Dual-Flow Decontamination Apparatus for Uniform Vapor Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor phase bio-decontamination systems face challenges in achieving uniform vapor distribution and increased air flow, particularly during the aeration phase, due to limited air flow through 'flash' evaporators and the need for separate units for catalysts and dryers, which prolongs the process of reducing hydrogen peroxide to safe levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate two separate flows of carrier gas, with the second flow being greater than the first, to assist in dispersing decontaminant vapors within an enclosure, using radially facing nozzles for vapor and air distribution, and incorporating a decomposition station for post-decontamination gas treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single flow of carrier gas is used through the flash evaporator, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the vapor distribution uniformity and air flow during aeration phase are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single carrier gas flow is segmented into two separate flows: a first flow that passes through the flash evaporator to pick up decontaminant vapor, and a second flow that bypasses the evaporator to provide additional air movement. This segmentation enables improved vapor distribution uniformity while maintaining manageable apparatus complexity through the use of a flow splitter and separate discharge nozzles.
2Productivity
If the second flow of carrier gas is increased to improve dispersal, then the aeration efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the flow rate ratio between the first and second carrier gas flows to achieve effective aeration while controlling energy consumption. The second flow rate is adjusted to be greater than the first flow rate during the aeration phase, creating an optimized balance between aeration efficiency and energy usage without requiring maximum power operation throughout the cycle.
3Reliability
If separate units for catalysts and dryers are used, then the decontaminant decomposition is effective, but the process time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst unit and dryer unit are merged into a single integrated assembly where the catalyst for decomposing hydrogen peroxide vapor is positioned within the dryer housing. This allows simultaneous or sequential operation of decomposition and drying functions, eliminating the need for separate units and reducing the overall process time while maintaining decomposition effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a portable unit is used for decontamination, then the adaptability to different locations is improved, but the air flow capability for large volumes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A flow splitter is introduced as an intermediary device that divides the incoming carrier gas into two separate flows, enabling a single portable unit to effectively service larger volumes. The flow splitter allows the apparatus to maintain its portable, relocatable design while achieving enhanced air flow capability through the coordinated operation of two discharge nozzles working in parallel.
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
Enhances vapor distribution and air flow, reducing the time required to achieve safe hydrogen peroxide levels by ensuring even dispersal and efficient aeration, allowing for effective decontamination of larger volumes using a single portable unit that can be daisy-chained for larger spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The usual technique for producing the 'flash' evaporated vapour is to drop the aqueous solution onto a heated plate held at a temperature above the boiling point of the liquid thus generating a vapour with the same weight ratio as the source liquid
Implementation Method 2
drop the aqueous solution onto a heated plate held at a temperature above the boiling point of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a first flow of carrier gas is generated within the apparatus and a decontaminant vapour is introduced into the first carrier gas flow at a vapour generating station within the apparatus
Implementation Method 4
a decomposition catalyst to a level below 1ppm
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for decontaminating an enclosure that includes a passage having an inlet (18) to receive a carrier gas from the enclosure, an outlet (31) to discharge the carrier gas to the enclosure, a fan (21) for causing a low of carrier gas through the passage from the inlet to the outlet, and a vapour generator (19) where a decontaminant vapour is introduced into the flow of carrier gas to be discharged with the flow at the outlet to decontaminate the enclosed space. A further fan (33) delivers a separate flow of gas from the enclosure bypassing the passageway in which the decontaminant vapour is introduced to be delivered into the enclosure from outlet vents (32) adjacent the vapour outlets (31) to assist in dispersing the carrier gas containing decontaminant vapour throughout the enclosure.