector to which the gas tube in the external space is connected. The boundary between the liquid connector and the connection panel, the boundary between the power connector and the connection panel, and the boundary between the gas connector and the connection panel are sealed.

[0020] This allows the connection to be completed simply by connecting the liquid tube, cable, and gas tube to the corresponding connector, and also eliminates the need to seal the boundaries between the liquid tube, cable, and gas tube and the connection panel.

[0021] The decontamination system is preferably configured as follows: That is, a humidifier, a fan filter unit that generates a flow that diffuses the decontamination gas, and an adsorptive decomposition device that adsorbs the decontamination gas after decontamination are disposed in the space to be decontaminated. The operation device is provided with a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The first switch switches whether or not to supply power to the humidifier. The second switch switches whether or not to supply power to the fan filter unit. The third switch switches whether or not to supply power to the adsorptive decomposition device.

[0022] This allows four types of operations, including the supply of liquid, to be performed with a single operating device, simplifying operator operations.

[0023] In the decontamination system, it is preferable that a single multi-core cable is connected to the operating device, the multi-core cable spanning the external space and the space to be decontaminated, and the multi-core cable splits in the space to be decontaminated and is connected to the humidifier, the fan filter unit, and the adsorption / decomposition device, respectively.

[0024] This reduces the effort required to seal the space to be decontaminated by using a multi-core cable that is arranged to straddle the external space and the space to be decontaminated.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a decontamination method comprising: The position where Decontamination gas is generated by supplying a liquid agent to the reaction location. and sealed from the outside space.The decontamination method includes an operation step and a generation step. In the operation step, a liquid agent is supplied to an operation device disposed in an external space outside the space to be decontaminated. In the generation step, the operation step supplies a liquid agent to the space to be decontaminated. The above Reactant The position where or The aforementioned The liquid agent is supplied to a reaction location to generate the decontamination gas. Of the liquid agent supply unit that supplies the liquid agent in the generating step, a portion that releases the liquid agent at the position where the reactant is placed or at the reaction position is disposed in the space to be decontaminated.

[0026] This means that after the sealing work of the space to be decontaminated is completed, the operator simply supplies the liquid from the outside space, and decontamination gas is generated. Therefore, there is no need for countermeasures to prevent the generation of decontamination gas during the sealing work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a safety cabinet is decontaminated using a decontamination system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the decontamination system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operating device, a liquid pump, a liquid container, and a power supply box. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] First, a brief explanation of decontamination will be given. In this specification, decontamination refers to a process for reducing specific microorganisms. There are various types of specific microorganisms, but it refers to microorganisms with high resistance, such as bacteria of the genus Bacillus. Furthermore, microorganisms are a general term for bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.

[0030] In this specification, decontamination gas is used for decontamination. Decontamination gas is a gas or fine particles used for decontamination, and is a substance that can float and diffuse in the air. Therefore, even substances that are not strictly gaseous, such as smoke, or substances that are difficult to classify into three states, are included in decontamination gas if they have the decontamination ability. Furthermore, decontamination gas has the property of reducing highly resistant microorganisms, and is therefore basically harmful to the human body.

[0031] The space where decontamination is performed is referred to as the "space to be decontaminated." The space to be decontaminated is, for example, a space where microorganisms are handled, a space where equipment for handling microorganisms is installed, or the space inside such equipment. Because the decontamination gas is harmful, the space to be decontaminated is clearly distinguished from other spaces. In this specification, the space outside the space to be decontaminated is referred to as the "external space." The space to be decontaminated and the external space are distinguished by a gas-impermeable material.

[0032] The space to be decontaminated in this embodiment is a space formed inside the safety cabinet 100 shown in FIG. 1. The device to be decontaminated is not limited to the safety cabinet 100, but may be a clean bench or other device that handles microorganisms. Furthermore, since the safety cabinet 100 includes openings, these openings are closed when decontamination is performed. In this embodiment, the openings of the safety cabinet 100 are closed by fitting a film 101 to the opening and fixing the film 101 with tape 102. This allows the space to be decontaminated to be sealed. Hereinafter, the work of sealing the space to be decontaminated by attaching a film 101 or the like to the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space will be referred to as the "sealing work."

[0033] Next, an overview of the decontamination system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the decontamination system 1 includes various devices. These devices can be divided into devices that are placed in the space to be decontaminated and devices that are placed in the external space.

[0034] The equipment placed in the space to be decontaminated includes a humidifier 2, a fan filter unit 3, an adsorption / decomposition device 4, and a power supply box 5. The humidifier 2 humidifies the space to be decontaminated. The fan filter unit 3 generates decontamination gas and, after removing unwanted materials using a filter, delivers the decontamination gas using a fan. The decontamination gas used in this embodiment is chlorine dioxide gas. The method for generating chlorine dioxide gas will be described later. The adsorption / decomposition device 4 adsorbs the decontamination gas after decontamination is completed, purifying the space to be decontaminated. Furthermore, by humidifying the space to be decontaminated by the humidifier 2, the decontamination effect of the decontamination gas can be enhanced. Note that by operating the humidifier 2 before generating the decontamination gas and stopping the operation of the humidifier 2 after the predetermined humidity is reached, the decontamination gas can be effectively enhanced from the start of decontamination. The power supply box 5 supplies power to the humidifier 2, the fan filter unit 3, and the adsorption / decomposition device 4.

[0035] The equipment placed in the external space includes an operating device 12, a liquid pump 13, and a gas pump 21. The operating device 12 switches the operation of the humidifier 2, the fan filter unit 3, and the adsorption / decomposition device 4 on and off in response to operation by an operator. The liquid pump 13 supplies the liquid to the fan filter unit 3. When the liquid is supplied to the fan filter unit 3, a decontamination gas is generated according to a principle described below. The gas pump 21 circulates gas within the space to be decontaminated, creating a flow of the decontamination gas and making the concentration and humidity of the decontamination gas uniform within the space to be decontaminated.

[0036] A connection panel 6 and an auxiliary panel 7 are arranged at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space. The connection panel 6 and the auxiliary panel 7 are components for reducing the effort required for sealing work. If the connection panel 6 and the auxiliary panel 7 were not present, it would be necessary to drill holes in the film 101 and pass tubes or cables through them. However, in order to prevent decontamination gas from leaking through gaps between the film 101 and the tubes, etc., these gaps must be tightly sealed. However, because tubes and cables are flexible, the sealing work is time-consuming. Furthermore, if multiple tubes or cables are installed, it becomes even more time-consuming.

[0037] In this regard, the use of the connection panel 6 of this embodiment makes the sealing process easier. That is, the connection panel 6 is provided with multiple connectors. The gap between these connectors and the connection panel 6 is sealed. Furthermore, when a tube or cable is connected to the connector, the gap between the connector and the tube or the like is also sealed. Therefore, by forming an opening in the film 101 that is the same size as the outline of the connection panel 6 or slightly smaller than the outline, and then aligning the opening in the film 101 with the connection panel 6 to seal it, it is possible to seal multiple tubes or cables together. Furthermore, even if there is only one connector, as in the auxiliary panel 7, the connector does not easily deform, making the sealing process easier than sealing flexible tubes or cables.

[0038] In this embodiment, the humidifier 2, the fan filter unit 3, and the adsorptive decomposition device 4 can be controlled from the outside using the operating device 12, so decontamination can be started after the sealing work is completed. Therefore, no decontamination gas is generated during the sealing work, and no countermeasures are required.

[0039] Next, each device will be described in detail. First, the supply box 11 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, the supply box 11 has a configuration in which the operating device 12 and the liquid pump 13 are attached to a common housing 30 and integrated together. As shown in Fig. 2, the supply box 11 is connected to a power source 104 via an input cable 14. This supplies power to the operating device 12 and the liquid pump 13. The power source 104 may be a power source provided in the facility or a portable power source.

[0041] The operating device 12 includes a first switch 31, a second switch 32, a third switch 33, and a pump switch 34. The first switch 31 is an operator that switches whether or not to supply power to the humidifier 2. The second switch 32 is an operator that switches whether or not to supply power to the fan filter unit 3. The third switch 33 is an operator that switches whether or not to supply power to the adsorptive decomposition device 4. The pump switch 34 is an operator that switches between operating and stopping the liquid agent pump 13.

[0042] A multi-core cable 15 is connected to the operating device 12. The multi-core cable 15 has three built-in electric wires corresponding to the humidifier 2, the fan filter unit 3, and the adsorption / decomposition device 4. The multi-core cable 15 is connected to a power connector 27 provided on the connection panel 6. The power connector 27 has a number of pins corresponding to the number of electric wires in the multi-core cable 15. A multi-core cable 15 is also provided in the space to be decontaminated, and this multi-core cable 15 connects the power connector 27 to the power supply box 5. Therefore, the multi-core cable 15 is provided across the external space and the space to be decontaminated. By using the multi-core cable 15, the number of components provided across the external space and the space to be decontaminated can be reduced. The multi-core cable 15 is also branched into three individual electric wires inside the power supply box 5, and these are connected to a first plug 41, a second plug 42, and a third plug 43, respectively.

[0043] An electric plug of the humidifier 2 is inserted into the first insertion portion 41. An electric plug of the fan filter unit 3 is inserted into the second insertion portion 42. An electric plug of the adsorption decomposition device 4 is inserted into the third insertion portion 43. The operation device 12 and the power supply box 5 are connected via three individual electric wires housed in a multi-core cable 15. Then, by operating the first switch 31, it is possible to switch whether or not power is supplied to the first insertion portion 41 (in other words, whether the humidifier 2 is operated or stopped). By operating the second switch 32, it is possible to switch whether or not power is supplied to the second insertion portion 42 (in other words, whether the fan filter unit 3 is operated or stopped). By operating the third switch 33, it is possible to switch whether or not power is supplied to the third insertion portion 43 (in other words, whether the adsorption decomposition device 4 is operated or stopped).

[0044] As described above, the operator can switch between operating and stopping the humidifier 2, the fan filter unit 3, and the adsorptive decomposition device 4 by operating each switch on the operating device 12. In other words, even after the sealing work is completed, the above switching can be performed while maintaining the sealed state.

[0045] The liquid pump 13 is connected to the liquid container 17 via a liquid tube 18. Furthermore, the liquid pump 13 is connected to a liquid connector 28 provided on the connection panel 6 via the liquid tube 18. The liquid tube 18 is also provided in the space to be decontaminated, and connects the liquid connector 28 and the fan filter unit 3.

[0046] As described above, the operator can supply the liquid agent to the fan filter unit 3 by operating the pump switch 34. In other words, even after the sealing work is completed, the liquid agent can be supplied to the fan filter unit 3 while maintaining the sealed state, thereby generating decontamination gas. In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid agent is supplied by the liquid agent pump 13 and the liquid agent tube 18, and therefore the combined configuration of the liquid agent pump 13 and the liquid agent tube 18 corresponds to the "liquid agent supply unit."

[0047] Next, the gas pump 21 will be described. The gas pump 21 is connected to a gas connector 26 provided on the connection panel 6 via a gas tube 22. A gas connector 7a is provided on the auxiliary panel 7 arranged in the opening at the top of the safety cabinet 100. One end of the gas tube 22 is connected to the gas connector 7a, and the other end of the gas tube 22 is connected to the gas pump 21. As described above, even if gas (including decontamination gas) in the space to be decontaminated flows upward and is discharged through the auxiliary panel 7, it is returned to the space to be decontaminated by the gas pump 21. This makes it possible to generate a gas flow that flows from bottom to top within the space to be decontaminated.

[0048] Next, the fan filter unit 3 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the fan filter unit 3 includes, from bottom to top, a main housing 51, a filter housing 52, and a fan housing 53. These three housings are made of resin that is resistant to corrosion by decontamination gas. These three housings are either molded integrally or fixed with bolts or the like. Therefore, these three housings are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other. In addition, openings are formed at the boundaries between these three housings, allowing gas to move between the housings.

[0050] The main housing 51 covers the space in which the decontamination gas is generated. Note that "covering" means covering at least a portion of the object, and does not necessarily mean covering the entire object. A first reaction vessel 61 is disposed inside the main housing 51. The first reaction vessel 61 is a bag-shaped container, and the entire top end is open. A second reaction vessel 62 is disposed inside the first reaction vessel 61. Holes are formed at the top and bottom ends of the second reaction vessel 62. A reactant 63 is disposed inside the second reaction vessel 62. Note that an opening and closing door may be provided on the main housing 51 to facilitate replacement of the first reaction vessel 61, etc.

[0051] Further, the main housing 51 is formed with an attachment port 51a for attaching the liquid reagent tube 18. Inside the main housing 51, the tip of the liquid reagent tube 18 faces downward. Specifically, the tip of the liquid reagent tube 18 is inserted into the inside of the first reaction container 61 and faces a position that avoids the second reaction container 62. As a result, the liquid reagent is not dropped directly into the second reaction container 62, but is supplied from a hole at the bottom end of the second reaction container 62 via the first reaction container 61.

[0052] Decontamination gas is generated by supplying a liquid agent to the reactant 63. For example, the reactant is a solid agent made by mixing a low-hygroscopic acidic agent, a halogen-based oxidizing agent, and a chlorite. The liquid agent is water. When water is supplied to the reactant, the acidic agent dissolves in the water, creating an acidic condition. Under this acidic condition, the chlorite reacts with the halogen-based oxidizing agent to generate chlorine dioxide gas. The reactant may further contain a heat-generating material such as quicklime. This allows the heat-generating material to react with water and generate heat, accelerating the generation of chlorine dioxide gas.

[0053] The above-described method for generating decontamination gas is one example. For example, the liquid agent may be an aqueous solution of an organic acid (carboxylic acid) and the reactant may be sodium chlorite. The decontamination gas is not limited to chlorine dioxide gas and may be other gases. For example, it may be formaldehyde gas or hydrogen peroxide gas. As described above, the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment is applicable to various examples in which a liquid agent is supplied to a reactant to generate decontamination gas. Furthermore, while the liquid agent is a liquid, the reactant is not limited to a solid and may be, for example, a liquid. The reactant may also be omitted. In this case, the position where the liquid agent is supplied is referred to as the reaction position. The supply of the liquid agent to the reaction position generates decontamination gas. For example, the reaction position is a portion maintained at a high temperature. Supplying hydrogen peroxide water to this portion causes the hydrogen peroxide to vaporize, generating hydrogen peroxide gas (decontamination gas).

[0054] The decontamination gas generated in the second reaction vessel 62 flows upward from a hole at the top end of the second reaction vessel 62, and then flows upward through the opening at the top end of the first reaction vessel 61. A gas inlet 51b is formed at the bottom of the main housing 51. Gas from the space to be decontaminated is sucked in by a fan 55, which will be described later, and taken in through the gas inlet 51b. The taken-in air flows upward together with the generated decontamination gas.

[0055] The filter housing 52 is located above the main housing 51. A filter 54 is disposed in the filter housing 52. The filter 54 includes a pre-filter 54a and a main filter 54b. The pre-filter 54a captures unwanted substances (impurities, particles) such as dust or dirt contained in the gas. The main filter 54b is, for example, a HEPA filter, and captures even smaller unwanted substances contained in the gas. The unwanted substances contained in the gas are removed by the gas passing through the pre-filter 54a and then the main filter 54b.

[0056] The fan housing 53 is located above the filter housing 52. A fan 55 is disposed in the fan housing 53. The fan 55 is operated before and after the start of decontamination and stopped after decontamination is completed. The decontamination gas generated inside the main housing 51 reaches the fan 55 after passing through the filter 54. This makes it difficult for dirt, dust, corrosive substances, etc. to reach the fan 55, thereby reducing deterioration of the fan 55. The fan 55 generates an upward gas flow. As a result, the gas taken in through the gas inlet 51b and the generated decontamination gas are discharged from the gas outlet 53a formed at the upper end of the fan housing 53.

[0057] As described above, by using the fan filter unit 3, it is possible to generate decontamination gas and deliver the decontamination gas to decontaminate the space to be decontaminated.

[0058] Next, the adsorptive decomposition device 4 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the adsorptive decomposition device 4 comprises, from bottom to top, a fan housing 71, an adsorbent housing 72, and a filter housing 73. These three housings are made of resin that is resistant to corrosion by decontamination gases. These three housings are either molded integrally or fixed with bolts or the like. Therefore, these three housings are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other. In addition, openings are formed at the boundaries between these three housings, allowing gas to move between the housings.

[0060] A fan 74 is disposed in the fan housing 71. The fan 74 generates an upward gas flow. A gas inlet 71a is formed at the bottom end of the fan housing 71. Therefore, the fan 74 sucks gas through the gas inlet 71a. The sucked gas flows upward through the fan 74. The fan 74 is operated after the decontamination is completed and is stopped after the decontamination gas has decomposed.

[0061] The adsorbent housing 72 is located above the fan housing 71. A perforated metal 75 is disposed in the opening at the boundary between the fan housing 71 and the adsorbent housing 72. An adsorbent 76 is disposed in the perforated metal 75. The adsorbent 76 is a material for adsorbing the decontamination gas. The adsorbent 76 is, for example, activated carbon, but may be a different material.

[0062] The filter housing 73 is located above the adsorbent housing 72. A filter 77 is disposed in the filter housing 73. The filter 77 collects unwanted substances contained in the gas. The gas that has passed through the filter 77 is discharged from a gas discharge port 73a formed at the upper end of the filter housing 73. Note that the filter housing 73 may be provided with two or more filters.

[0063] As described above, by using the adsorptive decomposition device 4, the decontamination gas can be adsorbed.

[0064] Next, the flow of the decontamination method, particularly the flow of operations performed by the operator, will be briefly explained.

[0065] The operator first places the humidifier 2, fan filter unit 3, adsorption decomposition device 4, and power supply box 5 in the space to be decontaminated, and then places the supply box 11, liquid container 17, and gas pump 21 in the external space. In addition, before and after placing the equipment, the operator places the connection panel 6 and auxiliary panel 7, and connects the input cable 14, multi-core cable 15, liquid tube 18, and gas tube 22 to the connectors and each device.

[0066] Next, the operator performs a sealing operation using film 101 and tape 102. After completing the sealing operation, the operator operates gas pump 21 and then operates operating device 12 to operate humidifier 2. The operator stops humidifier 2 after the predetermined humidity has been achieved and before decontamination gas is generated. It is also preferable to operate gas pump 21 before decontamination gas is generated.

[0067] Next, the operator performs a liquid agent supply operation (presses the pump switch 34) on the operating device 12 (operation step). This starts the liquid agent pump 13, supplies the liquid agent from the liquid agent container to the first reaction vessel 61 of the fan filter unit 3, and generates decontamination gas (generation step). This starts decontamination using the decontamination gas.

[0068] After a predetermined time has passed and decontamination is complete, the operator operates the operating device 12 to stop the fan filter unit 3. Next, the operator operates the operating device 12 to start the adsorptive decomposition device 4, which starts adsorption of the decontamination gas. After another predetermined time has passed and adsorption of the decontamination gas is complete, the operator operates the operating device 12 to stop the adsorptive decomposition device 4, which completes decontamination and adsorption.

[0069] In this way, by using the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment, decontamination is started (generation of decontamination gas starts) after the sealing work is completed, so that the decontamination gas is less likely to leak into the external space. Also, the operator can complete decontamination and adsorption simply by operating the supply box 11, which is simple and requires little effort.

[0070] As described above, the decontamination system 1 generates decontamination gas by supplying a liquid to the reactant 63 or a reaction position, thereby decontaminating the space to be decontaminated. The decontamination system 1 includes an operation device 12 and a liquid supply unit (liquid pump 13 and liquid tube 18). The operation device 12 is disposed in an external space outside the space to be decontaminated, and receives a liquid supply operation (pressing the pump switch 34) from an operator. At least a portion of the liquid supply unit (specifically, a part of the liquid tube 18) is disposed in the space to be decontaminated, and when the operation device 12 is operated to supply liquid (when the operation step is performed), the liquid supply unit supplies a liquid to the reactant 63 or the reaction position disposed in the space to be decontaminated, thereby generating decontamination gas (generation step).

[0071] This means that after the sealing work of the space to be decontaminated is completed, the operator simply supplies the liquid from the outside space, and decontamination gas is generated. Therefore, there is no need for countermeasures to prevent the generation of decontamination gas during the sealing work.

[0072] In the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment, the liquid agent supply unit is the liquid agent pump 13 and the liquid agent tube 18. When a liquid agent supply operation is performed, the liquid agent pump 13 delivers the liquid agent, and the liquid agent is supplied to the reactant 63 or the reaction position via the liquid agent tube 18.

[0073] This allows the liquid agent to be supplied to the reactant 63 or the reaction position from the outside with a simple configuration.

[0074] The decontamination system 1 of this embodiment includes a fan filter unit 3 arranged in the space to be decontaminated. The fan filter unit 3 includes a main housing 51, a filter 54, a filter housing 52, a fan 55, and a fan housing 53. The main housing 51 covers the space where the reactant 63 or reaction position is located. The filter 54 removes unwanted substances contained in the decontamination gas. The filter housing 52 covers the filter 54. The fan 55 sucks in gas from the space to be decontaminated and generates a flow that exhausts the sucked gas and decontamination gas into the space to be decontaminated. The fan housing 53 covers the fan 55. The main housing 51, filter housing 52, and fan housing 53 are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other.

[0075] This allows for efficient decontamination using the decontamination gas and removal of unwanted substances contained in the decontamination gas by generating a flow of decontamination gas. In addition, because the three housings are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other, it is unlikely that any of the housings will fall.

[0076] In the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment, a gas inlet 51b is formed in the main housing 51. A gas outlet 53a is formed in the fan housing 53. The filter 54 includes a pre-filter 54a and a main filter 54b. The main housing 51, the pre-filter 54a, the main filter 54b, and the fan 55 are arranged in this order.

[0077] As a result, the decontamination gas passes through the fan 55 after passing through the pre-filter 54a and the main filter 54b, so that deterioration of the fan 55 due to the decontamination gas can be reduced.

[0078] The decontamination system 1 of this embodiment includes a connection panel 6 that is placed at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the outside space. The connection panel 6 is provided with a gas connection part into which a gas tube 22 for circulating gas in the space to be decontaminated is inserted or attached.

[0079] This makes it easy to arrange the gas tube 22, which needs to be arranged so as to pass through the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the outside space.

[0080] The decontamination system 1 of this embodiment includes a connection panel 6 arranged at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space. The connection panel 6 is provided with a liquid connection portion, a power connection portion, and a gas connection portion. A liquid tube 18 for supplying the liquid is inserted into or attached to the liquid connection portion. A cable for supplying power to electrical equipment arranged in the space to be decontaminated is inserted into or attached to the power connection portion. A gas tube 22 for circulating gas in the space to be decontaminated is inserted into or attached to the gas connection portion.

[0081] This makes it easy to arrange tubes and cables that need to pass through the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the outside space, and reduces the effort required to seal the space to be decontaminated.

[0082] In the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment, the liquid connection part is a liquid connector 28 that connects the liquid tube 18 in the external space with the liquid tube 18 in the space to be decontaminated. The power connection part is a power connector 27 that connects the multi-core cable 15 in the external space with the multi-core cable 15 in the space to be decontaminated. The gas connection part is a gas connector 26 to which the gas tube 22 in the external space is connected. The boundary between the liquid connector 28 and the connection panel 6, the boundary between the power connector 27 and the connection panel 6, and the boundary between the gas connector 26 and the connection panel 6 are sealed.

[0083] This allows the connection to be completed simply by connecting the liquid agent tube 18, the multi-core cable 15, and the gas tube 22 to their corresponding connectors. Furthermore, there is no need to seal the boundaries between the liquid agent tube 18, the multi-core cable 15, and the gas tube 22 and the connection panel 6.

[0084] In the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment, a humidifier 2, a fan filter unit 3 that generates a flow that diffuses the decontamination gas, and an adsorptive decomposition device 4 that adsorbs the decontamination gas after decontamination are arranged in the space to be decontaminated. The operation device 12 is provided with a first switch 31, a second switch 32, and a third switch 33. The first switch 31 switches whether or not to supply power to the humidifier 2. The second switch 32 switches whether or not to supply power to the fan filter unit 3. The third switch 33 switches whether or not to supply power to the adsorptive decomposition device 4.

[0085] This allows four types of operations, including supplying the liquid agent, to be performed by a single operating device 12, thereby simplifying the operations of the operator.

[0086] In the decontamination system 1 of this embodiment, one multi-core cable 15 is connected to the operating device 12, and the multi-core cable 15 spans the external space and the space to be decontaminated. In the space to be decontaminated, the multi-core cable 15 branches out and is connected to the humidifier 2, the fan filter unit 3, and the adsorption / decomposition device 4, respectively.

[0087] This reduces the effort required to seal the space to be decontaminated by using the multi-core cable 15 that is arranged so as to straddle the external space and the space to be decontaminated.

[0088] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0089] The humidifier 2 and the power supply box 5 are not essential components and can be omitted. For example, depending on the type of decontamination gas, humidification may not contribute to improving the decontamination effect of the decontamination gas, in which case there is no need to provide a humidifier 2. Furthermore, the operating device 12 and the fan filter unit 3 may be connected by separate cables without providing a power supply box 5 (the same applies to the adsorption / decomposition device 4 and the humidifier 2).

[0090] The fan filter unit 3 is not limited to a configuration in which gas flows from bottom to top, but may be a configuration in which gas flows from one side to the other in a horizontal direction. The pre-filter 54a may also be omitted. The first reaction vessel 61, the filter 54, and the fan 55 that constitute the fan filter unit 3 may be arranged separately without being unitized.

[0091] The adsorptive decomposition device 4 is not limited to a configuration in which gas flows from bottom to top, but may be configured so that gas flows from one side to the other in a horizontal direction. In addition, the order in which the fan 74, the adsorbent 76, and the filter 77 are arranged is an example and may be different from that in this embodiment.

[0092] The connection panel 6 and the auxiliary panel 7 are not essential components and can be omitted. Furthermore, instead of providing three types of connectors on the connection panel 6, only one or two types of connectors may be provided. For example, only the gas connector 26 may be provided on the connection panel 6, or the gas connector 26 and the power connector 27, or the gas connector 26 and the liquid connector 28 may be provided on the connection panel 6. Alternatively, one connector may be added to the connection panel 6 to provide four types of connectors, and humidification may be performed from outside the space to be decontaminated via the added connector. Furthermore, instead of a connector, the connection panel 6 may be provided with an insertion section for inserting and connecting a tube or cable. In this case, the insertion section is preferably made of rubber to maintain a tight seal and is cylindrical with a diameter smaller than that of the tube or cable. The connector and insertion section are collectively referred to as a "connection section," such as a gas connection section.

[0093] It is not essential that the operation device 12 and the liquid chemical pump 13 are integrated together, and they may be separate. Also, only the pump switch 34 of the operation device 12 may be integrated with the liquid chemical pump 13, and the first switch 31 to the third switch 33 may be provided as separate units. Also, if the pump switch 34 is arranged in the external space, the liquid chemical pump 13 may be arranged in the space to be decontaminated.

[0094] The method of supplying the liquid is not limited to a pump. For example, a liquid container with a shutter may be placed above the first reaction container 61, and the shutter may be opened by remote control to supply the liquid to the first reaction container 61. In this case, remote control includes wireless communication, signal transmission by an electric wire, transmission of a pressing force by a wire, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Decontamination system 2 Humidifier 3 Fan filter unit 4 Adsorption and decomposition equipment 5 Power Box 6 Connection Panel 7 Auxiliary Panel 11 Supply Box 12 Operating device 13 Liquid pump

Claims

1. A decontamination system that generates decontamination gas by supplying a liquid agent to a position where a reactant is placed or a reaction position, and decontaminates a space to be decontaminated that is sealed from the outside space, an operating device that is disposed in the external space and that accepts a liquid supply operation by an operator; a liquid agent supply unit that is disposed in the decontamination target space and that discharges the liquid agent at the position where the reactant is placed or the reaction position, and that supplies the liquid agent to the position where the reactant is placed or the reaction position in the decontamination target space by performing the liquid agent supply operation on the operating device, thereby generating the decontamination gas; A decontamination system comprising:

2. 10. The decontamination system of claim 1, the liquid supply unit includes a liquid pump and a liquid tube; A decontamination system characterized in that, when the liquid supply operation is performed, the liquid pump delivers the liquid, and the liquid is supplied to the position where the reactant is placed or the reaction position via the liquid tube.

3. 10. The decontamination system of claim 1, A fan filter unit is provided which is disposed in the space to be decontaminated, The fan filter unit is a main housing that covers a space where the reactant is placed or where the reaction position is located; a filter for removing unwanted substances contained in the decontamination gas; a filter housing that covers the filter; a fan that sucks gas from the space to be decontaminated and generates a flow that exhausts the sucked gas and the decontamination gas into the space to be decontaminated; a fan housing that covers the fan; Equipped with A decontamination system, characterized in that the main housing, the filter housing, and the fan housing are connected to each other so as not to move relative to each other.

4. 4. The decontamination system of claim 3, The main housing is formed with a gas intake port, The fan housing is formed with a gas discharge port, The filter includes a pre-filter and a main filter, A decontamination system, characterized in that the main housing, the pre-filter, the main filter, and the fan are arranged in this order.

5. 10. The decontamination system of claim 1, a connection panel disposed at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space; A decontamination system characterized in that the connection panel is provided with a gas connection portion into which a gas tube for circulating gas in the space to be decontaminated is inserted or attached.

6. 10. The decontamination system of claim 1, a connection panel disposed at the boundary between the space to be decontaminated and the external space; The connection panel includes: a liquid connection portion into which a liquid tube for supplying the liquid is inserted or attached; a power connection portion into which a cable for supplying power to electrical equipment disposed in the space to be decontaminated is inserted or attached; a gas connection portion into which a gas tube for circulating gas in the space to be decontaminated is inserted or attached; A decontamination system comprising:

7. 7. The decontamination system of claim 6, the liquid agent connection portion is a liquid agent connector that connects the liquid agent tube in the external space and the liquid agent tube in the space to be decontaminated, the power connection portion is a power connector that connects the cable in the external space and the cable in the space to be decontaminated, the gas connection portion is a gas connector to which the gas tube in the external space is connected, A decontamination system characterized in that the boundary between the liquid connector and the connection panel, the boundary between the power connector and the connection panel, and the boundary between the gas connector and the connection panel are sealed.

8. 10. The decontamination system of claim 1, A humidifier, a fan filter unit that generates a flow that diffuses the decontamination gas, and an adsorption / decomposition device that adsorbs the decontamination gas after decontamination are arranged in the space to be decontaminated, The operating device includes: a first switch for switching whether or not power is supplied to the humidifier; a second switch for switching whether or not power is supplied to the fan filter unit; a third switch that switches whether or not power is supplied to the adsorptive decomposition device; A decontamination system comprising:

9. 9. The decontamination system of claim 8, A decontamination system characterized in that a single multi-core cable is connected to the operating device, the multi-core cable spanning the external space and the space to be decontaminated, and the multi-core cable splits in the space to be decontaminated and is connected to the humidifier, the fan filter unit, and the adsorption decomposition device, respectively.

10. A decontamination method for decontaminating a space to be decontaminated that is sealed from an external space by generating a decontamination gas by supplying a liquid agent to a position where a reactant is placed or a reaction position, an operating step of supplying a liquid agent to an operating device disposed in an external space outside the space to be decontaminated; a generating step in which the liquid agent is supplied to the position where the reactant is placed or the reaction position in the space to be decontaminated by the operating step, thereby generating the decontamination gas; Including, A decontamination method characterized in that a part of a liquid agent supply unit that supplies the liquid agent in the generation process and releases the liquid agent at a position where the reactant is placed or at the reaction position is placed in the space to be decontaminated.

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