Air conditioning or ventilation duct with bactericidal treatment and method for applying said treatment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a duct with bactericidal treatment for ventilation systems and to a method for applying said treatment. In particular, the invention relates to a galvanised steel duct, a plurality of which make up an air conditioning or ventilation system. The duct (1) comprises at least one layer of protective paint (2) comprising biocidal nanoparticles that at least partially cover the inner face of the wall (1,1) of said duct. The application method comprises: a first step of preparing the surface by applying a two-part epoxy primer layer; a second step of applying the biocidal paint, which is a two-part epoxy paint having 10% biocidal nanoparticles; and a third step of applying the biocidal nanoparticles, in which a layer of adhered biocidal nanoparticles is sprayed on the most superficial part of the intermediate layer of the lining.

Description

[0001]DESCRIPTION OF A BACTERICIDAL TREATMENT FOR VENTILATION OR AIR CONDITIONING DUCT AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR SAID TREATMENT OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as stated in the title of this descriptive specification, relates to a bactericidal treatment for ventilation or air conditioning duct and a procedure for applying said treatment, providing advantages and characteristics for its intended function, which are described in detail below. The object of the present invention is a duct, preferably made of galvanized steel, which, applicable for incorporation into ventilation and air conditioning systems, especially in controlled environments such as hospitals, but without limitation, is distinguished by comprising an antibacterial, bactericidal, and fungicidal treatment defined by the incorporation of at leasta protective coating layer based on biocidal nanoparticles that covers the inner face of the duct and in which microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, die upon contact, preventing air contamination once the air conditioning system is closed, and optionally comprising the additional incorporation of sterilizing ultraviolet lights inside the duct to increase the air purification capacity, a second aspect of the present invention being the method of applying said treatment to the duct, for example to an existing duct,with said biocidal coating layer. FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture and assembly of ventilation ducts and air conditioning systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The importance of air conditioning and ventilation systems has increased significantly, due to their crucial role in improving air quality in different environments. Specifically, in critical locations such as operating rooms, cleanrooms, and laboratories, air conditioning systems function as closed systems that recycle air, independent of the air conditioning of the rest of the building. These systems are composed of galvanized sheet metal ducts for air distribution, both supply and return, and are equipped with various types of filters and diffusers. In the healthcare field,A nosocomial or hospital-acquired infection is one contracted by patients admitted to a healthcare facility. According to the WHO, these infections include those acquired during a hospital stay that are not the reason for admission, as well as those contracted by hospital or healthcare workers due to their occupation or exposure. Hospital air conditioning is sector-specific, and depending on the required air quality, areas can be classified as: zero-contamination rooms (operating rooms, etc.) or public access areas. In the case of operating rooms, the air conditioning system is a closed system that recycles air and is independent of the building's air conditioning. It consists of a suction system, ducts with different types of filters, and a diffuser. During surgery, the ventilation system operates continuously.Thus, bacteria present in the operating room are drawn into the ventilation and filtration system, typically achieving 99% efficiency. However, certain poorly defined problems that can occur in the filtration system, as well as during filter shutdown and maintenance, make this supply air distribution system vulnerable, allowing bacteria to enter it and the operating room. A key objective of the present invention is the implementation of ducts in the ventilation system of these units, treated with an antibacterial, bactericidal, and fungicidal agent to eliminate bacteria in situ and prevent subsequent contamination of the operating room once the air conditioning system is shut down. Furthermore,The object of the present invention is not only exclusively used in hospitals, but can also be applied in other areas such as air conditioning and ventilation ducts in food processing plants, nurseries, residences for the elderly or dependent persons, public buildings, etc. Therefore, the essential objective of the invention is to provide the market with a new type of air conditioning and ventilation duct with a bactericidal treatment that is simple and economical, allowing its installation in the aforementioned locations, as well as in any other where deemed necessary. It is equipped with an effective bactericidal treatment based on nanoparticles, particularly silver and / or titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can also be activated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation to enhance its purifying effect. Furthermore,A second objective of the present invention is to provide a specific procedure for the appropriate deposition of these nanoparticles in new or existing ducts, in order to disperse them homogeneously over the surface to be treated, taking into account different parameters such as size, morphology, and quantity of nanoparticles per unit area, with and without UV radiation, and their effect on bacterial cultures. Furthermore, with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although the bactericidal effect of this type of nanoparticle is known, at least to the applicant, no other duct applicable to ventilation systems, nor any other invention with a similar application and technical characteristics, is known.structural and constitutive properties equal to or similar to those claimed herein. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The bactericidal-treated duct for ventilation systems and the procedure for applying said treatment proposed by the invention constitute an optimal solution to the aforementioned objectives. The characterizing details that make this possible and that distinguish them are conveniently set forth in the final claims accompanying this description. Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, is a duct, preferably made of galvanized steel, intended to form part of a ventilation or air conditioning system, which has the particularity of having an antibacterial, bactericidal, and fungicidal treatment that essentially comprises the inclusion of at least one protective coating layer based on biocidal nanoparticles, that is,Nanoparticles of compounds with antibacterial, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties, which totally or partially coat the inner surface of the duct, neutralize microorganisms present in the air that come into contact with the coating. This ensures that microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi that may exist in the air circulating through the system of which the duct is a part, die upon contact with this protective coating layer, preventing air contamination once the air conditioning system is shut down. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coating forming the inner protective layer comprises at least a certain percentage of silver (Ag) nanoparticles. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating constituting the inner protective layer comprises...Silver (Ag), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al) nanoparticles. In another embodiment of the invention, the protective layer coating comprises, in addition to or alternatively from the aforementioned nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles. In this case, one or more ultraviolet (UV) lamps, preferably UV-C lamps, are incorporated within the conduit to activate the biocidal action of the coating and thus enhance the purifying effect of the treatment layer. Preferably, these lamps are commercially available UV-C disinfectant lamps, such as those marketed by PHILIPS, and are incorporated into the conduit in addition to the biocidal coating layer, regardless of the nanoparticle composition of the latter.as an additional air purification element for the air passing through the duct. Preferably, this lamp or lamps are incorporated into the duct's access covers, thus facilitating access for inspection and replacement if necessary. The application procedure for the described protective coating layer, which constitutes the antibacterial and biocidal treatment of the duct's interior, includes the following stages: - A first stage of surface preparation: In this first stage of applying the biocidal coating layer, the internal surface of the duct, for example, galvanized sheet metal, is properly prepared. For this purpose, a primer coat is applied, for example, a two-component epoxy that complies with the European Fire Standard EN 13501-1, with a fire reaction classification of B-s1.d0. - A second stage of application of the biocidal coating itself: In this second stage, for example, a two-component epoxy paint layer that meets the requirements of ISO 12944 is applied. During this stage, 10% biocidal nanoparticles are optionally added to the paint, enhancing its ability to eliminate microorganisms. Furthermore, after this stage, an external anti-corrosion test of category C4 with Very High durability (Very High >25 years), based on ISO 12944 Part 6, is carried out. This test is performed on carbon steel with the combination of the epoxy primer and the epoxy paint, to ensure the effectiveness and durability of the biocidal treatment on the galvanized sheet metal duct. - A third stage of application of biocidal nanoparticles: In this third stage, a layer of biocidal nanoparticles is sprayed while the intermediate layer has not yet dried.For example, one minute after applying the second-stage epoxy layer. This technique allows the biocidal nanoparticles to adhere to the outermost layer of the coating, achieving permanent protection against microorganisms on the inner surface of the duct. Additionally, the duct treatment application procedure includes a final stage of UV-C lamp integration: In this stage, the inspection covers of the air conditioning and ventilation duct are designed to incorporate UV-C ultraviolet light lamps. These lamps have a system that disinfects the entire airflow circulating through the ducts, further improving the system's effectiveness and contributing to the prevention of nosocomial infections. It has been verified that the application of the biocidal coating layer to the galvanized sheet metal duct,The presence of nanoparticles has demonstrated a microorganism inhibition rate of over 99%, representing a high efficacy of the invention's duct in eliminating and neutralizing pathogens present in the air that comes into contact with the treated surface. Therefore, the use of ducts with a treatment characteristic of the invention in ventilation and air conditioning systems significantly reduces the risk of contamination and prevents nosocomial infections in controlled healthcare environments, such as operating rooms, cleanrooms, and laboratories, as well as in other non-healthcare environments. Furthermore, the integration of UV-C ultraviolet lamps in the inspection covers, with a system for disinfecting the entire airflow,This further enhances the effectiveness of the duct. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description provided and to aid in a better understanding of the invention's features, a sheet of drawings is attached to this specification as an integral part thereof. These drawings, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, depict the following: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the interior of an example of the bactericidal-treated duct for ventilation systems, which is the subject of the invention. The internal biocidal coating layer and the optional UV light incorporated inside to activate the nanoparticles of said coating are visible. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of detail A, indicated in Figure 1, which represents a section of the duct wall.where the arrangement and configuration of the different parts of the biocidal coating layer are shown. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In view of the described figures, and according to the numbering adopted therein, an example of a non-limiting embodiment of the bactericidal-treated duct for ventilation systems of the invention can be observed, which comprises what is described in detail below. Thus, as can be seen in said figure, the duct (1) of the invention, in particular a duct made of walls (1.1), preferably of galvanized steel, new or existing, in any case of the type forming part of a ventilation or air conditioning system, is distinguished by comprising, as a bactericidal treatment, the inclusion of at least one protective coating layer (2) based on biocidal nanoparticles, that is,of a coating whose composition comprises a certain percentage of nanoparticles of compounds with antibacterial, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties, which covers at least partially the inner surface of the walls (1.1) of said conduit (1), although, preferably, said protective coating layer (2) completely covers the inner surface of all the walls (1.1) of the conduit (1). In a preferred embodiment, the protective coating layer (2) based on biocidal nanoparticles is a coating whose composition comprises at least a certain percentage of silver (Ag) nanoparticles. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating layer (2) with biocidal nanoparticles is a coating whose composition comprises nanoparticles of silver (Ag), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al). In another embodiment of the invention,The coating layer (2) with biocidal nanoparticles is a coating whose composition also comprises, or alternatively, titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment, the coating layer (2) comprises an intermediate layer (2.2) and, on top of this, a surface layer (2.3) comprising biocidal nanoparticles. In a further preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the coating layer (2) comprises a primer base (2.1) onto which the intermediate layer (2.2) and subsequently the surface layer (2.3) are applied. Optionally, the intermediate layer (2.2) comprises at least 10% biocidal nanoparticles. The intermediate layer (2.2), for example, is an epoxy paint that optionally includes 10% biocidal nanoparticles. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the conduit (1) comprises, as part of the bactericidal treatment,the inclusion of one or more ultraviolet light lamps (3), preferably UV-C ultraviolet disinfection lamps. Preferably, said ultraviolet light lamp(s) (3) are incorporated into a duct access cover (4) (1). Then,A procedure for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct is described. Preferably, the procedure for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct comprises: - A step of applying an intermediate layer (2.2) of a fluid coating capable of solidifying. - A step of applying a surface layer (2.3) of biocidal nanoparticles onto the intermediate layer (2.2) while it is still wet, such that the biocidal nanoparticles applied in this third step adhere to the outermost part of the intermediate layer (2.2), generating the surface layer (2.3). In a preferred embodiment, the procedure for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct comprises, prior to the application of the intermediate layer, a step of preparing the inner surface of the duct (1).applying a base coat (2.1) of primer. Optionally, the biocidal particles of the surface layer (2.3) are applied onto the intermediate layer (2.2) mixed with a volatile fluid that volatilizes once the surface layer is applied. The volatile fluid is, for example, acetone. In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate layer (2.2) comprises at least 10% biocidal nanoparticles. In one embodiment of the method for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct, the application of the biocidal coating layer (2) to the inner surface of the duct is carried out manually, for example, with a brush or with airbrushes and / or spray guns. In another embodiment of the method for applying the bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct, the application of the biocidal coating layer (2) to the inner surface of the duct is carried out automatically, for example, by means of a robot.30 especially for applying the treatment to new canals during the manufacturing line itself. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to elaborate further on its explanation so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment, comprising a coating layer (2) comprising biocidal nanoparticles, i.e., a coating whose composition comprises a certain percentage of nanoparticles of compounds with antibacterial, bactericidal, and / or fungicidal properties, which covers, at least partially, the inner face of the wall (1,1) of said duct (1), characterized in that the coating layer (2) comprises an intermediate layer (2,2) and, on top thereof, a surface layer (2,3) comprising the biocidal nanoparticles.

2. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating layer (2) comprises silver (Ag) nanoparticles. 3.- A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coating layer (2) comprises nanoparticles of silver (Ag), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).

4. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating layer (2) comprises nanoparticles of titanium oxide (TiO2).

5. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating layer (2) comprises a primer base (2.1) onto which the intermediate layer (2.2) and subsequently the surface layer (2.3) are applied.

6. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (2.2) comprises at least 10% biocidal nanoparticles.

7. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as part of the bactericidal treatment, it comprises the inclusion of one or more ultraviolet light lamps (3).

8. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises one or more UV-C ultraviolet disinfectant lamps.

9. A ventilation or air conditioning duct with bactericidal treatment, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the ultraviolet light lamp or lamps (3) are incorporated in an access cover (4) of the duct (1). 10.- A method for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct, wherein the bactericidal treatment comprises a coating layer (2) comprising biocidal nanoparticles, i.e., a coating whose composition comprises a certain percentage of nanoparticles of compounds with antibacterial, bactericidal, and / or fungicidal properties, which covers at least partially the inner face of the wall (1.1) of said duct (1), said method being characterized by comprising: - a step of applying an intermediate layer (2.2) of a coating in the form of a fluid capable of solidifying; - a step of applying a surface layer (2.3) comprising the biocidal nanoparticles onto the intermediate layer (2.2) while it has not yet dried, such that the biocidal nanoparticles applied in this third step are adhered to the outermost part of the intermediate layer (2.2).2) generating the surface layer (2.3). 11.- Procedure for applying a bactericidal treatment in a ventilation or air conditioning duct, according to claim 10, characterized by comprising, before the application of the intermediate layer, a stage of preparing the internal surface of the duct (1), applying a base layer (2,1) of primer.

12. A method for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the biocidal particles of the surface layer (2.3) are applied to the intermediate layer (2.2) mixed with a volatile fluid that volatilizes once the surface layer is applied.

13. A method for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct according to claim 12, characterized in that the volatile fluid is acetone.

14. A method for applying a bactericidal treatment to a ventilation or air conditioning duct according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the intermediate layer (2.2) comprises at least 10% biocidal nanoparticles.

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