Isolator Catalytic Decomposition for Reduced Flushing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decontamination arrangements require lengthy flushing times due to the need for a circulating air fan to distribute decontamination agents, which complicates the process and prolongs the decontamination cycle.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination arrangement with a circulating air fan in the circulating air generator space that can be switched between two operating states, where in the first state the decontamination agent is introduced and in the second state the gas volume flow is directed through a catalytic converter for splitting, allowing for efficient distribution and reduced flushing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a circulating air fan is used to distribute decontamination agents throughout the isolator, then even distribution of the decontamination agent is achieved, but the flushing time is prolonged significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is divided into two separate spaces: a circulating air generator space containing the fan and decontamination device, and a manipulator space where actual work occurs. This segmentation allows the fan to operate efficiently in one space while minimizing its impact on flushing time in the other space, as the decontamination agent is introduced indirectly rather than being circulated throughout the entire isolator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating air fan and decontamination device are extracted from the manipulator space and placed in a separate circulating air generator space. This extraction removes the source of prolonged flushing time from the critical work area, allowing the manipulator space to be flushed more quickly while the fan continues to operate in its dedicated space to maintain decontamination agent distribution.
2Loss of time
If the circulating air fan operates at high speed to reduce flushing time, then air changes per hour increase, but the decontamination agent distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the isolator into separate spaces with dedicated functions, the system can optimize fan speed for distribution without compromising flushing efficiency. The fan operates at appropriate speeds in the generator space while the manipulator space receives controlled decontamination agent introduction, achieving both even distribution and acceptable flushing times.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating air generator space acts as an intermediary between the fan and the manipulator space. The decontamination agent is introduced into the generator space first, where it is mixed and prepared, then transferred to the manipulator space. This intermediary approach ensures even distribution while allowing independent optimization of fan operation and flushing parameters.
3Loss of time
If decontamination agent is introduced directly into the manipulator space, then flushing time is reduced, but the decontamination agent concentration may be insufficient for effective decontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The decontamination agent is preliminarily introduced and mixed in the circulating air generator space before being transferred to the manipulator space. This preliminary action ensures proper concentration and distribution of the decontamination agent, allowing effective decontamination while maintaining reasonable flushing times since the agent is already prepared and ready for efficient transfer.
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 reduces flushing time by optimizing gas flow through the catalytic converter during the decontamination process, ensuring effective distribution of decontamination agents while maintaining fan operation for even distribution during the introduction phase.
Implementation Method 1
a catalytic converter (16) arranged in a circulating air generator space (4) for decomposition of decontamination agent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a decontamination arrangement, particularly for pharmaceutical applications, comprising a room (3) to be decontaminated, in particular an isolator room, and at least one recirculating air generator room (4) arranged above the room (3) to be decontaminated, the latter containing a blower for generating a gas recirculating air flow between the recirculating air generator room (4) and the room (3) to be decontaminated, and a decontamination device (13), preferably comprising a decontamination agent vaporizer, for supplying decontamination agent to the recirculating air generator room (4), wherein a catalyst (16) is provided for chemically decomposing the decontamination agent, and wherein the decontamination agent can be conveyed through the catalyst (16) by means of the blower, and wherein gas conveying means (18) are associated with the blower, which, between a first operating state,in which, for the purpose of distributing the decontamination agent discharged by the decontamination device (13), at least the largest part of the gas recirculation volume flow conveyed by the blower passes by the catalyst (16) and a second operating state in which, for the purpose of splitting the decontamination agent, at least the largest part of the gas recirculation volume flow conveyed by the blower can be conveyed through the catalyst (16), are switchable.