Decontamination system having a modular decontamination unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination systems for large enclosed spaces, such as clean rooms and military facilities, face challenges in efficiently distributing vaporized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) due to limited air flow and inadequate mixing, leading to potential condensation and material failure risks, as well as complexity and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular decontamination system that recirculates air from the contaminated space, using a fan to create airflow and an H2O2 supply device to introduce hydrogen peroxide into the air flow, with detachable inlet and outlet modules for flexible connection to air channels and surfaces, allowing for efficient diffusion and distribution of the H2O2-air mixture without the need for additional air treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate H2O2 pumps and fans are used to spray H2O2 gas into the space, then decontamination capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the H2O2 supply device, fan, and mixing chamber into a single integrated decontamination unit. The H2O2 supply device introduces hydrogen peroxide directly into the air flow path of the fan, eliminating the need for separate spraying apparatus. This merging of components achieves effective decontamination while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination unit is designed as a universal device that can be applied to various enclosed spaces including clean rooms, operating theaters, and other medical facilities. The unit performs multiple functions: H2O2 storage, vaporization, air mixing, and distribution through a single integrated system, making it adaptable to different decontamination scenarios without requiring application-specific modifications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If limited low carrier air flow is used to evaporate H2O2, then energy consumption is reduced, but H2O2 diffusion and mixing within the space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mixing chamber as an intermediary component between the H2O2 supply device and the fan. In this mixing chamber, H2O2 vapor is thoroughly mixed with carrier air at low flow rates before being discharged into the space. This intermediary mixing step ensures adequate H2O2 distribution throughout the space without requiring high energy consumption for air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mixing of H2O2 with carrier air in the mixing chamber before discharge. This preliminary action ensures that the H2O2 is already well-distributed in the air stream when it enters the space, eliminating the need for high-velocity air flow to achieve proper mixing. The low-velocity air flow is sufficient for effective decontamination when mixing occurs in advance.
3Device complexity
If H2O2 is not sufficiently mixed with carrier gas prior to introduction, then device complexity is reduced, but H2O2 condensation on surfaces occurs causing material failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber serves as an intermediary zone where H2O2 vapor is thoroughly mixed with carrier air before discharge. This intermediate mixing step prevents H2O2 condensation on surfaces by ensuring the hydrogen peroxide is diluted and evenly distributed in the air stream, maintaining it in a gaseous state without requiring complex heating or drying systems.
4Reliability
If additional air treatment systems (fans, heating, drying, filtering) are used for proper H2O2 diffusion, then H2O2 distribution effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple air treatment functions into a single integrated decontamination unit. The fan provides air circulation, the mixing chamber ensures thorough H2O2 mixing with carrier air, and the integrated design eliminates the need for separate heating, drying, and filtering systems. This consolidation achieves effective H2O2 distribution while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination unit is designed to be self-sufficient, with the fan and mixing chamber working together to automatically ensure proper H2O2 distribution. The system does not require external heating, drying, or filtering apparatus because the low-velocity air flow through the mixing chamber naturally achieves adequate mixing and prevents condensation without additional energy input or complex subsystems.
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
The system effectively decontaminates large spaces by ensuring thorough mixing and distribution of H2O2, reducing the risk of condensation and material failure, while being more cost-effective and adaptable to various decontamination scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for creating an air flow from the inlet arrangement to the discharging arrangement
Implementation Method 2
H2O2 supply device for introducing H2O2 into the air flow inside the unit
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A decontamination system for sterilizing a contaminated space, comprising at least one decontamination unit (1) through which the air of the contaminated space is recirculated, which unit comprises - an inlet arrangement (6) for introducing air from the contaminated space into the unit, - a discharge arrangement (7) for discharging gas out of the unit, - a fan (9) for creating an air flow from the inlet arrangement to the discharging arrangement, - H2O2 supply device (10) for introducing H2O2 into the air flow inside the unit, characterized in that the decontamination unit comprises at least one of - the discharge arrangement comprises detachable at least one outlet module (21) through which the H2O2-air mixture is discharged out of the unit, and - the inlet arrangement comprises at least one detachable inlet module (20) for receiving air from a space into the unit.