Mobile Ozone Disinfection Unit with Catalytic Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods for facilities are inefficient, incomplete, and pose health risks due to high energy consumption, hazardous chemical use, and incomplete removal of contaminants, including nanoparticles and toxic gases, with existing systems being complex and prone to cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the controlled addition of ozone and steam to facilities, with continuous ozone concentration monitoring and separate removal steps to ensure complete decomposition of contaminants, using a mobile disinfection unit equipped with catalytic converters, VOC filters, and electrostatic precipitators to safely and effectively remove residual ozone and pollutants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is used for disinfection, then the cleaning process can be performed, but it is time consuming and expensive and contains the risk of cross contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated chemical disinfection system using ozone and hydroxyl radicals. The system uses a control unit to automatically regulate ozone generation and humidity control, eliminating manual intervention and reducing cross-contamination risk while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ozone and hydroxyl radicals as intermediary substances to perform disinfection. These chemical intermediaries directly kill bacteria and viruses without requiring physical contact or manual cleaning, thereby reducing time and eliminating cross-contamination risks associated with manual handling.
2Productivity
If ozone is used for disinfection, then rapid effect on spores, viruses and bacteria is achieved, but nanoparticle byproducts are formed that can penetrate the respiratory system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful nanoparticle byproducts of ozone decomposition into beneficial hydroxyl radicals through controlled reaction with water vapor. The system uses humidity control to guide ozone decomposition products toward forming hydroxyl radicals, which are more effective disinfectants without the respiratory penetration hazards of nanoparticles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the disinfection process by controlling humidity levels and ozone concentration. By adjusting these parameters, the system directs the decomposition pathway of ozone to favor hydroxyl radical formation over nanoparticle formation, maintaining disinfection speed while eliminating harmful byproducts.
3Reliability
If chemical treatment is used for disinfection, then sterilization is achieved, but it is hazardous for the personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone, a strong oxidant, to achieve sterilization. Ozone naturally decomposes into oxygen after disinfection, leaving no toxic residues. The system controls ozone concentration and exposure time to ensure effective sterilization while preventing harmful accumulation, making it safer for personnel compared to persistent chemical disinfectants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ozone which naturally decomposes and recycles back into oxygen after completing its disinfection function. This self-decomposing property eliminates the need for separate removal steps and prevents chemical residue accumulation, reducing hazards to personnel while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
4Reliability
If mechanical filtration is used, then pollution particles are collected, but it causes high pressure loss and the filter can become a source of bacterial contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with chemical disinfection using ozone and hydroxyl radicals. Instead of physically trapping particles on screens that require maintenance and can become contaminated, the system uses chemical agents that inactivate bacteria and viruses in the air, eliminating filter maintenance needs and preventing filter-based contamination sources.
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 approach provides a safe, efficient, and complete disinfection process with low energy consumption, ensuring thorough removal of contaminants and minimizing health risks, while allowing for continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment parameters for optimal disinfection conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Ozone is further one of the strongest oxidizing agents known to mankind. During ozone treatment a lot of the substances in air are being oxidized resulting in nanoparticle byproducts
Implementation Method 2
a catalytic converter device comprising one or more ozone removal catalysts
Implementation Method 3
an electrostatic filter arranged for removing molecules, particles, droplets, smoke and dust
Implementation Method 4
a VOC filter arranged for removing bacterial viruses and other contaminants
Implementation Method 5
Ozone in combination with humidity is known to have a rapid effect on spores, viruses and bacteria
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for disinfecting a given facility or equipment and a mobile disinfection unit for use in the method. The present invention relates to a method of disinfecting a given facility or equipment such as a room, apparatus, container or vehicle and a mobile disinfection unit (1) for use in the method. The method comprises a treatment step arranged for adding ozone and steam/water droplets into the air of the facility or equipment, means (25) for continuously detecting the ozone concentration in the facility or equipment, and a removal step arranged for removing residual ozone and any contaminates from the facility or equipment when a predefined ozone concentration has been reached and maintained for a specific time interval.