A filtration system developed for the detection of and protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filtration system configured to protect one or more users located in an enclosed environment from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats observed outside the enclosed environment.

Description

[0001] A FILTRATION SYSTEM DEVELOPED FOR THE DETECTION OF AND PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) THREATS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a filtration system developed for detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats and protecting users from the same. More specifically, the filtration system according to the present invention is designed to detect CBRN threats observed outside an enclosed environment, alert one or more users located within the enclosed environment, and protect the users by preventing the ingress of CBRN threats into the enclosed environment through filtration.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) filtration systems are utilized in the defense industry, particularly within enclosed environments such as military land vehicles and military buildings, to protect personnel / users from CBRN threats observed outside the enclosed environment. In the event that the enclosed environment housing the personnel / users comes under a CBRN attack, the ingress of breathable gases comprising CBRN substances into the enclosed environment adversely affects the health of the personnel present within.

[0006] In the current field, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) filtration systems generally possess analog control mechanisms. This necessitates manual operation during an attack to initiate appropriate actions, thereby posing significant risks to users. Moreover, the accuracy and diversity of alerts monitored in CBRN filtration systems are critically important for effective filtration and, consequently, for safeguarding users within enclosed environments against CBRN threats. Existing applications have human-machine interfaces that are considerably limited, with insufficient alert capabilities. In the current practice, when no CBRN threat is present outside the enclosed environment, a particulate filter (or an empty filter) is placed in the filtration unit, and upon detection of a CBRN threat outside said enclosed environment, users are expected to remove the particulate filter from the filtration unit, replace it with a CBRN filter, and then activate the filtration system. However, during the time interval between the detection of the CBRN threat and the installation of the CBRN filter into the filtration unit, users are exposed to the CBRN threat. Since this practice also requires additional time and effort, it increases the survival risks in a potential CBRN threat environment. Furthermore, since the CBRN filtration system in the current practice comprises only a single CBRN filter, in cases where replacement of the CBRN filter is required due to, for example, clogging or malfunction, the clogged and non-functional CBRN filter must be removed from the filter unit and replaced with a new one. It is known that during such replacement procedures, users are exposed to the CBRN threat observed outside the enclosed environment.

[0007] It has been observed that current CBRN filtration systems lack control elements that detect whether the CBRN filter is properly installed in the filtration unit. This situation poses a risk of errors, as the installation and removal of the CBRN filter are performed manually by the user. Moreover, existing CBRN filtration systems do not have user interfaces that provide information on the saturation level of the CBRN filter or allow for monitoring its saturation status, which adversely affects the operational lifespan of the system and, particularly, the CBRN filters. Additionally, in current systems, the detection of the presence of CBRN agents necessitates the use of an external CBRN detection - identification system.

[0008] Considering the state of the art, there is a need for an improved CBRN filtration system in which the problems explained above have been eliminated.

[0009] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system that eliminates the disadvantages encountered in the prior art.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system that automatically activates the CBRN filter upon detection of a CBRN threat. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system that allows real-time monitoring of parameters of the filtration system.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system comprising visual and / or audible warning devices developed to monitor the saturation level of the CBRN filter actively in use in the filtration system and to provide real-time information to the user regarding the saturation level of the CBRN filter.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system developed to automatically activate another CBRN filter in the filter unit when replacement of the CBRN filter in use is necessary.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system developed to protect users' health and lives by reducing the exposure duration and the amount of CBRN gases that users are exposed to.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an advanced filtration system that enables the user to control the airflow rate in the filtration system.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an advanced filtration system that detects potential malfunctions or unauthorized interventions.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an advanced filtration system that audibly and / or visually notifies the user upon detection of one or more of the following conditions: CBRN threat, hazard, malfunction, unauthorized intervention, or absence of filters.

[0018] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a filtration system that automatically deactivates the CBRN filter and activates the particulate filter when the CBRN threat subsides. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention relates to a filtration system designed to protect one or more users located in an enclosed environment (such as a protected interior space) from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats observed outside the enclosed environment. The filtration system comprises an air flow line extending between the enclosed environment and the outside, including a fan inlet and a fan outlet; a filter unit positioned on the air flow line, comprising at least two filters arranged in parallel, at least one of which is a CBRN filter; a filter selection valve arranged within the filter unit to enable activation of only one filter; pressure measurement elements configured to measure the air pressure values at the inlet and outlet of the filter unit when the filter selection valve has activated a CBRN filter; and a control unit that receives the inlet and outlet pressure values measured by the pressure measuring elements and compares them to generate a warning signal when the difference between the inlet and outlet pressures of the filter unit reaches a predetermined value. The pressure measurement element is optionally a pressure sensor.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system comprises a filter unit comprising two or more filters, two of which are CBRN filters.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system includes a filter selection valve configured to be automatically and selectively controlled by the control unit.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit comprises an electronic control board. Optionally, the electronic control board includes a microcontroller that generates a warning signal when the difference between the compared inlet and outlet pressure values reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the filtration system comprises one or more CBRN detection-identification elements connected to the control unit to detect the presence of a CBRN threat outside the enclosed environment and, upon detection of such a condition, to automatically activate the CBRN filter via the filter selection valve and / or to generate a warning signal. The CBRN detection-identification element described herein is connected to the control unit optionally via an RS485 communication line. On the other hand, the said detection-identification element is optionally a sensor and may include one or more of a chemical sensor, a biological sensor, and a radiation sensor.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system comprises a control panel adapted to control the speed of fans located within the air flow line via the control unit, thereby enabling the user to adjust the air flow rate passing through the air flow line.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system includes a current measurement element in communication with the control unit, configured to monitor the energization of the fan located within the air flow line in order to enable the detection of a possible malfunction or unauthorized intervention, and which, in the event of detection of a malfunction or unauthorized intervention, enables a warning signal to be generated. The current measurement element is optionally a sensor.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system comprises a filter detection element connected to the control unit, the filter detection element being configured to check whether the filters are properly installed in the filter unit and to generate a warning signal upon detection that one or more of the filters are not installed. The filter detection element is optionally a sensor.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the filtration system comprises at least one visual warning display to which warning signals generated by the control unit are transmitted in order to inform the user upon detection of one or more of the following conditions: CBRN threat, hazard, malfunction, unauthorized intervention, or absence of filters.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the filtration system comprises at least one audible warning device to which warning signals generated by the control unit are transmitted in order to inform the user upon detection of one or more of the following conditions: CBRN threat, hazard, malfunction, unauthorized intervention, or absence of filters. According to an embodiment of the invention, the filtration system comprises at least one visual warning display and / or at least one audible warning device that transmit a predetermined warning signal generated by the control unit when the difference obtained by comparing the inlet pressure and outlet pressure values measured at the inlet and outlet of the filter unit reaches one or more predetermined values, and which warn users about the filter saturation level based on the received signal.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the filtration system uses a CANBUS communication interface that enables communication (command, data reception and transmission) simultaneously with many systems over long or short distances by using two cables, in order to enable real-time monitoring of the filtration system parameters and to provide automation.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system includes a filter unit comprising at least one CBRN filter and at least one particulate filter.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings are provided solely for illustrative purposes to exemplify the filtration system described above, which addresses the disadvantages identified in the prior art:

[0033] Figure 1, shows a front view of the filtration system according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2, shows a top view of the filtration system presented in Fig. 1.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The invention will be described in detail in this section based on the figures provided in the description section, and the list of reference numerals used in the figures is presented below:

[0037] 1. filtration system

[0038] 2. airflow line

[0039] 3. filter

[0040] 4. filter selection valve The present invention relates to a filtration system (1) developed to regulate the airflow between an enclosed environment, such as a military air, land, or sea vehicle, bunker, or military building, and the outside of said enclosed environment, and to simultaneously protect one or more personnel / users inside said enclosed environment from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats observed outside the enclosed environment.

[0041] The filtration system (1) subject to the present invention includes at least one air flow line (2) extending between the enclosed environment and the outside of the enclosed environment, comprising a fan inlet and a fan outlet. The air flow line (2) regulates the air flow between the enclosed environment and the outside of this enclosed environment by means of one or more fans it possesses. The air flow line (2) has a filter unit comprising at least two filters (3), at least one of which is a CBRN filter. The filters (3) are preferably arranged in parallel within the filter unit. Thus, only one of the filters (3) is active, while the inactive filter or filters (3) are kept ready and preserved for use at any time. The filtration system (1) also includes a filter selection valve (4) positioned within the filter unit. The filter selection valve (4) offers the advantage that, in case the filter (3) in use needs to be replaced with another filter (3), the filters (3) are already housed within the filter unit and only one of the filters (3) can be activated as needed while the other filter(s) (3) are deactivated, instead of physically removing the filter from the unit and inserting a new one. In this way, since physically changing the filters (3) inside the filter unit requires additional time and effort, maximum protection of individuals from threats in a possible CBRN threat environment is ensured. The filtration system (1) subject to the present invention further includes pressure measurement elements that measure the air pressure values at the inlet and outlet of the filter unit when the filter selection valve (4) activates a CBRN filter. The inlet and outlet pressure values measured by the pressure measurement elements are transmitted to a control unit present in the filtration system. The control unit compares the inlet and outlet pressure values measured by the pressure measurement elements, and if the calculated pressure difference reaches a predetermined value, it generates a warning signal to inform users accordingly. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure measurement element is a pressure sensor. In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit comprises an electronic control board. In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit includes an electronic control board equipped with a microcontroller that generates a warning signal when the difference between the measured inlet and outlet air pressure values reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0042] In one embodiment of the filtration system (1) according to the present invention, the filter unit comprises two or more filters (3), including at least two CBRN filters. This embodiment is advantageous because, in the event that one of the CBRN filters becomes clogged due to the filtration of CBRN gas particles, the other CBRN filter already positioned within the filter unit can be quickly activated, ensuring continuous protection without the need for immediate physical replacement of the filters.

[0043] The control of the filter selection valve (4), which is a part of the filtration system (1) being described and presented in Figs. 1 and 2, and thus the control of which filter (3) the air flow line is routed through, can be carried out manually by the user. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the invention, the filter selection valve (4) can be automatically controlled by the control unit, enabling selective operation based on system parameters. The directing of the filter selection valve (4) by the control unit, depending on the system parameters received by the control unit, provides an advantage in terms of quickly taking necessary measures such as activating the relevant filter (3) in case of changes in environmental conditions and consequently in system parameters. Such adaptability ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of the filters, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the filtration system (1).

[0044] The filtration system (1) which is the subject of the present invention, shown in front view in Fig. 1, includes one or more CBRN detection- identification elements connected to the control unit in order to quickly detect the occurrence of a CBRN threat outside the enclosed environment and, upon detection of such a condition, to automatically activate the CBRN filter via the filter selection valve (4) and / or generate a warning signal through the control unit included in the filtration system (1). The CBRN detection- identification element described herein is optionally connected to the control unit via an RS485 communication line. The RS485 communication line is a protocol used for serial communication of devices in industrial sites. It provides an advantage in enabling communication between a large number of serial devices or data retrieval from serial devices. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the detection- identification element is a sensor, and the said detection- identification sensor optionally includes one or more of a chemical sensor, a biological sensor, and a radiation sensor.

[0045] In an embodiment according to the invention, a control panel accessible to the user is arranged to enable the air flow rate passing through the air flow line (2) in the filter system structure shown in Fig. 1 to be controlled by the user and adjusted to a desired amount. This control panel allows the user to regulate the speeds of the fans within the air flow line (2) via the control unit, enabling the adjustment of fan speed as desired. The fan speed is controlled by a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal, which is optionally provided through a microcontroller. In one alternative, the fan speed can be set to one of several predefined levels using step adjustment buttons on the control panel, such as three levels: Level 1: 130 m3 / h, Level 2: 150 m3 / h, and Level 3: 170 m3 / h.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment of the filtration system (1) being described, there is a current measuring element connected to the control unit, which monitors the powering of the fan located in the air flow line (2) and is configured to generate a warning signal upon detection of a malfunction or unauthorized intervention. The current measurement element is optionally a sensor. This current measurement element facilitates the monitoring of system parameters by users, especially when a CBRN threat is observed, thereby providing an advantage in maintaining control over the system's operational status.

[0047] The filters are preferably manually installed into the slots within the filter unit of the filtration system (1) under conditions where a CBRN threat is not observed. As an expert in the field would appreciate, this operation performed by the user(s) is prone to human error. In this regard, the filtration system (1) comprises a filter detection element in communication with the control unit, which checks whether the filters (3) are properly installed within the filter unit and generates a warning signal if one or more of the filters (3) are not installed. The filter detection element in communication with the control unit eliminates the possibility of issues arising from human error. Optionally, the filter detection element is a sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filtration system (1) comprises at least one visual warning display and / or at least one audible warning device, through which warning signals generated by the control unit— connected to relevant elements or sensors— are transmitted to inform the user upon detection of one or more of the following conditions: CBRN threat, danger, malfunction, unauthorized intervention, or absence / improper installation of filters (3). The mentioned visual warning display is optionally an LCD screen and / or a touch screen, and the mentioned audible warning device is a buzzer or a speaker. The in-device tests performed for the detection of each of the exemplified conditions are designed to be continuously active from the energization of the CBRN filter. In each software cycle, values from the pressure sensors and the fan fuse feedback signal are monitored, and warnings and malfunction conditions are activated in case of a possible fault. Furthermore, when the fan fuse is manually disabled, a sensor feedback malfunction is displayed on the visual warning display, demonstrating that continuous monitoring via sensor feedbacks is maintained.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the inlet pressure and the fan outlet pressure are continuously measured by pressure sensors located at the inlet and outlet of the filter unit. The pressure difference calculated by the control unit based on the difference between these measured pressure values (optionally by software) is converted into a filter clogging rate. When the filter approaches a predetermined clogging condition (e.g., 85% clogging rate), a warning signal triggered via the microcontroller is transmitted to the visual warning screen, and a "Filter Clogging" warning is displayed on the screen, for example, in orange color. In the example described here, when the filter clogging rate reaches, for example, 95%, optionally, a "Filter Blocked" warning in red color is displayed on the visual warning screen, an audible warning is given by the audible warning device, and the fan is stopped accordingly. This described example is provided solely for better understanding of the invention and should not be considered as a limiting explanation. In the current filtration system (1), by presenting the filter (3) clogging rate, for example, via the visual warning screen to the user, it is easily determined whether the CBRN filter and the filtration system (1) have been exposed to CBRN agents, thereby preventing unnecessary disinfection procedures and reducing filter consumption costs.

[0049] Optionally, a CANBUS communication interface is used in the filtration system (1) to enable reliable communication (command, data retrieval, and transmission) simultaneously with multiple systems over long or short distances using two cables, allowing real-time monitoring of the system parameters and automation. In an example relating to the present invention, the microcontroller on the designed electronic control board and the software embedded in this microcontroller are compatible with the CANBUS communication interface. Signals taken from the microcontroller output are converted into CANBUS signals via the CAN Transceiver circuit. The CANBUS communication outputs of the designed board are connected to a CANBUS interface connector on the filtration unit, which complies with MIL-DTL-38999 or VG95234 standards. Thus, through the CANBUS interface, the electronic board representing the control system can monitor and control the operation of the filtration system, fan speed changes, current drawn by the filtration system, operating voltage, and filter fullness values. This described example is provided solely for a better understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, when the filtration system (1) described is integrated with a vehicle, building computer, or automation system via RS485 and CANBUS communication interfaces, the airtight doors and covers are automatically closed and the enclosed area is isolated either by providing information to the automation system or by directly commanding through the connector interface(s) of the filtration system (1). Furthermore, operations such as opening, closing, and filter replacement can be performed remotely from the automation system or computer without the need for the user to physically go to the control panel.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system (1) includes at least one CBRN filter and at least one particulate filter positioned inside the filter unit.

[0052] It is clear that the invention described above and the different embodiments related to the invention can be used together, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0053] The filtration system (1) being described inherently possesses a CBRN detectionidentification system and operates integrated with this system; therefore, in case a CBRN threat is detected outside the enclosed environment, it automatically provides a transition from (for example) the particulate filter to the CBRN filter, thereby eliminating the prior need for filter replacement to activate it. This prevents unnecessary use of the CBRN filter and extends its service life. Additionally, in the filtration system (1), optionally two of the filters (3) can be selected as CBRN filters. This embodiment offers the advantage that, in the event of a possible CBRN threat, after the service life of one filter expires, the system automatically switches to the second filter (3) without requiring manual intervention, thereby providing longer-lasting protection.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A filtration system (1) for protecting one or more users located within an enclosed environment against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats observed outside said enclosed environment, characterized by comprising: at least one air flow line (2) extending between said enclosed environment and the outside of said enclosed environment, comprising a fan inlet and a fan outlet, a filter unit comprising at least two filters (3) arranged in parallel on said air flow line (2), at least one of which is a CBRN filter, a filter selection valve (4) positioned within said filter unit to enable activation of only one of the filters (3) in said filter unit, pressure measuring elements that measure the air pressure values at the inlet and outlet of the filter unit when said filter selection valve (4) has activated a CBRN filter, a control unit to which the inlet and outlet pressure values measured by said pressure measuring elements are transmitted and which compares these values and generates a warning signal when the difference between the inlet and outlet pressures for said filter unit reaches a predetermined value.

2. The filtration system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the filtration system (1) comprises a filter unit including two or more filters (3), wherein two of the filters are CBRN filters.

3. The filtration system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a filter selection valve (4) is configured to be automatically and selectively controlled by the said control unit.

4. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit comprises an electronic control board.

5. The filtration system (1) according to claim 4, wherein said electronic control board comprises a microcontroller configured to generate a warning signal when the difference between the compared inlet pressure and outlet pressure values reaches a predetermined value.

6. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pressure measuring element is a pressure sensor.

7. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more CBRN detection- identification elements are connected to the control unit, the elements being configured to detect the occurrence of a CBRN threat outside the enclosed environment and, upon detection of such a condition, to automatically activate the CBRN filter via the filter selection valve (4) and / or generate a warning signal.

8. The filtration system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the CBRN detectionidentification element is connected to the control unit via an RS485 communication line.

9. The filtration system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the detectionidentification element is a sensor.

10. The filtration system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the detection- identification sensor comprises one or more of a chemical sensor, a biological sensor, and a radiation sensor.

11. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration system comprises a control panel adapted to control, via the control unit, the speeds of fans present in the air flow line (2) structure in order to allow a user to control the flow rate of the air passing through the air flow line (2).

12. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration system comprises a current measuring element connected to the control unit, the current measuring element being configured to monitor the powering of the fan located in the air flow line (2) and to generate a warning signal in case of detection of a malfunction or unauthorized intervention.

13. The filtration system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the current measuring element is a sensor.

14. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration system comprises a filter detection element connected to the control unit, thefilter detection element being configured to check whether the filters (3) are properly installed in the filter unit and to generate a warning signal upon detection that one or more of the filters (3) are not installed.

15. The filtration system (1) according to claim 14, wherein the filter detection element is a sensor.

16. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration system comprises at least one visual warning display that receives warning signals generated by the control unit to inform the user when one or more of the following conditions are detected including CBRN threat, hazard, malfunction, unauthorized intervention, or absence of one or more filters (3).

17. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration system comprises at least one audible warning device that receives warning signals generated by the control unit to inform the user when one or more of the following conditions are detected including CBRN threat, hazard, malfunction, unauthorized intervention, or absence of one or more filters (3).

18. The filtration system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the filtration system comprises at least one visual warning display and / or at least one audible warning device configured to alert users about the filter (3) saturation level based on a predetermined warning signal generated by the control unit when a difference obtained by comparing the inlet pressure and outlet pressure values measured at the inlet and outlet of the filter unit reaches one or more predetermined values.

19. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a CANBUS communication interface is used, which enables simultaneous communication with multiple systems over long or short distances using two wires, allowing real-time monitoring of parameters belonging to the filtration system (1) and facilitating automation.

20. The filtration system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter unit comprises at least one CBRN filter and at least one particulate filter.

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