Bypass Flow Control for Automatic Branch Line Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-legionnaires' disease sanitization systems in water systems require manual operation to sanitize branch lines and terminal apparatuses, causing patient discomfort, increased risk of nosocomial infections, and lack of feedback on sanitization efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A flow device with an electrovalve, temperature sensor, and control unit, including a microprocessor and memory, that automatically controls water flow and sanitization cycles, allowing for programmable and recorded sanitization operations without an operator's presence, using a by-pass pipe to divert sanitizer through branch lines during sanitization cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used to sanitize branch lines and terminal apparatuses, then sanitization can be performed, but patient discomfort increases and nosocomial infection risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic sanitization of branch lines and terminal apparatuses through electronically controllable valves and programmable control units, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The sanitary fitting autonomously manages the sanitization process by controlling water flow and electrovalve operation, thereby preventing nosocomial infections while maintaining sanitization efficacy.
2Reliability
If manual operation is used to sanitize branch lines, then sanitization can be performed, but patient disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic sanitization operations without requiring operator presence in patient areas. The programmable control unit schedules and executes sanitization cycles independently, eliminating patient disruption while ensuring reliable sanitization of branch lines and terminal apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows programming of sanitization cycles to occur at predetermined times when water consumption is minimized, such as during nighttime hours. This preliminary planning enables effective sanitization while minimizing impact on patient comfort and hospital operations.
3Reliability
If manual operation is used for sanitization, then sanitization can be performed, but feedback on sanitization efficacy is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable control unit records and stores operational data from each sanitization cycle, including flow rates, temperatures, and cycle durations. This feedback mechanism allows verification of sanitization efficacy and provides information for optimizing future sanitization operations, eliminating the information gap present in manual systems.
4Extent of automation
If automatic flow control is implemented in terminal apparatuses, then operator presence is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water distribution network into separate controllable zones using electronically controlled valves at each terminal apparatus. Each valve can be independently actuated by the central control unit, allowing automated sanitization of specific branch lines without requiring complex redesign of the entire water system. This modular approach enables automatic operation while maintaining manageable system complexity.
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
Enables fully automatic, efficient, and safe sanitization of water system branch lines and terminal apparatuses, reducing patient disruption and nosocomial infection risks, while providing feedback on sanitization effectiveness through recorded data and anomaly detection.
Implementation Method 1
an electrovalve (1) adapted to be installed in such a way that, in open condition, water contained in the branch line of the water system is conveyed towards the drain of the sanitary fitting
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor (2) mounted on the mouth of the electrovalve (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a flow device for "anti-legionnaires' disease" sanitization of branch lines and terminal apparatuses of water systems, comprising a control unit (3), provided with memory and microprocessor with a sanitization cycle program, as well as an electrovalve (1) connected to said control unit (3) and a by-pass pipe (7, 8, 9) along which said electrovalve (1) is mounted.