WO2013003967A1

WO2013003967A1 - Decontamination device for a containment and/or for treatment material that can be temporarily introduced therein

Info

Publication number: WO2013003967A1
Application number: PCT/CH2012/000152
Authority: WO
Inventors: Volker Sigwarth; Mike Zeller
Original assignee: Skan Ag
Priority date: 2011-07-04
Filing date: 2012-07-04
Publication date: 2013-01-10
Also published as: CH705249A1

Abstract

The decontamination device (2) for a containment (1) and/or for treatment material that can be temporarily introduced therein has a reservoir (R), which is intended for the storage of a decontaminating agent (8) that is liquid in the normal state. The device (2) further comprises an atomizer (V), which is acted upon from a compressed-air source (9) and which serves to atomize the decontaminating agent (8) into an aerosol. The device (2) has at least one outlet (55) through which the aerosol generated in the device (2) is introduced directly into the containment (1). The reservoir (R) and the atomizer (V) are integral components of the device (2), the whole of which can be installed on or in the containment (1). The reservoir (R) is filled with decontaminating agent (8) at the factory or can be filled by the user prior to use. The whole device (2) or at least the reservoir (R) is designed as a disposable article. The atomizer (V) is designed as a Venturi nozzle, on which a primary channel (20) opens out and leads to the reservoir (R). A secondary channel (35), which has an attachment (34) to the compressed-air source (9), opens out on the atomizer (V). The capacity of the reservoir (R) is dimensioned for a defined volume of a containment (1).

Description

Device for decontamination for a containment and / or temporary material to be introduced into it

Field of application of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for decontamination for a containment and / or temporary material to be introduced therein. The device has a reservoir, which is intended for the storage of a normally liquid decontaminant. Another component of the device is acted upon from a Druckluftguelle atomizer for atomizing the decontamination agent in an aerosol. In particular, insulators, e.g. for the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, safety cabinets, e.g. for microbiological work, weighing cabins for working with toxic substances, fume cupboards and locks.

State of the art

The CH 689 178 A5 has a device for the gaseous decontamination of clean rooms to the object. Liquid decontamination agent is conveyed from a reservoir outside the clean room by means of a pump to an evaporator unit arranged in the clean room. The evaporator unit comprises a heating plate for evaporating the supplied aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is distributed as a vapor mixture in the clean room where it has a sterilizing effect on the surfaces, ie the internal structures and the material to be treated. The conveying and evaporation of the decontamination agent is realized with a control and regulating device and takes place until the intended decontamination concentration is reached. During decontamination, the concentration of H ₂ O _{2 is} about 100-5000 ppm and is normally maintained for about 10-20 minutes. After decontamination, an exhaust air flap is opened, the exhaust air containing H ₂ O ₂ purged from the clean room and discharged via an exhaust duct, in which a catalyst can be present to reduce the emission, which decomposes H ₂ O _{2 used} in H2O and O2. Optimized appear in this device, the relatively long cycle time and the uneven distribution of the sterilizing steam in the clean room.

CONFIRMATION COPY The device for gasifying a decontamination agent for a containment according to WO 2008/116 341 A2 is also based on a delivery unit for transporting the decontamination agent from a storage container to a heatable evaporator. In the evaporator compressed air for swirling and for the promotion of the generated vapor mixture is fed into the containment. The vapor mixture is introduced through a nozzle for its efficient distribution into the containment.

DE 03 46 843 A1 also discloses a device for gasifying an aqueous solution as a decontamination agent. From a reservoir placed outside the working chamber to be decontaminated, decontamination agent is injected into the electrically heatable evaporator via a line and a Venturi nozzle, which is acted upon by a compressed air source. During expansion, the volume of vapor increases, causing it to cool and condense substantially at the surfaces within the working chamber. A pump for conveying the decontamination agent is unnecessary through the existing Venturi nozzle, by means of which the compressed air source is used to convey the aqueous solution from the reservoir and at the same time as a carrier gas for introducing the vaporized decontamination agent. Valves can be used to control the flow rate of the air or the decontamination agent. The second compressed air line, which is connected on the outlet side to the evaporator, carries dried air as a carrier medium, which transports the generated vapor mixture to the working chamber. The evaporator comprises a shaft tube through which flows the mixture of air and H2O2, which is formed by the H2O2 sucked in by the Venturi nozzle and air from the compressed air source. The shaft tube is encased in an aluminum casting component in which a heating wire is embedded, which spirally surrounds the shaft tube. This device requires an increased expenditure on equipment.

The Belgian company TechSpray SPRL presents on its homepage http://www.solidfog.com/solidfog-ii-en.htm a device for the decontamination of surfaces in patient and surgery rooms up to 200m ³ under the trade name "SolidFog II". The wheeled mobile device has a reservoir with biocidal decontaminant. With the help of compressed air, the decontamination agent is atomized out of spray nozzles.

Object of the invention

In relation to the previously known devices for gaseous decontamination of containments, the invention has for its object to propose a device that is characterized by a simplified structural design - including the control technology - a reduced effort in the application and more flexible applications. Furthermore, the device should allow a simple and inexpensive to implement retrofitting to existing containments. Overall, an improved efficiency in the decontamination of containments in the creation of clean room conditions and for the protection against hazardous or potentially dangerous goods to be achieved.

Overview of the invention

The device for decontamination for a containment and / or temporary material to be introduced therein has a reservoir which is intended to store a normally decontaminant liquid. Furthermore, the device comprises a spray applied from a compressed air source atomizer, which serves to atomize the decontamination agent into an aerosol. The device has at least one outlet which is provided for the direct introduction of the aerosol generated in the device into the containment. The reservoir and atomizer are integral parts of the device, which can be installed as a whole on or in the containment. The reservoir is factory filled with decontamination agent or can be topped up by the user before use. The entire device or at least the reservoir is designed as a disposable article.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the invention are defined: The atomizer is designed as a Venturi nozzle, on which a primary channel opens, the leads to the reservoir. At the atomizer opens a secondary channel, which has a connection to the compressed air source.

Opposite the atomizer a bounce surface is arranged, in the environment of which there is an atomization zone. From the atomization zone, a third passage leads to the at least one outlet.

The reservoir is formed by an outer wall which surrounds the device and a bottom extending within the wall. The primary channel ends above a first passage, near the bottom, and consists of several grooves rising from a shaft. In the shaft of the secondary channel, which narrows at a first funnel contour to a second channel mouth runs. Above the shaft is a lower tube piece, which covers the primary channel and narrows at a second funnel contour to a first channel mouth. The second channel mouth and the first channel mouth are adjacent and aligned with each other. Between the first funnel contour and the second funnel contour, the primary passage continues as a second passage, which opens between the first canal mouth and the second canal mouth.

The at least one outlet exits laterally or axially or is designed as a radial circumferential slot. Or a plurality of outlets are provided which emerge laterally and / or axially and / or in a ball-head-shaped arrangement.

The device consists of:

a) a base part, which comprises

aa) the reservoir;

ab) the tubular shaft which extends from the bottom axially into the interior of the base part and continues outwards as a connection;

ac) the secondary channel rising in the shaft; and

ad) the first funnel contour, which is located at the free end of the shaft and forms the second channel mouth;

b) a sputtering part which is inserted into the base part and comprises: ba) the lower tube piece with the inner cavity; and bb) the second funnel contour, which is located at the upper end of the pipe section and forms the first channel mouth; and

c) a spray part which is directly or indirectly connected to the base part and which has at least one outlet.

The atomizer is made up of:

a) the second funnel contour, in which the first funnel contour is inserted axially;

b) the second passage formed between the two funnel contours; c) the mutually adjacent first channel mouth and second channel mouth to which the secondary channel leads; and

d) of the two channel mouths opposite bounce surface.

There is provided an intermediate part which:

a) is intended on the one hand for connection to the base part and on the other hand for connection to the spray part;

b) has an outlet which faces the spray part; and

c) encapsulating the upper part of the atomizing part.

The intermediate part has the spray part facing docking elements. At the spray part the intermediate part facing docking elements are provided. The mutual docking elements are used for releasably coupling the spray part on the intermediate part.

The compressed air source is:

a) a container arranged directly on the device; or

b) a container separated from the device; or

c) an external mobile aggregate; or

d) a stationary pipeline network.

The port is provided with a leakage protection - eg a ball check valve - to prevent the leakage of liquid decontaminant from the reservoir. Furthermore, the connection can have a coupling element. sen - eg a circular circumferential groove - which is intended for quick release connection with a arranged on a supply line to the compressed air source line adapter.

For docking the device outside the housing of the containment a coupling is provided. The housing has a port opening into the containment and closable. The outlet of the device can be connected to the port or inserted through it into the containment.

When positioning the device in the containment complementary coupling members serve at the terminal of the base part and on the supply line from the compressed air source for releasably docking the device. With the compressed air source positioned outside the containment, the supply line leads to the connection of the device installed in the containment.

For a proper decontamination cycle of a defined volume in the containment - eg 1 m ³ - the fill in the reservoir is measured. According to the volume of a containment, this determines the number of devices to be used for the decontamination cycle on this containment.

The decontaminant in the reservoir is an aqueous solution of H2O2.

Brief description of the attached drawings

Show it:

Figure 1A - the basic structure of a containment with a decontamination on the partition wall within the working chamber;

Figure 1 B - the structure of Figure 1A, with the decontamination device centered on the housing bottom within the working chamber;

FIG. 1C shows the construction according to FIG. 1A, with the decontamination device at the side of the housing of the containment within the working chamber; Figure 1 D - the structure according to Figure 1A, with the decontamination device on the housing cover within the recirculation zone;

Figure 1 E - the structure according to Figure 1A, with the decontamination outside the housing of the containment and opening into the working chamber;

Figure 2A - a decontamination device of the first variant with a plurality of axial outlets on the spray part, in perspective view;

Figure 2B - the decontamination device according to Figure 2A, in a schematic representation;

Figure 3A - a decontamination device of the first variant with a lateral outlet on the spray part, in perspective view;

Figure 3B - the decontamination device according to Figure 3A, in a schematic representation;

Figure 4A - a decontamination device of the first variant with a plurality of lateral outlets on the spray part, in perspective view;

Figure 4B - the decontamination device according to Figure 4A, in a schematic representation;

FIG. 5A shows a decontamination device of the first variant with a plurality of outlets in a spherical-head arrangement on the spray part, in perspective view;

FIG. 5B - the decontamination device according to FIG. 5A, in a schematic representation;

Figure 6A - the decontamination device according to Figure 2A, as an enlarged

Vertical section on the line A-A;

Figure 6B - the decontamination device according to Figure 2A, as an enlarged

Vertical section on the B-B line;

Figure 6C - the arrangement according to Figure 6A, in an exploded view;

Figure 6D - the base part of Figure 6C, in an enlarged plan view;

Figure 6E - the enlarged detail X of Figure 6B; FIG. 7 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 6B, with a flow pattern of the decontamination agent to be atomized to form an aerosol, in a schematic representation;

Figure 8A - a decontamination device of the second variant with an axial outlet on the spray part, in perspective view;

FIG. 8B shows the arrangement according to FIG. 8A, in an exploded view;

Figure 8C - the base part of Figure 8B, enlarged;

FIG. 8D - the atomizing part from FIG. 8B, enlarged;

Figure 8E - the intermediate part of Figure 8B, enlarged;

FIG. 8F - the spray part from FIG. 8B, enlarged;

Figure 9A - the base part and the atomizing part of Figure 8B, assembled;

Figure 9B - the arrangement of Figure 8A, without spray part, in perspective view; Figure 9C - the arrangement according to Figure 9B, as an enlarged vertical section on the line D-D;

Figure 9D - the arrangement according to Figure 9B, as an enlarged vertical section on the line E-E;

Figure 9E - the arrangement according to Figure 8B, with base, sputtering and

Intermediate part assembled, spray part lifted, as an enlarged vertical section on the C-C line;

10A-the decontamination device according to FIG. 8A, with a lateral outlet on the spray part, in perspective view;

Figure 10B- the spray part of Figure 10A, as a vertical section;

Figure 1 1 A- the decontamination device with a plurality of lateral outlets on the spray part, in perspective view;

Figure 1 1 B - the spray part of Figure 11 A, as a vertical section;

12A- the decontamination device with a plurality of outlets in a spherical cap-shaped arrangement on the spray part, in perspective view; and Figure 12B- the spray part of Figure 2A, as a vertical section. embodiment

Reference to the accompanying drawings, the detailed description of an embodiment of the device for decontaminating a containment and temporary material to be introduced therein takes place below. Two variants with different modifications are shown here.

The following definition applies to the entire further description. If reference numerals are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity, but are not explained in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their mention in the preceding description of the figures. For the sake of clarity, the repeated designation of components in subsequent figures is usually dispensed with, as far as the drawing clearly shows that they are "recurring" components.

FIGS. 1A to 1E

This sequence of figures schematically shows a containment 1 with a device 2 installed therein for decontaminating the containment 1. In the device 2, the decontamination agent is initially stored in a liquid state, which is introduced into the working chamber 14 of the containment 1 in an aerosolized manner.

The containment 1 comprises a housing 10 which is stationary on a frame 100 and which is divided into a housing lower part 101, which terminates at the bottom with a housing bottom 102, and an housing upper part 107. The housing lower part 101 may be equipped with a first transfer opening 105 and a second transfer opening 106 for special applications on the opposite outer walls. These transfer apertures 105, 106 serve to introduce and dispense articles to be treated by means of a transfer system into or out of the working chamber 14 or for the connection of another containment 1, e.g. Isolator, lock or incubator cabinet.

At the front, the working chamber 14 has a transparent disk 103, in which the hand engagements 104 are used to access the material to be treated, which is located inside the working chamber 14, from the outside. The disc 103 leaves Most open, so that through this access to be treated between the working chamber 14 and the external environment U can be moved. In the containment 1, a horizontal partition wall 108 is arranged, from which a channel wall 109 extends in the direction of the housing bottom 102, so that below the partition wall 108, the working chamber 14 and above a circulating air zone 15 are divided. Between the channel wall 109 and the adjacent outer wall, a return channel 16 extends as a flow connection between the working chamber 14 and the circulating air zone 15, in which the recirculation unit 13 and the exhaust unit 12 are arranged. The inlet in the return channel 16 is located in the lower region of the working chamber 14. The recirculation unit 13 is on the partition wall 108 and the exhaust unit 12 and a Zulufteinheit 11 are positioned at the top of the housing 10. The air supply unit 11 serves to suck in fresh air from the external environment U. The exhaust air unit 12 conveys air from the containment 1 into the surroundings U. The air circulation unit 13 effects a proportion of the air fed into the recirculation zone 15 from the working chamber 14 via the return duct 16 Air with admixture of fresh air introduced via the Zulufteinheit 11 supply the working chamber 14 again.

The variable positioning of the device 2 on the containment 1 is determined by its structural design, the spatial conditions at the site and the respectively required accessibility. Exemplary positions of the device 2 are within the working chamber 14 on the dividing wall 108 (see Figure 1A) or centrally on the housing bottom 102 (see Figure 1 B) or laterally on the housing of the containment 1 (see Figure 1C). Other alternatives for installing the device 2 are within the circulating air zone 15, e.g. at the top of the housing 10 (see Figure 1 D), or outside the housing 10 of the containment 1 with the outlet 55 for the decontaminating agent atomized in the device 2 into the working chamber 14 (see Figure 1 E). According to the respective size of the working chamber 14 and the concrete conditions to be met for the decontamination, a plurality of such devices 2 will be installed on the containment 1.

FIGS. 2A to 5B

The device 2 of the first variant has a base part 3, in which the liquid debris Contaminants 8 is stockpiled. To the base part 3, a spray part 5 is connected, whose inlet opening 54 leads from the space axially into the spray part 5. The entire device 2 is designed in principle cylindrical. The base part 3 has a connection for introducing compressed air into the device 2.

Depending on the given conditions of use for the devices 2, one or more outlets 55 for the decontamination agent 8 atomized in the device 2 can be provided on the spray part 5, while in most cases an inlet opening 54 leading through the cover surface 50 is sufficient. A plurality of axially outflowing outlets 55 are arranged around the inlet opening 54 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B) or a single outlet 55 opens laterally at a connection 52 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B) or laterally open a plurality of outlets 55, each from an associated connection piece 55 (see Figures 4A.4B). Alternatively, the outlet 55 may be formed as a radially circumferential gap (not shown). In a further alternative, the inlet opening 54 and the outlets 55 are distributed on a ball-head-shaped cover surface 50 of the spray part 5 (see Figures 5A.5B).

FIGS. 6A to 6E

The device 2 can be structured in a base part 3 and a spray part 5 as well as in the atomizer part 4 accommodated in both. The base part 3 is surrounded by a cylindrical wall 31, from which a conically tapered, funnel-shaped bottom 32 continues, which forms the reservoir R. Centrally, the bottom 32 is penetrated by a shaft 36, which ends below the reservoir R as a terminal 34, which serves for docking to the compressed air source 9, not shown here. The port 34 internally has a leakage protection 30, for example a ball check valve, which only allows the influx of air from the compressed air source 9 into the device 2, but prevents the leakage of liquid decontamination agent 8 from the reservoir R through the secondary channel 35. Externally, the connection 34 has a coupling element 33, for example a circular circumferential groove, which serves to engage a line adapter 93 (see FIG. When the compressed air source 9 is positioned remotely, a feed line 90, not shown here, extends to the connection 34. A plurality of spaced-apart primary channels 20, which are designed as groove-shaped depressions, for example offset by 90 ° from each other, are designed. Run axially outward on the shaft 36 from the bottom 32 to an outer shoulder 38. Through the tubular shaft 36, the secondary channel 35 extends. The upper free end of the shaft 36 is formed by a outgoing from the outer shoulder 38 first funnel contour 37, at which the Secondary channel 35 narrows to the central second channel mouth 39. The outer shoulder 38 is composed of segments of a circular ring which is interrupted by the opening primary channels 20.

The atomizer 4 has in the central part of a jacket 40 from which extends centrally and downwardly a lower pipe section 46, the inner cavity 45 is open at the bottom and tapers in the shell 40 with a second funnel contour 47 to a first channel mouth 49. Spaced in front of the first channel mouth 49, a bounce surface 41 is positioned. Diametrically to the lower pipe section 46 extends centrally from the shell 40, the upper pipe section 42 with its passage 44 which is open to the lower pipe section 46 and outwards into the room. The upper tube piece 42 ends with a widening 43. At the transition from the lower tube piece 46 to the second funnel contour 47 is a circular inner shoulder 48th

The spray part 5 consists essentially of the cylindrical wall 51, which is completely open towards the base part 3 and opposite the open side has the top surface 50. In the top surface 50, the inlet opening 54 and the circularly arranged around outlets 55 are present.

The outlets 55 opening on the top surface 50 are each provided with a first obturator 57 - eg shutters - which prevent the leakage of liquid decontamination agent 8 during the transport of the device 2, whereas in the operating state the outflow of aerosol formed in the device 2 through the Allow outlets 55. For this purpose, the individual first obturator 57 is connected to the cover surface 50 in the manner of a joint, for example, and fixed in the closed position by means of an adhesive strip. Before the device 2 is put into operation, the adhesive strip is removed so that flow of the aerosol, the first obturator 57 unfolds in the open position. In the cover surface 50, a second obturator 58 is arranged, with which the inlet opening 54 can close. The second obturator 58 is designed, for example, as a check valve, which allows only the inflow of additional air from the outside into the device 2, but not the outflow of aerosol formed in the device 2 through the passage 44 and the inlet opening 54. Inwardly of the spray part 5 is the inlet opening 54 surrounded by a collar 53. In the wall 51, at least one degassing element 56 is integrated, which is preferably designed as a membrane and serves to dissipate during the storage of the device 2 which increases by automatic evaporation of decontamination agent 8 in the device 2 pressure.

In the state of the assembled device 2, the shaft 36 of the base part 3 is maximally inserted into the cavity 45 of the lower tube piece 46 of the Zerstäuberteils 4, so that between the lower tube piece 46 and bottom 32, a first passage 21 remains. The insertion depth is limited by the stop of the outer shoulder 38 on the inner shoulder 48. At the same time, this results in a second passage 22 as a flow connection from the primary channels 20 to the first channel mouth 49 between the first funnel contour 37 and the second funnel contour 47. The second channel mouth 39 at the end of the secondary channel 35 and the first channel mouth 49 at the end of the second passage 22, which connected to the primary channels 20, together form an atomizer V, according to the Venturi principle. In order to intensify the conversion of the decontamination agent 8 taking place at the atomizer V into an aerosol of small droplet size, the baffle surface 41 is arranged opposite to the atomizer V. In the vicinity of atomizer V and bounce surface 41, a sputtering zone 29 is formed.

The connection between the spray part 5 and base part 3 is designed releasably - for example by means of thread - or insoluble, for example as a bond. The upper tube piece 42 of the atomizer 4 is seated coaxially in the spray part 5, and the widening 43 of the upper tube piece 42 engages around the collar 53. This results in a tube-like third passage 23 (see Figure 7), which is located within the shell 40 Atomization zone 29 connects, then between jacket 40 and wall 31 of the base member 3 extends, continues between the upper tube piece 42 and the wall 51 of the spray part 5 and finally leads to the outlets 55 in the top surface 50 on the spray part 5. The passage 44 of the upper pipe section 42 opens into the inlet opening 54 of the spray part 5. If the outlets 55 are arranged in lateral ports 52 (see Figures 3A, 3B and 4A.4B) or in a radial gap, the third passage 23 extends there ,

FIG. 7

Before starting the decontamination operation, the device 2 is installed at the intended position on the containment 1. Particularly advantageous is a docking outside the housing 10 of the containment 1 according to Figure 1 E be. For this purpose, a coupling with a closable port opening into the containment 1 is provided on the housing 10. Depending on the construction, the outlet 55 of the device 2 is connected to the port or the outlet 55 is led through the port into the containment 1. When installing the device 2 on the outside of the housing 10 of the containment 1 according to FIG. 1 E, neither the passage 44 nor the inlet opening 54 is required. Space for the atomization zone 29 is sufficient, but if the inlet opening 54 is present, it must be sealed against the environment U in a gastight manner. eg by means of the second obturator 58.

If a spray part 5 with several branched outlets 55 has been provided, the installation of the device 2 takes place within the containment 1 according to FIGS. 1A-1 D. When installing the device 2 in the containment 1, it can be advantageous for the efficiency of the atomization to open the inlet opening 54 not to close or to dispense with the attachment of the second obturator 58.

For the operation of the device 2, it is assumed that the reservoir R contains liquid decontamination agent 8, for example hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution, and the connection 34 is connected to a compressed air source 9 on the basis of the line adapter 93, which in the present case extends the supply line 90 is. The filling of the reservoir R can be done as a disposable article in the manufacture of the device 2 or is made by the user before each use, for example by means of pre-filled replacement cartridges, when the device 2 is intended for repeated use. The filling quantity in the reservoir R is dimensioned, for example, for the treatment of a volume in the containment 1 of 1.0 m ³ . According to the known volume in the containment 1, the number of devices 2 to be used for a proper decontamination cycle is thus determined.

In the case of small and individually positioned containments 1, a filled compressed-air reservoir, which is arranged directly on the device 2, or an external mobile device, which is connected to the device 2 via the supply line 90, could be used as the compressed-air source 9. In systems with larger or a plurality of containments 1, it is assumed that there is a stationary compressed air source 9 within a pipeline network.

At the start of the decontamination operation, the air supply unit 11 is closed and the exhaust air unit 12 is open while the air circulation unit 13 is running. From the compressed air source 9 compressed air flows into the secondary channel 35, which exits from the second channel mouth 39. As a result, the liquid from the reservoir R through the first passage 21 into the primary channels 20, further liquid decontamination agent 8 is sucked through the second passage 22 from the first channel mouth 49 and mixed with the compressed air stream. The air-liquid mixture emerging from the atomizer V sprays against the baffle 41 and expands into the atomization zone 29 as an aerosol with a fine droplet size. An outflow of aerosol through the passage 44 is blocked by the seated in the inlet opening 54 closed second obturator 58. From the atomization zone 29, the aerosol passes through the third passage 23 to flow out of the outlets 55. Large drops of aerosol are deposited on the lateral surface 40 and flow back into the reservoir R. The introduction of the decontaminating agent 8 aerosolized in the device 2 into the containment 1 takes place directly in its working chamber 14 (see FIGS. 1A-1C.1 E). or in its circulating air zone 15 (see Figure 1 D), depending on the installation site. On the inner surfaces of the working chamber 14, the circulating air zone 15 and possibly located in the working chamber 14 to be treated a condensate of decontamination agent 8 is deposited as a covering. After reaching the intended amount of introduced decontamination agent 8 and associated exposure time, the main phase of the decontamination operation is completed. The current operating mode switches off automatically or you switch off manually. The eg completely emptied device 2 is removed from the containment 1 or remains in position until the end of the working process.

For flushing and drying of the containment 1 in a rinsing phase activates the Zulufteinheit 11, the exhaust unit 12 and recirculation unit 13. This brings out the residues of the decontamination agent 8 from the containment 1, the purified exhaust air flows into the connected to the exhaust unit 12 exhaust duct , From this state, it is possible to return to normal operation of the containment 1.

FIGS. 8A to 8F

An essential difference in the turn cylindrical device 2 second variant is that with the base part 3, an intermediate part 6 is connected, on which different spray parts 5 can be placed. The liquid decontamination agent 8 is again stored in the base part 3, and the atomizer part 4 is seated in the base part 3, protruding with its overhanging the shell 40 top surface over the upper free edge of the base part 3 also. The connection 34 on the base part 3 also serves to introduce compressed air into the device 2.

At the transition between the cylindrical wall 31 to the conically tapered, funnel-shaped bottom 32 extend in the longitudinal direction to the terminal 34 via the coupling member 33 also has three spaced feet 310, which have a frusto-conical contour at their respective free end. Before installation of the device 2, it can be positioned vertically on a footprint for convenient handling with the feet 310. The atomizer 4 is mushroom-shaped and has, externally at the top, the skirt 40, from which the lower rotor 46 with the cavity 45 extends therein. The connection between the lower tube piece 46 and the jacket 40 is formed by webs 460. From the jacket 40 protrude upward and spread support webs 400 from.

The intermediate part 6 has a cylindrical wall 61 and has adjacent to its upper edge 60 a circumferential docking element 69, which consists of circular elevations and paragraphs. The bordered by the upper edge 60 opening has the determination as an outlet 65, which extends as an axial passage through the intermediate part 6.

The cylindrical wall 51 of the spray part 5 ends at the top of the top surface 50 - now in the form of a narrow circular ring - which surrounds an opening which represents the outlet 55 and extends as axial passage through the spray part 5. At the lower end of the wall 51, a circular docking member 59 is provided, which consists of a circumferential projection and cuts.

FIGS. 9A to 9E

The plugged onto the shaft 36 of the base part 3 lower pipe section 46 of the Zerstäuberteils 4 passes at the level of the connection between the base part 3 and intermediate part 6 in the jacket 40 and thereby experiences an increase in diameter, which encloses the atomization zone 29 in itself.

The connection of the base part 3 and the intermediate part 6 is detachably designed - for example by means of latching contours or thread - or is permanent, for example, as a bond. Between the wall 61 of the intermediate part 6 and the jacket 40 of the Zerstäuberteils 4, the third passage 23 remains, wherein the support webs 400 are directed against the narrowing wall 61 and thus additionally secure the atomizer 4. In the top surface of the shell 40 of the atomizer 4 a plurality of spaced apart openings 440 are provided on a circular path. Centrally extends from the top surface in the direction of atomizer V a pin, which has the bounce surface 41 at its free end. The air-liquid mixture emerging from the atomizer V sprays against the baffle 41 and expands into the atomization zone 29 as an aerosol with a fine droplet size. The outflow of aerosol from the sputtering zone 29 occurs on the one hand through the openings 440, and on the other hand, the aerosol passes through the third passage 23 to flow first through the outlet 65 of the intermediate part 6 and from there through the outlet 55 of the spray part 5. Large drops of aerosol are internally deposited on the lateral surface 40 and flow back into the reservoir R. The spray part 5 is attached with its docking element 59 to the docking element 69 of the intermediate part 6. The preferably releasable snap connection of intermediate part 6 and spray part 5 makes it possible to easily attach different designed spray parts 5 to the intermediate part 6, in each case adapted to the situation within the containment 1.

FIGS. 10A to 12B

For each specific operating conditions of the devices 2 different spray parts 5 are provided. The outlets 55 are provided on the spray part 5 in a different number and orientation. The outlet 55 opens laterally (see Figures 10A.10B), or laterally open several outlets 55 on a flange (see Figures 11 A, 11 B), wherein alternatively the outlet 55 may be formed as a radially encircling gap (not shown ). In a further embodiment, the outlets 55 are distributed on a spherical-head-shaped cover surface 50 of the spray part 5 (see FIGS. 12A, 12B).

Claims

Patent claims

1 . Device (2) for decontamination for a containment (1) and / or temporary material to be introduced therein, comprising:

a) a reservoir (R), intended for the storage of a normally liquid decontamination agent (8); and

b) one of a compressed air source (9) acted upon atomizer (V) intended for atomizing the decontamination agent (8) in an aerosol, characterized in that

c) the device (2) has at least one outlet (55) intended for direct introduction of the aerosol generated in the device (2) into the containment (1);

d) the reservoir (R) and the atomizer (V) are an integral part of the device (2), which can be installed as a whole on or in the containment (1); and

e) the reservoir (R) is factory filled with decontamination agent (8) or can be filled by the user before use and the entire device (2) or at least the reservoir (R) is designed as a disposable item.

2. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a) the atomizer (V) is designed as a Venturi nozzle, at which a primary channel (20) opens, which leads to the reservoir (R); and

b) at the atomizer (V), a secondary channel (35) opens, which has a connection (34) to the compressed air source (9).

3. Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

a) the baffle (V) opposite a bounce surface (41) is arranged, in whose environment an atomization zone (29) is located; and

b) from the atomization zone (29) a third passage (23) leads to the at least one outlet (55).

4. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

a) the reservoir (R) of an outer wall (31) which surrounds the device (2), and a within the wall (31) extending bottom (32) is formed;

b) the primary duct (20) terminates above a first passage (21) near the bottom (32) and consists of a plurality of grooves ascending on a shaft (36);

c) in the shaft (36) of the secondary channel (35) extends, which narrows at a first funnel contour (37) to a second channel mouth (39);

d) over the shaft (36) a lower tube piece (46) inserted, which covers the primary channel (20) and narrows at a second funnel contour (47) to a first channel mouth (49);

e) the second channel mouth (39) and the first channel mouth (49) are adjacent and in alignment with each other; and

f) between the first funnel contour (37) and the second funnel contour (47) the primary channel (20) continues as a second passage (22), which opens between the first channel mouth (49) and the second channel mouth (39).

5. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

a) the at least one outlet (55) exits laterally or axially or is designed as a radially circumferential slot; or

b) a plurality of outlets (55) are provided, which emerge laterally and / or axially and / or in a ball-head-shaped arrangement.

6. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it consists of:

a) a base part (3), which has

aa) the reservoir (R);

ab) the tubular shaft (36) which extends from the bottom (32) axially into the interior of the base part (3) and continues outwards as a connection (34); ac) the secondary channel (35) rising in the shaft (36); and ad) the first funnel contour (37) which is located at the free end of the shaft (36) and forms the second channel mouth (39);

b) a sputtering part (4), which is inserted into the base part (3) and has:

ba) the lower tube piece (46) with the inner cavity (45);

bb) the second funnel contour (47), which is located at the upper end of the pipe section (46) and forms the first channel mouth (49); and

c) a spray part (5) which is directly or indirectly connected to the base part (3) and which has at least one outlet (55).

7. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the atomizer (V) is formed from:

a) the second funnel contour (47), in which the first funnel contour (37) is inserted axially;

b) the second passage (22) formed between the funnel contours (37, 47);

c) the mutually adjacent first channel mouth (49) and second channel mouth (39) to which the secondary channel (35) leads; and

d) of the two channel mouths (39,49) opposite bounce surface (41).

8. Device (2) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that an intermediate part (6) is provided, which:

a) on the one hand for connection to the base part (3) and on the other hand for connection to the spray part (5) is determined;

b) has an outlet (65) which faces the spray part (5); and c) encapsulating the upper part of the atomizing part (4).

9. Device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that a) the intermediate part (6) has the spray part (5) facing docking elements (69);

b) on the spray part (5) the intermediate part (6) facing docking elements (59) are provided; and c) serve the mutual docking elements (59,69) for releasably coupling the spray part (5) on the intermediate part (6).

10. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the compressed air source (9):

a) is a directly on the device (2) arranged container; or b) a container separated from the device (2); or

c) is an external mobile aggregate; or

d) is a stationary pipeline network.

1 1. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connection (34):

a) with a leakage protection (30), e.g. a ball check valve provided to prevent leakage of liquid decontaminant (8) from the reservoir (R); and

b) a coupling member (33), e.g. Circular groove, which is intended for fast detachable connection with a on a supply line (90) to the compressed air source (9) arranged line adapter (93).

12. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that

a) a coupling for docking the device (2) on the outside of the housing (10) of the containment (1) is provided;

b) the housing (10) has a port which opens and closes into the containment (1); in which

c) the outlet (55) of the device (2) is connectable to the port or inserted through this into the containment (1).

13. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that

a) when positioning the device (2) in the containment (1) mutually complementary coupling members (33,93) on the one hand at the terminal (34) of the base part (3) and on the other hand on the supply line (90) from the compressed air source (9) releasably docking the device (2) serve; and

b) when the compressed air source (9) is positioned outside the containment (1), the supply line (90) leads to the connection (34) of the device (2) installed in the containment (1).

14. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that for a proper decontamination cycle of a defined volume in the containment (1) the filling amount in the reservoir (R) is dimensioned and thus corresponding to the volume of a containment (1) determines the number of devices (2) to be used for the decontamination cycle on this containment (1).

15. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the decontamination agent (8) in the reservoir (R) is an aqueous solution of H2O2.