Decontamination assembly with adjustable catalyst and method of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination arrangements face challenges in efficiently conveying a larger gas volume flow through a catalyst in different operating states, leading to degradation of decontamination agents like hydrogen peroxide, and require complex moving parts and separate bellows arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The catalytic converter is adjustable between two relative positions, allowing the entire gas volume flow to pass through it in the first operating state and being bypassed in the second, eliminating the need for separate bellows and valves, and is positioned within the circulating air generator space to enhance decontamination efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gas flow is conveyed through the catalyst during conditioning and exposure phases, then the decontamination agent degradation is increased, but the flushing efficiency is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst position is made dynamically adjustable between two states: during conditioning and exposure phases, the catalyst is positioned to be bypassed by the gas flow to prevent decontamination agent degradation; during the flushing phase, the catalyst is positioned to receive the full gas flow to accelerate the removal of decontamination agent residues, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing degradation and improving flushing efficiency
2Device complexity
If a fixed position arrangement of catalyst and blower is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust gas flow through catalyst is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A bellows component is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the catalyst and blower, enabling the catalyst to be positioned in different locations relative to the gas flow path. This bellows mechanism allows the system to switch between bypass mode and catalyst engagement mode without requiring complex valve systems, thus maintaining relative simplicity while achieving the required adaptability
3Ease of operation
If the catalyst is surrounded by gas flow in all operating states, then the decontamination agent degradation occurs continuously, but the flushing process is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the catalyst positioning based on the operational phase: during conditioning and exposure, the catalyst is positioned to be bypassed to prevent unnecessary degradation; during flushing, the catalyst is positioned to intercept the gas flow for efficient agent removal. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational simplicity while minimizing substance loss
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the decontamination device, reduces particle introduction, and minimizes decontamination agent degradation, improving decontamination efficiency and reducing flushing time while maintaining a robust and simple design.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst for chemically splitting the decontamination agent
Implementation Method 2
a blower for generating a gas air volume flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a decontamination arrangement (1) for pharmaceutical applications, having a space (3) to be decontaminated, namely an isolator space, and having a decontamination device (13) and having a blower (14) for generating a gas-air volume flow, which is fed back through a return line opening into a Circulating air generator chamber flows and with a catalyst (17) arranged in the circulating air generator chamber (4) arranged above the chamber (3) to be decontaminated for chemically splitting the decontamination agent, wherein in a first operating state a larger proportion of the gas volume flow than in a second operating state through the catalyst ( 17) can be conveyed through. According to the invention it is provided that for adjusting the catalytic converter (17) between the first and the second relative position, an actuator is provided which is mechanically coupled to the catalytic converter (17), and that the catalytic converter (17) relative to the blower (14) between a first and a second relative position, and that in the first relative position a larger proportion of the gas volume flow can be conveyed through the catalytic converter (17) than in the second relative position and that the catalytic converter (17) in the first relative position conducts gas with the intake opening of the blower (14) is arranged in a cooperative manner, and that a sealing surface assigned to the catalytic converter and adjustable together with the catalytic converter in the first relative position rests sealingly against an intake opening of the blower, or is only slightly spaced from the intake opening and thus the gas volume flow from the blower through the catalyst is sucked or that the Katalysato r (17) in the first operating state is arranged in a gas-conducting manner that interacts with the return line opening, through which gas can be pressed by means of the blower, and that the catalytic converter in the first relative position rests against the return line opening with its sealing surface that can be adjusted together with it, or is only slightly spaced .