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WO2005000367A2 - Systeme de decontamination destine au courrier et a d'autres articles - Google Patents

Systeme de decontamination destine au courrier et a d'autres articles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005000367A2
WO2005000367A2 PCT/US2003/024573 US0324573W WO2005000367A2 WO 2005000367 A2 WO2005000367 A2 WO 2005000367A2 US 0324573 W US0324573 W US 0324573W WO 2005000367 A2 WO2005000367 A2 WO 2005000367A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
items
further characterized
chamber
decontaminant
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/024573
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2005000367A3 (fr
Inventor
Thaddeus J. Mielnik
Matthew C. Mitchell
Original Assignee
Steris Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/280,950 external-priority patent/US7265253B2/en
Application filed by Steris Inc. filed Critical Steris Inc.
Priority to AU2003304234A priority Critical patent/AU2003304234A1/en
Publication of WO2005000367A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005000367A2/fr
Publication of WO2005000367A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005000367A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A61L2/208—Hydrogen peroxide
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A61L2/206—Ethylene oxide

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to decontamination of delivered items to be sorted, such as mail, where there exists a possibility that biological or chemical contaminants may be introduced along with the items to be sorted. It finds particular application in combination with a two-part decontamination system in which the bulk of the items are subjected to a systematic ethylene oxide decontamination process, while the mail determined to be unsuited to ethylene oxide sterilization are treated with a hydrogen peroxide vapor.
  • Mail sorting facilities at corporations that are potential terrorist threats or which handle large volumes of mail, face the concern that a letter or package containing a hazardous material, such as a pathogenic bacteria or chemical agent, could enter the facility along with the regular mail.
  • the present invention provides a new and improved system and method of treatment of mail which overcome the above-referenced problems and others.
  • a method for handling items potentially contaminated with a pathogenic agent includes sorting the potentially contaminated items in an enclosure. At least a portion of the sorted items is treated with a first decontaminant capable of destroying the pathogenic agent . The enclosure is treated with a second decontaminant.
  • a system for handling items which may be contaminated with a pathogenic agent is provided. The system includes an enclosure for receiving and sorting incoming items. A chamber receives at least a portion of the sorted items from the enclosure and decontaminates the portion of sorted items with a first decontaminant. A source of the first decontaminant is fluidly connected with the chamber.
  • a source of a second decontaminant is fluidly connected with the enclosure for supplying a second decontaminant to the enclosure for decontaminating the enclosure .
  • a system for handling potentially contaminated items includes an isolator which defines an enclosure capable of being isolated from an exterior environment and an access opening for receiving the items into the enclosure. Means are provided for sorting the items in the enclosure.
  • a chamber is capable of being isolated from an exterior environment. An enclosed passageway selectively connects the enclosure with the chamber, such that at least a portion of the items can be transferred to the chamber from the enclosure without exposure to the exterior environment .
  • a source of a first decontaminant is fluidly connected with the chamber for decontaminating the transferred portion of the items.
  • a source of a second decontaminant is fluidly connected with the enclosure for decontaminating the enclosure and items which have not been transferred to the chamber .
  • One advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that it enables an unknown sample which is potentially contaminated with biological or chemical pathogens to be aseptically transported, evaluated, and treated according to determined or suspected contaminants .
  • Another advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that it reduces the hazards posed by potentially contaminated mail.
  • Another advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an alternative decontamination method for items which are not conveniently treated with ethylene oxide.
  • Another advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that there is minimal human contact with potentially contaminated materials.
  • Another advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that cross contamination between dirty and clean areas is minimized.
  • Another advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that the area of the potentially contaminated, sorting region is minimized, reducing the complexity of a decontamination process used to render the region free of chemical and biological hazards . Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a mail handling system in accordance with the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic view of the mail handling system, of FIGURE 1
  • FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an isolator for the mail handling system of FIGURE 1
  • FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the isolator of FIGURE 3.
  • a system 10 for handling items 12, such as mail is shown..
  • the mail handling system is shown as a portable system, allowing it to be moved from room to room or from one facility to another.
  • Exemplary items 12 to be sorted include packages, letters, other items of mail, and/or other potentially suspect items.
  • the items may enter the facility in containers 14, such as portable totes, each having a lid 16 and a base 18 to provide an enclosed airtight space 20 for the mail when the lid is closed.
  • the totes 14 preferably have their exterior surfaces sprayed with a sporicidal agent, such as SPOR-KLENZTM, available from STERIS Corp., Mentor, OH, prior to entering the facility.
  • the contents of the totes are examined by a conveyor-type x-ray machine, similar to those used in airports, other type of x-ray scanner, biological or chemical detectors, or combinations thereof for providing an initial evaluation of the contents.
  • a conveyor-type x-ray machine similar to those used in airports, other type of x-ray scanner, biological or chemical detectors, or combinations thereof for providing an initial evaluation of the contents.
  • the system 10 is described with particular reference to handling mail, such as letters and packages, the system is also suited to handling other items, such as products, samples, evidence, equipment, and indeed anything which is capable of being placed within the system. All incoming mail items are treated as being' potentially contaminated with a biological or chemical pathogenic agent (hereinafter both will be referred to simply as pathogenic agents) .
  • the mail handling system 10 includes a pass- through decontamination system 22, designed to destroy any potential pathogenic agents which may be associated with the items.
  • the term " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "decontamination 1 '. and its equivalents is intended to encompass both biological decontamination (including sterilization, disinfection and lesser forms of microbial decontamination, such as sanitization) and well as the destruction of chemical pathogenic agents, or their conversion to harmless compounds .
  • the system 10 also includes an isolator 24, which defines a sorting enclosure 25 where the mail is examined and items unsuited to the decontamination system are separated from the mail to be treated by the. pass through decontamination system 22.
  • the enclosure 25 is preferably about 2m x lm x 1.5m
  • the enclosure 25 is completely airtight, or is operated under a negative pressure, such that biological and chemical pathogenic agents present in the mail are not released to the surrounding environment .
  • the enclosure is fluidly connected with a pump 26 or similar device for creating a negative pressure in the enclosure.
  • the enclosure is operated under negative pressure during mail- screening/handling, so that any leakage into the isolator is from the "outside to the inside" and thus contamination does not leak outside the enclosure.
  • Biological pathogenic agents as used herein means microorganisms, such as bacterial spores, vegetative bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi capable of killing or causing severe injury to mammals, particularly humans.
  • viruses such as equine encephalomyelitis and smallpox
  • bacteria such as those which cause plague ( Yersina pestis) , anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) , and tulare ia (Francisella tularensis)
  • fungi such as coccidioidomycosis
  • toxic products expressed by such microorganisms for example, the botulism toxin expressed by the common Clostridium botulinium bacterium.
  • Chemical pathogenic agents include poison gases and liquids, particularly those which are volatile, such as nerve gases, blistering agents (also known as vesicants) , and other extremely harmful or toxic chemicals.
  • chemical pathogenic agent is intended to include only those agents which are effective in relatively small dosages to substantially disable or kill mammals and which can be degraded or otherwise rendered harmless by a process which includes oxidation.
  • exemplary chemical pathogenic agents include choking agents, such as phosgene; blood agents, which act on the enzyme cytochrome oxidase, such as cyanogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide; incapacitating agents, such as 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate
  • BZ which blocks the action of acetylcholine
  • vesicants such as di (2-chloroethyl) sulfide (mustard gas or “HD”) and dichloro (2-chlorovinyl) arsine (commonly known as Lewisite)
  • nerve agents such as ethyl-N, N dimethyl phosphoramino cyanidate (commonly known as Tabun or agent GA) , o-ethyl-S- (2-diisopropyl aminoethyl) methyl phosphono- thiolate (commonly known as agent VX) , isopropyl methyl phosphonofluoridate (commonly known as Sarin or Agent GB) , methylphosphonofluoridic acid 1, 2, 2-trimethylpropyl ester (commonly known as Soman or Agent GD) .
  • vesicants such as di (2-chloroethyl) sulfide (mustard
  • chemical pathogenic agent includes substantially pure chemical compounds, but the term also contemplates mixtures of agents in any proportions, as well as those agents in impure states.
  • chemical pathogenic agents also includes partially or completely degraded chemical pathogenic agents, e . g. , gelled, polymerized, or otherwise partially or totally decomposed chemical warfare agents.
  • the decontamination system 22 is designed to handle a regular throughput of incoming mail, such as is received daily in a mail sorting facility for a large organization, company, or government body.
  • the decontamination system may be designed to handle all mail entering the facility, or mail may be sorted into classes, and only certain classes of mail. subjected to decontamination.
  • a preferred decontamination system 22 includes an ethylene oxide sterilizer with a sterilization chamber 27. Although referred to as a "sterilization" chamber, it will be appreciated that chamber 27 is used to destroy both chemical and biological pathogens.
  • Interlocking doors 28, 30 are provided on the "dirty" and “clean” sides of the chamber 27, the dirty side door 28 remaining locked when the clean side door 30 is opened, and vice versa.
  • the entrance door 28, on the dirty side is connected with the sorting enclosure.25 by an interconnecting passage 32, such as a tunnel or air lock through which potentially contaminated items are loaded into the sterilization chamber 26 without exposure to the surrounding environment.
  • the tunnel aseptically interconnects the enclosure 25 and chamber 27.
  • Aseptic connection here and elsewhere in the application, is preferably accomplished with a triple lip seal approach of the type which is well known in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • the isolator 24 includes a housing 34, which defines the enclosure 25.
  • the housing 34 is preferably rigid sided, to withstand pressure changes of slightly above or below atmospheric.
  • the housing is preferably formed, at least in part, from a transparent material, such as plastic or glass.
  • a front wall 36 of the housing 34 is formed from a transparent material, or has a window formed therein, with other parts of the housing being formed from metal, such as stainless steel.
  • An aseptic transfer port 38 such as an interlock or door in a side wall 40 of the housing 34 provides access to the enclosure 25 via an access opening 42.
  • the access opening 42 is sized to receive a tote 14 therethrough, such that the tote can be enclosed within the enclosure 25 when the door 38 is closed.
  • a portion of the tote base 18, such as a rim of the tote base is configured to engage and interlock with the opening to create an airtight seal between the tote and the opening, as illustrated in FIGURE 1.
  • the door may be eliminated as the tote base 18 serves as a door.
  • the housing 34 is preferably mounted on a wheeled cart 43, which allows the isolator 24 to be moved to other locations, as needed.
  • manipulators 44 such as glove box-type gloves
  • the manipulators may alternatively or additionally include a half-body suit.
  • the operator is able to move items inside the isolator without having any direct human exposure.
  • Gloves or half-body suits are made of the appropriate biological or chemically protective material to protect the operators against the anticipated hazardous materials.
  • the operator removes the mail 12 from the tote and examines it to determine whether the mail contains items which should be excluded from the ethylene oxide sterilizer.
  • Items which may be excluded include foodstuffs, foil packages, which are not . readily penetrated, or items, such as leather, which absorb ethylene oxide and release it at a slow rate, making the aeration time too long for practical purposes.
  • the operator may remove some of the packaging of the mail within the enclosure 25 to review the items in greater detail, particularly if an x-ray analysis has not been carried out or is not conclusive of the contents. Those items which are determined to be unsuited to ethylene oxide sterilization/decontamination are put to one side.
  • the remaining mail is loaded by the operator into a vessel 46, such as a wire or plastic basket, suited to ' use in the ethylene oxide decontamination system 22.
  • the wire basket 46 together with the mail to be ethylene oxide decontaminated, is pushed by the operator, or otherwise conveyed, along the tunnel 32 to the chamber 27 of the ethylene oxide decontamination system 22 and the door 28 closed.
  • the enclosure 25, its contents, and optionally any remaining mail are preferably subjected to a microbial and/or chemical pathogen decontamination treatment prior to opening the door 38 (FIG. 2) or removing the tote (FIG. 1) .
  • the decontaminant used in enclosure " 25 is one which is capable of destroying both chemical and biological pathogens.
  • a microbial decontaminant,- such as a multicomponent vapor, e . g.
  • hydrogen peroxide is fed into the 5 enclosure 25 for this secondary decontamination treatment.
  • Hydrogen peroxide shows a good activity against a wide range of chemical and biological pathogens .
  • the same decontaminant is used in both the chamber and the enclosure.
  • different concentrations of the same decontaminant and/or different process conditions may be used (e.g., differences in temperature of
  • the ethylene oxide decontamination system 22 may be analogous to those found in hospitals for treating contaminated medical instruments,.. as described, for
  • the decontamination system 22 is optionally supported on the same cart 43 as the housing 34, although it is also contemplated that a separate cart or support surface 48 be used for the sterilizer 22, as shown in FIGURE 1.
  • the chamber 27 Prior to ethylene oxide decontamination, the chamber 27 is evacuated to a pressure of about 60-90 torr, or less. Several vacuum pulses are preferably employed to improve removal of air trapped in the items . Ethylene oxide from a cartridge or bulk supply 50 (FIG. 2) is then fed to the chamber 27 to bring the chamber to an above-atmospheric pressure, such as about 0.5-0.6 kg/cm 2 . During the decontamination phase, the chamber is preferably warmed, for example to about 55°C. The time taken for decontamination depends on the several factors, such as the volume and density of mail items, and the level of assurance desired. For high levels of assurance, e . g.
  • a decontamination time of about 1-4 hours is preferred, most preferably, about 2 hrs .
  • the chamber 27 is then evacuated and/or aerated to remove residual ethylene oxide from the chamber and items being decontaminated. Ethylene oxide diffuses slowly from "hard” polymers, such as acrylic and amide polymers, polyvinylchloride, and from kraft paper, and glassine paper. Thus, a combination of vacuum and aeration is preferably used to speed removal of the residual ethylene oxide. For some items, such as those made from leather, diffusio is so slow that it is preferable to avoid ethylene oxide treatment of these items.
  • One or more aeration cycles may be used in which air is admitted to the chamber through an air inlet line 52 and then removed by vacuum, through an outlet line 54, to ensure that ethylene oxide ' which has absorbed into the items is removed.
  • the aeration/evacuation portion of the cycle is longer than- the decontamination portion, to ensure that ethylene oxide concentration in the mail is below an acceptably safe level.
  • the aeration portion of the cycle may be about 5-20 hrs, preferably about 10-15 hours. The total time between loading the items through the dirty side door 28 and unloading the decontaminated items via the clean side door 30 is thus about 15 hours.
  • a separate aerator (not shown) is used for final aeration of the processed items, leaving the chamber 27 free to handle another batch of unprocessed mail .
  • the decontamination of the enclosure 25 is preferably carried out with a gaseous oxidizing agent which serves as a microbial decontaminant and also as a chemical decontaminant, such as hydrogen peroxide in vapor form.
  • Hydrogen peroxide vapor has been shown to be effective against a variety of known biological and chemical pathogenic agents, such as hard to destroy spores of Bacillus stearother ophilus, Bacillus anthracis, smallpox virus, and the like. It is also effective at or close to room temperature ( e . g.
  • Hydrogen peroxide vapor has a good material compatibility, rendering it safe for use with a variety of equipment and materials, including electronic equipment, such as computers. It also degrades to water and oxygen over time. To destroy harmful biological pathogens, in air and on surfaces throughout the enclosure 25, it has been found that a concentration of hydrogen peroxide of about 1-
  • the vapor is preferably in the "dry" state, i.e., below the saturation point of the vapor, which varies with temperature. This avoids droplets of the vapor .condensing on items in the room, which both reduces the effectiveness- of the vapor and increases the time needed to remove the residual hydrogen peroxide after the vapor decontamination cycle is complete. Keeping the vapor in the dry state also reduces, the risk of damage to electronic components and other items susceptible to water damage .
  • a source 70 of a decontaminant gas such as a hydrogen peroxide generation system (FIGURE 1) is used to supply the vapor to the enclosure 25, through dedicated ductwork 72.
  • a suitable hydrogen peroxide generation system 70 is a VHP® 1000, available from STERIS Corp,- Mentor, OH. Such systems are capable of sterilizing enclosures 25 of up to 200,000 cu. ft. For larger enclosures, multiple hydrogen peroxide vapor generators are used.
  • the vapor generation system 70 is preferably small enough that it is portable, and is optionally fitted with wheels (not shown), or the like. Alternatively, the vapor generation system 70 is integral with the isolator.
  • the hydrogen peroxide vapor is readily formed from a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water, such as a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution, which is supplied from a reservoir 90, such as a tank, to a vapor generator 92.
  • the generator 92 converts the liquid to a vapor, for example, by bringing droplets or a mist of the solution into contact with, a heated plate or tube (not shown) .
  • the hydrogen peroxide vapor is delivered via duct 72 to the enclosure 25. While particular reference is made to hydrogen peroxide, other gaseous oxidizing agents may be used to decontaminate the enclosure, such as peracids, e . g.
  • a carrier gas such as air
  • the carrier gas may be filtered by a filter 96, dehumidified by a dehumidifier 98-, - and optionally heated by a heater 100 before entering the vaporizer 92.
  • the vapor and carrier gas mixture is fed into the duct 72 and carried along with the filtered air to an enclosure inlet 102.
  • a portion of the carrier gas bypasses the vaporizer via a duct 103.
  • One, or preferably several hydrogen peroxide sensors 104 in the enclosure 25 detect the level of hydrogen peroxide and/or water vapor in the enclosure to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide level in the enclosure is maintained at a preselected level.
  • the sensor 104 is connected with a control system 106, which adjusts the rate of introduction of hydrogen peroxide to the vaporizer, air flow rates, or the like, in response to detected hydrogen peroxide/water concentrations, to maintain the selected hydrogen peroxide concentration in the enclosure 25.
  • Suitable hydrogen peroxide sensors 104 are those which use infrared absorption by the vapor circulating in the enclosure 25.
  • the sensor preferably operates in a region of the infrared spectrum where water and/or hydrogen peroxide absorbs strongly, to provide a measure of the hydrogen peroxide concentration.
  • a recirculating system is employed.
  • the spent vapor is returned to the vaporizer via a return line 110.
  • the spent vapor optionally passes through a catalytic converter 112 to convert residual hydrogen peroxide to water vapor and oxygen prior to reaching the vaporizer 92.
  • the returning vapor optionally is passed through the dehumidifier 98 and heater 100 in air inlet line 94 before reentering the vaporizer.
  • the return line is also employed for lowering the humidity of the enclosure prior to admitting hydrogen peroxide.
  • one or more walls of the housing 34 are heated by a heating element 116, to minimize condensation in the enclosure .
  • spent vapor from the enclosure 25 passes out of the enclosure and is released to atmosphere after passing through the catalytic converter 112.
  • the 'sensors 104 can be used to determine when the levels of hydrogen peroxide in the enclosure 25 have dropped to a level at which it is safe for the operator to reopen the door 38/disengage the tote 14.
  • the operator removes the tote 14 and decontaminated mail from the enclosure 25.
  • the decontaminated mail is disposed of or otherwise dealt with.
  • the decontamination of the residual mail (if any) and tote 14 in the enclosure 25 may take place contemporaneously with the ethylene oxide decontamination in the chamber 27, or it may take place • before or after ethylene oxide decontamination.
  • the sorting of mail in the enclosure 25 optionally takes place toward the end of the aeration step (i.e., with door 28 closed) .
  • the mail handling • equipment is located in a room which can be isolated from the rest of a- facility in which it is housed and has an independent HVAC system (not shown) for aerating the room.
  • the hydrogen peroxide generation system 70 is optionally used to decontaminate the room.
  • Ethylene oxide sensors are preferably located in the room, providing an alarm to workers in the event of a release of the ethylene oxide from the decontamination system.
  • automated spray systems are operated from outside the isolat-able room to direct a spray or fog over suspected contaminated items.
  • the spray systems may release a liquid spray, fog or mist of an antimicrobial, antiviral, and sporicidal chemical known to be effective against a broad spectrum of known pathogenic agents.
  • One suitable chemical for use as a spray is a liquid mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, which is effective at destroying biological pathogens on surfaces it contacts.
  • Such a composition exhibiting broad spectrum activity is available from STERIS Corp. under the trade name SPOR-KLENZ. This liquid composition is capable of decontaminating a room containing contaminated mail in about fifteen to twenty minutes.
  • detectors 117, 118 optionally detect the presence and/or type of pathogenic agents .
  • detectors Preferably several detectors are provided which detect for different agents. Additionally, several sets of the detectors may be positioned at different locations within the room.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,391,624 describes a detector capable of detecting anthrax and other clostridium and bacillus bacteria which may be used for detectors 117, 118.. Sensors which incorporate gas chromatography are suited to the detection and/or identification of many chemical pathogens .
  • the detectors 117, 118 are hooked up to a central control system, such as control system 106, or a separate control system, which signals an alarm 119, such as a flashing light and/or audible alarm, in the event that one or more detectors detects a pathogenic agent at a level above a predetermined threshold level.
  • a central control system such as control system 106
  • a separate control system which signals an alarm 119, such as a flashing light and/or audible alarm, in the event that one or more detectors detects a pathogenic agent at a level above a predetermined threshold level.
  • the control system 106 has a manual component which, relies on worker input in the event that a suspected release of a pathogenic agent has occurred. For example, workers may detect a smell, observe the release of a fine powder from a package, feel nauseous, or.
  • the type of decontamination process used in the decontamination system and/or in the enclosure is tailored according to the type and/or level of pathogenic agent uncovered. For example, if no pathogenic agents are detected by the detectors, a precautionary decontamination is carried out in the decontamination system, which need not be as rigorous as where a pathogenic agent is actually detected. Or, if certain pathogenic agents are detected which are know to require a more rigorous or particular type of decontamination to ensure destruction, this can be taken into account when selecting the processing conditions.
  • an isolator 24' is shown.
  • the isolator is similar to isolator 24, except as noted.
  • the isolator includes a housing 34', which defines an enclosure 25'.
  • isolator 24' is optionally transferable from one part of a facility to another.
  • Rollers 120 such as wheels, castors, or other transport mechanisms are mounted to a cart 43' on which the housing is mounted (FIG. 4) .
  • a transfer apparatus 14, such as a tote, is used to transfer the potentially contaminated items 12. Items such as mail, parcels, artifacts, products, or the like that are considered to be potentially contaminated with chemical or biological agents, are loaded into the tote. After closing the tote 14, exterior surfaces 122 of the tote are preferably microbially decontaminated, for example, by spraying with a sporicidal agent, such as SPOR- KLENZTM.
  • a sporicidal agent such as SPOR- KLENZTM.
  • the thus-treated tote is then carried from a loading area or room to a decontamination -area or room, where the isolator 24 and an integral decontamination system 22' are located.
  • the loading area is separate from the decontamination room.
  • the items are loaded into the enclosure 25' of the isolator 24' through an aseptic transfer port 38'.
  • the port shown in FIGURE 3 has an inner transfer door 124, adjacent the enclosure 25'. With the door 124 closed, the tote is aseptically attached to an exterior portion 126 of the transfer port, which defines a receiving region 128.
  • a negative pressure air system 130 maintains a negative air pressure (slightly below atmospheric pressure) within • the enclosure 25' to avoid leakage of potentially contaminated air through any regions which are not completely airtight .
  • the enclosure is operated under negative pressure during mail screening/handling, so that any leakage into the isolator is from the "outside to the inside," therefore contamination does not leak outside the isolator enclosure 25'.
  • a first half suit 132 is integral with the • isolator 24', for example, mounted to a floor 134 of the housing 34', and has manipulating arm and ' glove portions 136, analogous to manipulators 44.
  • the half suit 132 allows a first operator to position his upper body, including arms and head, operationally in the enclosure 25' while being isolated from the enclosure.
  • a transparent head portion 136 permits the operator to view the contents of- the enclosure 25'.
  • manipulators analogous to manipulators 44 shown in FIGURE 1 are used.
  • the first operator opens the transfer door 124 and unloads the contents 12 of the transfer apparatus 14 into the enclosure 25' via the receiving region 128.
  • the operator may visuall inspect the items 12.
  • the operator loads the items 12 onto a conveyor 140 of an integrated x-ray machine 142, which is located within the enclosure 25'.
  • the x-ray machine is useful for identifying potentially harmful materials, such as ignition sources, e . g. , explosive devices or highly flammable materials, such as gasoline.
  • the integrated x-ray machine 142 also includes one or more chemical and/or biological agent detectors 144, 146 which allow the items to be examined for one or more chemical or biological agents.
  • the detectors 144, 146 are preferably linked to a control system 106, which alerts the operator, e . g. , via an audible signal or visual display (not shown) , in the event that a substance considered to be hazardous is detected.
  • equipment capable of detecting explosive or metallic materials is optionally located within the enclosure (e . g. , computer tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment) .
  • CT computer tomography
  • MRI magnetic resonance imaging
  • the document scanner 150 is used to scan- documents, or other items removed from all or some of the envelopes or packages 12.
  • the scanned documents are generally those which are required for immediate review (i.e., prior to the completion of the decontamination cycle) or which are considered to be unsuited to the decontamination process.
  • the scanning device 150 creates a scanned image of the document which can then be transmitted electronically outside the enclosure.
  • a processor 152 which may be located within or outside of the enclosure 25', transmits the scanned images to a •processor 154 outside the enclosure, such as a personal computer where the scanned images are available for viewing on a screen or are sent to a printer.
  • a second operator in a second half suit 160 retrieves the items which have passed through the x-ray machine 142 and evaluates the next step in processing. If the items 12 are considered to be safe, they can be. passed through a second, aseptic transfer port 162, which communicates between the isolator enclosure and the outside.
  • FIGURE 3 shows the transfer port 160 as being located in the floor 134 of the housing, although other locations are also contemplated. Hazardous materials, which are considered unsuitable for the decontamination system 22, are also passed through the aseptic transfer port 160 for subsequent destruction or other treatment.
  • the hazardous items are first bagged or otherwise enclosed in a hazard-proof container.
  • the items passed out via port 160 are first subjected to with VHP would to provide a surface decontamination of the items.
  • VHP tends not to penetrate well into paper and other cellulosic materials .
  • the items are then passed out of the isolator aseptically for other alternative decontamination methods (e.g., steam sterilization, hydrogen peroxide vapor for some compatible items, HEPA vacuuming, or the like) .
  • Suspect materials which are considered safe for ethylene oxide, or other suitable decontamination treatment, are loaded directly into a double door decontamination system 22', or optionally introduced via a tunnel, as illustrated in FIGURE 1.
  • a robot within the ' enclosure 25' is alternatively used to perform some or all of the mail handling tasks under the operation of an operator outside the enclosure.
  • One or more video monitors are optionally positioned around the enclosure to allow the operator to view the items being manipulated by the robot .
  • Other aspects of the isolator 24', including- the vapor decontaminant generation system 70', are analogous to the isolator 24 of FIGURES 1-2.
  • a primary purpose of the hydrogen peroxide vapor decontaminant is to decontaminate the interior of the isolator 25, 25' and the equipment inside the isolator in between mail handling so as not to cross contaminate new . mail items as they enter the isolator.
  • biological and chemical detectors 170, 172 are optionally located inside the isolator 25' and/or surrounding room to detect when chemical or biological contamination is present. If such contaminants are detected, the isolator and its contents may be decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor immediately, or after some of the mail has been transferred to the ethylene oxide decontamination system 22'.
  • the isolator 24, 24' Since the isolator 24, 24' has its own independent air handling system 26, 130 it does not need to be reliant upon the air handling system for the room in which it is located.
  • the isolator can thus be transported from one room or facility to another without requiring changes to the facility. All it requires are conventional power outlets or a generator, and the like.
  • the isolator acts as both the "clean side” and the "dirty side" of a mail handling operation. During mail sorting, the isolator is the dirty side of the system.
  • the hydrogen peroxide vapor system 70, 70' which decontaminates the interior 25, 25' of the isolator and the equipment inside the isolator, enables the . conversion of a dirty processing area to a clean processing area.
  • All processing of the mail is preferably conducted inside the isolator so that no facility changes are required.
  • the operators are able to work without the need for full personal protective equipment (PPE) as the half-body suit or gloved handling ports eliminate the need for full PPE with respiratory protection while still offering full protection from exposure to a biological or chemical contaminant.
  • PPE personal protective equipment
  • the embodiments of FIGURES 1-4 are also suited to handling . a wide variety of chemical and biological pathogenic agents and items known or suspected of being contaminated therewith.
  • the detectors 117, 117 ' are used to determine the presence of pathogens and optionally the type of the pathogen present.
  • the items are transferred to the decontamination system 22 for treatment.
  • the treatment is optionally varied, dependent on the type - of pathogen detected. For example, a longer or more rigorous cycle is used where the pathogen detected is known to be particularly hard to destroy.
  • the enclosure 25 is not decontaminated if no pathogen is detected. Steam, or other forms of decontamination, could be used in appropriate cases in place- of ethylene oxide, such as where steam is an effective decontaminant for the pathogen detected, or for decontamination of liquid items.
  • the decontamination system 22 used is selected, based on the nature of the items to be decontaminated, or the type of pathogenic agents detected, or both.
  • the ethylene oxide decontamination system 22 may be disconnected from the airlock 32, wheeled out of the way, and replaced with another decontamination system.
  • a vapor hydrogen peroxide deep vacuum system could replace the ethylene oxide system for treating these items, and optionally other items in the mail which are to be decontaminated.
  • particular pathogenic agents are sensed by the detectors, this could also be used as a basis for selection of the decontamination system 22, so that the system best suited to destroying the particular pathogenic agent is used.
  • two or more airlocks 32 are provided, each one connected to a different decontamination system 22.
  • items are categorized, during the sortin process into two (or more) groups, and those best suited to treatment in the first decontamination system transported aseptically there, through the first airlock, while items best suited to treatment in the second decontamination system, transported there aseptically through the second airlock (not shown) .
  • one or other of the decontamination, systems which is most suited to treatment of all the ⁇ items/pathogenic agents uncovered is selected for treatment of all the items to be decontaminated in the decontamination system(s). If the items to be decontaminated or the suspected pathogenic agent are known prior to sorting, the most appropriate decontamination system could be selected prior to the sorting stage.
  • FIGURES 1-4 a system similar • to that of FIGURES 1-4 is used but the interlock 38, 38' is formed in a wall of the room in which the isolator 24 is housed. Items to be evaluated and decontaminated are loaded into the enclosure through the interlock, without entering the room. There is thus no need for the items to be placed in a container 12 in this embodiment. Personnel handling the contaminated or suspect items wear hazard protection suits.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système permettant de manipuler des objets éventuellement contaminés (10), tels que du courrier entrant, et comprenant une enceinte (25) pouvant être isolée de l'environnement et d'une chambre (27) d'un système de décontamination (22) connecté par voie fluidique à celle-ci. L'enceinte comprend une ouverture (42) dimensionnée de manière à recevoir un contenant (14) renfermant les objets. Des manipulateurs (44) permettent de trier le courrier dans l'enceinte sans risque de contamination de l'utilisateur ou de l'environnement. Le courrier est transporté entre l'enceinte et la chambre et est isolé en même temps de l'environnement aux fins de décontamination à l'oxyde d'éthylène. Du peroxyde d'hydrogène à l'état de vapeur ou un autre gaz décontaminant est utilisé pour décontaminer l'enceinte, le contenant et du courrier résiduel quelconque dans l'enceinte, dans le cas où on a déterminé que ceux-ci ne pouvaient être soumis au traitement à l'oxyde d'éthylène.
PCT/US2003/024573 2002-08-07 2003-08-05 Systeme de decontamination destine au courrier et a d'autres articles WO2005000367A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003304234A AU2003304234A1 (en) 2002-08-07 2003-08-05 Decontamination system for mail and other articles

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

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US40171502P 2002-08-07 2002-08-07
US60/401,715 2002-08-07
US41691702P 2002-10-08 2002-10-08
US60/416,917 2002-10-08
US10/280,950 US7265253B2 (en) 2001-10-25 2002-10-25 Decontamination of critical mail
US10/280,950 2002-10-25
US42719102P 2002-11-18 2002-11-18
US60/427,191 2002-11-18

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WO2005000367A2 true WO2005000367A2 (fr) 2005-01-06
WO2005000367A3 WO2005000367A3 (fr) 2005-04-21

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2023964A1 (fr) * 2006-05-31 2009-02-18 American Sterilizer Company Système de décontamination avec dérivation d'air
EP2335886A1 (fr) * 2009-12-19 2011-06-22 Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH Agencement de traitement de matières présentant un danger de contamination
CN102328317A (zh) * 2011-09-08 2012-01-25 杭州泰林生物技术设备有限公司 一种软舱体隔离器
CN102458485A (zh) * 2009-04-21 2012-05-16 肯尼思·卡姆帕格纳 便携式抗微生物紫外灭菌器
WO2012175585A1 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Dsm Sinochem Pharmaceuticals Netherlands B.V. Procédé de préparation de céphalosporines 3'-thiosubstituées à l'aide d'une pénicilline g acylase
WO2012175587A2 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Dsm Sinochem Pharmaceuticals Netherlands B.V. Nouvel intermédiaire cristallin de céfopérazone
GB2500872A (en) * 2012-03-22 2013-10-09 Howorth Air Technology Ltd Bio-safety cabinet decontamination apparatus
CN103507085A (zh) * 2012-06-25 2014-01-15 威格高纯气体设备科技（苏州工业园区）有限公司 一种手套箱过渡舱自动抽充装置
WO2019231791A1 (fr) * 2018-05-31 2019-12-05 Smartwash Solutions, Llc Système de contrôle microbien
DE102020116817A1 (de) 2020-06-25 2021-12-30 M. Braun Inertgas-Systeme Gmbh Glovebox-Vorrichtung und deren Anwendung
WO2022177658A1 (fr) * 2021-02-22 2022-08-25 Raytheon Company Système de décontamination thermochimique portatif à faible coût, alimenté par un chauffage sans flamme, pour écrans faciaux et autres types d'équipements de protection individuelle (épi)

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GB397057A (en) * 1932-05-17 1933-08-17 Seitz Werke Gmbh Improvements in and relating to the filling and sealing of bottles and like vessels
US2075845A (en) * 1933-05-05 1937-04-06 Liggett & Myers Tobacco Compan Method of sterilizing
US4111753A (en) * 1976-06-07 1978-09-05 National Appliance Company Controlled atmosphere apparatus and method of transferring specimens to same
WO1999032162A1 (fr) * 1997-12-23 1999-07-01 Carmen Gary B REDUCTION DYNAMIQUE DE LA CHARGE BIOLOGIQUE PAR O¿x?
US7265253B2 (en) * 2001-10-25 2007-09-04 Steris Inc. Decontamination of critical mail

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2023964A1 (fr) * 2006-05-31 2009-02-18 American Sterilizer Company Système de décontamination avec dérivation d'air
EP2023964A4 (fr) * 2006-05-31 2009-05-27 American Sterilizer Co Système de décontamination avec dérivation d'air
CN102458485A (zh) * 2009-04-21 2012-05-16 肯尼思·卡姆帕格纳 便携式抗微生物紫外灭菌器
EP2335886A1 (fr) * 2009-12-19 2011-06-22 Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH Agencement de traitement de matières présentant un danger de contamination
WO2012175585A1 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Dsm Sinochem Pharmaceuticals Netherlands B.V. Procédé de préparation de céphalosporines 3'-thiosubstituées à l'aide d'une pénicilline g acylase
WO2012175587A2 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Dsm Sinochem Pharmaceuticals Netherlands B.V. Nouvel intermédiaire cristallin de céfopérazone
CN102328317A (zh) * 2011-09-08 2012-01-25 杭州泰林生物技术设备有限公司 一种软舱体隔离器
GB2500872A (en) * 2012-03-22 2013-10-09 Howorth Air Technology Ltd Bio-safety cabinet decontamination apparatus
CN103507085A (zh) * 2012-06-25 2014-01-15 威格高纯气体设备科技（苏州工业园区）有限公司 一种手套箱过渡舱自动抽充装置
WO2019231791A1 (fr) * 2018-05-31 2019-12-05 Smartwash Solutions, Llc Système de contrôle microbien
DE102020116817A1 (de) 2020-06-25 2021-12-30 M. Braun Inertgas-Systeme Gmbh Glovebox-Vorrichtung und deren Anwendung
WO2022177658A1 (fr) * 2021-02-22 2022-08-25 Raytheon Company Système de décontamination thermochimique portatif à faible coût, alimenté par un chauffage sans flamme, pour écrans faciaux et autres types d'équipements de protection individuelle (épi)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005000367A3 (fr) 2005-04-21
AU2003304234A1 (en) 2005-01-13

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