Bacteria and virus spray collection device

Abstract

To provide a test device that is suitable for handling pathogenic microbes corresponding to BSL3.SOLUTION: A test device 100 is used for evaluating the performance of an air purifier M to remove pathogenic microbes and includes: a test chamber 1 that is installed in a test room R to accommodate the air purifier; a sprayer 2 that sprays a spray liquid including pathogenic microbes into the test chamber; a collector 3 that collects pathogenic microbes included in the air inside the test chamber after spraying; and a collector room 4 that accommodates the collector. The collector room is isolated from the test room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a test device, and particularly to a test device for evaluating the removal performance of an air purifier against pathogenic microorganisms (including bacteria and viruses).

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the removal performance of air purifiers against pathogenic microorganisms in order to remove pathogenic microorganisms floating in the air. The performance evaluation test of an air purifier is basically conducted in accordance with the test method of JEM1467 (Test Method for Evaluating the Removal Performance of an Air Purifier against Floating Viruses) defined by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association.

[0003] In this test, first, a spray liquid containing pathogenic microorganisms is sprayed into the test chamber to float the pathogenic microorganisms in the chamber. Next, the air purifier to be evaluated installed in the test chamber is operated to remove or treat the pathogenic microorganisms in the test chamber by the air purifier. During the operation of the air purifier, the pathogenic microorganisms in the test chamber are periodically collected, and the removal performance of the air purifier is evaluated from the attenuation rate of the pathogenic microorganisms in the test chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] <​​​​However, in recent years, there has been a demand for air purifiers to remove pathogenic microorganisms equivalent to BSL3 (for example, the novel coronavirus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis), which pose a higher risk of infection. Consequently, testing equipment is also required to handle pathogenic microorganisms equivalent to BSL3.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure was conceived in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a testing apparatus that is advantageous for handling pathogenic microorganisms equivalent to BSL3. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, A test apparatus for evaluating the removal performance of an air purifier against pathogenic microorganisms, A test chamber installed in the test room and housing the aforementioned air purifier, A sprayer for spraying a spray solution containing pathogenic microorganisms into the test chamber, A collector for collecting pathogenic microorganisms contained in the air inside the test chamber after spraying, A collection chamber in which the aforementioned collection device is housed, Equipped with, The collection chamber is isolated from the test chamber. A test apparatus characterized by the above is provided.

[0009] Preferably, the test apparatus includes an exhaust device for exhausting the air inside the collection chamber to the outdoors.

[0010] Preferably, the exhaust system includes a filter that purifies the air in the collector chamber before exhausting it to the outside.

[0011] Preferably, the collection chamber and the exhaust device constitute an enclosed local exhaust ventilation system.

[0012] Preferably, the collector is equipped with an air purifying filter on its outlet side.

[0013] Preferably, the test apparatus is An air supply pipe for sending air from the test chamber to the collector, An exhaust pipe for sending the air discharged from the collector, and is provided with.

[0014] Preferably, the collector includes an inlet pipe for introducing air and an outlet pipe for discharging air, In the collector chamber, the end of the air supply pipe and the end of the inlet pipe are connected by a one-touch connector, and the end of the exhaust pipe and the end of the outlet pipe are connected by a one-touch connector, The one-touch connector has a first part attached to the end of the air supply pipe and the end of the exhaust pipe, and a second part attached to the end of the inlet pipe and the end of the outlet pipe, The first part and the second part are configured to automatically open when connected and automatically close when separated.

[0015] Preferably, the test device includes a disinfection device for disinfecting the inside of the air supply pipe after the test.

[0016] Preferably, the air supply pipe extends from inside the test chamber to the collector chamber and penetrates the walls of the test chamber and the collector chamber, At the penetration point, a sealing device for sealing the gap between the air supply pipe and the wall is provided.

[0017] Preferably, the test device [[ID= 29]] A suction device for sucking air from the collector, A valve provided between the collector and the suction device, A leak check device for performing a leak check on the valve and its downstream side, and is provided with.

[0018] [[ID=3S]] Preferably, the test device A suction device for sucking air from the collector, and a collection instantaneous flow rate adjuster for automatically adjusting the flow rate of the air sucked by the suction device.

[0019] Preferably, the instantaneous flow rate regulator for collection automatically records and stores the amount of air aspirated per collection.

[0020] Preferably, the test apparatus includes a compressor that supplies compressed air to the atomizer, and an instantaneous flow rate regulator for atomization that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the compressed air supplied to the atomizer.

[0021] Preferably, the instantaneous flow rate regulator for atomization automatically records and stores the amount of compressed air supplied per atomization.

[0022] Preferably, the atomizer is disposed inside the test chamber.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, a test apparatus advantageous for handling pathogenic microorganisms equivalent to BSL3 can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a schematic view showing a collector. [Figure 3] It is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the test apparatus and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 6. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of a one-touch connector. [Figure 6] It is a schematic plan cross-sectional view of the test apparatus. [Figure 7] It is a side view of the test apparatus. [Figure 8] [[ID=者]]<00者]] It is a schematic view showing the mounting state of a seal. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of a seal. [Figure 10]This is a schematic diagram showing a basic example of a disinfection device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of a disinfection device. [Figure 12] This is a schematic plan cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the disinfection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0026] This embodiment relates to a test apparatus for evaluating the removal performance of an air purifier against pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenic microorganisms include various bacteria and viruses that constitute pathogens. In particular, the test apparatus of this embodiment is configured to be applicable not only to relatively low-risk BSL2 equivalent pathogenic microorganisms, but also to higher-risk BSL3 equivalent pathogenic microorganisms. BSL3 equivalent pathogenic microorganisms include, but are not limited to, the novel coronavirus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, from the standpoint of infectious diseases, the test apparatus of this embodiment is configured to be applicable not only to Category V infectious diseases, but also to pathogenic microorganisms that cause Category II, III, and IV infectious diseases.

[0027] The test apparatus of this embodiment is configured to perform tests in accordance with JEM1467 (Test method for evaluating the removal performance of air purifiers against airborne viruses) established by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association.

[0028] Figure 1 schematically shows the test apparatus according to this embodiment. The test apparatus 100 comprises a test chamber 1 installed in a test room R and containing the air purifier M to be tested, a sprayer 2 that sprays a spray solution containing pathogenic microorganisms into the test chamber 1, a collector 3 that collects the pathogenic microorganisms contained in the air inside the test chamber after spraying, and a collector chamber 4 that houses the collector. In this embodiment, the pathogenic microorganism is a virus. The figure shows the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions.

[0029] Test room R is a negative pressure room located within the building, accessible from anteroom 5 via a door (not shown), and is a safe space where test worker P can work. Test chamber 1 is essentially isolated from test room R. Here, "isolation" refers to a state of non-communication where the flow of gases and liquids between the two is impossible. However, test room R is equipped with a door (not shown), and communication between the two is possible only when this door is open. Because test chamber 1 is isolated from test room R, the risk of test worker P being infected with viruses inside test chamber 1 can be minimized.

[0030] In this embodiment, the sprayer 2 is composed of a nebulizer, but is not limited thereto. The sprayer 2 includes a removable tank for storing the spray solution. The sprayer 2 is placed inside the test chamber 1. Therefore, when the tank is removed or reattached for purposes such as refilling the spray solution or replacing the tank, any leaked spray solution can be contained within the test chamber 1, thereby preventing viruses in the spray solution from leaking out into the test room R outside the test chamber 1.

[0031] The sprayer 2 can be operated from inside the test room R outside the test chamber 1. For example, tasks such as attaching and detaching the tank of the sprayer 2, refilling the spray solution, and replacing the tank can be safely performed by the tester P from inside the test room R using isolation gloves that extend into the test chamber 1. The sprayer 2 is positioned inside the test chamber 1 in a location that facilitates such operations.

[0032] In this embodiment, the collector 3 is composed of a midget impinger (hereinafter simply referred to as an impinger), but is not limited thereto. As is well known, the collector 3, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 2, comprises a transparent glass collection container 7 for storing the collection liquid 6, an inlet pipe 8 whose lower end is inserted into the collection liquid 6, an outlet pipe 9 whose lower end is positioned in the space above the collection liquid 6, and a stopper 10 for closing the upper opening of the collection container 7.

[0033] The collection chamber 4 is installed on a support frame B. One of the features of this embodiment is that the collection chamber 4 is isolated from the test chamber R. That is, the collection chamber 4 is kept in a non-communicative state with the test chamber R so that the flow of gas and liquid between them is impossible. However, as will be described in more detail later, as shown in Figure 3, the collection chamber 4 is provided with an opening 11 and a lid 12 that can open and close the opening 11, and the collection chamber 4 and the test chamber R are in communication only when the lid 12 is open.

[0034] Since collection room 4 is isolated from test room R, the risk of test worker P being infected by viruses leaking into collection room 4 can be minimized.

[0035] The test apparatus 100 will now be described in more detail. First, regarding the spraying system for the spray liquid, the test apparatus 100 includes a compressor 13 that supplies compressed air to the sprayer 2, a compressed air pipe 14 that connects the compressor 13 and the sprayer 2, and instantaneous spray flow regulators 15 and solenoid valves 16 arranged in order from the upstream side in the direction of compressed air flow.

[0036] The compressor 13, the instantaneous flow regulator for spraying 15, and the solenoid valve 16 are installed in the support frame B. The compressor 13 draws in air from the test chamber R, compresses it, and sends it into the compressed air pipe 14. The solenoid valve 16 is opened and closed by a control unit (not shown) to open and close the compressed air pipe 14. When compressed air is supplied to the sprayer 2, the sprayer 2 sprays the spray liquid in the tank into the test chamber 1.

[0037] The instantaneous flow rate regulator 15 for spraying is a device that electrically and automatically adjusts the flow rate of compressed air supplied to the sprayer 2, and is also called a mass flow controller. By using such a flow rate regulator, even in the event of disturbances such as pressure fluctuations, it is possible to supply compressed air at a precise flow rate equal to the set value, thereby improving test accuracy. Furthermore, the instantaneous flow rate regulator 15 for spraying can measure and display the instantaneous and integrated values ​​of the flow rate, and also has a function to automatically record and save the amount of compressed air supplied per spray. This point will be described later.

[0038] In this embodiment, the compressed air tube 14 is made of a flexible tube such as Teflon, but is not limited to this. The compressed air tube 14 penetrates the wall (vertical wall in this embodiment) 17 of the test chamber 1 and is inserted into the test chamber 1 from the test room R. If the compressed air tube 14 were to be cut at the penetration point and the two ends were connected with a flange, there is a risk that leakage would occur at the connection point, causing viruses in the test chamber 1 to leak into the test room R. Therefore, in this embodiment, the compressed air tube 14 is penetrated without being cut, and the gap between the compressed air tube 14 and the wall 17 at the penetration point is sealed by a sealing device 18.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the sealing device 18 comprises a substantially cylindrical device body 21 inserted into the hole 19 in the wall 17 from the test chamber 1 side with a packing 20 in between; a nut 23 that is tightened from the test chamber R side onto a male thread 22 of the device body 21 to fix the device body 21 to the wall 17; a bag-shaped nut 25 that is screwed onto a male thread 24 of the device body 21 inside the test chamber 1; and a tapered cylindrical rubber seal 26 that seals the space between the device body 21, the bag-shaped nut 25, and the compressed air pipe 14 inserted through its center. When the bag-shaped nut 25 is tightened, the rubber seal 26 is compressed radially inward, achieving a seal. Since the compressed air pipe 14 penetrates the wall 17 without being cut, the risk of virus leakage at the penetration point can be minimized. The device body 21 may also be inserted into the hole 19 from the opposite side, i.e., the test chamber R side. The sealing device 18 may have other configurations.

[0040] Next, let's describe test chamber 1. As mentioned earlier, test chamber 1 is equipped with a sprayer 2 and the air purifier M to be tested. In addition to these, test chamber 1 is equipped with a stirring fan 27 to agitate the air inside.

[0041] The test chamber 1 is designed to be ventilated by outside air. Specifically, the test chamber 1 is connected to an intake duct 28 for introducing outside air from outside the building and an exhaust duct 29 for discharging the air inside the test chamber 1 to the outside. Filters 30 and 31 for purifying the air are attached to these intake duct 28 and exhaust duct 29. In this embodiment, the filters 30 and 31 are made of high-performance HEPA filters, but are not limited to these.

[0042] In particular, since the air inside the test chamber 1 can be discharged outdoors after the virus has been removed by the exhaust filter 31, the risk of viral infection outdoors can be minimized.

[0043] The intake duct 28 and exhaust duct 29 are closed by valves (not shown) during the test and are opened for ventilation after the test is completed.

[0044] Next, the air supply system to the collector 3 will be described. During the test, the air in the test chamber 1 containing the virus is sent to the collector 3. This air sent to the collector 3 is called sample air. An air supply tube 32 is provided to send the sample air from the test chamber 1 to the collector 3. The air supply tube 32 extends from inside the test chamber 1 to inside the collector chamber 4. In this embodiment, the air supply tube 32 is made of a flexible tube such as Teflon, but is not limited to this. For the reasons mentioned above, this air supply tube 32 extends continuously from inside the test chamber 1 to inside the collector chamber 4 without being cut or divided along the way. In other words, the test chamber 1 and the collector 3 are connected by a single air supply tube 32.

[0045] A piping chamber 33 adjacent to the collector chamber 4 is provided on the support frame B inside the test chamber R, and the air supply pipe 32 enters the collector chamber 4 through the piping chamber 33. A predetermined gap 34 is provided between the piping chamber 33 and the test chamber 1.

[0046] The air supply pipe 32 penetrates the wall 17 of the test chamber 1, the wall 35 of the piping chamber 33 opposite it, and the wall 36 of the collector chamber 4 that separates the collector chamber 4 from the piping chamber 33. A sealing device 18, similar to that of the compressed air pipe 14, is provided at these penetration points.

[0047] The sealing device 18 on the wall 17 of the test chamber 1 prevents the virus inside the test chamber 1 from leaking into the test room R. In particular, the sealing device 18 on the wall 36 of the collection chamber 4 prevents the virus inside the collection chamber 4 from leaking outside and into the test room R, thereby ensuring the isolation of the collection chamber 4.

[0048] Furthermore, if viruses in the collection chamber 4 were to leak into the piping chamber 33, there would be a risk of those viruses leaking into the test chamber R. However, this can be prevented by the sealing device 18 on the wall 35 of the piping chamber 33. In other words, the piping chamber 33 is isolated from the collection chamber 4 and the test chamber R.

[0049] Next, the collector chamber 4 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, within the collector chamber 4, the downstream end of the air supply pipe 32 and the end of the inlet pipe 8 of the collector 3 are connected by a one-touch connector 37. The one-touch connector 37 has a first part 38 attached to the downstream end of the air supply pipe 32 and a second part 39 attached to the end of the inlet pipe 8. The first part 38 and the second part 39 are configured to automatically open when connected and automatically close when disconnected.

[0050] Although not shown in the diagram, the inlet pipe 8 specifically has a downstream glass tube portion that is inserted into the collection container 7 and an upstream tube portion connected to this glass tube portion. The second portion 39 is attached to the upstream end of the upstream tube portion.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a preferred example of a one-touch connector 37. The first part 38, which serves as the female component, includes a substantially cylindrical body 40 that is inserted and connected to the air supply pipe 32, a valve body 41 that is axially slidable inside the body 40, a valve spring 42 that biases the valve body 41 to the closing side, and a locking plate 43 that is biased in the locking direction a by a locking spring 43A.

[0052] Similarly, the second part 39, which serves as the male component, includes a substantially cylindrical body 40A that is inserted and connected to the inlet pipe 8, a valve body 41A that is axially slidable inside the body 40A, and a valve spring 42A that biases the valve body 41A to the closed side. The second part 39 also includes an O-ring 44 that seals the gap with the first part 38 when connected, and an engagement groove 46 into which the lock plate 43 engages.

[0053] When the first part 38 and the second part 39 are separated, the valve bodies 41 and 41A close, resulting in a closed state. On the other hand, when the first part 38 and the second part 39 are connected, the valve bodies 41 and 41A push against each other and open, and the holes 45 and 45A of the valve bodies 41 and 41A connect the front and back of the valve seat. This achieves automatic opening. At the same time as the connection, the lock plate 43 engages with the engagement groove 46, achieving locking.

[0054] From this connected state, when the locking plate 43 is pushed in the opposite direction to the locking direction a, i.e., the release direction, and the first part 38 and the second part 39 are pulled apart from each other, the valve bodies 41 and 41A close simultaneously with the separation. This achieves automatic closing.

[0055] In particular, since the first part 38 and the second part 39 automatically close at the same time as they are separated, even when the first part 38 and the second part 39 are separated for purposes such as removing the collector 3, the leakage of the virus can be kept to a minimum.

[0056] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the upstream end of the exhaust pipe 50 for supplying air discharged from the collector 3 is located inside the collector chamber 4. Inside the collector chamber 4, the upstream end of the exhaust pipe 50 and the end of the outlet pipe 9 of the collector 3 are connected by a one-touch connector 37 similar to the one described above. The one-touch connector 37 has a first part 38 attached to the upstream end of the exhaust pipe 50 and a second part 39 attached to the end of the outlet pipe 9. Although not shown, the outlet pipe 9 specifically has an upstream glass tube portion inserted into the collection container 7 and a downstream tube portion connected to this glass tube portion. The second part 39 is attached to the downstream end of the downstream tube portion.

[0057] On this exit side as well, the first part 38 and the second part 39 automatically close at the same time as they separate, so even when the first part 38 and the second part 39 are separated for purposes such as removing the collector 3, the leakage of the virus can be kept to a minimum.

[0058] Here, the collector 3 is equipped with a filter, or line filter 51, on its outlet side to further purify the sample air after virus collection. In this embodiment, the line filter 51 is composed of a HEPA filter or an equivalent filter, but is not limited to these. The line filter 51 is provided in the outlet pipe 9 upstream of the second portion 39 of the one-touch connector 37.

[0059] When viruses in the sample air are collected by the collection solution 6, the flow in the outlet pipe 9 is essentially free of viruses. However, there is a possibility that trace amounts of viruses may be mixed into the flow. Therefore, in this embodiment, these trace amounts of residual viruses are removed by the line filter 51. This reliably prevents viruses from leaking downstream of the collector 3. It also prevents the exhaust pipe 50, valve 57, and suction device 56 located downstream of the collector 3 from being contaminated with viruses.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the exhaust pipe 50 penetrates the wall 36 of the collector chamber 4 and enters the piping chamber 33 from the collector chamber 4. A sealing device 18 is also provided at this penetration point.

[0061] The test apparatus 100 also includes an exhaust device 52 for exhausting the air inside the collection chamber 4 to the outside. The exhaust device 52 includes a filter 53 for purifying the air inside the collection chamber 4 before exhausting it to the outside.

[0062] More specifically, the exhaust system 52 includes an exhaust duct 54 that connects the collector chamber 4 to the outdoors, a filter 53 provided at the inlet of the exhaust duct 54, and a suction fan 55 provided downstream of the filter 53 to draw in air from inside the collector chamber 4. In this embodiment, the filter 53 is made of a high-performance HEPA filter, but is not limited to this.

[0063] By providing the exhaust device 52, the collector chamber 4 can be kept at a lower negative pressure than the test chamber R. Also, as shown in Figure 3, when the lid 12 is opened and the opening 11 is opened for removal of the collector 3, an airflow can be generated from the test chamber R into the collector chamber 4 through the opening 11. In this way, the collector chamber 4 and the exhaust device 52 constitute an enclosed local exhaust ventilation system, and even when the collector chamber 4 is opened to the test chamber R for removal of the collector 3, the risk of virus leakage from the collector chamber 4 to the test chamber R can be minimized.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dimensions of the opening 11 and the airflow rate of the suction fan 55 are such that they can generate an optimal airflow of a predetermined speed V (e.g., 0.5 m / s) when the opening 11 is open. The lid 12 may be detachable or hinged.

[0065] Next, the exhaust system from the collector 3 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the test apparatus 100 includes a suction device 56 for drawing air (sample air after viruses have been collected by the collection liquid 6) from the collector 3, and a valve 57 provided between the collector 3 and the suction device 56.

[0066] The collector 3 and the suction device 56 are connected by the exhaust pipe 50 described above. As described above, the upstream end of the exhaust pipe 50 is connected to the end of the outlet pipe 9 of the collector 3 by a one-touch connector 37 inside the collector chamber 4. On the other hand, the exhaust pipe 50 penetrates the wall 36 of the collector chamber 4 and enters the piping chamber 33, then penetrates the bottom wall 35A of the piping chamber 33 and protrudes from the piping chamber 33, where it is connected to the inlet of the suction device 56 installed in the support frame B. The sealing device 18 described above is provided at the point where it penetrates the bottom wall 35A.

[0067] In this embodiment, the suction device 56 is composed of a vacuum pump, but is not limited thereto. The valve 57 is simply an open / close solenoid valve and is attached to the exhaust pipe 50 within the piping chamber 33.

[0068] Furthermore, a collection instantaneous flow regulator 58 is provided downstream of the valve 57 in the exhaust pipe 50, which automatically adjusts the flow rate of air drawn in by the suction device 56. The collection instantaneous flow regulator 58 is located inside a support frame B outside the piping room 33.

[0069] The upstream end of the recirculation tube 59 is connected to the outlet of the suction device 56. The downstream end of the recirculation tube 59 extends into the test chamber 1, penetrating the wall 17 of the test chamber 1. The aforementioned sealing device 18 is also provided at this penetration point. In this embodiment, the recirculation tube 59 is made of a flexible tube such as Teflon, but is not limited to this.

[0070] When collecting viruses in the collector 3, the suction device 56 is activated and the valve 57 is opened. This creates negative pressure inside the collection container 7, and this negative pressure draws air from the test chamber 1 into the collection container 7 through the air supply pipe 32 and the inlet pipe 8. The collection liquid 6 in the collection container 7 collects viruses from the air. The air after virus collection is then introduced into the suction device 56 through the outlet pipe 9 and the exhaust pipe 50, and circulated back into the test chamber 1 through the recirculation pipe 59.

[0071] In this case, the instantaneous flow rate regulator 58 for collection, like the instantaneous flow rate regulator 15 for spraying, electrically and automatically adjusts the flow rate of air drawn into the suction device 56. This allows for the drawing of air at a precise flow rate equal to the set value, even in the event of disturbances such as pressure fluctuations, thereby improving test accuracy. Furthermore, the instantaneous flow rate regulator 58 for collection can measure and display the instantaneous and cumulative values ​​of the flow rate, and also has a function to automatically record and save the amount of air drawn in per collection. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, a console 60 that can be operated by the tester P is installed in the test room R. The console 60 is equipped with a control unit for controlling the entire apparatus, input / output devices, a monitoring device, a storage device, and other electronic equipment necessary for operating the apparatus.

[0073] Next, the test apparatus 10 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the test apparatus 100 is equipped with multiple collectors 3. In this embodiment, a total of 10 collectors 3 are provided, with five collectors 3 arranged in series in the front-to-back direction and arranged in parallel in two collector chambers 4 (4L, 4R) spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction. For convenience, each collector 3 is numbered from 1 to 10, as shown by the circled numbers in Figure 6.

[0074] A total of 10 air supply pipes 32 and exhaust pipes 50 are provided for each collector 3. A sealing device 18 is provided at each point where each air supply pipe 32 penetrates the wall 17 of the test chamber 1, at each point where each air supply pipe 32 penetrates the wall 35 of the piping room 33, and at each point where each air supply pipe 32 penetrates the wall 36 of the collector room 4.

[0075] Within the left and right collection chambers 4L and 4R, partition plates 61 are provided to separate the spaces in which each collection device 3 is located. However, these partition plates 61 merely divide the spaces, and the spaces themselves are in communication with each other.

[0076] The upstream end of the exhaust duct 54 is branched into two, and each of these branches is connected to the left and right collection chambers 4L and 4R. The suction fan 55 is installed at the confluence of the exhaust ducts 54 and simultaneously draws in air from the left and right collection chambers 4L and 4. The filter 53 is also installed at the confluence of the exhaust ducts 54 and purifies the air after the confluence.

[0077] The openings 11 and lids 12 are provided on the walls 62 of the left and right outer surfaces of the left and right collector chambers 4L and 4R, and are provided for each collector space. Figure 7 shows the state in which only the lid 12 of the second collector space from the front is removed (or opened), and the lids 12 of the remaining collector spaces are attached (or closed). The walls 62 and lids 12 of the collector chambers 4L and 4R, where the openings 11 and lids 12 are located, are made of transparent resin plates so that the collectors 3 inside can be easily seen.

[0078] As can be seen from Figure 1, a sealing device 18 is also provided at each point where each exhaust pipe 50 penetrates the wall 36 of the collector chamber 4. Inside the piping chamber 33, a valve 57 is provided for each exhaust pipe 50, and each exhaust pipe 50 is joined downstream of the valve 57. The combined exhaust pipe 50 then penetrates the bottom wall 35A and is connected to the suction device 56. A sealing device 18 is provided at the penetration point.

[0079] Here, a leak-check valve 63 is provided at the confluence of each exhaust pipe 50. This leak-check valve 63 constitutes a leak-check device 64 for performing leak checks on the 10 valves 57 and their downstream side.

[0080] Next, we will explain the test method using this test apparatus 100.

[0081] First, the compressor 13 is activated and the solenoid valve 16 is opened to supply compressed air to the sprayer 2, and the spray liquid is sprayed from the sprayer 2 into the test chamber 1 for a predetermined time. Then, the stirring fan 27 is activated to stir the air inside the test chamber 1. During the test, the intake duct 28 and exhaust duct 29 are closed to block communication with the outside air.

[0082] During spraying, the instantaneous spray flow regulator 15 precisely adjusts the flow rate of compressed air to be equal to the set value. This ensures accurate supply of the spray liquid, thereby improving test accuracy.

[0083] Furthermore, the instantaneous flow rate regulator 15 for spraying automatically records and stores the amount of compressed air supplied per spray. This allows the actual amount of compressed air supplied to be determined later, which can contribute to improving the accuracy of the test.

[0084] Next, immediately before starting operation of the air purifier M, airborne viruses contained in the air inside test chamber 1 are collected. This is to determine the initial virus concentration in the air.

[0085] At this time, the suction device 56 is activated, and one valve 57 corresponding to one of the collectors 3 (collector 1 in this embodiment) is opened, and air from the test chamber 1 is introduced into the collection container 7 through the corresponding air supply pipe 32 and inlet pipe 8. The collection liquid 6 in the collection container 7 then collects viruses in the air. After virus collection, the air is returned to the test chamber 1 through the outlet pipe 9, exhaust pipe 50, suction device 56, and return pipe 59 in that order.

[0086] During collection, the instantaneous flow rate regulator 58 for collection precisely adjusts the flow rate of the aspirated air to be equal to the set value. This ensures that even in the event of disturbances such as pressure fluctuations, air at a precise flow rate equal to the set value can be aspirated, thereby improving the accuracy of the test.

[0087] Furthermore, the instantaneous flow rate regulator 58 for collection automatically records and stores the amount of air drawn in per collection. This allows the actual amount of air drawn in to be determined later, which can contribute to improving the accuracy of the test.

[0088] During a single collection, a predetermined amount (e.g., 10 L) of air is drawn in within a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes). To ensure accurate suction, the instantaneous airflow regulator 58 for collection adjusts the airflow rate in real time during suction.

[0089] In this embodiment, collection is performed sequentially starting from collector 3 No. 1 (see Figure 6). Therefore, the first collection is performed in collector 3 No. 1, and only the valve 57 corresponding to collector 3 No. 1 is opened, while the remaining valves 57 are closed. The leak check valve 63 is always closed except when performing the leak check described later.

[0090] Next, immediately after the initial collection is complete, the air purifier M is started, and the viruses in the air inside the test chamber 1 are gradually removed by the air purifier M.

[0091] While the air purifier M continues to operate, virus collection is performed periodically. That is, at predetermined time intervals, viruses in the sample air are collected in collector 3 in order, using the same method as the initial collection, starting with collector 2, then collector 3, and so on.

[0092] After each collection cycle is complete, each collector 3 is removed and transported to another testing location, where the amount of virus collected in each collector 3 is measured. The performance of the air purifier M is evaluated based on how this amount of virus decays or decreases over time.

[0093] When removing a particular collector 3, the suction fan 55 is activated to pre-pressurize the collector chamber 4 into negative pressure. Then, in this state, the lid 12 of the corresponding collector chamber 4 is opened. This creates an airflow from the test chamber R into the collector chamber 4 through the opening 11, minimizing the risk of viruses in the collector chamber 4 leaking into the test chamber R.

[0094] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the tester P pushes the locking plate 43 on the inlet-side one-touch connector 37 in the release direction, and pulls the first part 38 and the second part 39 apart. Simultaneously with this separation, the first part 38 and the second part 39 immediately and automatically close, minimizing the leakage of viruses from the first part 38 and the second part 39.

[0095] Subsequently, to ensure complete safety, the first section 38 and the second section 39 are fitted with a first seal 38A and a second seal 39A, respectively, as shown in Figures 2, 8, and 9.

[0096] In this embodiment, as can be seen from Figure 9, the first seal 38A simply seals the tube attachment pipe 39B of the second part 39, which is paired with the first part 38. In this embodiment, the other end of a tube 39D, with one end sealed by a stopper 39C, is attached to the tube attachment pipe 39B.

[0097] By connecting this first seal 38A to the first part 38, virus leakage from the first part 38 can be prevented more reliably.

[0098] Similarly, the second seal 39A simply seals the tube attachment pipe 38B of the first part 38, which is paired with the second part 39. In this embodiment, the other end of a tube 38D, with one end sealed by a stopper 38C, is attached to the tube attachment pipe 38B.

[0099] By connecting this second seal 39A to the second part 39, virus leakage from the second part 39 can be prevented more reliably.

[0100] The same procedure is performed for the one-touch connector 37 on the outlet side. The first seal 38A and the second seal 39A may be configured in other ways.

[0101] By separating the one-touch connectors 37 on the inlet and outlet sides in this way, the collector 3 is separated from the air supply pipe 32 and the exhaust pipe 50 and can be removed. Therefore, the tester P removes the collector 3 from the collector chamber 4 through the opening 11 and transfers it to a sealed container for transport. Then the opening 11 is closed with the lid 12.

[0102] After this, the suction fan 55 will be stopped until the next time the lid 12 is opened.

[0103] The collection process is repeated in this manner until the predetermined number of collections are completed, at which point the test is terminated. After the test is completed, the intake duct 28 and exhaust duct 29 are opened, and the test chamber 1 is ventilated with outside air.

[0104] Incidentally, after the test is completed, the area downstream of the line filter 51 is basically kept clean and virus-free, but there is a possibility that viruses may remain upstream of the line filter 51, especially inside the air supply tube 32. To avoid the effects of these residual viruses, the air supply tube 32 is replaced after each test. When the air supply tube 32 is removed during this replacement, there is a possibility that residual viruses inside the air supply tube 32 may leak into the test room R.

[0105] Therefore, the test apparatus 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a disinfection device for disinfecting the inside of the air supply pipe 32 after the test.

[0106] As shown in Figure 10, the disinfection device 65 is configured to flow disinfectant solution 66 into the air supply pipe 32. Specifically, the disinfection device 65 includes a sealed container 67 for storing disinfectant solution 66, a pump 68 for supplying compressed air into the container 67, and a liquid supply pipe 69 for supplying the disinfectant solution 66, which has been pressurized by the compressed air, from the container 67 to the air supply pipe 32. The lower end of the liquid supply pipe 69 is located near the bottom of the container 67 and is submerged in the disinfectant solution 66. The upper end of the liquid supply pipe 69 is fitted with a second part 39 of a one-touch connector 37, and this second part 39 is connected to the first part 38 of the air supply pipe 32. This makes it possible to send the disinfectant solution 66 in the container 67 into the air supply pipe 32.

[0107] The disinfection device 65 also includes a drainage container 70 that receives the disinfectant solution 66 discharged from the opposite end of the air supply pipe 32, i.e., the upstream end inside the test chamber 1.

[0108] During disinfection, as shown in Figure 10, a liquid supply pipe 69 is connected to one air supply pipe 32. The liquid supply pipe 69 is extended from inside the collection chamber 4 to outside through the opening 11. Since the container 67 and pump 68 are placed outside, the tester P can work in the spacious area inside the test chamber R. The pump 68 may be electric or manual.

[0109] When the pump 68 is activated, compressed air is supplied into the container 67, pushing the disinfectant solution 66 inside the container 67 into the air supply tube 32. The disinfectant solution 66 flows through the air supply tube 32 in the opposite direction to the sample air flow direction, and after being discharged from the air supply tube 32, it is received in the drain container 70. This backwashes the air supply tube 32. In this example, the air supply tubes 32 are disinfected one by one in sequence.

[0110] The first method for supplying the disinfectant solution 66 is to supply the disinfectant solution 66 for a predetermined amount of time. The second method is to pre-store an appropriate amount of disinfectant solution 66 in a container 67, and supply the disinfectant solution 66 until the stored amount is depleted. The third method is to supply compressed air continuously for a predetermined time after the stored disinfectant solution 66 has been depleted, in addition to the second method.

[0111] According to the first method, disinfection can be performed in a simple manner. According to the second method, disinfection can be performed efficiently with just the right amount of disinfectant solution 66. According to the third method, after supplying the disinfectant solution 66, any disinfectant solution 66 remaining in the air supply pipe 32 can be purged by blowing it out with compressed air, making subsequent replacement of the air supply pipe 32 easier.

[0112] Alternatively, the disinfectant solution 66 may be flowed in the same direction as the sample airflow, contrary to the above. In this case, the arrangement of the container 67 and the drain container 70 will be reversed. After disinfecting the inside of the air supply tube 32, the outer surface of the air supply tube 32 is wiped with the disinfectant solution 66, and the air supply tube 32 is withdrawn from the sealing device 18, from which the bag-shaped nut 25 has been loosened in advance, and the air supply tube 32 is collected in a sealed bag.

[0113] Next, we will describe some variations of the disinfection apparatus 65 and the disinfection method.

[0114] In the first modified example shown in Figure 11, the disinfection device 65 includes a connecting pipe 71 that connects the ends of the two air supply pipes 32. This connecting pipe 71 is also made of a flexible tube made of Teflon or the like, but is not limited to that.

[0115] The connecting pipe 71 connects the upstream ends of the two air supply pipes 32 within the test chamber 1. In the illustrated example, it connects the upstream ends of the first and second air supply pipes 32 corresponding to two adjacent collectors 3 in numerical order, i.e., collectors 1 and 2 3. However, it is not limited to this.

[0116] In this case, the first air supply pipe 32 is the forward path, and the second air supply pipe 32 is the return path. The first air supply pipe 32 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 69 extending from the container 67, as in the basic example shown in Figure 10. On the other hand, the downstream end of the second air supply pipe 32 is connected to the drain pipe 72 by a one-touch connector 37. The drain pipe 72 is discharged from inside the collector chamber 4 to the outside through the opening 11. A drain container 70 is placed below the outlet of the drain pipe 72.

[0117] In this first modified example, when the pump 68 is activated to send disinfectant solution 66 to the first air supply pipe 32, the disinfectant solution 66 that exits from its upstream end enters the upstream end of the second air supply pipe 32 through the connecting pipe 71. After flowing through the second air supply pipe 32, it is discharged into the drain container 70 through the drain pipe 72.

[0118] Therefore, it becomes possible to disinfect both air supply tubes 32 simultaneously, allowing for efficient disinfection work.

[0119] Next, a second modified example will be described with reference to Figure 12. In this second modified example, all 10 air supply pipes 32 are connected by connecting pipes 71.

[0120] In other words, the supply of disinfectant solution 66 from the downstream end of air supply pipe 1 32 is the same as described above. In this modified example, the upstream ends of air supply pipes 1 and 2 32, the upstream ends of air supply pipes 32 3 and 4 32, the upstream ends of air supply pipes 5 and 6 32, the upstream ends of air supply pipes 7 and 8 32, and the upstream ends of air supply pipes 9 and 10 32 are each connected by connecting pipes 71.

[0121] Furthermore, the downstream ends of air supply pipes 2 and 3, air supply pipes 4 and 5, air supply pipes 6 and 7, and air supply pipes 8 and 9 are each connected by connecting pipes 71. More specifically, the downstream ends of each air supply pipe 32 and the connecting pipes 71 are connected via extension pipes 73 similar to those of the drain pipes 72 described above. The extension pipes 73 extend from inside the collector chamber 4 to the outside through the opening 11, and outside the chamber, the ends of the extension pipes 73 are connected by connecting pipes 71.

[0122] As in the first modified example, a drain pipe 72 is connected to the downstream end of the air supply pipe 32 (number 10), and a drain container 70 is positioned below the outlet of the drain pipe 72.

[0123] In this second modified example, when the pump 68 is activated to send the disinfectant solution 66 to the first air supply pipe 32, the disinfectant solution 66 flows through the air supply pipes 32 in order, one after the other, such as the second air supply pipe 32 and the third air supply pipe 32. Finally, the disinfectant solution 66 flows through the tenth air supply pipe 32 and is then discharged into the drain container 70 through the drain pipe 72.

[0124] Therefore, it becomes possible to disinfect all air supply tubes 32 simultaneously, making the disinfection work even more efficient.

[0125] In the first modified example, two air supply pipes 32 were connected, and in the second modified example, all ten air supply pipes 32 were connected, but the number of connected air supply pipes 32 is arbitrary. For example, five air supply pipes 32 corresponding to five collectors 3 belonging to one of the left or right collector chambers 4L or 4R may be connected. In this case, disinfection is performed for each of the left and right collector chambers 4L or 4R.

[0126] Next, the leak check device 64 will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0127] To ensure proper testing, it is desirable to check in advance whether there are any leaks in the suction system from the collector 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, a leak check device 64 is provided. When performing a leak check with this leak check device 64, the 10 valves 57 and the leak check valve 63 are closed, and the suction device 56 is activated to perform suction.

[0128] During this suction, the monitor of the instantaneous flow regulator 58 for collection is monitored to check whether the flow rate of the suctioned air measured by the instantaneous flow regulator 58 is zero. If it is zero, it is determined that there is no leak in the 10 valves 57 and downstream (up to the suction device 56). If it is greater than zero, it is determined that a leak is occurring.

[0129] After this, the suction device 56 is stopped to cease suction, but if left as is, negative pressure will remain in the path between the 10 valves 57 and the suction device 56. Therefore, after suction stops, the leak check valve 63 is opened for a short time. This allows air from the test chamber R to be introduced into the path, releasing the negative pressure.

[0130] As described above, in the test apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the collection chamber 4 is isolated from the test chamber R. Therefore, even if a virus leaks into the collection chamber 4, it is possible to reliably prevent that virus from leaking into the test chamber R. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a test apparatus 100 that is advantageous for handling pathogenic microorganisms equivalent to BSL3.

[0131] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, various other embodiments and modifications of this disclosure are conceivable.

[0132] (1) For example, the number of collectors 3 is not limited to 10, but can be any number. Similarly, the number of collector chambers 4 is not limited to 2, but can be any number.

[0133] (2) The piping room 33 may contain only the air supply pipe 32. In this case as well, it is preferable that the piping room 33 be isolated from the test room R.

[0134] The configurations of each embodiment and each variation described above can be combined in part or in whole, as long as there is no particular contradiction. The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, but include any variations, applications, and equivalents that are encompassed within the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, this disclosure should not be constrained and may be applied to any other art that falls within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Test Chamber 2 sprayer 3 Collector 4 Collector room 8 Inlet pipe 9 Outlet pipe 13 Compressor 15 Instantaneous flow regulator for spraying 17,36 Wall 18. Sealing device 32 Air supply tube 37 One-touch connector 38 Part 1 39 Part 2 50 Exhaust pipe 51-line filter 52 Exhaust system 53 Filters 56 Suction device 57 Valves 58 Instantaneous flow rate regulator for collection 64 Leak Check Device 65 Disinfection equipment 100 Test equipment M Air Purifier R Test Room

Claims

1. A test apparatus for evaluating the removal performance of an air purifier against pathogenic microorganisms, the test apparatus is configured to be applicable to pathogenic microorganisms equivalent to BSL3. A test chamber installed in the test room and housing the aforementioned air purifier, A sprayer for spraying a spray solution containing pathogenic microorganisms into the test chamber, A collector for collecting pathogenic microorganisms contained in the air inside the test chamber after spraying, A collection chamber in which the aforementioned collection device is housed, Equipped with, The collection chamber is isolated from the test chamber. The aforementioned test apparatus is An air supply pipe for supplying air from the test chamber to the collector, An exhaust pipe for sending the air discharged from the aforementioned collector, A suction device connected to the exhaust pipe for drawing air from the collector, A valve consisting of a solenoid valve is provided in the exhaust pipe, The aforementioned valve and a leak checking device for checking the leak downstream of it, A collection instantaneous flow rate regulator that automatically adjusts the flow rate of air drawn in by the aforementioned suction device, A piping chamber is located between the test chamber and the collection chamber, Equipped with, Multiple collectors are provided, Multiple collection devices are provided, along with multiple air supply pipes, multiple exhaust pipes, and multiple valves. Each of the aforementioned collectors is provided with one air supply pipe, one exhaust pipe, and one valve. Downstream of the valve, a plurality of the exhaust pipes merge, and a leak-checking valve constituting the leak-checking device is provided at the merging point. Each of the multiple air supply pipes is introduced from within the test chamber, through the piping chamber, and into the collector chamber. Each of the multiple exhaust pipes enters the piping chamber from the collection chamber, merges within the piping chamber, and then exits the piping chamber. The multiple valves and the leak-check valve are arranged in the piping chamber. Outside the piping room, the collection instantaneous flow regulator and the suction device are connected to the exhaust pipe after the confluence. The air supply pipe penetrates the walls of the test chamber, the piping chamber, and the collector chamber, and a sealing device is provided at the penetration point to seal the gap between the air supply pipe and the wall. The exhaust pipe penetrates the walls of the collector chamber and the piping chamber, and a sealing device is provided at the penetration point to seal the gap between the exhaust pipe and the wall. A test apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The collection chamber is equipped with an exhaust device for exhausting the air inside to the outside. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The exhaust system includes a filter that purifies the air inside the collection chamber before exhausting it outdoors. The test apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned collector is equipped with an air purifying filter on its outlet side. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned collector comprises an inlet pipe for introducing air and an outlet pipe for discharging air. Within the collection chamber, the end of the air supply pipe and the end of the inlet pipe are connected by a one-touch connector, and the end of the exhaust pipe and the end of the outlet pipe are connected by a one-touch connector. The one-touch connector has a first portion attached to the end of the air supply pipe and the end of the exhaust pipe, and a second portion attached to the end of the inlet pipe and the end of the outlet pipe. The first and second parts are configured to automatically open when connected and automatically close when disconnected. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The system includes a disinfection device for disinfecting the inside of the air supply tube after testing. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned instantaneous flow rate regulator for collection automatically records and stores the amount of air drawn in per collection. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A compressor that supplies compressed air to the sprayer, The sprayer is equipped with an instantaneous spray flow regulator that automatically adjusts the flow rate of compressed air supplied to the sprayer. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned instantaneous flow rate regulator for spraying automatically records and stores the amount of compressed air supplied per spray. The test apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The sprayer is positioned inside the test chamber. The test apparatus according to claim 1.

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