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WO2008108864A2 - Procédé de décontamination d'objets contaminés avec des agents biologiques nocifs - Google Patents

Procédé de décontamination d'objets contaminés avec des agents biologiques nocifs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008108864A2
WO2008108864A2 PCT/US2007/072870 US2007072870W WO2008108864A2 WO 2008108864 A2 WO2008108864 A2 WO 2008108864A2 US 2007072870 W US2007072870 W US 2007072870W WO 2008108864 A2 WO2008108864 A2 WO 2008108864A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
clai
objects
temperature
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/072870
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008108864A3 (fr
Inventor
David E. Hedman
Original Assignee
Hedman David E
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
Application filed by Hedman David E filed Critical Hedman David E
Publication of WO2008108864A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008108864A2/fr
Publication of WO2008108864A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008108864A3/fr

Links

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
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • 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
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to devices for sanitizing and decontaminating objects. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for killing and removing bacteria, mold, viruses, and other harmful organic substances from objects which have become contaminated, or which may be contaminated.
  • [Para 2] Very recently the threat of bioterrorism has been realized in that letters, other packages, and/or personal items containing anthrax have been sent to high profile media personnel and government officials. Many postal workers, mail room clerks, secretaries and others have become infected, and some have even died due to the exposure of the anthrax from such packages.
  • FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a portable decontamination unit employed in the present invention, wherein a front wall having doors has been removed to show the interior of the decontamination unit;
  • FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the portable decontamination unit of FIG.
  • the present invention resides in a portable decontamination unit useful in destroying harmful biological agents in contaminated objects.
  • the portable decontamination unit of the present invention permits a large quantity of mail and other objects to be effectively treated in a relatively short amount of time, all within a unit that can be moved to locations where it is needed most.
  • the portable decontamination unit comprises a portable housing which defines an interior sealable cavity accessible through a door.
  • An inlet is provided for introducing heated air into the cavity, and an outlet is provided for removing air from the cavity.
  • a temperature sensor is provided within the cavity for monitoring the temperature of the cavity and its contents.
  • an electronic display permits monitoring of the temperature within the cavity over time.
  • wheels are associated with the housing to facilitate movement of the decontamination unit from one location to another.
  • a perforated baffle is disposed within the cavity of the housing through which heated air passes.
  • An ultraviolet lamp is also positioned within the cavity for irradiating objects to be decontaminated with ultraviolet light.
  • the electronic display includes a printer.
  • the supporting means may comprise a shelf which includes a pair of oppositely facing brackets fixed to interior surfaces of the housing. Further, the supporting means may include a rod within the cavity which enables the hanging of objects thereon.
  • Means are associated with the inlet, for introducing heated air into the cavity under positive pressure. Such introducing means may comprise a fan or similar device. Means are also associated with the outlet, for extracting air from the cavity. The extracting means may comprise an exhaust fan. Further, an air scrubber, such as high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) and carbon filters, is provided to remove the remains of biologic organisms from exhaust air and to prevent them from reaching the environment.
  • HEPA high efficiency particulate arrestance
  • the method for decontaminating objects contaminated with harmful biological agents comprises the steps of providing a portable decontamination unit having a housing defining an internal cavity accessible through a door.
  • the decontamination unit may have wheels disposed thereon to facilitate movement of the decontamination unit.
  • Air within the housing is heated to a temperature of between 1 3O 0 F and 400 0 F, and more preferably between 300 0 F and 400 0 F.
  • the temperature is monitored and maintained within the housing for a predetermined time. In the case of suspected contamination of deadly microorganisms, the temperature is maintained between 300 0 F and 400 0 F for several hours, such as at least 8 hours.
  • a negative pressure is created and maintained within the housing by extracting air from the housing through an air scrubber. Such may be done by disposing a vacuum device relative to an outlet of the housing for extracting air from the housing and through the air scrubber.
  • the contents of the housing are irradiated, such as with ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the housing.
  • Means for supporting objects to be decontaminated within the cavity including at least one of a rod or shelf including a pair of oppositely facing brackets fixed to interior surfaces of the housing.
  • the condition of the objects within the housing is preferably visually monitored during the decontamination process.
  • the monitoring step may also include the step of providing an electronic display of the temperature, and placement of temperature probes within the housing and in or adjacent to the objects to be decontaminated.
  • the temperature of the housing over time may be printed using a printer operably connected with the decontamination unit.
  • biocides are introduced into the housing either during the decontamination process, or placed within the decontamination unit with the objects to be decontaminated before the decontamination process begins.
  • biocides are selected which have a synergistic effect with heat or radiation.
  • the heated air is introduced, such as through an inlet in the perforated battle of the housing, and the biocides may be introduced simultaneously.
  • the combination of biocides and heat and/or radiation creates a synergistic effect such that less biocide material is required to effectively decontaminate the objects.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown an exemplary portable decontamination unit 10 having a housing 1 2 which defines an interior cavity 14 accessible through one or more doors 1 6.
  • the housing 1 2 is comprised of stainless steel so as to be durable, capable of withstanding high temperatures, as well as capable of being sanitized quite easily.
  • the unit 10 shown is 31 .625 inches wide, 71 .1 87 inches tall, and 33.00 inches deep. It should be understood, however, that the unit 1 0 can be of various sizes, configurations and portability. For example, the unit 1 0 may be larger or smaller to accommodate the needs of the objects to be decontaminated.
  • the unit 1 0 may be sized so as to fit within a van or on a trailer so as to be transported from site to site. Although the edges of the illustrated unit are relatively square and sharp, preferably the edges of the unit 1 0 are rounded to provide greater safety to the users thereof.
  • the unit 1 0 shown is portable, and as such includes wheeled casters 1 8 to facilitate movement of the unit 10.
  • the unit 10 may be incorporated into a trailer, or it may also be built in a fixed unit configuration.
  • the housing 1 2 and doors 1 6 cooperatively seal the enclosure 14. High quality gaskets are installed around the doors 1 6 in the unit 10 to control the ingress and egress of gas (air) with a complete and secure seal.
  • a glass window is installed in each door 1 6 to observe the contents during the heating cycle process. This allows the operator to monitor the condition of the contents.
  • the interior of the housing preferably includes several "L" brackets 20 which serve as shelves for placing trays of objects therein, such as trays of letters, packages, etc.
  • Tubes or rods 22 preferably extend into the cavity 14 to enable the hanging of other objects therein.
  • fans are installed inside of the unit 10 to create air turbulence. This forced movement of air in the unit 1 0 may increase the heat penetrative capability of the process and provide for even more heating.
  • means for introducing humidity into the cavity 14, such as a nebulizer, bath of water in the base of the unit 1 0, etc. is preferably provided as moisture can provide greater penetrative capability for certain biological contaminants. The addition of humidity may also allow the inactivation of contaminants at lower temperatures.
  • the unit 1 0 includes inlet and outlet ducts 24 and 26 for introducing and removing air.
  • the unit 10 may include an internal heater, or heated air may be introduced through inlet 24 and removed from outlet 26.
  • a vacuum device or blower is installed at the outlet duct 26 for removing air from the unit 1 0 and creating a negative pressure within the internal cavity of the unit 1 0.
  • a cooler may be included to more quickly cycle contents of the unit 1 0 through the decontamination procedure described below, and to help maintain an acceptable ambient temperature around the unit 10.
  • Most bacteria are destroyed at 1 30° F after being exposed to this temperature for thirty minutes or more.
  • the anthrax spore requires temperatures in excess of 248° F for thirty minutes or more in order to be completely destroyed.
  • the Department of Defense of the United States has identified the thirteen most probable bio-hazardous organisms and materials. All of them can be neutralized within the portable decontamination unit 10 of the present invention, at an internal temperature of 320° F for 8-1 2 hours. Air is heated to a temperature that is lethal to the organism to be destroyed. Thus, for complete disinfection, the air temperature is raised to at least 248° F to kill the anthrax spores.
  • the air is heated to a temperature of between 300 0 F and 400 0 F for at least eight hours to ensure complete disinfection. It has been found that the flash point of letters and packaging is in excess of 400° F. Objects, such as mail, personal belongings, etc., placed within the cavity 1 4 will not be significantly damaged by temperatures well below their flashpoint.
  • the unit 1 0 includes one or more temperature sensors and/or probes 28, (fixed or portable) to monitor the internal temperature of the cavity 1 4 and its contents.
  • a display 30 informs the user of the unit 10 of the temperature, time, etc. It is contemplated that temperature probes 28 could be used and placed within the letters and packaging to ensure that the proper temperature is attained throughout all of the objects to be decontaminated. Such probes could be wired into the display 30.
  • the display 30 comprises a digital readout that is constructed into the unit 1 0.
  • This display 30 may include a printer, or be connected to a printer, for printing out the internal cavity 1 4 temperature over time. This provides users of the unit 1 0 documentation of maintaining the lethal temperature for the required time.
  • Biocides are preferably introduced into the internal cavity of the unit 1 0. This may be done, for example, by placing the biocides within the internal cavity when the contaminated objects are placed within the unit 1 0. Alternatively, the biocides are injected, such as through the inlet duct with the heated air, during the decontamination process.
  • the biocides may include zinc oxide, borates, orange oil, hydrogen peroxide, diatamaceous earth, dessicants, methyl bromides, fumigants, pesticides, chlorine dioxide, copper napinate, bleach, detergents, VikneTM, MDF-500, MILGO QGC or Microban QGC, both manufactured by IIRep-Z Inc.
  • biocides in conjunction with heated air has a synergistic effect in that less biocides need to be added to the cavity 14 to complete decontamination. For example, simply applying a biocide alone at a lower temperature requires more biocide than if the cavity 14 is heated to the temperature range disclosed herein.
  • some biocides, particularly metallic-based biocides can have a positive synergistic reaction with radiation, such as ultraviolet wave lengths. As discussed more fully herein, this can also be advantageously used in decontaminating the objects.
  • the heated air is preferably passed through an air scrubber 36, such as high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) and carbon filters, to remove the remains of the organisms from the air and to prevent them from reaching the environment.
  • HEPA high efficiency particulate arrestance
  • Other filters 36 such as UV filters may be employed as well.
  • VOC volatile organic compounds
  • the unit 1 0 preferably includes one or more ultraviolet light fixtures so that ultraviolet lamps 42 can direct ultraviolet light onto the objects to be decontaminated. It is well known that such ultraviolet light can serve to kill harmful organisms.
  • biocides or fumigants may be injected or placed into the cavity 1 4, such as through the inlet 24, which synergistically react with the heated air to destroy the organisms.
  • the air is removed through the outlet 26 under negative pressure in order to facilitate the dislodgement of the contaminants from the objects and filtering them from the air which is discharged from the unit 1 0.
  • quickly cooling objects placed within the cavity 1 4 may desirably further decontaminate objects within the housing 1 2. This is accomplished by cooling the cavity 14 quickly from an elevated temperature so that the target microbiological, bacterial and/or viral agents are unable to adjust to the change in temperature, thereby neutralizing them.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une unité de décontamination portable comprenant un logement portable définissant une cavité intérieure pouvant être fermée de manière étanche accessible par une porte. Une entrée et une sortie sont prévues sur le logement pour introduire de l'air chauffé à l'intérieur de la cavité et retirer l'air chauffé de celle-ci. Un capteur de température est positionné à l'intérieur de la cavité pour surveiller la température de la cavité et de son contenu, et un affichage électronique de la température à l'intérieur de la cavité dans le temps est prévu. Une lampe ultraviolette ou un autre dispositif de rayonnement est positionné à l'intérieur de la cavité pour exposer des objets devant être décontaminés à un rayonnement avec des ondes rayonnantes. Un épurateur d'air est associé à la sortie, et des ventilateurs sont associés à la fois à l'entrée et à la sortie pour conditionner l'air entré par la force dans la cavité et extrait de celle-ci.
PCT/US2007/072870 2006-07-05 2007-07-05 Procédé de décontamination d'objets contaminés avec des agents biologiques nocifs WO2008108864A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US42876706A 2006-07-05 2006-07-05
US11/428,767 2006-07-05

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008108864A2 true WO2008108864A2 (fr) 2008-09-12
WO2008108864A3 WO2008108864A3 (fr) 2008-12-24

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/072870 WO2008108864A2 (fr) 2006-07-05 2007-07-05 Procédé de décontamination d'objets contaminés avec des agents biologiques nocifs

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WO (1) WO2008108864A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10111976B2 (en) 2013-05-17 2018-10-30 Germitec SA Methods, systems, and devices for high-level disinfection

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993021964A1 (fr) * 1992-05-05 1993-11-11 Colvin Richard R Appareil et procede de test pour sterilisateur
US5470546A (en) * 1994-06-24 1995-11-28 Hall; John L. Apparatus for storing and sterilizing bio-hazardous waste
US6612067B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2003-09-02 Topp Construction Services, Inc. Apparatus for and method of eradicating pests
WO2003039307A1 (fr) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-15 Rudy Simon Appareil de securite et procede de services automatiques
EP1463536A4 (fr) * 2001-11-07 2006-06-28 Sheree Wen Dispositif de desinfection et procede pour desinfecter des articles
US6753536B2 (en) * 2001-11-28 2004-06-22 Wesley G. Humphreys Apparatus for neutralizing chemical and biological threats

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10111976B2 (en) 2013-05-17 2018-10-30 Germitec SA Methods, systems, and devices for high-level disinfection
EP2996727B1 (fr) * 2013-05-17 2024-08-28 Germitec SA Procédés et dispositifs permettant d'atteindre un haut niveau de désinfection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008108864A3 (fr) 2008-12-24

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