Ozone reservoir, system and method for sterilization

Abstract

The invention relates to an Ozone reservoir (100) for a waste processing system (200) and configured to store Ozone, the reservoir comprising: An enclosure (110) configured to enclose a first interior volume, the enclosure (110) further comprising a first fluid channel (170) configured to fluidly connect an exterior of the enclosure (110) to the first interior volume, a container (120) comprising flexible defining a second interior volume, the container (120) being arranged within the enclosure, the container (120) further comprising a second fluid channel (130) configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume of the container (120) to an Ozone target (200), an Ozone sensor (150) arranged within the first interior volume and between the enclosure (110) and the container (120), the Ozone sensor (150) being configured to measure a concentration level of the Ozone to indicate if any Ozone leaks out of the container (120).

Description

[0001] OZONE RESERVOIR, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STERILIZATION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to sterilization, in particular to sterilization of hazardous medical waste using Ozone.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Hazardous medical waste, such as infected hospital waste, is traditionally transported from hospitals by specialized transport vehicles to incinerators, or disposed of in landfills.

[0006] Some on-site systems utilize ozone for waste treatment. Ozone-based sterilization is energyefficient, cost-effective, and produces fewer odors and lower CO2emissions compared to other methods. However, as a highly toxic gas, Ozone must be securely contained during use. High concentrations of Ozone are required to effectively eliminate infectious agents, reducing treatment time.

[0007] A drawback of conventional ozone-based systems is that they face limitations. Such limitations include slow processing times and limited capacity. This is primarily due to insufficient ozone production rates.

[0008] There is a clear correlation between the required amount of ozone, and an amount of material to be treated. Therefore, there is a need for an improved reservoir and system to address these drawbacks associated with conventional solutions for sterilization.

[0009] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems described above.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The above and further objectives are achieved by the subject matter described herein. Further advantageous implementation forms of the invention are further defined herein. The invention is set out in the appended claims. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. According to a first aspect of the invention the object of the invention is achieved by an Ozone reservoir for a waste processing system and configured to store Ozone. The reservoir comprising an enclosure configured to enclose a first interior volume, the enclosure further comprising a first fluid channel configured to fluidly connect an exterior of the enclosure to the first interior volume, a container comprising flexible material defining a second interior volume, the container being arranged within the enclosure, the container further comprising a second fluid channel configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume of the container to an Ozone target, an Ozone sensor arranged within the first interior volume and between the enclosure and the container, the Ozone sensor being configured to measure a concentration level of the Ozone to indicate if any Ozone leaks out of the container.

[0013] This has the advantage of increasing processing capacity and reducing processing time by increasing the flow of Ozone to the waste processing system.

[0014] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the material of the container 120 at least partially comprises a selection of any of Butyl rubber, Ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber, EPDM, fluorinated rubber, Silicone, Chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

[0015] This has the advantage of providing an increased lifetime of the Ozone reservoir and minimizes oxidation reactions, or lifetime of the Ozone in the container.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention the object of the invention is achieved by a waste processing system comprising: a waste processing chamber, the Ozone reservoir according to the first aspect, a generator configured to generate Ozone, a controllable valve fluidly coupled to the processing chamber and configured to move between an open and a closed position, a fourth fluid channel configured to fluidly couple the generator, the Ozone reservoir and the controllable valve, a controllable fluid pressure generator configured to move Ozone out of the Ozone reservoir , a control arrangement communicatively coupled to the waste processing chamber, the Ozone reservoir, the generator, the controllable valve and the fluid pressure generator.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method performed by a control arrangement of the waste processing system according to the second aspect. The waste processing system being configured to sequentially operate in a loading mode and a processing mode, the method comprising: operating in the loading mode by: controlling a valve to a closed position to fluidly de-couple a waste processing chamber of the waste processing system, controlling a fluid pressure generator to an inactive state, controlling generation of Ozone by activating an Ozone generator, operating in the processing mode by controlling the valve to an open position to fluidly couple the waste processing chamber to an Ozone generator and the Ozone reservoir, controlling the fluid pressure generator to an active state.

[0018] In one embodiment according to the third aspect, the waste processing system is further configured to operate in an unloading mode, wherein the method further comprises: operating in the unloading mode by: controlling the valve to a closed position to fluidly de-couple the Ozone generator and the Ozone reservoir from the waste processing chamber, controlling the air pressure generator to the inactive state. controlling generation of Ozone by de-activating the Ozone generator.

[0019] The advantages of the second and third aspects are at least the same as the advantages of the first aspect.

[0020] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an Ozone reservoir according to the one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a waste processing system according to the one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 4 illustrates details of the method in the loading mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates details of the method in the processing mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 6 illustrates details of the method operating in the unloading mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig 7 shows a computer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure relates to sterilization of various materials. In particular, the present disclosure relates to batch processes involving sterilization of repeated quantities of material to be disinfected or sterilized within a chamber.

[0031] Such batch processes comprise at least three phases: a loading phase of the chamber, a sterilization phase using ozone within the chamber, and finally an unloading phase of the chamber when sterilized material is removed from the chamber. Ozone is typically generated on-site using equipment with a limited production capacity, e.g., defines as grams per hour or g / h. The present disclosure enhances sterilization capacity by enabling continuous ozone production during all three phases, with ozone being stored in preparation for the sterilization or processing phase.

[0032] To increase production capacity by introducing more forceful equipment is costly, complex, increases electricity use and / or requirements, and increases required physical footprint.

[0033] Storage of ozone is achieved by gradually filling a flexible empty container with ozone during the phases other than the sterilization phase, without generating overpressure in the container. During the sterilization phase, the stored ozone is removed from the flexible container, e.g., by pumping the ozone out or applying external pressure to the flexible container, thereby ensuring it is fully emptied prior to filling the container again. E.g., in unloading and loading phases before sterilizing a new batch of material.

[0034] An “or” in this description and the corresponding claims is to be understood as a mathematical OR which covers ’’and” and “or”, and is not to be understood as an XOR (exclusive OR). The indefinite article “a” in this disclosure and claims is not limited to “one” and can also be understood as “one or more”, i.e., plural.

[0035] In the present disclosure the term “processing chamber” denotes a receptacle configured to hold material, e.g., medical waste, in an environment. The processing chamber may be implemented in any suitable manner, e.g., as a cylindrical tank or as a room / space. The processing chamber may be made from suitable Ozone resistant / compatible materials, such as concrete, stainless steel, Butyl, Chemraz, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), Ethylenepropylene, Floursilicone, Glass or polycarbonate. An example of such a processing chamber is described in WO2022146212A1.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the term “container” denotes a receptacle capable of holding a fluid. In particular to hold Ozone in gas form. In one example, the container is a bladder, bag, or bellow. In the present disclosure, the term “fluid channel” denotes a unit or arrangement configured to contain and / or convey fluid. The fluid channel may have any suitable hollow cross section shape. In one example, the fluid channel is a conduit, such as a pipe or a tube, The fluid channel may comprise Ozone resistant material and / or Ozone non-resistant material. In typical applications materials such as glass, plastic, rubber, or metal may be used.

[0037] In the present disclosure, the term “enclosure” denotes an object capable of containing other objects and capable of maintaining a shape or form. In one example, the container have a box shape. Any suitable material may be used for the enclosure.

[0038] In the present disclosure, the term “waste processing system” denotes a system comprising at least the processing chamber described above.

[0039] In the present disclosure the term “loading mode” denotes a configuration of the waste processing system where particles of medical waste can be received via an inlet.

[0040] In the present disclosure the term “processing mode” denotes a configuration of the waste processing system where sterilization is performed, e.g., where the particles of medical waste are continuously stirred or tumbled around and exposed to Ozone at a target Ozone concentration level.

[0041] In the present disclosure the term “unloading mode” denotes a configuration of the waste processing system where the processed material, e.g., particles of medical waste, are moved to an outlet and extracted via the outlet from the processing chamber.

[0042] In the present disclosure the terms “Ozone generator” or “generator configured to generate Ozone” denotes an apparatus or arrangement capable of converting oxygen to Ozone. An example of an Ozone generator is ultraviolet, UV, light sources, such as a 185 nm UV light such as germicidal lamps available from LightTech LightSources available at https: / / www.liqht- sources.com / bloq / 185nm-uv-lamp-for-Ozone-disinfection / . A further example of generators can be found at https: / / www.Ozonetech.com / products / Ozone-qenerators / ict-series. A further example is Ozone generators operating on the principle of corona discharging.

[0043] Brief overview of the disclosure

[0044] As mentioned previously, performing sterilization, e.g., handling of hazardous or infectious waste, is cumbersome, costly and may present danger to staff handling the medical waste.

[0045] The present disclosure relates particularly to increasing capacity or throughput when sterilizing material. In particular, when sterilizing infectious waste using waste processing chambers configured to operate in any one of a loading mode, a processing mode, and an unloading mode. In some systems such as described in WO2022 / 146212 and hereby incorporated by reference, Ozone is generated and provided to the waste processing chamber only during the processing mode.

[0046] This extends the duration of the processing mode as sufficient levels of Ozone needs to be provided and this takes time.

[0047] This has the drawback of reduced usage of the Ozone generator and also a drawback of operating the generator in a non-optimal manner. In other words, an Ozone generator typically benefits from constant operation compared to repeatedly switching on and off. This has the advantage of improved usage of the Ozone generator, both in running time and operational conditions.

[0048] The present disclosure improves sterilizing , e.g., processing of medical waste, by providing an Ozone reservoir configured to store Ozone.

[0049] This allows Ozone to be generated continuously, and to be stored also during the loading mode and / or the unloading mode. In other words, the generator may be configured to operate continuously, and the Ozone may be stored until the processing mode is initiated.

[0050] This has the advantage of significantly reducing the duration of time spent in the processing mode and thereby increases capacity and throughput of the waste processing system or system. The disclosure is described in further detail below.

[0051] Storage of Ozone in gas form is challenging, and conventional solutions typically dissolves Ozone in water and immediately freeze the compound / Ozone water. The reason that storing Ozone in gas form is problematic is on one hand that as soon as Ozone is formed it begins to decay naturally back to oxygen due to an out-of-balance electron charge it possesses in the Ozone form. The rate at which this natural reaction takes place is based on two primary factors, namely temperature and oxidation reactions. The oxidation reactions is commonly also the primary goal when using Ozone for waste processing. In other words, it is the oxidation reaction that eliminates viruses, bacteria, and bad odor (wanted effect), on the downside the oxidation reaction increases the speed of which Ozone change into Oxygen . Ozone is an oxidant and will react with any compounds that can be oxidized, which is why it presents a challenge when choosing material for storing Ozone.

[0052] Ozone is a highly toxic gas that is commonly industrially generated at high concentrations from pure oxygen using electricity. To avoid exposure to humans or animals, the gas must be securely contained within a container. When eliminating infectious agents in the waste, a relatively high concentration of Ozone is necessary to reduce the time required to achieve the desired elimination effect.

[0053] To produce Ozone at high concentrations, e.g., 200 grams per cubic meter or 100.000 ppm, and at a high production rate requires electricity with a relatively high current. In applications described above, loading, processing, and unloading steps are repeated sequentially, time is spent both loading material into the waste processing chamber and unloading material from the process chamber where an Ozone generator of a conventional system or system is not active with filling the chamber with Ozone.

[0054] Ozone production is therefore limited by the capacity per time unit of the Ozone generator used. An advantage of the present disclosure is to accelerate the ozonation / waste processing. This is achieved by allowing the Ozone generator to continue Ozone production, also during loading and / or unloading steps of the process. This is achieved by introducing the Ozone reservoir disclosed herein.

[0055] As mentioned, storing Ozone presents a challenge, as Ozone naturally decomposes back into oxygen, over time and does not allow long term storage. The rate of Ozone decomposition is influenced by the environment of the Ozone, in a clean environment with no oxidizing agents, decomposition still occurs over time. In other words, also when only a limited amount of oxidation reactions decomposition of Ozone to Oxygen still occurs over time

[0056] The present disclosure put forward that in sterilization applications, like the one described above, the loading, processing, and unloading phases are repeated sequentially with a cycle time of typically less than an hour. It is therefore possible to accumulate Ozone in the Ozone reservoir with some loss, e.g., during the loading and / or unloading phases. When the loading phase transitions to the processing phase, the pre-produced Ozone in the Ozone reservoir can be injected into the processing chamber simultaneously with the Ozone being generated by the Ozone generator. This approach speeds up the entire process, allowing more waste material to be converted from infectious to non-infectious waste. In other words, increasing capacity and throughput. The pre-production of Ozone may further be improved by allowing the Ozone generator to operate also in the unloading mode.

[0057] The present disclosure provides an Ozone reservoir where Ozone is injected into a container, e.g., an expandable bag, where the container comprises or is made from a material that is flexible, durable, and resistant to Ozone. The Ozone reservoir can eventually inject the Ozone into the waste processing chamber when the processing phase begins. To avoid the risk of Ozone exposure to humans or animals, the bag must not develop significant overpressure compared to atmospheric pressure. The Ozone may instead be transferred from the Ozone reservoir to the processing chamber by using interior transfer unit, e.g., a pump / fan that draws Ozone out from the container, or by using an exterior transfer unit such as a pump / fan that forces air into an enclosure of the container and physically compress the container of the Ozone reservoir with slight overpressure, e.g., 10% over atmospheric pressure, to force Ozone out from the container.

[0058] To further prevent accidental exposure to users, an enclosure is provided providing an environment around the container of the Ozone reservoir. The enclosure may comprise or be made from any material. The enclosure may further alternatively be provided with vents leading from the internal environment to an external environment. E.g., to allow air to be expelled as the container expands when being filled with Ozone. An Ozone sensor can optionally be installed in the space between the bag and the enclosing walls to detect any leaks, thereby ensuring safety for humans and animals.

[0059] Details of the disclosure

[0060] Further details of the disclosure are provided by the drawings and the following sections.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows an Ozone reservoir according to the one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The Ozone reservoir 100 is configured to store Ozone, typically for relatively short periods of time.

[0062] The reservoir comprises an enclosure 110 configured to enclose a first interior volume. Additionally, or alternatively, the enclosure 110 further comprises a first fluid channel 170 configured to fluidly connect an exterior of the enclosure 110 to the first interior volume. The first fluid channel may comprise a conduit, such as a pipe or tube made from Ozone-resistant material. In one example, a material of the enclosure 110 comprises Ozone-resistant material. Examples of such Ozone-resistant materials include wood, metal, cardboard, or plastic. In one example, a material of the enclosure 110 comprises non-Ozone-resistant material. The first fluid channel 170 may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid pressure generator 180. Additionally, or alternatively, a material of the enclosure 110 comprises Ozone-reactive material to increase the rate of conversion from Ozone to Oxygen.

[0063] The exterior of the enclosure 110 may e.g., be an environment surrounding the Ozone reservoir, a separate room or chamber fluidly coupled to the first interior volume, or a vent fluidly coupled to the first interior volume and placed outdoors. The reservoir 100 further comprises a container 120 comprising flexible and / or Ozone impervious material defining a second interior volume. The Ozone impervious material may at least partially comprise a selection of any of Butyl rubber, Ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber, EPDM, fluorinated rubber, Silicone, Chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

[0064] Additionally, or alternatively, the Ozone reservoir further comprises one or more vents or valves (not shown) configured to move between an open position to a closed position. In the open position fluid can flow to / from the first interior volume and / or flow to / from the second interior volume. In the closed position, fluid is prevented to flow to / from the first interior volume. The vents or valves may be controllable, e.g., mechanically, or electronically. In one example, the container 120 is formed as a flexible balloon formed as a single piece or formed my multiple pieces joined together.

[0065] Additionally, or alternatively, the container 120 is arranged within the enclosure 110. In other words, the second interior volume is formed inside / within the first interior volume.

[0066] Additionally, or alternatively, the container 120 is secured to the enclosure 110 by fastening means / members, such as glue, mechanical locks or other suitable fastening means. In one example, the second fluid channel 130 comprises a pipe that is secured to the container 120 and glued to the enclosure 110, where the pipe protrudes through the enclosure 110.

[0067] Additionally, or alternatively, the container 120 further comprises a second fluid channel 130 configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume of the container 120 to an Ozone target 200. The second fluid channel may comprise a conduit, such as a pipe or tube. The Ozone target 200 may e.g., be the waste processing system 200, further described in relation to Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, the container 120 and / or the fluid channel 130 comprises a first set of sensors (not shown). The first set of sensors are configured to measure physical characteristics of an environment of the second interior volume of the container 120 and to generate signals. The generated signals are indicative of the characteristics of an environment of the second interior volume, e.g., indicative of measured pressure and / or measured Ozone concentration levels and / or a measured temperature and / or measured humidity or any other measure relevant to the waste processing system 200.

[0068] Additionally, or alternatively, the reservoir 100 further comprises one or more Ozone sensors 150 arranged within the first interior volume and between the enclosure 110 and the container 120. Additionally, or alternatively, the Ozone sensor 150 is configured to measure a concentration level of Ozone within the first interior volume. The Ozone sensor 150 may be communicatively coupled to a control arrangement 160, further described in relation to Fig. 2. Alternatively, the Ozone sensor 150 may comprise circuitry configured to compare measured concentration levels of Ozone to predefined thresholds, and generate an alarm to a user if the measured concentration levels of Ozone exceeds one or more of the predefined thresholds. The alarm may be a visual alarm, e.g., a light, or an audio alarm, e.g., a buzzer. Alternatively, the Ozone sensor 150 may comprise circuitry configured to send a signal comprising measured concentration levels of Ozone to another node, such as the control arrangement 160, that may compare the measured concentration levels of Ozone to predefined thresholds, and generate an alarm to the user.

[0069] Optionally, a second set of sensors are arranged within the first interior volume. The second set of sensors are configured to measure physical characteristics of an environment of the first interior volume and to generate signals. The generated signals are indicative of the characteristics of an environment of the second interior volume, e.g., a measured pressure, a measured temperature and / or measured humidity or any other measure relevant to the waste processing system 200.

[0070] In situations where Ozone for some reason leaks from the second interior volume of the container 120 to the first interior volume of the enclosure 110, the leaked Ozone may optionally be evacuated to an Ozone destructor 193. An Ozone destructor typically subjects Ozone to a catalyst that speeds up oxidation reaction. Any suitable Ozone destructor may be used.

[0071] In situations where pressure in the second interior volume of the container 120 builds higher than a threshold pressure value, the Ozone in the container 120 and / or the second fluid channel 130 may optionally be evacuated to an Ozone destructor 196. An Ozone destructor typically subjects Ozone to a catalyst that speeds up oxidation reaction. Any suitable Ozone destructor may be used.

[0072] In one embodiment, the Ozone reservoir 100 further comprises a fifth fluid channel 194 configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume to an Ozone destructor 196. The fifth fluid channel 194 may comprise a conduit, such as a pipe or tube. In this embodiment, the Ozone reservoir 100 may further comprise a second fluid evacuation unit 195 configured receive fluid from the second interior volume of the container 120 and / or from the second fluid channel 130 and provide to the fluid channel 194 to an Ozone destructor 196. The fluid evacuation unit 194 may e.g., comprise a selection of any of a valve, a pump or a fan integrated with or fluidly coupled to the fluid channel 194 and / or the Ozone reservoir 100.

[0073] It is understood that the Ozone destructor 193, 196 may be implemented as one unit or as separate units. Fig. 2 shows a waste processing system 200 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The waste processing system 200 is configured to perform sterilization of material in batches. The waste processing system 200 is configured to perform sterilization by operating in any one of a loading mode, a processing mode, and / or an unloading mode.

[0074] The waste processing system 200 comprises a processing chamber 210. The processing chamber 100 comprises an inlet 220, an outlet 230 and a particle transporting arrangement 240. The inlet 220 is configured to move between an open position where particles of material, such as medical waste, can flow into the processing chamber 210 and a closed position where a gastight or hermetic seal is formed between the interior and exterior of the processing chamber 210. The outlet 230 is configured to move between an open position where material, e.g., particles of medical waste, can flow out of the processing chamber 210 and a closed position where a gastight or hermetic seal is formed between an environment inside and an environment outside of the processing chamber 210, i.e., the interior and exterior of the processing chamber 210.

[0075] In the loading mode the waste processing system 200 is configured such that material, e.g., particles of medical waste, can be received via the inlet 220. In other words, in the loading mode the processing chamber is configured with the inlet 220 in the open position where particles of medical waste can flow into the processing chamber 210.

[0076] In the processing mode the waste processing system 200 is optionally configured such that the particles of medical waste are continuously stirred or tumbled by a particle transporting arrangement 240 and exposed to Ozone at a target Ozone concentration level. In other words, in the processing mode the processing chamber 210 is configured with the inlet 220 in the closed position effectively forming a gastight or hermetic seal. The transporting arrangement 240 is further configured with a motor 250 configured to rotate the particle transporting arrangement 240.

[0077] In the unloading mode the waste processing system 200 is optionally configured such that the processed particles of medical waste are moved to an outlet 230 by the particle transporting arrangement 240 and extracted via the outlet from the processing chamber. In other words, in the unloading mode the processing chamber is configured with the outlet 230 in the open position where particles of medical waste can flow out of the processing chamber 210.

[0078] The processing chamber 210 typically comprises a receptacle or container configured to hold material, such as medical waste, in an environment during the processing mode, e.g., to disinfect or sterilize particles of medical waste using Ozone. In one embodiment, the processing chamber 210 is configured to hold material, e.g., medical waste, in a sealed or hermetically sealed environment in the processing mode.

[0079] The processing chamber 210 may have an elongated shape having a longitudinal axis. The processing chamber may be implemented in any suitable manner, e.g., as a cylindrical tank or as a rectangular room / space, e.g., and may e.g., be made from metal or concrete. Any other suitable material may be used.

[0080] The processing chamber 210 comprises the inlet 220 configured to, in the loading mode, to receive the particles of medical waste, and configured to, and at least in the processing mode to provide a hermetic seal between the environment inside and an environment outside of the processing chamber 210.

[0081] The inlet 220 may be placed at any suitable location on the processing chamber 210, e.g., on a top half of the processing chamber 100 as shown in Fig. 1 or at a lower half of the processing chamber.

[0082] The processing chamber 210 further comprises the outlet 230 configured to, in the unloading mode, to extract the particles of medical waste from the processing chamber 210, and configured to, in the loading mode and processing mode, to provide a hermetic seal between the environment inside and the environment outside of the processing chamber 210.

[0083] The processing chamber 210 further comprises the particle transporting arrangement 240 configured, in the loading mode and / or in the processing mode, to stir the particles of medical waste, and further configured, in the unloading mode, to move the particles of medical waste to the outlet 230 for extraction.

[0084] In one embodiment, the transporting arrangement 240 is provided with a shaft 241 , having a longitudinal axis 242 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 210, and paddles 243 extending in orthogonal directions to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The paddles 243 may be mounted on the shaft 241 , and may be mounted at a fixed angle or controlled to any target angle. In one example the paddles have a flat dovetail shape and may be oriented with an angle between a normal of its flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 210 of ninety degrees in the processing mode. In one further example the paddles have a flat dovetail shape and may be oriented with an angle between a normal of its flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated processing chamber 210 of forty-five degrees in the unloading mode (in the direction towards the outlet). In this manner, the particles of medical waste are stirred in the processing mode, and moved towards the outlet in the unloading mode. The processing system 200 further comprises or is fluidly coupled to an Ozone generator G configured to generate Ozone and to maintain a target concentration level of Ozone of the environment inside the processing chamber 210. The generator G may be arranged outside of the processing chamber 100 and fluidly coupled to the inside of the processing chamber 100 via a fourth fluid channel 271 , thus enabling transfer of generated Ozone to the environment inside the processing chamber 100.

[0085] The processing system 200 further comprises the Ozone reservoir 100, further described in relation to Fig. 1 . The Ozone generator G is further fluidly coupled to the Ozone reservoir 100, typically via the fourth fluid channel 271 , including the second fluid channel 130 of the Ozone reservoir 100. The Ozone reservoir 100 is further fluidly coupled to the interior of the processing chamber 210, typically via the fourth fluid channel 271.

[0086] In other words, the Ozone generator G is further fluidly coupled both to the Ozone reservoir 100 and the interior of the processing chamber 210. This allows Ozone to be provided from the Ozone generator G to the Ozone reservoir 100 in the loading and / or unloading modes, and directly to the interior of the processing chamber 210 in the processing mode, simultaneously as Ozone is provided from the Ozone reservoir 100.

[0087] This has the advantage of reducing the time required to reach a target Ozone concentration level within the interior of the processing chamber 210 and / or increasing the flow rate of Ozone to the processing chamber 210. A further advantage is that a less complex Ozone generator G, and therefore less costly Ozone generator G, can be used in the processing system 200, compared to a solution without the Ozone reservoir 100.

[0088] In one embodiment, the generator G is releasably attached to the processing chamber.

[0089] The waste processing system 200 further comprises a controllable valve V1 fluidly coupled to the processing chamber 210 and / or the fourth fluid channel 271 , and is further configured to move between an open and a closed position in response to received control signals. In other words, in the open position Ozone can flow from the generator G and / or the Ozone reservoir 100 into the processing chamber 210. In the closed position Ozone is prohibited to flow from the generator G and / or the Ozone reservoir 100 into the processing chamber 210.

[0090] As further described in relation to Fig. 1 , the Ozone reservoir 100 comprises a flexible container 120 configured to hold Ozone. Ozone is in the processing mode moved into the processing chamber 210 by manipulating the container 120.

[0091] In one embodiment, an exterior of a container 120 of the Ozone reservoir 100 is subjected to fluid pressure to move Ozone out of the container 120. In other words, Ozone is in the processing mode moved into the processing chamber 210 by lightly compressing the container 120.

[0092] In this embodiment, the waste processing system 200 further comprises a controllable fluid pressure generator 180 fluidly coupled, via a fluid channel, to the Ozone reservoir 100 and is configured to move Ozone by generating a higher pressure within an interior volume of an enclosure 110 of the Ozone reservoir 100 in relation to ambient pressure at an exterior of the enclosure 110. In one example, the fluid pressure generator 180 is a pump or a fan. In one further example, the generated pressure is 10% higher than ambient pressure outside the enclosure 110, e.g., ambient pressure is 1 bar and generated pressure in the first interior volume is 1.1 bar. This is sufficient to slowly force Ozone out from the container 120.

[0093] Alternatively, Ozone is in the processing mode moved into the processing chamber 210 by manipulating the container 120 using under pressure. In this alternative embodiment, the second interior of the container 120 is subjected to relatively fluid pressure to move Ozone out of the container 120, e.g., by introducing a slight under pressure to the second fluid channel 130 between the generator G and the container 120. In other words, Ozone I sucked or drawn from the container 120 to the processing chamber 210.

[0094] In this embodiment, the waste processing system 200 further comprises a second controllable fluid pressure generator 131 fluidly coupled to the Ozone reservoir 100 and / or the fourth fluid channel 271 , and is configured to move Ozone from the second interior volume (of the container 120) of the Ozone reservoir 100 to the to the processing chamber 210, typically via the fourth fluid channel 271. In one example, the second controllable fluid pressure generator 131 is a pump or a fan. This way, Ozone is relatively slowly forced out from the container 120.

[0095] At least one of the controllable fluid pressure generator 180 and the second controllable fluid pressure generator 131 is required, but embodiments using both are also possible withing the present disclosure.

[0096] In situations where Ozone for some reason leaks from the second interior volume of the container 120 to the first interior volume of the container 120, the leaked Ozone may optionally be evacuated to an Ozone destructor 193. An Ozone destructor typically subjects Ozone to a catalyst that speeds up oxidation reaction. Any suitable Ozone destructor may be used.

[0097] In this embodiment, the waste processing system 200 further comprises a third fluid channel 191 configured to fluidly connect the first interior volume to an Ozone destructor. The third fluid channel 191 may comprise a conduit, such as a pipe or tube. In this embodiment, the waste processing system 200 may further comprise a fluid evacuation unit 192 configured receive fluid from the first interior volume and provide to the third fluid channel 191 to an Ozone destructor 193. The fluid evacuation unit 192 may e.g., comprise a selection of any of a valve, pump or a fan integrated with or fluidly coupled to the third fluid channel 191 and / or the Ozone reservoir 100. It is understood that the fluid evacuation unit 192 may be arranged integrated with the Ozone reservoir 100, co-located with the Ozone reservoir 100 or separate from the Ozone reservoir 100 and fluidly coupled with the Ozone reservoir 100.

[0098] In situations where pressure in the second interior volume of the container 120, under a nonsterilization phase, such as the loading mode and / or unloading mode, builds higher than a threshold pressure value, the Ozone in the container 120 and / or the second fluid channel 130 may optionally be evacuated to a second Ozone destructor 196. An Ozone destructor 196 typically subjects Ozone to a catalyst that speeds up oxidation reaction. Any suitable Ozone destructor may be used.

[0099] In this embodiment, the waste processing system 200 further comprises a fluid channel 194 configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume to a second Ozone destructor 196. The fluid channel 194 may comprise a conduit, such as a pipe or tube. In this embodiment, the waste processing system 200 may further comprise a second fluid evacuation unit 195 configured receive fluid from the second interior volume of the container 120 and / or from the second fluid channel 130 and / or the fourth fluid channel 271 and provide to a second Ozone destructor 196. The second fluid evacuation unit 195 may e.g., comprise a selection of any of a valve, a pump or a fan integrated with or fluidly coupled to the fluid channel 194 and / or the Ozone reservoir 100. The waste processing system 200 further comprises a sensor configured to measure pressure in the second interior volume of the container 120.

[0100] The waste processing system 200 further comprises a control arrangement 160 communicatively coupled to the waste processing chamber 210, the Ozone reservoir 100, the generator G, the controllable valve V1. Optionally, the control arrangement 160 is communicatively coupled to any other unit or sensor described herein. The control arrangement 160 is configured to control the processing system 200 to perform sterilization, by operating in any one of a loading mode, a processing mode, and / or an unloading mode. The control arrangement 160 is further configured to control the system 200, e.g., the Ozone generator G, the waste processing chamber 210, the Ozone reservoir 100, the generator G, the controllable valve V1 and any of the fluid pressure generators 131 / 180. The control arrangement 160 is optionally further configured to receive status of any of the units described herein. The control arrangement 160 is further configured to obtain or receive signals from sensors, such as the Ozone sensor 150. The obtained or received signals may e.g., be indicative of characteristics of an environment in the first interior volume, an environment in the second interior volume, an environment of the waste processing chamber 210 or an ambient environment surrounding the waste processing system 200, e.g., measure fluid pressure and / or measured Ozone concentration levels and / or a measured temperature and / or measured humidity or any other measure relevant to the waste processing system 200. Data comprised by the obtained or received signals may be stored in a memory of the control arrangement 160 and / or received from input made by a user of the system and / or received by a node via a communications network, e.g., a node in the form of a smartphone.

[0101] In one embodiment, the waste processing system 200 further comprises one or more sensors S configured to measure characteristics of the environment inside of the processing chamber 210. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors comprise at least an Ozone sensor configured to measure an Ozone concentration level of the environment inside the processing chamber 210. Any suitable number of sensors may be used.

[0102] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S comprise at least a temperature sensor (not shown) configured to measure a temperature of an environment.

[0103] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S comprise at least a humidity sensor (not shown) configured to measure a humidity of the environment.

[0104] In one embodiment, the waste processing system 200 further comprises a controllable gas inlet configured to provide fresh air and / or oxygen and / or to provide Ozone to the processing chamber 210. The controllable gas inlet may comprise a separate inlet for air and / or a separate inlet for oxygen and / or a separate inlet for Ozone. Additionally, or alternatively, the controllable gas inlet may comprise a combined gas inlet configured to provide any combination of any of air and / or oxygen and / or Ozone. Additionally, or alternatively, the processing chamber 210 further comprises a controllable gas outlet configured to let out gas from the environment in the processing chamber 210 and / or to create a negative pressure compared to the atmosphere outside of the processing chamber 210.

[0105] In one embodiment, the transporting arrangement 240 is provided with a drive unit 250 configured to rotate a shaft of the transporting arrangement 240 in clockwise or anticlockwise direction around the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The drive unit 250 is communicatively coupled to the control arrangement 160 and configured to control rotation of the shaft in response to control signals received from the control arrangement 160 and to provide status of the drive unit 250 and / or transporting arrangement 240, such as revolutions per minute and direction of rotation, to the control arrangement 160. The drive unit 250 may e.g., be implemented as a servo motor. In one embodiment, the control arrangement 160 is communicatively coupled to / via a communications network and further configured to transmit status of the processing system 200, or any unit comprised therein, to one or more nodes via the communications network and / or receive commands from the one or more nodes via the communications network. Examples of status is if the process is running or not, measured temperature, humidity, measured Ozone concentration level or status indicating that Ozone is leaking from the second interior volume to the second interior volume. Example of commands are commands to start or stop the process.

[0106] The waste processing system 200 may comprise further sensors outside of the processing chamber 210 that can detect any Ozone leaks, and signal an alarm to the user of the system.

[0107] Fig. 3 illustrates a method 300 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 is performed by a control arrangement 160 of the waste processing system 200 described herein. The waste processing system 200 is configured to perform sterilization of a batch of material, such as medical waste. Sterilization is performed by operating sequentially in a loading mode, a processing mode, and / or an unloading mode.

[0108] The method may sequentially cycle through the loading mode, the processing mode, and / or the unloading mode a single time or sequentially cycle through a plurality of N iterations. The number of iterations may be pre-configured or determined based on user input, e.g., via a terminal.

[0109] The loading mode, the processing mode and / or the unloading mode are typically cycled through subsequentially.

[0110] During operation in the loading and unloading modes 310, 330, pressure release is enabled by allowing fluid comprised in the second interior volume and / or fourth fluid channel 271 to be partially evacuated to an Ozone destructor. This is an important security feature to ensure that the container does not break or rupture due to high fluid pressure.

[0111] In one example, with reference to Fig. 1 , the duration of the loading mode 310 and / or the unloading modes 330, is so long that the generator G produces an amount of Ozone during the time that exceeds the Ozone storing capacity of the Ozone reservoir 100. In this example, the waste processing system 200 further comprises the fluid channel 194 configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume to the second Ozone destructor 196. The fluid channel 194 may comprise a conduit, such as a pipe or tube fluidly coupled to the fourth fluid channel 271 and / or the second fluid channel 130. The waste processing system 200 may further comprise a second fluid evacuation unit 195. The fluid evacuation unit 195 may comprise a controllable valve fluidly coupled to a pressure valve, which in turn is fluidly coupled to the second Ozone destructor 196. The controllable valve is configured to move between an open and closed position. The pressure valve is configured to remain closed until a target pressure of Ozone is achieved.

[0112] The control arrangement 160, when the waste processing system 200 operates in the loading mode and / or the unloading mode, then controls the controllable valve of the fluid evacuation unit 195 to an open position. The pressure valve will then open, as the pressure exceeds the target pressure of Ozone, and release Ozone to the second Ozone destructor 196.

[0113] In other words, when the waste processing system 200 operates in loading mode 310 and / or unloading mode 330, a pressure release functionality is provided that can reduce Ozone pressure in the Ozone reservoir 100 and / or prevent pressure from exceeding the set value in the Ozone reservoir 100.

[0114] If, during operation in any of the above modes 310, 320, 330, an Ozone concentration level above a threshold value is determined in the first interior volume by the Ozone sensor 150, an alarm is triggered or generated to the user. The alarm may be generated by the sensor 150 directly or generated by the control arrangement 160 in response to signals received from the sensor 150. The alarm may comprise a visual indication and / or audio indication.

[0115] Fig. 4 illustrates details of the method 300 in the loading mode 310 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] Operating 310 in the loading mode by:

[0117] Step 311 : controlling the valve V1 to a closed position to fluidly de-couple a waste processing chamber 210 of the waste processing system 200. In other words, the waste processing chamber 210 is fluidly de-coupled from the fourth fluid channel 271 and thereby also fluidly decoupled from the Ozone reservoir 100 and the Ozone generator G.

[0118] Step 312: controlling the fluid pressure generator 131 , 180 to an inactive state.

[0119] In one example, the fluid pressure generator 180 in the inactive state allows fluid to flow freely between the first interior volume of an enclosure 110 of the Ozone reservoir 100 and an exterior of the enclosure 110. In other words, air can flow freely to or from the first interior volume to allow the container 120 to expand or contract. In this example, the fluid pressure generator 180 may comprise a fan pushing air into the first interior volume of the enclosure 110 in an active state, and allows air to flow freely to or from the first interior volume to the exterior of the enclosure 110 in an inactive state. In other words, the fluid pressure generator 180 may exert a pressure relatively higher to the outside of the container 120 compared to a pressure inside the container 120 in the active state.

[0120] In one further example, fluid pressure generator 131 is configured with a fan moving Ozone from the second interior volume of the container 120 to the processing chamber 210 via the fourth fluid channel 271 in an active state, and to allow Ozone to enter the second interior volume of the container 120 in an inactive state. In other words, the fluid pressure generator 131 exert a pressure relatively lower to the second fluid channel 130 compared to a pressure inside the container 120 in the active state.

[0121] Any other suitable method to move Ozone from inside the container 120 to the processing chamber 210 may be used.

[0122] Step 313: Optionally controlling generation of Ozone by activating the Ozone generator G.

[0123] This allows the generator to fill the Ozone reservoir or to load Ozone into the Ozone reservoir.

[0124] In one example, the waste processing system has already cycled through a loading, processing, and unloading mode and the generator is already active. A further activation of the Ozone generator G is not needed. In these situations, the step 313 is optional.

[0125] In one further example, the waste processing system has been idle or offline, the Ozone generator will then have to be started and / or go through a warm-up phase.

[0126] In the loading mode, Ozone will flow from the Ozone generator G to the Ozone reservoir 100 via the fourth fluid channel 271 .

[0127] If, during operation in the loading mode 310, a pressure above a target pressure value is reached, Ozone is partially evacuated to an Ozone destructor 196. This is an important security feature to ensure that the container 120 does not break or rupture due to high fluid pressure.

[0128] Fig. 5 illustrates details of the method 300 in the processing mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] Operating 320 in the processing mode by:

[0130] Step 321 : controlling the valve V1 to an open position to fluidly couple the waste processing chamber 210 to the Ozone generator G and the Ozone reservoir 100.

[0131] This allows Ozone stored by the Ozone reservoir to flow into the waste processing chamber 210 simultaneously as Ozone flows from the Ozone generator G. As the Ozone generator remains active and continues to provide Ozone to the reservoir, the utilization of the Ozone generator can be increased and throughput of waste through the waste processing system can be increased.

[0132] Step 322: controlling the fluid pressure generator 180 to an active state, to move Ozone from the Ozone reservoir 100 to the waste processing chamber 210.

[0133] In the processing mode, Ozone will flow from the Ozone generator G and the Ozone reservoir 100 to the waste processing chamber 210 via the fourth fluid channel 271 .

[0134] In one embodiment, the generation of Ozone is halted after the processing phase ends. In other words, the method comprises a further step of controlling 323 generation of Ozone by de-activating the Ozone generator G. This ensures that the container remains empty after the processing phase / mode has ended.

[0135] In one further embodiment, the generation of Ozone continues after the processing mode / phase ends. To further increase throughput, Ozone may be produced also in the unloading phase, by letting Ozone flow into the Ozone reservoir 100. In other words, in the unloading mode, Ozone will flow from the Ozone generator G to the Ozone reservoir 100 via the fourth fluid channel 271.

[0136] Alternatively, or additionally, the waste processing system 200 is further configured to operate in an unloading mode and the method 300 further comprises the steps outlined below.

[0137] Fig. 6 illustrates details of the method 300 operating in the unloading mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. operating 330 in the unloading mode by:

[0138] Step 331 : controlling the valve V1 to a closed position to fluidly de-couple the Ozone generator G and the Ozone reservoir 100 from the waste processing chamber 210.

[0139] Step 332: controlling the air pressure generator 131 , 180 to the inactive state.

[0140] Step 333: optionally controlling generation of Ozone by de-activating the Ozone generator G.

[0141] The steps above may be repeated as the waste processing system 200 cycles through the loading mode, the processing mode and / or the unloading mode.

[0142] If, during operation in the unloading mode 330, a pressure above a target pressure value is reached, Ozone is partially evacuated to an Ozone destructor 196. This is an important security feature to ensure that the container 120 does not break or rupture due to high fluid pressure. Fig. 7 shows a computer 700 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer may e.g., be in the form of or comprised by an Electronic Control Unit, a server, an on-board computer or a control arrangement.

[0143] The computer may e.g., be in the form of any hardware or hardware / firmware device implemented using processing circuity such as, but not limited to, a processor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, or any other device capable of electronically performing operations in a defined manner.

[0144] The computer may comprise a processor or processing means 712 communicatively coupled to a transceiver 704 configured for wired or wireless communication. Further, the computer may further comprise at least one optional antenna (not shown in figure). The antenna may be coupled to the transceiver 704 and is configured to transmit and / or emit and / or receive wireless signals in a wireless communication system, e.g., wireless signals comprising data. In one example, the processor 712 may be any of a selection of processing circuitry and / or a central processing unit and / or processor modules and / or multiple processors configured to cooperate with each-other. Further, the computer may further comprise a memory 715. The memory 715 may contain instructions executable by the processor to perform any of the methods described herein. The memory and / or computer-readable storage medium referred to herein may comprise of essentially any memory, such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable PROM), a Flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), or a hard disk drive.

[0145] In a further embodiment, the computer may further comprise and / or be coupled to one or more sensors configured to e.g., receive and / or obtain and / or measure physical properties pertaining to the waste processing system and send one or more sensor signals indicative of the physical properties to the processing means 712.

[0146] In one or more embodiments the computer may further comprise an input device 717, configured to receive input or indications from a user and send a user-input signal indicative of the user input or indications to the processor or processing means 712.

[0147] In one or more embodiments the computer may further comprise a display 718 configured to receive a display signal indicative of rendered objects, such as text or graphical user input objects, from the processor or processing means 712 and to display the received signal as objects, such as text or graphical user input objects. In one embodiment the display 718 is integrated with the user input device 717 and is configured to receive a display signal indicative of rendered objects, such as text or graphical user input objects, from the processing means 712 and to display the received signal as objects, such as text or graphical user input objects, and / or configured to receive input or indications from a user and send a user-input signal indicative of the user input or indications to the processing means 712.

[0148] In embodiments, the processing means 712 is communicatively coupled to a selection of any of the memory 715 and / or the communications interface and / or transceiver and / or the input device 717 and / or the display 718 and / or the one or more sensors. In embodiments, the transceiver 704 communicates using wired and / or wireless communication techniques. The wired or wireless communication techniques may comprise any of a CAN bus, Bluetooth, WiFi, GSM, UMTS, LTE or LTE advanced communications network or any other wired or wireless communication network known in the art.

[0149] The control arrangement, 160, described herein may comprise all or a selection of the features described in relation to Fig. 7. The computer 700 may be comprised in the control arrangement, 160.

[0150] In one embodiment, a control arrangement 160 is provided, the control arrangement comprising: a processor, and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor, whereby said control arrangement is operative to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0151] In one embodiment, a computer program / program product is provided and comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the methods described herein.

[0152] In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided and comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the methods described herein.

[0153] In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory computer- readable medium, such as a tangible electronic, magnetic, optical, infrared, electromagnetic, and / or semiconductor system, apparatus, and / or device.

[0154] The computer may be any hardware or hardware / firmware device implemented using processing circuity such as, but not limited to, a processor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, or any other device capable of electronically performing operations in a defined manner.

[0155] In embodiments, the communications network communicate using wired or wireless communication techniques that may include at least one of a Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Global System for Mobile Network (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, Long term evolution, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, Wi-Fi, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), LTE Advanced, IEEE802.16m, Wireless MAN-Advanced, Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) (formerly Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Rev. C), Fast Low-latency Access with Seamless Handoff Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (Flash-OFDM), High Capacity Spatial Division Multiple Access (iBurst®) and Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) (IEEE 802.20) systems, High Performance Radio Metropolitan Area Network (HIPERMAN), Beam-Division Multiple Access (BDMA), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and ultrasonic communication, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0156] Moreover, it is realized by the skilled person that the system and / or devices described herein may comprise the necessary communication capabilities in the form of e.g., functions, means, units, elements, etc., for performing the present solution. Examples of other such means, units, elements and functions are: processors, memory, buffers, control logic, encoders, decoders, rate matchers, de-rate matchers, mapping units, multipliers, decision units, selecting units, switches, interleavers, de-interleavers, modulators, demodulators, inputs, outputs, antennas, amplifiers, receiver units, transmitter units, DSPs, MSDs, encoder, decoder, power supply units, power feeders, communication interfaces, communication protocols, etc. which are suitably arranged together for performing the present solution.

[0157] Especially, the processor and / or processing means of the present disclosure may comprise one or more instances of processing circuitry, processor modules and multiple processors configured to cooperate with each-other, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The expression “processor” and / or “processing means” may thus represent a processing circuitry comprising a plurality of processing circuits, such as, e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above. The processing means may further perform data processing functions for inputting, outputting, and processing of data comprising data buffering and device control functions, such as call processing control, user interface control, or the like. Finally, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An Ozone reservoir (100) for a waste processing system (200) and configured to storeOzone, the reservoir comprising:An enclosure (110) configured to enclose a first interior volume, the enclosure (110) further comprising a first fluid channel (170) configured to fluidly connect an exterior of the enclosure (110) to the first interior volume, a container (120) comprising flexible material defining a second interior volume, the container (120) being arranged within the enclosure, the container (120) further comprising a second fluid channel (130) configured to fluidly connect the second interior volume of the container (120) to an Ozone target (200), an Ozone sensor (150) arranged within the first interior volume and between the enclosure (110) and the container (120), the Ozone sensor (150) being configured to measure a concentration level of Ozone to indicate if any Ozone leaks out of the container (120).

2. The Ozone reservoir according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the container (120) at least partially comprises a selection of any of Butyl rubber, Ethylene- propylene-diene-rubber, EPDM, fluorinated rubber, Silicone, Chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

3. A waste processing system (200) comprising: a waste processing chamber (210), the Ozone reservoir (100) according to any of claims 1-2, a generator (G) configured to generate Ozone, a controllable valve (V1 ) fluidly coupled to the processing chamber (210) and configured to move between an open and a closed position, a fourth fluid channel (271 ) configured to fluidly couple the generator (G), the Ozone reservoir (100) and the controllable valve (V1 ), a controllable fluid pressure generator (131 ,180) fluidly coupled to the Ozone reservoir (100) and configured to move Ozone out of the Ozone reservoir (100), a control arrangement (160) communicatively coupled to the waste processing chamber (210), the Ozone reservoir (100), the generator (G), the controllable valve (V1 ) and the fluid pressure generator (180).

4. A method (300) performed by a control arrangement (160) of the waste processing system (200) according to claim 3, the waste processing system (200) being configured to sequentially operate in a loading mode and a processing mode, the method comprising: operating (310) in the loading mode by: controlling (311 ) a valve (V1 ) to a closed position to fluidly de-couple a waste processing chamber (210) of the waste processing system (200), controlling (312) a fluid pressure generator (131 ,180) to an inactive state, controlling (313) generation of Ozone by activating an Ozone generator (G), operating (320) in the processing mode by controlling (321 ) the valve (V1 ) to an open position to fluidly couple the waste processing chamber (210) to the Ozone generator (G) and an Ozone reservoir (100), controlling (322) the fluid pressure generator (131 , 180) to an active state.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the waste processing system (200) is further configured to operate in an unloading mode, wherein the method further comprises: operating (330) in the unloading mode by: controlling (331 ) the valve (V1 ) to a closed position to fluidly de-couple the Ozone generator (G) and the Ozone reservoir (100) from the waste processing chamber (210), controlling (332) the air pressure generator (131 , 180) to the inactive state.

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