Decontamination module with movable catalyst and process using said module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination arrangements face challenges in efficiently conveying a larger gas volume flow through a catalyst in the first operating state while preventing degradation of the decontamination agent, often requiring complex mechanisms with multiple moving parts and separate bellows arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The catalytic converter is arranged to be adjustable between two relative positions, allowing the entire gas volume flow to pass through it in the first state and be bypassed in the second state, eliminating the need for separate bellows and valves, resulting in a simpler and more robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gas volume flow is conveyed through the catalyst during the conditioning and exposure phase, then the decontamination agent is efficiently broken down, but the decontamination agent degrades prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the catalytic converter between two states: during the flushing phase, the catalyst is positioned to receive the entire gas volume flow for efficient decontamination agent breakdown; during the conditioning and exposure phases, the catalyst is positioned to bypass the gas flow, preventing premature degradation of the decontamination agent
2Ease of operation
If separate bellows and valves are used to control gas flow through the catalyst, then the gas flow can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The function of separate bellows and valves for controlling gas flow is merged into a single integrated system where the catalytic converter itself moves between positions. The converter's movement, driven by the pressure differential created by the fan, directly controls whether gas flows through or bypasses the catalyst, eliminating the need for additional control components
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic converter serves multiple functions: it performs its primary chemical function of breaking down the decontamination agent, and simultaneously acts as a flow control element by its positional movement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system
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 ensures efficient breakdown of the decontamination agent in the first state while minimizing degradation in the second state, reducing particle introduction and enhancing usability in pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
with a Catalyst for chemically splitting the decontamination agent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a decontamination arrangement (1), in particular for pharmaceutical applications, with a space (3) to be decontaminated, in particular an isolator space, with a decontamination device (13), preferably comprising a decontamination agent steam generator, with a blower (14) for generating a gas-air volume flow and with a catalyst (17) for chemically splitting the decontamination agent, wherein in a first operating state a larger proportion of the gas volume flow can be conveyed through the catalyst (17) in a second operating state. The invention provides that the catalytic converter (17), in particular together with a catalytic converter housing (18), can be adjusted relative to the blower (14) between a first and a second relative position and that in the first relative position a larger proportion of the gas volume flow, in particular the entire gas volume flow through the catalyst (17) can be conveyed than in the second relative position.