Unit for validating in situ decontamination effect and device for filtering biologically contaminated air to which the unit is applied
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for decontaminating HEPA filters in biosafety facilities are unpredictable, leading to potential safety hazards due to the survival and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms on the filter surfaces, necessitating a reliable validation of decontamination effects to prevent environmental contamination and ensure personal safety.
Innovation Solution
A unit for validating in situ decontamination effects, comprising a decontamination validation chamber with a mesh cup for a bioindicator, integrated with a HEPA filter device that includes a tuyere box structure with a gas decontamination system, allowing for real-time validation and simultaneous decontamination of the HEPA filter and the surrounding environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas fumigation method is used for decontamination, then decontamination can be performed, but the decontamination effect is unpredictable and may leave pathogenic microorganisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing bioindicators on the HEPA filter surface before decontamination treatment. This allows the decontamination effect to be validated in real-time during the process, rather than relying on unpredictable post-treatment assessment. The bioindicators are prepared and positioned in advance to capture any surviving pathogenic microorganisms after fumigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using bioindicators to provide real-time information about the decontamination effect. The bioindicators monitor whether pathogenic microorganisms survive the gas fumigation process, and this information feeds back to determine if the decontamination is sufficient or if additional treatment is needed, making the process controllable and predictable.
2Reliability
If HEPA filter captures pathogenic microorganisms, then filtration efficiency is high, but pathogenic microorganisms may survive and multiply on the filter surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms on the HEPA filter surface into a beneficial monitoring opportunity. By deliberately placing bioindicators that are similar to pathogenic microorganisms on the filter surface, the system uses these indicators to detect and validate the decontamination effect, turning the potential hazard into a useful diagnostic tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bioindicators as intermediaries between the HEPA filter and the pathogenic microorganisms. These bioindicators serve as surrogate markers that can be safely monitored to assess whether the decontamination process has effectively eliminated pathogenic microorganisms, without requiring direct handling of dangerous pathogens.
3Ease of operation
If in situ decontamination is performed on HEPA filter, then filter replacement safety is improved, but validation of decontamination effect is critical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the HEPA filter self-monitoring through integrated bioindicators. The filter system automatically validates its own decontamination effect through the bioindicators placed on its surface, eliminating the need for complex external validation equipment or procedures. The filter essentially monitors itself for decontamination completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the bioindicator system multi-functional by using the same bioindicators for both decontamination monitoring and validation purposes. The bioindicators serve multiple functions: they act as surrogates for pathogenic microorganisms, provide real-time decontamination effect information, and enable both process control and final validation, simplifying the overall system despite the complexity of in situ decontamination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a unit for validating an in situ decontamination effect, including a connecting end. A left end of the connecting end is in communication with any space that needs gas decontamination. A right end of the connecting end is connected to a closed isolation damper. A right end of the closed isolation damper is connected to a hollow decontamination validation chamber. A sealing cover is sleeved over an outer wall of the decontamination validation chamber. A mesh cup is placed inside the decontamination validation chamber, and the mesh cup is used for placing a bioindicator. In addition, the present invention further discloses a device for filtering biologically contaminated air, including a unit for validating an in situ decontamination effect and a hollow box installed with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The unit for validating an in situ decontamination effect is in communication with the hollow box. In the present invention, an actual decontamination effect of the HEPA filter after gas decontamination can be validated reliably in time, thereby effectively preventing pathogenic microorganisms that exist on the surface of the HEPA filter from spreading to the external environment, avoiding polluting the external environment, and ensuring personal safety.