Sanitisation system and method

Abstract

A sanitisation system for sanitising a space including a vapouriser assembly that receives a sanitising chemical composition for vapourising and dispersion into a space. The system also includes an air purifier assembly configured to remove vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the air following vapourising of the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser. The air purifier assembly is physically separated and / or remote from the vapouriser assembly.

Description

SANITISATION SYSTEM AND METHODTECHNICAL FIELD[1] The invention described herein relates to a sanitisation system and method. In particular, the invention relates to a chemical dispersion system for sanitising common public areas to reduce or prevent the transmission of bacteria and disease through contact with germ carrying surfaces.BACKGROUND[2] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.[3] Many sanitisation and decontamination practices rely on humans to physically apply decontaminating and sanitising chemical compositions to objects and surfaces. These existing practices are prone to error (through honest mistake and carelessness) and the efficacy of such practices cannot be properly measured or quantified. In times of pandemic or in the face of highly infection diseases, this can be highly problematic and may lead to increased levels of infection.[4] It is an aim of this invention to provide a sanitisation system and / or method which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful commercial alternative.SUMMARY OF INVENTION[5] In an aspect, the invention provides a sanitisation system for sanitising a space, the sanitisation system comprising: a chemical storage assembly for storing a sanitising chemical composition; a vapouriser assembly connected to the chemical storage assembly, the vapouriser assembly comprising a vapouriser configured to receive the sanitising chemical composition from the chemical storage assembly and convert the sanitising chemical composition into a vapour; andan air purifier assembly configured to remove vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the air following vapourising of the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser.[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a sanitisation system for sanitising a space, the sanitisation system comprising: a chemical storage assembly for storing a sanitising chemical composition; a vapouriser assembly connected to the chemical storage assembly, the vapouriser assembly comprising a vapouriser configured to receive the sanitising chemical composition from the chemical storage assembly and convert the sanitising chemical composition into a vapour; and an air purifier assembly configured to remove vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the air following vapourising of the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser, wherein the air purifier assembly is physically separated and / or remotely located relative to the vapouriser assembly.[7] In another aspect, the invention provides a sanitisation system for sanitising a space, the sanitisation system comprising: a vapouriser assembly comprising: a housing containing: a sanitising chemical composition; and a vapouriser configured to receive and convert the sanitising chemical composition into a vapour; and a vapour outlet formed in the housing for dispersing the vapour; and an air purifier assembly configured to remove vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the air following vapourising of the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser.[8] In another aspect, the invention provides a sanitisation system, the sanitisation system comprising: a chemical storage assembly for receiving and storing a sanitising chemical composition; a vapouriser assembly connected to the chemical storage assembly, the vapouriser assembly including a vapouriser configured to receive the sanitising chemical composition from the chemical storage assembly and convert the sanitising chemical composition into a vapour; andan air purifier assembly configured to purify the air by removing vapourised sanitising chemical composition, wherein the chemical storage assembly and the air purifier assembly are located within a first housing and the vapouriser assembly is located within a second housing, and wherein a vapour outlet is formed in the second housing for dispersing the vapour generated by the vapouriser.[9] Preferably, the sanitisation system further comprises a duct or conduit connecting the chemical storage assembly to the vapouriser assembly. More preferably, the duct or conduit connects the first housing retaining the sanitising chemical composition to the second housing retaining the vapouriser of the vapouriser assembly.

[0010] Preferably, the vapouriser and / or vapouriser assembly are located adjacent or directly adjacent the vapour outlet.

[0011] Preferably, the first housing and the second housing are physically separated. More preferably, the first housing and the second housing are physically separated by a duct or conduit.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the first housing is located remotely relative to the second housing.

[0013] Preferably, the chemical storage assembly and the vapouriser assembly are physically separated. More preferably, the chemical storage assembly and the vapouriser assembly are physically separated by a duct or conduit.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the chemical storage assembly is located remotely relative to the vapouriser assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the first housing is not located within the second housing and the second housing is not located within the first housing.

[0016] Preferably, the air purifier assembly is located within the housing of the chemical storage assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the air purifier assembly is configured to detect vapourised sanitising chemical composition in the air and control the air purifier assembly in response to detection of vapourised sanitising chemical composition.

[0018] Preferably, the vapouriser assembly comprises a fan for dispersing the vapourised sanitising chemical composition.

[0019] Preferably, the vapouriser includes or is connected to a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the vapouriser.

[0020] Preferably, the sanitisation system further comprises a vapour outlet assembly in fluid communication with the vapouriser assembly, the vapour outlet assembly comprising a housing having a vapour outlet formed therein. Preferably, the vapour outlet assembly and the vapouriser assembly are in direct fluid communication via a duct connecting the vapour outlet assembly to the vapouriser assembly, wherein vapour from the vapouriser is received within the housing of the vapour outlet assembly and dispersed through the vapour outlet of the housing of the vapour outlet assembly. Preferably, the vapour outlet assembly further comprises a fan located within the housing. Preferably, in use, the vapour receiving into the housing of the vapour outlet assembly is dispersed by the fan.

[0021] Preferably, the sanitising chemical composition comprises a sanitising chemical. Preferably, the sanitising chemical comprises hydrogen peroxide. Preferably, the sanitising chemical composition comprises up to 35% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide. More preferably, the sanitising chemical composition comprises between 5% mL / mL and 35% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide. Preferably, the sanitising chemical composition comprises no more than 8% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, the sanitising chemical composition comprises ionic silver or colloidal silver.

[0022] Preferably, the chemical storage assembly comprises a reservoir for receiving the sanitising chemical composition.

[0023] Preferably, the air purifier assembly comprises an air filter and a dehumidifier.

[0024] Preferably, the duct is connected to the air purifier assembly.

[0025] Preferably, the housing comprises one or more openings formed therein.

[0026] Preferably, the openings are formed about the air purifier assembly to allow the air purifier assembly to draw in air. Preferably, the openings are formed at an inlet of the air purifier assembly and an outlet of the air purifier assembly.

[0027] Preferably, the chemical storage assembly further comprises a fluid level indicator. Preferably, the fluid level indicator is a digital fluid level indicator. Preferably, the fluid level indicator digitally and visually indicates an amount of sanitising chemical composition in the cartridge. Preferably, the digital fluid level indicator electronically communicates the amount of sanitising chemical composition in the cartridge to the system controller. Preferably, the digital fluid level indicatorelectronically communicates the amount of sanitising chemical composition in the cartridge to the system controller in the form of an electric signal.

[0028] Preferably, the chemical storage assembly comprises a pump for pumping the sanitising chemical composition from the chemical storage assembly to the vapour outlet assembly.

[0029] Preferably, the sanitisation system comprises a system controller configured to activate the air purifier assembly to dehumidify the air of a space to be sanitised.

[0030] Preferably, the sanitisation system further comprising an environment monitoring sensor assembly comprising at least one of: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and a sensor configured to detect an amount of vapourised sanitising chemical composition in the air.

[0031] Preferably, the duct comprises a plurality of passageways, wherein a first passageway is configured to transport vapour from the vapouriser to the dispersion member and a second passageway is configured to transport air from the space to the air purifier assembly after a sanitisation cycle.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sanitisation system is installed in a lift, train, tram or ferry.

[0033] Preferably, the sanitisation system further comprises a power supply. Preferably, the power supply comprises a 24V power supply or 240V power supply. Preferably, the power supply is connected to one or more of the system controller, the fan, the vapouriser and the air purifier assembly. Preferably, the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery providing 24V.

[0034] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for sanitisation, the method comprising the steps of: transporting a sanitising chemical composition from a chemical reservoir located in a first housing to a vapouriser located in a second housing via a duct connecting the chemical reservoir to the vapouriser; generating a vapour from the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser, wherein the vapour is dispersed to a space the second housing is located in; and activating an air purifier assembly based on a condition to draw the vapourised sanitising chemical composition into the air purifier assembly to remove the vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the space.

[0035] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for sanitisation, the method comprising the steps of: transporting a sanitising chemical composition from a chemical reservoir to a vapouriser located via a duct connecting the chemical reservoir to the vapouriser; generating a vapour from the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser, wherein the vapour is dispersed to a space; and activating an air purifier assembly that is physically separated and / or remotely located from the vapouriser based on a condition to draw the vapourised sanitising chemical composition into the air purifier assembly to remove the vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the space.

[0036] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of measuring humidity of the space to be sanitised. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of activating an air purifier assembly configured to dehumidify air, in response to detecting that the humidity of the space is greater than a threshold value in the form of a threshold humidity value. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of continuously measuring the humidity of the space while the air purifier assembly is active. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of deactivating the air purifier assembly in response to the humidity of the space being measured to be below the threshold humidity value. Preferably, the fan and air purifier assembly are controlled by a system controller. Preferably, the threshold humidity value is between 70% and 90% humidity. Preferably, the humidity threshold value is between 75% and 85% humidity. More preferably, the threshold humidity value is 80% humidity.

[0037] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of measuring an amount of vapourised sanitising chemical composition. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of activating an air purifier assembly, in response to detecting that the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition is greater than a threshold value in the form of a threshold chemical value. Additionally, or alternatively, the method further comprises the step of activating an air purifier assembly after a programmed amount of time following vapourisation of the sanitising chemical composition. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of continuously measuring the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition while the air purifier assembly is active. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of deactivating the air purifier assembly in response to the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition being below the thresholdchemical value. Preferably, the air purifier assembly is controlled by a system controller. Preferably, the threshold chemical value is between 200ppm (parts per million) and 300ppm. Preferably, the threshold chemical value is between 200ppm and 250ppm humidity. More preferably, the threshold chemical value is 225ppm. Preferably, the programmed amount of time is between 15 minutes and 45 minutes. Preferably, the programmed amount of time is between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. More preferably, the programmed amount of time is 30 minutes. Preferably, the sanitising chemical composition is vapourised for 30 minutes and the air purifier assembly is activated 15 minutes after vapourisation has been completed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:Figure 1 illustrates a sanitisation system for sanitising a space according to an embodiment of the present invention;Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the sanitisation system;Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the housing containing a the chemical storage assembly and an air purifier assembly;Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the interior of the housing, including the chemical storage assembly and the air purifier assembly;Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the housing of a vapour outlet assembly for providing vapour to the space to be sanitised;Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the interior of the housing of the vapour outlet assembly, including the chemical storage assembly and the air purifier assembly;Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an example of a vapouriser according to an embodiment of the present invention;Figure 13 illustrates another sanitisation system for sanitising a space according to an embodiment of the present invention;Figures 14 illustrates a graph showing the presence of H2O2 present in the air over scrubbing / sanitisation cycle;Figures 15 and 16 illustrate another sanitisation system for sanitising a space according to an embodiment of the present invention; andFigures 17 and 18 illustrates a bracket assembly for mounting a housing for the chemical storage assembly thereto.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Figures 1 to 12 illustrate a sanitisation system for sanitising a space.

[0040] Embodiments of the sanitisation system described herein provide a device, system and / or method intended to efficiently and quickly sanitise a space to reduce the chance of transmission of viral and bacterial matter.

[0041] Embodiments of the sanitisation system include a wall mounted unit housing liquid hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the mechanical and electrical components. The wall mounted unit is ideally only mountable in one orientation (i.e. upright). Ground, roof or ceiling mount may be supported by installers onsite using a frame or other support.

[0042] A duct extends from the wall mounted unit to carry the liquid hydrogen peroxide to either one, or a series of, vapouriser assemblies and / or vapour outlet assemblies located within the space which are configured to vapourise and / or disperse the liquid hydrogen peroxide. The vapour outlet assemblies disperse the vapour effectively enough to cover up to a 300sqm room through a daisy chain of vapour outlet assemblies.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vapour outlet assembly and ducting may include an inlet and corresponding duct for return air to the wall mounted unit.

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a sanitisation system 10 adapted for substance dispersion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for sanitisation of a space 11 (such as a bus, train or lift, for example).

[0045] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the electronic and mechanical components of the system 10.

[0046] The sanitisation system 10 includes a chemical storage assembly 100 connected to a vapouriser assembly 200 for vapourising and dispersing a fog comprising a mixture of air and a vapourised sanitising chemical composition (such as hydrogen peroxide as described above). The sanitisation system 10 also includes an air purifier assembly 104 to remove the hydrogen peroxide from the air before the sanitised space is to be used again.

[0047] The sanitisation system 10 is arranged such that the air purifier assembly 104 is physically separated and / or remotely located from at least the vapouriser assembly 200.

[0048] The air purifier assembly 104 is, preferably, wall or floor mounted to facilitate effective removal of chemical from the air, while the vapouriser assembly 200 is preferably ceiling mounted to provide effective and efficient dispersal of the vapourised chemical throughout the space.

[0049] In some embodiments, the air purifier assembly 104 may be physically separated from both the vapouriser assembly 200 and the chemical storage assembly 100.

[0050] The chemical storage assembly 100 is configured to receive and store quantities of a sanitising chemical composition (preferably in a sealed container or receptable) and vapourise said chemical for dispersion as a fog into the space to be sanitised.

[0051] The chemical storage assembly 100 is connected to the vapouriser assembly 200 by a duct 103 (or conduit) which facilitates transfer of the liquid sanitising chemical composition from a chemical reservoir 102 of the chemical storage assembly 100 to the vapouriser assembly 200.

[0052] With reference to Figures 2-5, the chemical storage assembly 100 can be seen in greater detail.

[0053] The chemical storage assembly 100 is located within a first housing 101 having the chemical reservoir 102 located therein. The chemical reservoir 102 of the illustrated embodiment contains 8%mL / mL hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which the Inventors have been found to be effective for sanitisation purposes while mitigating the need for highly secure storage of the chemical. However, it will be appreciated that other chemicals and substances can be utilised, such as ionic silver, for example. The use of an 8%mL / mL concentration of hydrogen peroxide also reducesthe need for air purification before the space exposed to the vapour can be occupied again.

[0054] Furthermore, although the sanitising chemical composition is described as 8% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide, it should be recognised that embodiments of the invention can be used with up to 35% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide. In one embodiment, the sanitising chemical composition comprises between 0.1% mL / mL and 35% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide. In another particular embodiment, the Inventors have found that a concentration of no greater or no more than 10% mL / mL hydrogen peroxide is preferred as it reduces the risk of dermal irritation. The dispersion of vapourised hydrogen peroxide also presents a biological hazard through inhalation. To ameliorate the risk of inhalation of hydrogen peroxide, the sanitisation system 10 utilises the air purifier assembly 104 (fitted with scrubbing fans and a chemical catalyst) to remove the hydrogen peroxide from the air before the sanitised space is to be used again. This will be explained in greater detail below.

[0055] The first housing 101 also includes an air purifier assembly 104 located within. The air purifier assembly 104 is physically separated and / or remotely located from the vapouriser assembly 200.

[0056] The air purifier assembly 104 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere through two openings 105, 106 formed in the surface of the first housing 101.

[0057] The two openings 105, 106 can be covered by a filtering material (such as gauze) to assist in filtering the air and removing hydrogen peroxide. The air purifier assembly 104 includes a fan 104a (preferably a high volume fan capable processing more than 1000m3 / h of air) which directs air through multiple filtering apparatus, including one or more sterilizing UVC lamps 104b, a dust filter 104c, and a filter apparatus 104d which filters air through a catalyst 104e. The air purifier assembly 104 also includes an air flow detector 104f.

[0058] The Inventors envision that filter blockages will need to be managed effectively to ensure the system can operate. Filter blockages can be detected through pressure differentials (difference between filter inlet and outlet), a venting flap (mechanical flap with switch which is enabled when airflow pressure is sufficient to provide an alert for blockages) and a mass air flow (MAF) sensor which measures reduced airflow using a hot wire MAF element.

[0059] The Inventors envision that the air purifier assembly 104 could include an electrically controlled actuator to attach the duct lines to the fan to allow efficientfiltering of the air in the space (including hydrogen peroxide removal), regardless of the position of the first housing 101 and thus exhaust any remaining hydrogen peroxide from the ducts. This would allow the first housing 101 to be place outside or between multiple rooms or venues. In such an embodiment, the air purifier assembly 104 could exhaust into the space (i.e. recirculate) to prevent negative pressure from drawing contaminants back into the space from outside for installations requiring a high level of disinfection. Alternatively, the system may be ducted outside in order to draw in outside air to allow for a faster scrubbing cycle.

[0060] In some embodiments, the air purifier assembly 104 includes a catalytic agent in the catalyst 104f (such as platinum or manganese oxide) to ensure all remaining hydrogen peroxide is converted to water and oxygen gas prior to contact with the mechanical filter.

[0061] In some further embodiments, the air purifier assembly 104 includes a plurality of fans, rather than a single fan, to minimise the footprint of the first housing 101.

[0062] The UVC lamps 104b provide additional purification for the gases received into the air purifier assembly 104.

[0063] Furthermore, the first housing 101 includes a computing device in the form of a system controller 111 for controlling the chemical storage assembly 100 and the air purifier assembly 104.

[0064] The system controller 111 includes a processor in electrical communication with digital memory and a wireless transceiver (taking the form of a Bluetooth or WiFi transceiver, in some embodiments) for communicating with an external monitoring system 300.

[0065] The system controller 111 also includes a USB port in electrical communication with the processor for communication with external devices that are plugged into the USB port (for example, USB storage drives).

[0066] The chemical storage assembly 100 additionally includes a 24V rechargeable battery power supply 112. In some embodiments, the power supply comprises a 240V power supply which suitable for embodiments to be installed in lifts and standard building enclosures.

[0067] Some embodiments of the invention provide an environment monitoring sensor assembly 113 for detecting environmental conditions including the presence of people and vapourised sanitising chemical composition within the space 11.

[0068] The environment monitoring sensor assembly 113 may also include a humidity sensor 113a and / or a temperature sensor 113b, under the instruction of the processor of the system controller 111 , to detect the humidity and temperature of the space 11 to be sanitised and outputs an electrical signal that is converted by an Analog to Digital Converter and read by the processor as a value indicative of the humidity and / or temperature. In high humidity environments, the efficacy of the system can be reduced. Thus, if a high humidity (approximately 80% humidity or higher) is detected, the air purifier assembly 104, also under the instruction of the system controller 111, is activated and run until the humidity sensor 113a indicates that the humidity of the air has reached an optimal or acceptable level below a threshold value in the form of a threshold humidity value. In some embodiments, the threshold value is between 70% and 90% humidity. In some further embodiments, the threshold value is between 75% and 85% humidity. In a more preferable embodiment, the threshold value is 80% humidity.

[0069] The environment monitoring sensor unit 113 includes a hydrogen peroxide sensor 113c (or other appropriate sensor for measuring chemical concentration) to monitor the concentration of VHP in the air and a motion sensor 113d to detect people within the space to be sanitised to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide is not dispersed within the space until the space has been entirely vacated.

[0070] In this regard, the environment monitoring sensor unit 113 may measure an amount of vapourised sanitising chemical composition in the air and activate the air purifier assembly 104, in response to detecting that the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition is greater than a threshold value in the form of a threshold chemical value.

[0071] In some embodiments, the air purifier assembly 104 is activated after a programmed amount of time following vapourisation of the sanitising chemical composition.

[0072] The environmental monitoring sensor unit 113 may continuously measuring the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition while the air purifier assembly 104 is active.

[0073] The air purifier assembly 104 may be deactivated by a controller in response to the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition being below the threshold chemical value.

[0074] The threshold chemical value may be between 200ppm (parts per million) and 300ppm.

[0075] Alternatively, the threshold chemical value may be between 200ppm and 250ppm humidity.

[0076] In some embodiments, the threshold chemical value is 225ppm.

[0077] In addition to the above, the programmed amount of time may be between 15 minutes and 45 minutes.

[0078] The programmed amount of time may also be between 15 minutes and 30 minutes.

[0079] In some embodiments, the programmed amount of time is 30 minutes.

[0080] In one embodiment, the sanitising chemical composition is vapourised for 30 minutes and the air purifier assembly is activated 15 minutes after vapourisation has been completed.

[0081] Additionally, the system 10 can include an interface connecting sensors, or a chain of sensors to detect open windows, doors or threshold detection (like shop welcome chimes) will be included. This allows an interlock to prevent or stop treatment from occurring when spaces are uncontained, e.g. open to outside environment or public places or where presence of a person is detected when not expected. Furthermore, this allows the system 10 to cease treatment and rapidly vent / scrub to reduce danger, particularly in areas where motion sensors are not feasible, such as with view of outside the space where there may be movement.

[0082] In some embodiments, one or more sensors of the environment monitoring sensor assembly are located in a sensor unit 150 housing the one or more sensors. An example

[0083] Conveniently, the first housing 101 also includes a digital fluid level indicator 114 for digitally monitoring and visually indicating an amount of chemical remaining in the chemical reservoir 102. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a non-magnetic float level can be used to monitor chemical reservoir fluid level.

[0084] The chemical storage assembly 100 includes a pump 115 for pumping the sanitising chemical composition from the chemical storage assembly 100 to the vapouriser assembly 200 located within a second housing 202.

[0085] The chemical storage assembly 100 also includes liquid flow sensors 116 for monitoring liquid flow from the chemical reservoir 102 to the pump 115 and from the pump 115 to the vapouriser assembly 200 which is then dispersed to the spacethrough the vapour outlet 201 formed in the second housing 202. Preferably, the first housing 101 has a slimline form factor to minimise disruption to the space it is installed in and has an ingress protection rating of 54 or higher.

[0086] The sanitisation system 10 also includes a vapouriser assembly 200 for converting the sanitising chemical into a vapour, gas or fine droplets.

[0087] The vapouriser assembly 200 includes a vapouriser 210 configured to convert the chemical contained in the chemical reservoir 102 into a vapour, gas or fine droplets. The vapouriser 210 is configured with or otherwise connected to a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the vapouriser 210.

[0088] As noted above, the vapouriser assembly 200 includes a second housing 202 which contains the vapouriser 210.

[0089] The first housing 101 and the second housing 202 can be described as being physically separated. In particular, the first housing 101 and the second housing 202 may be physically separated by a duct or conduit, such as by duct 103.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the first housing 101 is located remotely relative to the second housing 202.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the chemical storage assembly 100 and the vapouriser assembly 200 may also be physically separated by a duct or conduit.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, the chemical storage assembly 100 is located remotely relative to the vapouriser assembly 200.

[0093] The arrangement of the housings is such that the first housing 101 is not located within the second housing 202 and the second housing 202 is not located within the first housing 101.

[0094] In some embodiments to be described elsewhere, the air purifier assembly 104 may be physically separated and / or remotely located from the vapouriser assembly 200 and the chemical storage assembly 100.

[0095] As mentioned above, the second housing 202 has a vapour outlet 201 formed therein. The vapour outlet 201 provides fluid communication between the interior of the second housing 202 and the surrounding space to allow vapour to travel from the interior to the surrounding space.

[0096] The vapouriser 210 may be located adjacent or directly adjacent the vapour outlet 201. As such, the vapouriser 210 and vapour outlet 201 can be arranged within the second housing 202 of the vapouriser assembly 200.

[0097] In operation, the vapouriser 210 is capable of converting the liquid H2O2 into vapourised hydrogen peroxide (commonly referred to as VHP) having aerosol droplets with a diameter of between 5 and 15 microns. In particular, the vapouriser 210 may heat the hydrogen peroxide to at least 150°C (and up to 220°C) in a closed- loop environment to ensure that no liquid hydrogen peroxide is dispersed.

[0098] In one embodiment, the vapouriser 210 heats to between about 200°C and 250°C.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the vapouriser 210 includes a fogger or induction heater (illustrated in Figures 11 and 12) which vapourises the sanitising chemical composition for dispersion into the space 11. Specifically, the vapouriser 210 may take the form of a metallic heat exchanger.

[0100] In addition to the above, the vapouriser assembly 200 also includes a liquid flow sensor 220.

[0101] The liquid flow sensor 220 allows blockages between the chemical storage assembly 100 and the vapouriser assembly 200 to be detected and, through communication between a vapour outlet assembly controller 230 and system controller 111 , can prompt an emergency stop of the vapouriser 210 and pump to prevent an explosion due to VHP thermal decompression.

[0102] In use, the chemical reservoir 102 is filled with a sanitising chemical composition of a sufficient strength (e.g. 8% mL / mL of H2O2). The chemical reservoir 102 is then placed within the chemical storage assembly 100 within the first housing 101.

[0103] The system 10 then performs a sanitisation cycle when safe to do so. The system 10 can be programmed to monitor a number of variables to ensure that the sanitisation cycle is only initiated when safe to do so, but to also immediately cease the sanitisation cycle if one or more safety parameters are no longer satisfied.

[0104] An example of the above, includes the sanitisation system 10 determining that a plurality of safety interlocks are satisfied. The safety interlocks can include: (i) humidity of the space is below an acceptable level (discussed above; (ii) all doors and windows are closed (determined by sensors); (iii) no motion detected in the space (detected by motion sensors); and (iv) sufficient hydrogen peroxide in reservoir / cartridges.

[0105] Once the safety interlocks are satisfied, the system 10 creates a sanitising vapour by pumping the sanitising chemical composition liquid (e.g. 8% hydrogenperoxide) via a pump 115 through a duct 103 from the chemical storage assembly 100 in the first housing 101 into the vapouriser 210 (having a metallic heat exchanger) of the vapouriser assembly 200 which is heated to between about 200°C and 250°C which heats the sanitising chemical composition liquid to at least 150°C to convert the liquid chemical mixture to dry fog particles of less than 15 microns. This process is known as “hot fogging”.

[0106] If the temperature of the vapouriser 210 is approximately 150°C or less, as detected by a sensor, the pump 115 will be disabled until the vapouriser 210 has a temperature of greater than 200°C. This ensures the cold liquid does not cool down the vapouriser 210 too much which would adversely impact the ability of the vapouriser 210 to produce the fog.

[0107] Assuming the vapouriser 210 is hot enough and liquid is pumped to the vapouriser 210, as the chemical is vapourised, the vapour travels out of the second housing 202 of the vapouriser assembly 200 via the vapour outlet 201 and thus the vapour is then dispersed into the space 11 through the vapouriser assembly 200.

[0108] Once the sanitisation cycle is completed, the air purifier assembly 104 is activated to purify / scrub the air and remove the harmful hydrogen peroxide from the space prior to people entering the space.

[0109] The air purifier assembly 104 used to purify the air and remove remaining germs, bacteria, viruses, diseases and the like. The purification of the air can be further aided by the activation of the UV light 104b.

[0110] In some embodiments, the air purifier assembly 104 may remain active to maintain environmental conditions (i.e. humidity) at a level conducive to optimal operation of the sanitisation system 10.

[0111] Preferably, the sanitisation system 10 runs the air purifier assembly 104 for up to 60 minutes and / or until the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the air in the space returns to an acceptable level such that being in the space is unlikely to cause harm to any people in the space.

[0112] Finally, the system controller 111, in communication with the fluid level sensor 114, records the amount of chemical utilised from each cartridge and records this data in memory for auditing and reporting purposes. The recorded data may be accessed and downloaded via a USB port in electrical communication with the system controller 111.

[0113] The system 10 also stores data relating to temperature, humidity, sanitisation cycle status, service logs and filter status collected from various sensors described herein.

[0114] The data can also be wirelessly communicated via the wireless transceiver 111c to an external monitoring system 300, such as a central operations system for public transport or an office building.

[0115] Following the completion of the above process, the air and surfaces can reliably be considered to be substantially free from germs, bacteria, viruses and diseases.

[0116] Embodiments of the invention as described herein can be used to sanitise frequently used areas of buildings (such as common kitchen areas and elevators, for example) and public transport vehicles (such as buses and trains, for example). Embodiments of the invention can also be used in outdoor environments.

[0117] Turning to Figures 11 and 12, an example of the vapouriser 210 can be seen.

[0118] The vapouriser 210 includes an induction plate 211 and coiled heat line 212 within heat exchanger 213. The coiled heat line 212 is connected to a release nozzle 214 which releases the vapour into the second housing 202.

[0119] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger of the vapouriser takes the form of a domestic grade induction heater to heat and control the temperature of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can also include over temperature protection or pressure relief in the heat exchanger or vapour chambers. In an embodiment, a thermo-block type design be employed to simplify the thermal temperature and power control. Importantly, all parts of the system which are in contact with H2O2 should be manufactured from materials which are compatible with this chemical in liquid state and will not degrade in this environment. Suitable materials include but may not be limited to high purity aluminium, low carbon stainless steel, ABS, HDPE, LDPE, polycarbonate and PVC.

[0120] Some embodiments of the sanitisation system 10 operate on the assumption that between about 50ml to 80mL of hydrogen peroxide will be required to be vapourised and released into the space over a maximum period of 30 minutes (the vapourisation stage) or until a concentration of the vapourised H2O2 within the space is 225ppm (a threshold chemical value).

[0121] In some embodiments, the threshold value is between 200ppm (parts per million) and 300ppm.

[0122] In some embodiments, the threshold value is between 200ppm and 250ppm humidity.

[0123] It is envisioned that the amount of hydrogen peroxide could be reduced over a period of 5-10 minutes in some embodiments. After the vapourisation stage is complete, the vapour is allowed to disperse through the space for 15 minutes uninterrupted. Subsequently, the air purifier assembly is activated for 60 minutes to remove the vapourised H2O2 from the air and environment. The above cycle and results are illustrated in Figure 14.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in Figures 15 and 16, a sanitisation system 20 for sanitising a space 11 is provided. The sanitisation system 20 includes a vapouriser assembly 400 comprising a housing 401 containing a sanitising chemical composition in a chemical reservoir 102 of a chemical storage assembly 100, and a vapouriser 210 configured to receive and convert the sanitising chemical composition into a vapour. The sanitisation system 20 also includes a vapour outlet formed in the housing for dispersing the vapour.

[0125] The sanitisation system 20 also includes an air purifier assembly 104 configured to remove vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the air following vapourising of the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser 210. The operation of the vapouriser 210 and air purifier assembly 104 is substantially as described above in relation to other embodiments of the sanitisation system.

[0126] The air purifier assembly 104 is physically separated and / or remotely located from the housing 401 containing the vapouriser assembly 200 and the chemical storage assembly 100.

[0127] The VHP (the sanitising chemical composition) of the system is cooled quickly at ambient pressure before entering the environment to reduce the likelihood of condensation. When cooled under pressure, such as if a long pressurised VHP tube was to extend several meters from the main unit to the outlet assembly, then condensation of the vapour may occur. The Inventors found that having the vapouriser located remotely from the vapour dispersing unit required large amounts of energy to pump the vapour to the dispersing unit but also had a tendency to result in re-condensation of the vapour before it could be dispersed into the air, thereby negatively impacting the efficacy of the system.

[0128] Alternative methods to thermal fogging may include cold fogging processes such as ULV. Thermal fogging reliably produces smaller particle sizes (“dry fog” Lessthe 15 Microns) as opposed to cold foggers like ULV, which can produce wet fog. Wet H2O2 fog could cause bleaching to some materials or be otherwise harmful. Thermal fogging carries other risks associated with heat and can cause explosions with high concentration aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions.

[0129] In some embodiments, humidity control may be utilised to ensure the system operates only in suitable environments. The presence and decomposition of VHP in air will increase the relative humidity. For example, at 10°C, 200mL of water will increase the relative humidity of a 100m3room from 60% to about 80%. As many installations will include air-conditioning, it is envisioned that a dehumidifier will not be necessary in all embodiments of the system, but may be included where necessary. However, a humidity sensor is preferably included to prevent or stop the treatment of a space in the event the humidity rises above set levels.

[0130] In one embodiment, a distilled water flush may be performed as part of regular maintenance (proposed to be 4-6 monthly). In an embodiment, hydrogen peroxide would be drained from the reservoir and a regular treatment cycle would run with distilled water rather than chemical in order to flush the system.

[0131] In a further embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, the sanitisation system 10 includes a plurality of vapour outlet assemblies 300 in fluid communication with the vapouriser assembly 200. The vapour outlet assemblies 300 assist with distributing the vapour within the space to be sanitised to maximising coverage of the vapour and improve efficacy of the sanitisation system in sanitising the space.

[0132] The vapour outlet assemblies 300 include a housing 310 having a vapour outlet 301 formed therein. The vapour outlet assemblies 300 do not include a vapouriser.

[0133] With reference to Figures 17 and 18, the first housing 101 for the chemical storage assembly 100 is mounted to a movable bracket assembly 1700 to allow the first housing 101 to be manoeuvred for access and servicing. The movable bracket assembly 1700 incudes a frame assembly 1710 and a pivotable mounting assembly 1720 connected to a mounting member 1711 of the frame assembly 1710.

[0134] The frame assembly 1710 includes an elongate rotatable member 1712 connected to the mounting member 1711. A first portion 1713 of the mounting member 1711 is perpendicular to the elongate rotatable member 1712 and a second portion 1714 of the mounting member 1711 is parallel to the elongate rotatable member 1712.

[0135] The elongate rotatable member 1712 is configured rotate about a longitudinal axis A-A of the rotatable member 1712.

[0136] The frame assembly 1710 also includes two base members (a first base member 1715 and a second base member 1716) positioned a 90° relative to each other about the rotatable member 1712.

[0137] An end of the second portion 1714 of the mounting member 1711, distal from the end connected to the first portion 1713 is releasably connected to the first base member 1715. The second portion 1714 can be disconnected from the first base portion 1715 to allow the rotatable member 1712 and mounting member 1711 to be rotated up to 90° and releasably connected to the second base member 1716.

[0138] The pivotable mounting assembly 1720 includes two pivoting members 1721 configured to pivot or rotate about the mounting member 1711 and, in particular, about the second portion 1714 of the mounting member 1711. In use, the first housing 101 is mounted to the two pivoting member 1721 and the first housing 101 is then able to be rotated up to 180° about the mounting member 1711 of the frame assembly 1710.

[0139] The vapour outlet assembly and the vapouriser assembly are in direct fluid communication via a duct connecting the vapour outlet assembly to the vapouriser assembly, wherein vapour from the vapouriser is received within the housing of the vapour outlet assembly and dispersed through the outlet of the housing of the vapour outlet assembly.

[0140] In some embodiments, one or more of the vapour outlet assemblies may include a fan located within the housing. In use, the vapour received into the housing of the vapour outlet assembly is dispersed by the fan. The fan assists with distribution of the vapour with the space to be sanitised but is not necessary.

[0141] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide consistent sanitisation of areas and spaces to lower the risk of transmission of infections diseases, bacteria and viruses.

[0142] In a further advantage, embodiments of the system described herein are envisioned to be effective at sanitising spaces up to 300sqm in size. However, the Inventors envision that some embodiments could treat larger space by operating the system for longer.

[0143] The systems illustrated and described herein utilise a physical device, which on command, delivers a dry vapourised fog of hydrogen peroxide in order to sanitisea space and thereby reduce the presence, and in turn, the transmission of bacteria, viruses, spores and other disease.

[0144] The device is intended to be installed in a space, and blends in with the surroundings, in order to appear part of the day to day routine of the space and thereby raise public confidence in cleanliness of the space.

[0145] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step, etc.

[0146] The above detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0147] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0148] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term “substantially” or “about” will be understood to not be limited to the specific value or range qualified by the terms.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sanitisation system for sanitising a space, the sanitisation system comprising: a chemical storage assembly for storing a sanitising chemical composition; a vapouriser assembly connected to the chemical storage assembly, the vapouriser assembly comprising: a vapouriser configured to receive the sanitising chemical composition from the chemical storage assembly and convert the sanitising chemical composition into a vapour; and a vapour outlet for dispersing the vapour; and an air purifier assembly configured to remove vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the air following vapourising of the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser, wherein the air purifier assembly is physically separated and / or remotely located relative to the vapouriser assembly.

2. The sanitisation system of claim 1 , the vapouriser assembly comprising: a housing containing: the chemical storage assembly; and sanitising chemical composition; the vapouriser; and the vapour outlet formed in the housing for dispersing the vapour.

3. The sanitisation system of claim 1 or claim 2, the sanitisation system comprising: wherein the chemical storage assembly and the air purifier assembly are located within a first housing and the vapouriser assembly is located within a second housing, wherein the vapour outlet is formed in the second housing for dispersing the vapour generated by the vapouriser, and the first housing and the second housing are physically separated.

4. The sanitisation system of claim 3, wherein the first housing is not located within the second housing and the second housing is not located within the first housing.

5. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sanitisation system further comprises a duct or conduit connecting the chemical storage assembly to the vapouriser assembly.

6. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vapouriser and / or vapouriser assembly are located adjacent or directly adjacent the vapour outlet.

7. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air purifier assembly is configured to detect vapourised sanitising chemical composition in the air and control the air purifier assembly in response to detection of vapourised sanitising chemical composition.

8. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vapouriser assembly comprises a fan for dispersing the vapourised sanitising chemical composition.

9. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vapour outlet assembly and the vapouriser assembly are in direct fluid communication via the duct or conduit connecting the vapour outlet assembly to the vapouriser assembly, wherein vapour from the vapouriser is received by the vapour outlet assembly and dispersed through the vapour outlet.

10. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sanitisation system further comprises an environment monitoring sensor assembly comprising at least one of: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and a sensor configured to detect an amount of vapourised sanitising chemical composition in the air.

11. The sanitisation system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the duct or conduit comprises a plurality of passageways, wherein a first passageway is configured to transport vapour from the vapouriser to the dispersion member and a second passageway is configured to transport air from the space to the air purifier assembly after a sanitisation cycle.

12. A method for sanitisation, the method including: transporting a sanitising chemical composition from a chemical reservoir to a vapouriser located via a duct connecting the chemical reservoir to the vapouriser; generating a vapour from the sanitising chemical composition by the vapouriser, wherein the vapour is dispersed to a space; and activating an air purifier assembly that is physically separated and / or remotely located from the vapouriser based on a condition to draw the vapourised sanitisingchemical composition into the air purifier assembly to remove the vapourised sanitising chemical composition from the space.

13. The method of claim 12, the method including: measuring humidity of the space to be sanitised; and activating an air purifier assembly configured to dehumidify air, in response to detecting that the humidity of the space is greater than a threshold humidity value; continuously measuring the humidity of the space while the air purifier assembly is active; and deactivating the air purifier assembly in response to the humidity of the space being measured to be below the threshold humidity value.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the threshold humidity value is: a. between 70% and 90% humidity; or b. between 75% and 85% humidity; or c. 80% humidity.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, the method including: measuring an amount of vapourised sanitising chemical composition; and activating an air purifier assembly, in response to detecting that the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition is greater than a threshold chemical value.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, the method including activating an air purifier assembly after a programmed amount of time following vapourisation of the sanitising chemical composition.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16, the method including continuously measuring the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition while the air purifier assembly is active; and deactivating the air purifier assembly in response to the amount of the vapourised sanitising chemical composition being below the threshold chemical value.

18. The method of claim 15 or claim 17, wherein the threshold chemical value is: a. between 200ppm (parts per million) and 300ppm; or b. between 200ppm and 250ppm; or c. 225pm.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the programmed amount of time is: a. between 15 minutes and 45 minutes; or b. between 15 minutes and 30 minutes; orc. 30 minutes.

20. The method of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the sanitising chemical composition is vapourised for 30 minutes and the air purifier assembly is activated 15 minutes after vapourisation has been completed.

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