A dry air-based combined decontamination system

Abstract

The invention relates to a dry air cleaning system providing a fast and effective decontamination by minimizing the use of chemicals developed for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) contamination.

Description

[0001] A DRY AIR-BASED COMBINED DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a dry air cleaning system providing a fast and effective decontamination by minimizing the use of chemicals developed for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) contamination.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Decontamination is a process of removing and cleaning an environment, an object, or a person from harmful or hazardous substances. The decontamination methods used in the present art are often time-consuming. For example, liquid or powder decontamination agents may take a long time to be applied and to be processed effectively. These processes are insufficient in emergencies which require rapid intervention.

[0006] In the state of the art, the use of liquid decontamination agents leads to the formation of chemical waste. Disposal or removal of these wastes causes environmental problems and high costs. In addition, some chemical decontamination agents contain hazardous substances which may harm personnel health.

[0007] The effects of chemical decontamination agents used in the present art on the environment are of concern. In particular, it increases the risk of soil and water pollution.

[0008] Traditional systems and methods for cleaning chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) equipment have complex structures and precision equipment. This leads to very difficult and undesirable results in the implementation of these methods. In addition, it is necessary to regularly train the relevant personnel in order to use the methods with a complex structure effectively.

[0009] The supply and disposal costs of the substances used in decontamination systems, which are known in the state of the art, are quite expensive. This leads to delays, especially in cases that require urgent intervention.

[0010] In the state of the art and in order to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages, new systems need to be developed. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a dry air cleaning system providing a fast and effective decontamination by minimizing the use of chemicals developed for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) contamination, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] The system of the invention comprises an ultra-low volume (ULV) cold fogger which uses a large volume of air at low pressures to convert a liquid into the droplets that disperse into the atmosphere. Extremely small droplets ranging from 1 to 150 pm in diameter are produced by said fogger. In addition, ultraviolet-c (UVC) lamps and infrared lamps (KO) are used in the invention. Thus, precipitation and coagulation of microorganisms injured as a result of highspeed air delivery with dry air generators in the system are ensured. In the system of the invention, ULV devices, ultraviolet lamps and infrared lamps may be used alone or in combination. In addition, the invention provides for the direct use of compressed dry air alone.

[0013] In the invention, the processes of decontamination with compressed dry air are automated by the use of ULV devices, ultraviolet lamps and infrared lamps, preferably alone or in combination, and problems are solved, such as timing, dosing and application efficiency caused by manual processes.

[0014] In the invention, the use of chemicals is minimized by using ULV devices, ultraviolet lamps and infrared lamps, preferably optionally alone or in combination, by a machine learning- assisted compressed air control, taking into account the health of the personnel. Thus, a dry air cleaning system is obtained, which provides a fast and effective decontamination. In addition, environmental impacts are minimized by reducing the use of chemicals.

[0015] The system of the invention offers usage options in many areas by eliminating the necessity of use in certain areas. For example; the system and method of the invention may be easily used in a number of applications such as military fields, hospitals, public buildings, transportation vehicles and so on.

[0016] Said system minimizes the use of chemicals by using dry air. In addition, it provides effective cleaning by eliminating the need to use water. The invention is a system which may be integrated into a wide range of applications and enables the personnel health not to put at risk by reducing the use of chemicals, thereby providing a fast and effective decontamination.

[0017] In addition, the steps of a decontamination process are automated with the system of the invention. Thus, the personnel are protected from an extra workload and possible health hazards by reducing their intervention.

[0018] With the invention, not only contaminated people but also contaminated areas or equipment are cleaned, providing a fast and effective intervention in a short time.

[0019] The invention allows for the effective use of said multiple factors in decontamination using ULV devices, ultraviolet lamps and infrared lamps, preferably alone or in combination, together with compressed dry air. This results in an optimized approach for cleaning different surfaces and materials.

[0020] As there is no need for the disposal of chemical wastes thanks to the invention, thereby providing an extra advantage in terms of cost.

[0021] Description of the Drawings

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention which are briefly summarized above and discussed in more detail below, may be understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings only depict typical embodiments of this invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective representative view of the system according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a representative left side view of the system according to the invention.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a representative right side view of the system according to the invention.

[0026] Description of the References in the Drawings

[0027] In order to provide a better understanding of the invention, the numerals in the figures are provided below:

[0028] 100. System 1. Entry Area

[0029] 2. First Cabin

[0030] 3. Second Cabin

[0031] 3.1 ULV Device

[0032] 3.2 Ultraviolet Lamp

[0033] 3.3 Infrared Lamp

[0034] 4. Storage Area

[0035] 5. Third Cabin

[0036] 6. Exit Area

[0037] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying descriptions. However, embodiments may be constructed in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these exemplary embodiments are provided for the completeness of this disclosure and to fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art.

[0039] The terminology used in this specification is intended to be used only to describe a specific exemplary embodiment and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the context of the forms "one", "at least", "preferably" and "and / or" also includes plural forms unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0040] The term "Contaminated" in the description generally refers to a situation where a person, an environment or a group of substances is polluted, infected or contaminated with harmful, dirty or unwanted substances from outside. The term "decontaminated" refers to the cleaning or purification of an environment, a material or a person from harmful, polluted or hazardous substances.

[0041] The invention relates to a system (100) (a dry air cleaning system) providing a fast and effective decontamination by minimizing the use of chemicals developed for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) contamination, characterized in that it comprises:

[0042] - at least one entry area (1 ) where the contaminated persons enter the system (100),

[0043] - at least one first cabin (2) in which protective equipment is located and such equipment may be worn, - at least one second cabin (3) which renders and disperses the decontamination liquid into homogeneous droplets,

[0044] - at least one ULV device (3.1 ) located in the second cabin (3), which allows chemical disinfectants to be sprayed in fine droplets,

[0045] - at least one ultraviolet lamp (3.2) located in the second cabin (3), which evaporates the liquid on the surfaces and removes contaminants by drying the surfaces,

[0046] - at least one infrared lamp (3.3) located in the second cabin (3),

[0047] - at least one storage area (4) in which chemical disinfectants are stored,

[0048] - at least one third cabin (5) which produces dry air by reducing the humidity of the environment and allows the surface to dry quickly,

[0049] - at least one sensor (not illustrated in the figures) which detects possible environmental hazards that may occur in the system (100),

[0050] - at least one entry area (6) where the contaminated persons exit the system (100) as a decontaminated person.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the second cabin (3) in the system (100) of the invention is, but not limited to, a ULV disinfection cabin. Said second cabin (3) forms and distributes the decontamination liquid in very small and homogeneous droplets by a ULV device (ultra-low volume cold fogger) (3.1 ) therein. In this way, the decontamination process is carried out effectively.

[0052] The chemical disinfectants are sprayed in droplets by the ULV device (3.1 ) in the second cabin and are carried by the air flow and distributed homogeneously on the surfaces in the cabin.

[0053] The ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and the infrared lamps (3.3) in the system (100) of the invention decontaminate the surfaces and carry out a drying process at the same time. They dry the surfaces by evaporating the water vapor on the surfaces and remove the contaminants more effectively. Said ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and said infrared lamps (3.3) are temperature- controlled lamps.

[0054] The third cabin (5) in the invention is used to quickly dry surfaces upon the application of the decontamination fluid. In an embodiment of the invention, said third cabin (5) is, but not limited to, a dry air cleaning cabin. The third cabin (5) produces dry air and reduces the humidity of the environment, by at least one compressed air unit or at least one dry air generator therein. In an embodiment of the invention, said air unit and said dry air generator may be located outside the cabin, for example on or inside the cabin, but not limited thereto. In one embodiment of the invention, there are some parameters in order to deploy the compressed air unit and the dry air generator, for example, in an area of 30m2. The decontamination process is completed effectively with those parameters. The capacity is determined by the air flow rate in the range of 100-150 SCFM (283-424 L / min) and the pressure in the range of 70-100 psi (4.83-6.89 bars). The air quality and performance characteristics are determined by a dew point at a maximum temperature of -40°C, an oil content at a maximum of 5 ppm and a maximum particle size of 0.5 microns. In addition, a motor in the compressed air unit has a power in the range of 5-7.5 HP (3.73-5.63 kW) and a maximum noise level of 70 dB, but not limited thereto.

[0055] The third cabin (5) comprises at least one air sterilization filter. Said filters allow the bacteria to be effectively killed, microbial growth to be prevented, a constant pressure dew point of < - 26.11°C to be maintained, and all liquid and water aerosols to be eliminated.

[0056] In the invention the sensors are sensors which monitor the quality of the environment, such as an air quality sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor, but not limited thereto. In addition, the sensor monitors and measures possible environmental hazards that may occur in the system (100). Examples of environmental hazards are quakes, explosions, floods, and a sudden increase and decrease in cabin air pressure.

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the first cabin (2), the second cabin (3) and the third cabin (5) are positioned sequentially one after the other, but not limited thereto. This arrangement of cabins placed one after the other provides ease of portability and logistics. The inner surfaces of the first cabin (2) and / or the second cabin (3) and / or the third cabin (5) are in a holistic structure that does not react with chemicals and has antimicrobial properties. The inner surfaces of the first cabin (2) and / or the second cabin (3) and / or the third cabin (5) are made of metal, plastic or polymeric materials with antimicrobial properties. In an embodiment of the invention, the inner surfaces of the first cabin (2) and / or the second cabin (3) and / or the third cabin (5) are made of stainless steel, copper or silver, but not limited thereto. Said materials make the cleaning and disinfection of the cabins easier. In addition, thanks to the natural antimicrobial properties of copper or silver, the cabin may be easily used in hospitals and healthcare institutions and help reduce the spread of germs / diseases.

[0058] The invention relates to a method of operating a dry air cleaning system (100) providing a fast and effective decontamination by minimizing the use of chemicals developed for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) contamination, wherein the method comprises the process steps of: i. Wearing the personal protective equipment by a system operator, ii. Checking a map of the area at risk of contamination and determining the disinfectants, iii. Filling said disinfectants into the tanks located in the storage area (4), iv. Entering the system (100) by at least one contaminated person enters from the entry area (1 ), v. Wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) in the first cabin (2), vi. spraying chemical disinfectants in drops on the contaminated person with the ULV device (3.1) in the second cabin and drying the surfaces by an ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and / or infrared lamp (3.3) to remove the contaminants, vii. providing dry air to the environment by a compressed air unit or dry air generator in the third cabin (5), viii. Enabling the contaminated persons to exit from the exit area (6) as decontaminated persons.

[0059] In the second step (ii) of the operating method of the system according to the invention, the chemical disinfectants suitable for the system (100) are determined. In more detail, chemicals are determined based on the surfaces of the environment in which the system (100) will be used. For example, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) cannot be used as it will corrode metal surfaces.

[0060] In the sixth step (vi) of the operating method of the system according to the invention, the ULV device (3.1 ), the ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and the infrared lamp (3.3) are used alone or in combination suitable for each other. The ULV device (3.1 ) sprays in fine droplets. These droplets are carried by the air flow and distributed homogeneously on the surfaces in the cabin. In said embodiment, the ULV device (3.1 ) decontaminates the surfaces, while the ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and the infrared lamp (3.3) perform the drying process. Thus, it ensures the contaminated person to dry quickly.

[0061] In the seventh step (vii) of the operating method of the system according to the invention, the cleaning process is started by at least one compressed air unit or dry air generators. The compressed dry air is provided to the environment in the third cabin (5) and applied to the surfaces in the cabin. In addition, it provides better dispersion of a chemical disinfectant and removal of contaminants. The dry air setting in said third cabin (5) may be controlled via the machine learning, and the pressure levels are optimized. In an embodiment of the invention, the system (100) is applied to a contaminated area. The method steps which allow the system (100) to operate in said embodiment are as follows: i. Wearing the personal protective equipment by a system operator, ii. Checking a map of the area at risk of contamination and determining the disinfectants, iii. Filling said disinfectants into the tanks located in the storage area (4), iv. Moving the system (100) to the contaminated area by the system operator, v. spraying chemical disinfectants in drops on the contaminated environment with the ULV device (3.1) and drying the surfaces by an ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and / or infrared lamp (3.3) to remove the contaminants, vi. drying the environment by providing dry air to the environment by a compressed air unit, or a dry air generator.

[0062] In the fifth step of the operating method of the system according to the invention, the ULV device (3.1), the ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and the infrared lamp (3.3) are used alone or in combination suitable for each other. The ULV device (3.1 ) sprays in fine droplets. These droplets are carried by the air flow and distributed homogeneously on the surfaces in the cabin. In said embodiment, the ULV device (3.1 ) decontaminates the surfaces, while the ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and the infrared lamp (3.3) perform the drying process. Thus, the environment and all surfaces are allowed to dry quickly.

[0063] In the sixth step (vii) of the operating method of the system according to the invention, the cleaning process is started by at least one compressed air unit or dry air generators. Said compressed dry air is provided to the environment and applied to the surfaces in the cabin. In addition, it provides better dispersion of a chemical disinfectant and removal of contaminants. The dry air setting in said third cabin (5) may be controlled via the machine learning, and the pressure levels are optimized.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, upon completion of the decontamination process applied with the ULV device (3.1 ) and the ultraviolet lamp (3.2) and / or the infrared lamp (3.3), the system operator moves the system (100) to a separate cabin or a cleaning room.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, after the expiry of the system (100) with the above- mentioned method steps, the personnel wait for the necessary isolation periods before removing their personal protective equipment. The decontamination results provided by the system (100) are monitored and tested. Once the contaminants have been confirmed to be reduced, the area becomes safe to use.

[0066] Any features described in this specification (including attached claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by other alternative features that may have equivalent or similar purposes, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each feature is only one instance of a set of equivalent or similar features.

[0067] The above embodiments are intended only to describe the technical concept and characteristics of the present invention, and the object of the present invention is to enable the skilled one in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent alterations or modifications made in accordance with the spirit of the invention are intended to be included in the scope of the invention.

[0068] Industrial Applicability of the Invention

[0069] The invention relates to a dry air cleaning system (100) providing a fast and effective decontamination by minimizing the use of chemicals developed for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) contamination, and has industrial applicability.

[0070] The invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and a person skilled in the art may easily present other different embodiments of the invention. These should be considered within the scope of the protection requested by the claims of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS A system (100) for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear contamination and for providing decontamination, characterized in that it comprises: at least one entry area (1 ), at least one first cabin (2) in which protective equipment is located and such equipment may be worn, at least one second cabin (3) which renders and disperses the decontamination liquid into homogeneous droplets, at least one ULV device (3.1) located in the second cabin (3), which allows chemical disinfectants to be sprayed in droplets, at least one ultraviolet lamp (3.2) located in the second cabin (3), which evaporates the liquid on the surfaces and removes contaminants by drying the surfaces, at least one infrared lamp (3.3) located in the second cabin (3), at least one storage area (4) in which chemical disinfectants are stored, at least one third cabin (5) which produces dry air by reducing the humidity of the environment and allows the surface to dry, at least one sensor which detects environmental hazards that may occur in the system (100), at least one exit area (6). The system (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a third cabin (5) containing at least one compressed air unit or at least one dry air generator. The system (100) according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a third cabin (5) containing at least one air sterilization filter. The system (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a sensor which is an air quality sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.The system (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a first cabin (2) and / or a second cabin (3) and / or a third cabin (5), the inner surfaces of which are made of stainless steel, copper or silver.

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