System for emptying, washing and sanitizing bags for the collection of human biological fluids

Abstract

Described is a system (50) for emptying, washing and sanitizing bags (10) for the collection of human biological fluids in such a way that the bags (10) can be re-used in subsequent cycles for the collection of human biological fluids. The system (50) comprises various units, in particular four units, which work in sequence: - A unit (100) for collecting, washing and sanitizing the bags (10) containing human biological fluids which must be disposed of; - A control unit (200) for the complete management of the various units which make up the system (50); - A storage tank (300) for managing the storage of the waste before it is sent to the next unit; - A unit (400) for filtering the waste fluids. The system (50) may therefore be configured with various layouts customised on the basis of the requirements and dimensions of the various medical structures. For this reason, the configuration in which the various units are mounted varies on the basis of the spaces available in the medical structures.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SYSTEM FOR EMPTYING, WASHING AND SANITIZING BAGS FOR THE COLLECTION OF HUMAN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a system that allows the sanitization of bags containing fluids drained from patients.

[0005] In particular, the invention can be applied in the sector of medical apparatuses for sanitizing bags containing human biological fluids deriving from drainages.

[0006] Background art

[0007] The bags contain fluids coming from the drainages of patients who have undergone medical and / or surgical procedures. Examples of drained fluids contained in the bags are physiological body fluids such as urine, pathological fluids and / or lymphatic fluids.

[0008] These drainages are usually placed during surgery or in the postoperative period in order to facilitate removal of fluids accumulated inside the patient’s body.

[0009] The bags, even if not fully filled with fluid, must be periodically replaced to ensure the proper drainage operation. For this reason, different bags can be used daily for each patient. The fluid collection bags are made almost entirely of PVC (Polyvinylchloride) and elastomers (thermoplastic rubbers). The bags containing these fluids are considered to be waste with the risk of infection and should therefore be treated as such in accordance with national and international standards and regulations.

[0010] Currently, the problem of disposing of these bags containing fluids from drainage is substantially managed by hospitals by transferring the bag full of the fluids described above to companies authorised to dispose of them. The disposal of the above-mentioned bags has a particularly high cost per kilogram. The cost of disposing of bags containing fluids is normally added to the cost of all other solid and liquid hospital waste.

[0011] The above-mentioned bags contain fluids and substances which are pollutant and hazardous if dispersed into the environment since if they are not properly disposed of they could cause ecological damage and / or damage to the medical operators who move them.

[0012] The bags for the collection of fluids, which are made of materials such as thermoplastic rubbers, contribute to environmental pollution when used in large quantities. In effect, even though thermoplastic rubbers may be partly recyclable, they are derived from plastic materials which are obtained using non-renewable resources, such as oil. The excessive use of these non-recyclable materials leads to an increase in plastic waste, which takes a long time to degrade and therefore exacerbates the global problem of plastic pollution.

[0013] It is not currently possible to re-use fluid collection bags, since there are no systems which allow the bags to be emptied and sanitized in accordance with the current regulations. There is therefore a strongly felt need to reuse the bags for collecting drained human biological fluids in order to reduce the quantity of plastic waste produced by medical facilities.

[0014] The bags containing fluids drained from a patient are considered hazardous medical waste with a risk of infection because they contain fluids and substances that expose the healthcare professional to risks of contamination.

[0015] These fluids and substances must not in any way be dispersed into the environment and cannot be introduced into the sewer system of the hospital, except after appropriate filtration treatments.

[0016] For this reason, the disposal of hazardous medical waste with a risk of infection must be carried out in facilities authorised in accordance with the regulations, which a health facility must therefore be provided with. Alternatively, the hazardous medical waste with the risk of infection must be transported to external sterilization plants, with consequent transport costs.

[0017] Currently, the systems for the disposal of bags containing fluids, in accordance with current legislations, require that bags made of plastic material be destroyed by incineration together with the contents.

[0018] The disposal method described above causes a considerable waste of raw materials as well as the release of a considerable quantity of toxic gases, including dioxin, which are only partly retained by the abatement systems of the incinerators.

[0019] The need is therefore felt to empty the bags of the drained fluids and disinfect them according to the current regulations, so that they can be reused for another patient, avoiding an excessive waste of material. Aim of the invention

[0020] The aim of this invention is to provide a system for sanitizing bags containing drained biological fluids that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and meets the above-mentioned needs.

[0021] The technical purpose specified is substantially achieved by a system for sanitizing bags containing drained bodily fluids, comprising one or more of the technical features described in the appended claims and in the description.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings The description is set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration without restricting the scope of the invention and in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first detail of the system according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first unit of the system according to the invention; - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second unit of the system according to the invention;

[0024] - Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the assembly of the first unit and the second unit of the system according to Figures 2 and 3;

[0025] - Figure 4B shows a detail of Figure 4A;

[0026] - Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third unit of the system according to the invention;

[0027] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fourth unit of the system according to the invention;

[0028] - Figure 7 shows a first perspective view of an assembly of the system according to the invention;

[0029] - Figure 8 shows a second perspective view of an assembly of the system according to the invention;

[0030] - Figure 9 shows a flow diagram illustrating the emptying of the bags according to the invention;

[0031] - Figure 10 shows a flow diagram illustrating the introduction of washing liquids in the bags according to the invention;

[0032] - Figure 11 shows a flow diagram illustrating the emptying of the bags of the washing liquids according to the invention;

[0033] - Figure 12 shows a flow diagram illustrating the introduction of the mixture of water and ozone into the bags according to the invention;

[0034] - Figure 13 shows a flow diagram illustrating the emptying from the mixture of water and ozone from the bags according to the invention;

[0035] - Figure 14 shows a flow diagram illustrating the introduction of ozone gas into the bags according to the invention;

[0036] - Figure 15 shows a flow diagram illustrating the elimination of the ozone gas from the bags according to the invention;

[0037] - Figure 16 shows a flow diagram illustrating the passage of the fluids, contained in a tank, into the various filters of the filtration unit according to the invention; Figure 17 shows a flow diagram of the waste fluids coming from oncological departments according to the invention.

[0038] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0039] This invention relates to a system 50 for sanitizing at least one bag 10 which for simplicity of description will hereafter be referred to as the system 50. According to an aspect of the invention, the bag 10 is a bag containing human biological fluids obtained by means of a drainage carried out on a patient. The fluids contained in the bag 10 are considered hazardous for a medical operator as they can be a vehicle for infection and contagion.

[0040] The bag 10 may be made of PVC (polyvinylchloride) and elastomers (thermoplastic rubbers).

[0041] According to an aspect of the invention, the system 50 comprises a unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0042] The collection unit 100 is used for storing bags 10 containing human biological fluids which must be disposed of.

[0043] The collection unit 100 comprises a supporting structure 5.

[0044] According to a further aspect of this invention, the supporting structure 5 is movable.

[0045] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the supporting structure 5, for the bags 10 to be sanitized, is equipped with a plurality of rotary elements 11 .

[0046] The rotating elements 11 are intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0047] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the rotary elements 11 are made in the form of wheels.

[0048] According to a further aspect, the supporting structure 5 is made of stainless steel.

[0049] Alternatively, the supporting structure 5 is made of washable material and / or of lightweight material and / or impact-resistant material. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the supporting structure 5 has transparent side walls.

[0050] The supporting structure 5 has a lock and seals on the doors. The lock and the seals on the doors of the support structure 5 make it hermetic.

[0051] It should be noted that the supporting structure 5 defines, to all intents and purposes, a carriage.

[0052] Advantageously, in the event of accidental overturning or falling of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, thanks to the hermetic seal of the supporting structure 5 the fluids contained in the bags 10 are not released into the environment.

[0053] Advantageously, in the event of accidental overturning or falling of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, it is possible for an operator to intervene safely to restore the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 without entering into contact with the fluids contained in the bags 10.

[0054] According to the same embodiment, the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 comprises a fixing element 15 for each bag 10.

[0055] The fixing element 15 is intended to fix a bag 10 to the supporting structure 5.

[0056] According to an aspect of the invention, each element 15 is intended to fix each bag 10 to the supporting structure 5.

[0057] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 7, the collection unit 100 comprises a plurality of fixing elements 15.

[0058] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the fixing elements 15 are made in the form of hooks or grippers intended to achieve a reversible fixing of the bag 10 with the supporting structure 5.

[0059] According to a further aspect in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 comprises a first circuit 1.

[0060] The first circuit 1 is defined between a first end 1a and a second end 1b.

[0061] The first end 1a is connectable to an inlet 51 of the bag 10 when the bag 10 is fixed to the supporting structure 5. The inlet 51 of each bag 10 is defined by means of a respective tubular element.

[0062] The second end 1 b comprises a first element 12 for coupling with a control unit 200.

[0063] In other words, the first circuit 1 is defined between a first end 1 a, positioned above the bag 10 when the bag 10 is fixed to the supporting structure 5, and a second end 1b comprising a first element 12 for coupling to a control unit 200.

[0064] According to a further aspect in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 comprises a second circuit 2.

[0065] The second circuit 2 is defined between a third end 2a and a fourth end 2b.

[0066] The third end 2a is connectable to an outlet 52 of the bag 10 when the bag 10 is fixed to the supporting structure 5.

[0067] The outlet 52 of each bag 10 is defined by means of a respective tubular element.

[0068] The fourth end 2b comprises a second element 32 for coupling to the control unit 200.

[0069] It should be noted that the two circuits, first 1 and second 2, are independent of each other.

[0070] The first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2 are separate; in effect, the filling and the successive emptying of the tubular elements which define the inlet 51 and the outlet 52 of the bags 10 must be kept separate at all times to allow the complete emptying of the tubular elements and, therefore, of the bags 10.

[0071] The complete emptying of the bags 10 is necessary in order to re-use the emptied and sanitized bag, free of drops of fluids.

[0072] Each bag 10 is equipped, close to the first end 1 a, with an anti-reflux device 6. When the bag 10 is full of waste fluids the anti-reflux device 6 prevents the waste fluids from escaping from the bag 10 through the inlet 51.

[0073] The anti-reflux device 6 prevents the fluid contained in the bag 10 from entering the first circuit 1 when the bag 10 is not suitably connected to the supporting structure 5.

[0074] The connecting element 13 has internally a flexible silicone tube.

[0075] The flexible silicone tube located inside the connecting element 13 facilitates the couplings and the hermetic seal in the connection of at least two tubular elements.

[0076] The connecting element 13 is shaped internally.

[0077] The connecting element 13 is shaped internally, allowing optimisation of the flow of the fluid inside the tubular elements 51 and 52 entering and leaving each bag 10.

[0078] The inlet 51 and the outlet 52 of each bag 10 are connected to the supporting structure 5 of unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 by means of a respective connecting element 13.

[0079] The outlet 52 of each bag 10 has a tap 59 which allows regulation of the infeed and outfeed flow of the fluid from the bag 10.

[0080] According to an aspect of the invention, each tap 59 must be opened manually by the operator when each bag 10 is connected to the supporting structure 5 of unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0081] According to an aspect of the invention, the collection unit 100 has an RFID code 55.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4B, the supporting structure 5, of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, has an RFID code 55 on an edge of the upper wall (or surface).

[0083] According to an aspect of the invention, the RFID code 55 is a bar code.

[0084] The RFID code 55 is a bar code indicating the type of bags 10 contained in the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10. In other words, the RFID code 55 indicates the contents of the bag 10. The RFID code 55 uniquely identifies each type of bag 10. For this reason, the RFID code 55 indicates the category of bags 10 contained in the supporting structure 5.

[0085] The supporting structure 5 is designed for receiving the various types of bags 10 of those present on the market.

[0086] The bags 10, currently on the market, have different dimensions depending on the use to which they are intended.

[0087] The unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 of the system 50, according to the invention, is designed to receive bags 10 having a capacity of between 2 litres and 12 litres.

[0088] According to a further aspect of this description, the system 50 comprises a control unit 200.

[0089] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the control unit 200 is coupled to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0090] The control unit 200 is coupled to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 by the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 32.

[0091] The first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 32 are necessary for transferring the fluids and gases between the collection unit 100 and the control unit 200.

[0092] The first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 32 allow the transfer of fluids and the hermetic connection between unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200.

[0093] The supporting structure 5 of the collection unit 100, irrespective of the type of bags 10 which it contains, has the same outside dimensions and the same positions for connection to the control unit 200.

[0094] When the type of bags 10 varies, the supporting structure 5 has different internal arrangements for hanging, locking and connecting different types of bags 10.

[0095] The control unit 200 comprises an electrical panel 214.

[0096] The control unit 200 comprises an electronic system 201 which is part of the electrical panel 214. The control unit 200 comprises a control panel 202 which is part of the electrical panel 214 and of the electronic system 201 .

[0097] The electronic system 201 is intended to regulate the circulation of the fluids in the system 50.

[0098] The electronic system 201 is intended to regulate the circulation of the fluids between the respective units of the system 50.

[0099] The control unit 200 comprises an alarm device 66.

[0100] The alarm device 66 is a flashing and / or audio device which signals any faults in the system 50.

[0101] According to another aspect of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4, the control unit 200 comprises an RFID reader 56.

[0102] The RFID reader 56 reads the RFID code 55 present on the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0103] The RFID reader 56, of the control unit 200, reads the RFID code 55, present on the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, only when the two units are moved towards each other and this occurs when each fixing element 15 of unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 is coupled to a bag 10.

[0104] In other words, unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 is coupled to the control unit 200 only when it contains the maximum number of bags 10 which it may collect.

[0105] According to the RFID code 55 which the RFID reader 56 acquires, the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 selects the sanitizing program suitable for the type of bags 10 collected in unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0106] In other words, the electronic system 201 and the control panel 202 of the control unit 200 are configured for regulating the circulation of the fluids on the basis of the RFID code 55 acquired by the RFID reader 56.

[0107] The collection unit 100 is designed to contain a single type of bag 10. The bags 10, attached by suitable fixing elements 15 to the supporting structure 5, are uniform in terms of size and volume of fluid contained therein. Subsequently, the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 may be configured to house a different type of bags 10 which are homogeneous, with each other by type of content.

[0108] By reading the RFID code 55 associated with the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, the RFID reader 56 identifies the type of bags 10 present.

[0109] The bags 10 are all subjected to the same processing defined by the electronic system 201 , located in the control unit 200, as a function of the RFID code which the RFID reader acquires.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4A and 7, the control unit 200 comprises at least one sanitizer and / or detergent tank 17.

[0111] The control unit 200 comprises at least a pump 170 for dispensing sanitizer.

[0112] The control unit 200 comprises at least a flow regulator 35.

[0113] The control unit 200 comprises a system 16 for generating ozone. The system 16 for generating ozone is able to produce ozone from the oxygen. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the control unit 200 comprises a plurality of sanitizer tanks 17.

[0114] A mixture formed by water and sanitizer is introduced into the bags 10 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 by means of the dispensing pumps 170.

[0115] The control unit 200 is configured to determine the quantity of sanitizer sent, by means of the at least one dispensing pump 170, to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 as a function of the RFID code 55 detected by the RFID reader 56 of the unit 200.

[0116] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4A and 7, the control unit 200 comprises at least a pump 23.

[0117] The control unit 200 comprises suction and delivery pumps 23.

[0118] The suction and delivery pumps 23 allow the fluids to be moved from the control unit 200 to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10. The pumps 23 allow the fluids to be moved in the first circuit 1 and in the second circuit 2 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0119] According to an aspect of the invention, the control unit 200 comprises at least a solenoid valve 28.

[0120] The solenoid valve 28 can be activated for moving the fluids from the control unit 200 to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0121] According to an aspect of the invention, the control unit 200 is configured for being coupled (that is, connected) to a hydraulic system.

[0122] The control unit 200 comprises a connector 19 configured for coupling the control unit 200 to the hydraulic system.

[0123] The at least one flow regulator 35 is intended to regulate the pressure of the water entering the system 50 coming from the hydraulic system.

[0124] The mixture of water and sanitizer has the effect of eliminating from the bag 10 the residues of fat and other pollutants remaining inside the bags 10 after emptying them of the human biological fluids.

[0125] In effect, the sanitizer may comprise a degreasing substance.

[0126] The quantity of sanitizer, dissolved in the water, required by the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 is controlled by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200.

[0127] The quantity of sanitizer, dissolved in the water, requested by the collection unit 100 is controlled by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 as a function of the RFID code 55 acquired by the RFID reader 56 located on the control unit 200. According to an aspect of the invention, in a first moment after emptying the bag 10 the mixture of water and sanitizer is firstly introduced into the first circuit 1 and into the second circuit 2 and therefore into each bag 10 and after a certain period of time has elapsed, established by the control unit 200, the mixture of water and sanitizer is sucked from the bags 10.

[0128] A mixture of water and ozone is then introduced into the bags 10.

[0129] The system 16 for generating ozone is driven and controlled by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200. During the program for sanitizing the bags 10, established by the control unit 200, the ozone generated by the system 16 for generating ozone 16, is introduced into the bag 10 through the first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2.

[0130] The control unit 200 is configured for determining the quantity of ozone which the system 16 for generating ozone introduces in the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0131] The ozone, generated by the system 16 for generating ozone, is introduced into the bag 10 through the inlet 51 and only subsequently through the outlet 52.

[0132] The quantity of ozone produced by the system 16 for generating ozone is established by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200.

[0133] According to another aspect, the quantity of ozone produced by the system 16 for generating ozone is established by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 as a function of the RFID code 55 acquired by the RFID reader 56 located on the control unit 200.

[0134] According to an aspect of the invention, the ozone dissolved in water is introduced in the bags 10 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0135] For this reason, the bag 10 joins the first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2 in such a way that the mixture formed by water and ozone is introduced into each bag 10 starting from the first end 1a of the first circuit 1 and then starting from the first end 2a of the second circuit 2.

[0136] The tap 59, located below the first end 2a of the second circuit 2, remains open when the mixture of water and ozone is entering the bag 10.

[0137] When the mixture of water and ozone enters the at least one bag 10 the first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2 are hermetically closed.

[0138] Once the bags 10 have been filled with the mixture of water and ozone, the supply of the mixture is interrupted.

[0139] When the supply of the mixture is interrupted, the bags 10 are kept full of the mixture of water and ozone for a sufficient time for the bacterial destruction of the pathogenic agents still present inside the bag 10. When the supply of the mixture of water and ozone is interrupted the bags 10 are kept full of the mixture of water and ozone for a time established by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200.

[0140] Preferably, the bags 10 are kept full of the mixture of water and ozone mixture for a time established by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 as a function of the RFID code 55 acquired by the RFID reader 56 located on the control unit 200.

[0141] According to an aspect of the invention, in a first moment after emptying the bag 10 the mixture of water and sanitizer is firstly introduced into the first circuit 1 and into the second circuit 2 and therefore into each bag 10 and subsequently the mixture of water and ozone.

[0142] Following the first step of washing the bags 10 with the mixture of water and sanitizer and the second step of washing the bags 10 with the mixture of water and ozone, a further third step of sanitizing the bags 10 is performed using only ozone gas.

[0143] Only at the end of the suction of the ozone gas from the bags 10 can the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200 be disconnected.

[0144] According to another aspect of this invention and the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the system 50 comprises a unit 500 for treating the fluids contained in the bags 10.

[0145] The waste treatment unit 500 comprises a tank unit 300.

[0146] The tank unit 300 is connected to the control unit 200.

[0147] The tank unit 300 is connected to the control unit 200 by means of pipes 60.

[0148] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the tank unit 300 comprises a first tank 301.

[0149] The first tank 301 is intended to collect the waste fluids coming from the bags 10 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0150] The tank unit 300 comprises at least a suction and delivery pump 23. The tank unit 300 comprises at least one solenoid valve 28 for opening and closing the inlet and outlet pipes from the tank unit 300.

[0151] The pumps 23 and the solenoid valves 28, for moving the fluids entering and leaving the tank unit 300, are activated and deactivated by the control unit 200.

[0152] The waste fluids contained in the at least one bag 10 are pumped into the tank 301 by means of the pumps 23 of the control unit 200 and the tank unit 300.

[0153] As well as the waste fluids of each bag 10, the sanitising liquids used in the sanitizing program of each bag 10 are also pumped into the tank 301 . The control unit 200 is configured to operate at least one pump 23 and at least one solenoid valve 28 for introducing or removing the waste from the first tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0154] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the tank unit 300 includes an electrical panel 14.

[0155] The tank unit 300 comprises a system 16 for generating ozone.

[0156] The tank unit 300 comprises a sanitizer tank 17.

[0157] The electrical panel 14 of the tank unit 300, actuating the electrical commands, is such that it can control the operation of the respective ozone generating system 16 and / or of the respective sanitizer tank 17 following the electronic control pulses sent by the control unit 200.

[0158] The tank unit 300 includes an inspection column 34.

[0159] The inspection column 34 is configured for inspecting the fluids before they are introduced into the sewer system.

[0160] The inspection column 34 is equipped with fluid pick-up points.

[0161] The points for picking up the fluids in the inspection column 34 are equipped with pickup taps 64.

[0162] The pickup taps 64 are located at different heights in the inspection column 34. In other words, and as shown for example in Figure 5, the tank unit 300 (that is, the inspection column 34) extends in height (that is, along a vertical direction of extension) and the pickup taps 64 are distributed along the above-mentioned height.

[0163] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the system 50 comprises the waste treatment unit 500 which in turn comprises the tank unit 300 and a filtration unit 400.

[0164] According to an aspect, the tank unit 300 is connectable to the filtration unit 400.

[0165] The filtration unit 400 is configured to receive waste fluids from the tank unit 300.

[0166] The filtration unit 400 receives the waste fluids from the tank unit 300.

[0167] The filtration unit 400, connected to the tank unit 300 receives the waste fluids from the tank unit 300 by means of the effect of the pumps 23.

[0168] The filtration unit 400 is configured for filtering the waste fluids.

[0169] The filtration unit 400 comprises at least a mineral filter 46.

[0170] According to an aspect of the invention, the mineral filter 46 of the filtration unit 400 is a mineral filter 46 with zeolite.

[0171] According to another aspect in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the filtration unit 400 comprises a plurality of columns of mineral filters 46.

[0172] The plurality of columns of mineral filters 46 comprises mineral filters with zeolites having different dimensions.

[0173] The filtration unit 400 comprises at least one activated carbon and / or graphene filter 47.

[0174] According to an aspect in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the filtration unit 400 comprises a battery of activated carbon filters 47.

[0175] According to further aspects not shown in the accompanying drawings, the filtration unit 400 comprises membrane filters which use reverse osmosis as a purification exchange method.

[0176] The filtration unit 400 is a unit independent from the system 50.

[0177] The filtration unit 400 is equipped with wheels 11 . The filtration unit 400 may be replaced entirely when used up and easily moved thanks to the presence of the wheels 11 .

[0178] In order to replace the filtration unit 400 the dedicated pipe 25 which connects it to the tank unit 300 must firstly be disconnected and then reconnected.

[0179] The filtration unit 400 is connected to the hydraulic system.

[0180] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the filtration unit 400 is connected to the hydraulic system using a dedicated connector 39.

[0181] The entry of the water in the filtration unit 400 is used to restore the absorption conditions of the zeolites of the mineral filters 46.

[0182] Once filtered by the filtration unit 400, the waste fluids are introduced into the inspection column 34 of the tank unit 300.

[0183] The inspection column 34 is configured for inspecting the filtered fluids before they are introduced into the sewer system.

[0184] The inspection column 34 is configured for analysing the filtered fluids before introducing into the sewer system but after their passage in the filtration unit 400.

[0185] According to another aspect, the system 50 comprises a second tank unit 330, connected to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200.

[0186] The second tank 330 comprises a second tank 331 intended for decanting the waste fluids contained in the bags 10.

[0187] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the second tank 331 is independent of the first tank 301 and located in a unit different from that in which the first tank 301 is located. The second tank 331 is used if the human biological fluids come from patients who have undergone cancer treatments. The purpose of the second tank 331 is to decant the biological fluids in such a way that the metal component present in it is deposited. The second tank 331 will also undergo suitable washing at the end of the washing and sanitizing cycle of the bags 10. The operation of the system 50 is described below, with particular reference to its use in a hospital which can house the system 50.

[0188] In the initial step of operation of the system 50 for sanitizing at least one bag 10, each bag 10 is attached to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0189] According to this invention, each bag 10, containing human biological fluids, is attached to the supporting structure 5 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0190] Each bag 10 is therefore attached to the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 in a vertical position.

[0191] Each bag 10 is attached to the supporting structure 5 of the unit for the collection of bags 10 by using a respective fixing element 15.

[0192] The bag 10 is then connected to the first circuit 1 and to the second circuit 2 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0193] The connection of the bag 10 to the first circuit 1 and to the second circuit 2 advantageously allows the bag 10 to be sanitized because from that moment the fluid contained in the bag 10 can only flow in the first circuit 1 and in the second circuit 2.

[0194] The fluid contained in the bag 10 may contain polluting substances which must not come into contact with an operator who is close to unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0195] The connection of the bag 10 to the first circuit 1 and to the second circuit 2 allows a hermetic circuit to be obtained which guarantees greater safety for the medical operator during the duties for handling the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0196] In effect, when the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 containing a plurality of bags 10 is hermetically sealed it hermetically keeps the fluids inside it even in the event of accidental overturning.

[0197] A medical operator can therefore recover the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 full of bags 10 to be disposed of (that is, sanitized) in complete safety. The unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, containing as many bags 10, to be emptied and sanitized, as there are stations available in the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 is located close to the control unit 200 to which it must be connected.

[0198] The connection between the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200 is only possible when the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 contains a number of bags 10 equal to the number of total spaces available in the collection unit 100 to which the bags 10 are attached. The unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, containing the bags 10 to be emptied and sanitized, is located close to the control unit 200 and the first coupling element 12 and the second coupling element 32 allow the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 to be connected to the control unit 200.

[0199] When the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 detects the correct connection of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, the RFID reader 56 of the control unit 200 reads the RFID code 55 on the edge of the upper wall of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0200] Since the RFID code 55 indicates the type of bags 10 contained in the collection unit 100, the electronic system 201 chooses the emptying and sanitizing program according to the type and volume of the bags 10.

[0201] For this reason, depending on the type of bags 10 contained in the collection unit 100, the control unit 200 establishes a different program for emptying and sanitizing the bags 10. After each bag 10 has been inserted in the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 the respective taps 59 are opened which allow regulation of the outlet flow of the fluid from each bag 10.

[0202] Each tap 59 of each bag 10 is opened manually by the operator after having suitably connected the bags 10 to the collection unit 100. The electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 activates the pumps 23 which allow the suction of the fluid in the bags 10.

[0203] For each bag 10 to be emptied, suction must be applied from the second circuit 2 as shown in Figure 9. As each bag 10 is emptied, the waste fluids pass through the second circuit 2.

[0204] Advantageously, the suction by means of the second circuit 2 guarantees that no fluids and / or gaseous residues remain in the bag.

[0205] The fluids sucked by means of the pumps 23 are directly introduced into the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0206] When the bags 10 are empty, the step of sanitizing the bags starts.

[0207] Depending on the type of bag 10, the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 establishes the most suitable sanitizing program.

[0208] As shown in Figure 10, the pumps 23 allow a first sanitizing step in which a mixture of water and sanitizer is introduced into the first circuit 1 and into the second circuit 2 and hence into each bag 10.

[0209] The mixture of water and sanitizer contains a different percentage of sanitizer on the basis of the type of bags 10 contained in the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0210] The sanitizer, coming from the at least one sanitizer tank 17 of the control unit 200, is mixed with the running water entering the system 50 by means of the connector 19 of the control unit 200 and passing through the flow regulators 35.

[0211] After a predetermined time for washing the bags 10 the suction of the mixture of water and sanitizer starts from each bag 10 as shown in Figure 11.

[0212] The pumps 23 allow suction of the mixture of water and sanitizing liquid contained in each bag 10.

[0213] The mixture of water and sanitizing liquid sucked out of each bag 10 is sent to the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0214] It should be noted that the waste fluids coming from the suction of the respective bags 10 were also transferred into the tank 301 of the tank unit 300. The first washing of the bags 10, performed by the mixture of water and sanitizer, is followed by the introduction of the mixture of water and ozone into each bag 10, as shown in Figure 12.

[0215] In effect, the electronic system 201 , as well as establishing the quantity of sanitizer necessary, also establishes the quantity of ozone which must be produced by the system 16 for generating ozone contained in the control unit 200.

[0216] The system 16 for generating ozone produces ozone gas starting from the oxygen.

[0217] The ozone produced is mixed with the running water entering the control unit 200. The water pressure entering the system is regulated by the flow regulators 35. The ozone generated by the system 16 is mixed with the running water by means of a Venturi system 33.

[0218] The mixture of water and ozone enters the bags 10 through the first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2.

[0219] The bags 10 are kept full of the mixture of water and ozone for a predetermined period of time, established by the electronic system 201 , so as to guarantee the maximum sanitizing of each bag 10.

[0220] The mixture of water and ozone remains inside each bag 10 for the time necessary for the bactericidal action on the inside walls of the bag 10.

[0221] After the predetermined period of time, the mixture of ozone and water is sucked, by means of the pumps 23, from each bag 10 by means of the first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2, as shown in Figure 13.

[0222] The mixture of water and ozone sucked from the bags 10 flows into the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0223] After the mixture of water and ozone has been completely sucked, the sanitizing programme established by the control unit 200 comprises the introduction into the bags 10 of ozone in a gaseous form at a low pressure. Only after the step of introducing ozone in a gaseous form into the bags 10 can the bacterial and microbiological reduction of the pathogenic agents present in the bags 10 be considered completed.

[0224] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the ozone is produced by the system 16 for generating ozone and introduced in the bags 10 by means of the first circuit 1 and the second circuit 2.

[0225] When the ozone has remained in the bags 10 for the time established by the control unit 200 it is sucked out by the pumps 23 and introduced into the tank 301 , as shown in Figure 15.

[0226] During the transfer of the ozone into the tank 301 there is a reduction of the ozone gas which passes through a system 70 for reducing the ozone gas.

[0227] The system 70 for reducing the ozone gas consists of a battery of active carbon filters.

[0228] The active carbon filters allow the transformation of the ozone into oxygen without leaving harmful traces, accumulations or residues; thus, they neutralise the gas and allow oxygen to be obtained. When the suction of the ozone gas is concluded from each of the bags 10 contained in the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200 may be released.

[0229] The unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200 are connected, by means of the first coupling element 12 and the second coupling element 32, for the step of emptying and sanitizing the bags 10. When the suction of the ozone gas which concludes the sanitizing of the bags 10 is completed, the two above-mentioned units are separated.

[0230] The bags 10 may be released from the fixing elements of the supporting structure 5 of the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10.

[0231] The bags 10 emptied and sanitized may be extracted by the medical operator who places them in a special container for sanitized bags 10.

[0232] Advantageously, the bags 10 emptied and suitably sanitized are ready for the subsequent collection of human biological fluids. The unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 and the control unit 200 must be positioned preferably in the same hospital department.

[0233] A central unit 200 which may be connected with one or more units 100 for the collection of bags 10 is positioned in the large structures for each department.

[0234] The unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 must be located close to the control unit 200 in such a way as to establish an effective connection between the two units.

[0235] The step of emptying and sanitizing the bags 10 is completely independent of the step for disposing of waste fluids sucked from the bags 10 and contained in the tank 301 of the tank unit 300 which will be described below.

[0236] The waste fluids sucked from the bags 10 are transferred to the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0237] The tank 301 is sized to be able to collect the waste fluids and the sanitizing mixtures (water and sanitizer and water and ozone) of a plurality of units 100 for the collection of bags 10 in such a way as to always guarantee the emptying and the sanitizing of the bags 10.

[0238] Based on the type of waste fluids contained in the bags 10, the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 programs a different treatment of the waste fluids when they reach the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0239] Initially, the fluids collected in the tank 301 are subjected to decanting by natural precipitation in such a way that the heaviest substances (therefore with a greater specific weight) reach the bottom of the tank 301 .

[0240] As shown in Figure 16, chlorine-based substances or other sanitizing agents contained in the sanitizing tank 17 may be diffused in the tank 301 so as to precipitate hazardous substances dissolved in the waste fluids coming from the various types of bags 10. Moreover, ozone generated by the system 16 for generating ozone can be diffused in the tank 301 . The contents of the tank 301 are periodically transferred to the filtration unit 400 from the bottom of the tank 301 , by means of the pumps 23, the solenoid valves 28 and the dedicated tube 25.

[0241] As shown in Figure 16, the contents of the tank 301 are transferred into a series of mineral filters 46 with zeolites in the filtration unit 400.

[0242] The fluids being treated remain for the necessary time in the mineral filters 46 with zeolites so as to allow the absorbent action of the zeolites on the substances dissolved in the fluids being treated.

[0243] Between one introduction of waste into the mineral filters 46 with zeolites and another there is a washing with running water of the mineral filters 46 with zeolites.

[0244] According to an aspect, Figure 16 shows membrane filters 48.

[0245] The washing with water of the mineral filters 46 with zeolites and of the membrane filters 48 is aimed at making the filtering exchange conditions equal for each introduction of waste.

[0246] Depending on the type of waste fluid to be treated, the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200 decides whether to discharge the fluids after the filtration (they can immediately be discharged into the sewer system) or whether they must be introduced into another tank for a further filtration (for example, with active carbon or with reverse osmosis).

[0247] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 17, if human biological fluids must be treated coming from patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the waste is passed into an additional tank before the introduction into the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0248] The additional tank is the second tank 331 of a second tank unit 330 independent of the tank unit 300.

[0249] The passage of the waste in the tank 331 before the passage in the tank unit 300 and, therefore, in the tank 301 allows the decanting of the waste by static stationing in such a way as to cause the catabolites and the other toxic elements to fall on the bottom of the tank 331 . Subsequently, the fluids will be introduced into the tank 301 and then follow the path described above.

[0250] If the fluids present in the filtration unit 400 must be discharged into the sewer system, the fluids first pass in the inspection column 34 of the tank unit 300.

[0251] The inspection column 34 is equipped with pickup taps 64, positioned at different heights, for picking up samples of fluid before introducing them in the sewer system.

[0252] For any fluid processed, if the samples of fluid taken from the inspection column 34 do not conform in terms of the quantity of pollutants contained, the treatment is repeated starting from the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0253] The inspection column 34 is used for sampling the waste treated before discharging in the sewer system in such a way as to check the conformity of what is to be introduced into the sewer system.

[0254] After a given number of filtration cycles, the filtration unit 400 is replaced.

[0255] The replacement is signalled well in advance by the electronic system 201 of the control unit 200.

[0256] After a certain number of cycles for emptying the bags 10 is a washing inside the tank 301 of the tank unit 300.

[0257] The tank 301 is washed, preferably, with degreasing and antibacterial substances mixed with running water.

[0258] These substances are introduced into the empty tank 301 preferably with a controlled pressure spray-ball system 311 .

[0259] The spray-ball system 311 allows the inner surface of the tank 301 to be vigorously washed.

[0260] At the end of the washing of the tank 301 , ozone gas is introduced into it for a final antibacterial action.

[0261] The system 50 may consist of four units in communication with each other, that is to say, the unit 100 for the collection of bags 10, the control unit 200, the tank unit 300 and the filtration unit 400. The tank unit 300 and the filtration unit 400 form part of what is called the fluid treatment unit 500 in this invention.

[0262] In the case of large medical facilities, it is possible to position in each department a control unit 200 to which the units 100 for the collection of bags 10 coming from the same department are cyclically connected.

[0263] The various central units 200 (one for each department) could then be connected to a centralized fluid treatment unit 500 comprising a tank unit 300 and a filtration unit 400.

[0264] Advantageously, the system 50 according to the invention allows a fast emptying and sanitizing of the bags 10.

[0265] This allows a rapid recovery of the bags 10 which can be used in other cycles for collecting human biological fluids.

[0266] Advantageously, the step of emptying and sanitizing the bags 10 is independent of the step of treating and disposing of the waste of the bags 10.

[0267] Advantageously, the system 50 allows a customised system for reuse of the bags 10 and disposal of the waste to be modelled according to the needs of the medical facilities.

[0268] Advantageously, the system 50 makes it easier to collect and sanitize the bags 10 to be disposed of in the department.

[0269] Advantageously, this invention provides a system 50 which operates automatically, allowing an operator to have empty and sanitised bags available which can be reused.

[0270] Advantageously, the invention provides a compact system 50 which may be easily set up even in existing health settings.

[0271] Advantageously, the system 50 according to the invention allows a closed circuit system to be defined with a hydraulic network to which the various units are connected. In other words, once each bag 10 is suitably connected to the respective unit 100 for the collection of bags 10 of the system 50, the medical operators no longer have a way of being in contact with the waste of the bags 10. Advantageously, the bags 10 emptied and suitably sanitized are ready for the subsequent collection of waste fluids.

[0272] Advantageously, the invention allows the consumption of new bags 10 to be reduced since they can be re-used for consecutive cycles since they are emptied and sanitized in compliance with international safety and hygiene standards.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (50) for sanitizing at least one bag (10) containing fluids considered hazardous for a healthcare professional, the system (50) comprising:- a unit (100) for the collection of bags (10) having a movable supporting structure (5), for bags (10) to be sanitized, equipped with a plurality of rotating elements (11 ) which are intended to enter into contact with the ground and a plurality of fixing elements (15) for fixing the bags (10) to the supporting structure (5);- a control unit (200) which can be coupled to the unit (100) for collecting the bags (10) and wherein the control unit (200) comprises an electronic system (201 ) and a control panel (202) for adjusting the circulation of the fluids in the system (50);- a unit (500) for treating the fluids contained in the bags (10).

2. The system (50), according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the unit (500) for treating waste comprises a tank unit (300) and a filtration unit (400), the tank unit (300) being connectable to the filtration unit (400).

3. The system (50), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection unit (100) comprises a first circuit (1 ) defined between a first end (1 a), connectable in use to an inlet (51 ) of the bag (10) when said bag (10) is fixed to the supporting structure (5), and a second end (1b), comprising a first element (12) for coupling to the control unit (200).

4. The system (50), according to the preceding claim, wherein the collection unit (100) comprises a second circuit (2) defined between a third end (2a), connectable in use to an outlet (52) of the bag (10) when said bag (10) is fixed to the supporting structure (5), and a fourth end (2b), comprising a second element (32) for coupling to the control unit (200); the second circuit (2) being independent from the first circuit (1 ).

5. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the unit (100) for collecting the bags (10) has an RFID code (55) indicating the category of bags (10) which it contains.

6. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (200) comprises an RFID reader (56) which reads the RFID code (55) present on the collection unit (100), the electronic system (201 ) and the control panel (202) of the control unit (200) being configured for regulating the circulation of the fluids on the basis of the RFID code (55) read by the RFID reader (56).

7. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims and claim 4, characterised in that the control unit (200) comprises suction and delivery pumps (23) for moving the fluid in the first circuit (1 ) and in the second circuit (2) of the collection unit (100).

8. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (200) comprises a connector (19) configured for coupling the control unit (200) to a hydraulic system.

9. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (200) comprises at least one sanitizer and / or detergent tank (17), a dispensing pump (170), at least one flow regulator (35) and a system (16) for generating ozone.

10. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (200) is configured to determine the quantity of sanitizer and / or detergent sent, using the dispensing pump (170), to the collection unit (100) as a function of the RFID code (55) detected by the RFID reader (56).

11. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (200) is configured for determining the quantity of ozone which the system (16) for generating ozone introduces into the collection unit (100).

12. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims and claim 2, characterised in that the tank unit (300) comprises a first tank (301 ) for the waste fluids coming from the bags (10), at least one suction and delivery pump (23) and at least one solenoid valve (28).

13. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (200) is configured to operate at least one pump (23) and at least one solenoid valve (28) for introducing or removing the waste from the first tank (301 ).

14. The system (50) according to claim 12 or 13 and claim 2, characterised in that it comprises a filtration unit (400) connected to said tank unit (300) and configured to receive waste fluids from the tank unit (300) through a dedicated pipe (25), the filtration unit (400) being configured for filtering the waste fluids.

15. The system (50) according to claim 14, characterised in that the filtration unit (400) comprises at least one zeolite filter (46) and / or at least one activated carbon filter (47).

16. The system (50) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, characterised in that the tank unit (300) includes an inspection column (34) for analysing the filtered fluids before introducing into the sewer system but after their passage in the filtration unit (400).

17. The system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a second tank unit (330), connected to the unit (100) for the collection of bags (10) and to the control unit (200), the second tank unit (330) comprising a second tank (331 ) intended for decanting the waste fluids contained in the bags (10).

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