U.S. patent application number 10/510210 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for method of evaluating elimination of microoganisms and apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Kazuo Nishikawa.
Application Number | 20070092928 10/510210 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28794780 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070092928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishikawa; Kazuo |
April 26, 2007 |
Method of evaluating elimination of microoganisms and apparatus for
evaluating elimination of microorganisms
Abstract
The sterilizing effect of particle irradiation on microorganisms
for the sterilizing treatment thereof can be evaluated. The
evaluation can be done by supplying microorganisms in the space
inside a container (8), allowing particles (7) for the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms to irradiate the microorganisms,
sampling the microorganisms by a sampling means (6) after the
irradiation of the particles (7) and measuring the sampled
microorganisms. The microorganisms as the subject for the
sterilizing treatment can be a combination of one or more members
selected from the group consisting of bacteria, mycete, viruses and
allergens. As the particles, for example, positive ions, negative
ions, and gases of positive ions and negative ions in mixture,
charged particles such as .alpha. rays and .beta. rays, various
plasma gas particles, particles such as ozone and radical
particles, and particles of chemical agent can be used.
Inventors: |
Nishikawa; Kazuo;
(Osaka-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Osaka-shi
JP
545-8522
|
Family ID: |
28794780 |
Appl. No.: |
10/510210 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
April 7, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB03/01250 |
371 Date: |
November 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12Q 1/22 20130101; A61L
2/0011 20130101; A61L 9/18 20130101; C12M 37/06 20130101; A61L 9/22
20130101; A61L 2/28 20130101; A61L 2/0029 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/031 |
International
Class: |
C12Q 1/22 20060101
C12Q001/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 5, 2002 |
JP |
2002-104306 |
Nov 8, 2002 |
JP |
2002-326078 |
Apr 4, 2003 |
JP |
2003-102054 |
Claims
1. A method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms,
comprising supplying microorganisms in the space inside a
container, allowing particles with positive ions for a sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms and particles with negative ions for a
sterilizing treatment of microorganisms to simultaneously irradiate
the microorganisms, sampling the microorganisms, and measuring the
sampled microorganisms after the irradiation of the particles.
2. A method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms,
comprising supplying viruses as microorganisms in the space inside
a container, allowing particles for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms to irradiate the microorganisms, sampling the
microorganisms, and measuring the sampled microorganisms after the
irradiation of the particles.
3. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, comprising measuring the microorganisms
after the irradiation of the particles, supplying microorganisms
under the same conditions for the sterilizing treatment with the
irradiation of the particles to get the microorganisms subjected to
spontaneous decay without irradiation of the particles, sampling
the microorganisms, and measuring the sampled microorganisms.
4. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein measuring the inicroorganisms is
done by measuring the concentration or activity of the
microorganisms.
5. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein measuring the timewise change of
the measured microorganisms in an irradiation time period of the
particles is also done.
6. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein measuring the dependency of the
elimination performance on the particles concentration is also
done.
7. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a solution of microorganisms in
dispersion is sprayed in a mist form during the supply of
microorganisms in the space inside the container.
8. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the microorganisms can be
measured by using cell culture due to the microorganisms,
hemagglutination induced by the microorganisms, or allergic
reaction induced by the microorganisms.
9. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 2, wherein the particles for the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms are particles generated by any of
atmospheric electric discharge, atmospheric irradiation of
radiation, and the Lenard effect.
10. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 2, wherein the particles for the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms are any of radiation, X ray, gamma ray
or electromagnetic wave.
11. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 2, wherein the particles for the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms are particles of chemicals.
12. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1, wherein the microorganisms are a combination
of one or more members selected from the group consisting of
bacteria, mycete, viruses and allergens.
13. The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein stirring the space inside the
container from a position lower the supplied microorganisms inside
the container is done.
14. An apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms,
comprising a container for supplying microorganisms in the space
inside the container and carrying out the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms, a microorganism supply means for supplying
microorganisms in the space inside the container, a microorganism
elimination means for supplying particles with positive ions for a
sterilizing treatment of microorganisms and particles with negative
ions for a sterilizing treatment of microorganisms simultaneously
in the space inside the container, a microorganism sampling means
for sampling the microorganisms after the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms by the microorganisms elimination means, wherein
measuring and evaluating the microorganisms sampled by the
microorganism sampling means are done.
15. An apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms,
comprising a container for supplying viruses as microorganisms in
the space inside the container and carrying out the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms, a microorganism supply means for
supplying microorganisms in the space inside the container, a
microorganism elimination means for supplying particles for the
sterilizing treatment of microorganisms in the space inside the
container, and a microorganism sampling means for sampling the
microorganisms after the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms by
the means of elimination of microorganisms, wherein measuring and
evaluating the microorganisms sampled with the microorganism
sampling means are done.
16. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the microorganism supply
means, the microorganism elimination means and the microorganism
sampling means are sequentially arranged on the passage of the air
containing microorganisms from the upstream side toward the
downstream side thereof.
17. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a wind tunnel forming a
passage of the air containing microorganisms is interposed between
the microorganism supply means and the microorganism sampling
means, wherein the microorganism elimination means is arranged
inside the wind tunnel.
18. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the microorganism elimination
means and the microorganism sampling means are arranged outside the
vertically downward region of the microorganism supply means.
19. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a separate container is
arranged outside the container so as to cover the container.
20. An apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a stirring means for stirring
the space inside the container is arranged in the space inside the
container.
21. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the apparatus is constituted
such that supplying microorganisms with the microorganism supply
means is done by preparing a solution of microorganisms in
dispersion in a mist form and then spraying in a mist form into the
space inside the container.
22. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the apparatus is constituted
such that the particles for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms are discharged in a form of a gas generated by any
of atmospheric electric discharge, atmospheric irradiation of
radiation and the Lenard effect.
23. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 15, wherein the apparatus is constituted such
that the particles for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms
are discharged in the form of radiation, X ray, gamma ray and
electromagnetic wave.
24. The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
according to claim 15, wherein the apparatus is constituted such
that the microorganism elimination means can irradiate particles of
chemicals as the particles for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating
elimination of microorganisms so as to evaluate the sterilizing
effect on microorganisms suspended in atmosphere and an apparatus
for evaluating elimination of microorganisms.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Due to the highly airtight structure in living environment,
a demand toward the elimination of microorganisms being suspended
in air and hazardous for humans so as to have healthy and cozy life
has increasingly grown. So as to satisfy the demand, filters with
various antimicrobial agents attached thereon have been developed
in recent years.
[0003] Because these filters are of a method to aspirate spatial
air of space to filter off atmospheric microorganisms, however,
these filters should essentially be maintained during long-term
use, for example, by a filter exchange. Additionally, the
performance of these filters is insufficient. Therefore,
satisfactory performance has not yet been achieved. The method is
insufficient as the method for eliminating microorganisms.
[0004] For generally carrying out the evaluation of eliminating
suspended microorganisms, air containing microorganisms is passed
through such filters to count the number of microorganisms filtered
off. However, the concentration of microorganisms, which are
subjected to be measured, suspended in air cannot be measured.
[0005] Meanwhile, as a method for eliminating microorganisms, there
is a method of allowing particles such as ionized ions to irradiate
microorganisms for a sterilizing treatment. However, it has not yet
been carried out to measure and evaluate the performance of
eliminating microorganisms with the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms utilizing the method.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
including allowing particles, particularly ion particles including
positive ions and negative ions for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms, particularly viruses to irradiate such
microorganisms so as to evaluate the sterilizing effect, and an
apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms, which can
be used for the method.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] So as to solve the problems, the invention relates to a
method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms comprising
supplying microorganisms in the space inside a container, allowing
particles with positive ions for a sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms and particles with negative ions for a sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms to simultaneously irradiate the
microorganisms, and sampling the microorganisms and measuring the
sampled microorganisms after the irradiation with the particles.
Further, the invention relates to a method for evaluating
elimination of viruses, comprising supplying viruses as
microorganisms in the space inside a container, allowing particles
for the sterilizing treatment of viruses to irradiate the
microorganisms, sampling the viruses, and measuring the sampled
microorganisms after the irradiation with the particles.
[0008] According to the method, microorganisms are sampled and
measured after the irradiation of the particles in the space inside
a container. Therefore, the performance of the irradiation of the
particles for sterilizing treatment and elimination of
microorganisms can be evaluated, so that various conditions for the
irradiation of particles can be quantitatively evaluated.
[0009] Further, in the method for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms, in addition to measuring microorganisms after the
irradiation of the particles, under the same conditions for the
sterilizing treatment of microorganisms with the irradiation of the
particles, microorganisms can be supplied and be subjected to
spontaneous decay without irradiation of the particles, and then
the microorganisms can be sampled and measured.
[0010] In other words, according to the invention, in addition to
doing the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms by the
irradiation of particles for a given period of time, microorganism
can be supplied under the same condition for doing the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms and microorganisms can be subjected to
spontaneous decay for the same period of time as the given period
of time for the irradiation of particles without irradiation of the
particles and then microorganisms can be sampled and measured.
[0011] In such manner, microorganisms can be sampled and measured
in both cases of the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms under
the irradiation of particles and spontaneous decay of
microorganisms without such sterilizing treatment. The results can
be compared with each other. Thus, the sterilizing performance of
the irradiation of particles can be relatively evaluated, compared
with the case of the spontaneous decay of microorganisms.
[0012] Microorganisms can be measured by measuring the
concentration of the microorganisms, the cell infection ratio, or
the allergic reaction. In such manner, the evaluation for
eliminating microorganisms can be conducted.
[0013] For measuring the sampled microorganisms, measuring the
timewise change of the microorganisms can be measured in an
irradiation time period of the particles, thereby making it
possible to quantitatively evaluate the sterilizing performance
over time.
[0014] For measuring the sampled microorganisms, the dependency of
the elimination performance on the particles concentration can be
measured, thereby making it possible to quantitatively evaluate the
dependency of the sterilizing performance on the concentration of
the particles.
[0015] For supplying microorganisms in the space inside a
container, a solution of microorganisms in dispersion can be
sprayed in a mist form. In such manner, microorganisms can be
supplied easily in the inside of the container, thus leading to an
easy sterilizing treatment. Additionally, the case where the
microorganisms areas sprayed in a mist form can be a subject for
the evaluation in accordance with the invention.
[0016] For the method for evaluation, cell culture using
microorganisms, hemagglutination induced by microorganisms or
allergic reaction induced by microorganisms can also be used. In
such manner, the activity or concentration of the microorganisms
can be evaluated.
[0017] As the particles for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms, further, a gas generated by any of atmospheric
electric discharge, atmospheric irradiation of radiation, and the
Lenard effect can be used.
[0018] As the particles for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms, furthermore, radiation, X ray, gamma ray or
electromagnetic wave can be used. As the particles for the
sterilizing treatment of microorganisms, still furthermore,
positive ions and/or negative ions can be used.
[0019] It is now described below about the reason why sterilizing
treatment using positive ions and negative ions as discriminating
particles can be used for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms.
[0020] When positive ions and negative ions are generated by
triggering ionization phenomena such as electric discharge in
atmosphere, H.sup.+(H.sub.2O)n as a positive ion and
O.sub.2.sup.-(H.sub.2O)n as a negative ion are generated in the
most stable manner.
[0021] When these ions are generated, hydrogen peroxide
H.sub.2O.sub.2 or radical OH as active species are generated by
chemical reactions. Because the H.sub.2O.sub.2 or the radical OH
has an extremely strong activity, microorganisms suspended in air
can be subjected to sterilizing treatment and eliminated.
[0022] As the particles for the sterilizing treatment of
microorganisms, further, a gas mainly containing positive ions or
negative ions can be used. In that case, for example, an electric
action due to the electric charge of the ions onto microorganisms
causes cell damage or surface protein damage on the microorganisms,
so that an effect of generating a sterilizing action can be
given.
[0023] For the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms,
additionally, a chemical agent in a particle form can be used for
irradiation for the sterilizing treatment. For the sterilizing
treatment using such chemical agent, the particle thereof can be
supplied with a simple apparatus, compared with the cases due to
ions or ozone. And, the sterilizing performance on such chemical
agent can be evaluated.
[0024] The microorganisms as the subject for the sterilizing
treatment may be a combination of one or more members selected from
the group consisting of bacteria, mycete, viruses and allergens. In
such manner, various microorganisms can be used as the subject for
evaluating the elimination in accordance with the invention.
[0025] When supplying microorganisms in the space inside a
container, the space inside the container can be stirred from a
position below the supplied microorganisms. In such manner, for
supplying microorganisms in the container, spontaneous settling of
the microorganisms due to the weight of the microorganisms can be
prevented, and the sterilizing treatment by irradiating particles
can be carried out effectively. Further, the case where such
stirring is conducted can also be a subject for the evaluation in
accordance with the invention.
[0026] In accordance with the invention, further, an apparatus for
carrying out the method for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms can be provided, which includes a container for
supplying microorganisms in the space inside the container and
carrying out the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms therein, a
microorganism supply means for supplying microorganisms in the
space inside the container, a microorganisms elimination means for
supplying particles for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms
in the space inside the container, and a microorganism sampling
means for sampling the microorganisms after the sterilizing
treatment due to the elimination of microorganisms means, and which
works for measuring and evaluating microorganisms sampled by the
microorganism sampling means.
[0027] According to the apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms, the particles are irradiated by the microorganism
elimination means for the sterilizing treatment, then, the
microorganisms can be sampled by the microorganism sampling means
and measured so as to evaluate the sterilizing performance of
microorganisms by the microorganism elimination means on the basis
of the measurement. And, various conditions for the sterilizing
treatment of microorganisms by the irradiation of particles due to
the microorganism elimination means can be evaluated
quantitatively.
[0028] A specific embodiment of the apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganisms can be constituted such that the
microorganism supply means, the microorganism elimination means and
the microorganism sampling means are sequentially arranged on the
passage of air containing microorganisms, from the upstream side
toward the downstream side thereof. In such manner, a series of
processes comprising supplying microorganisms, elimination of
microorganisms and sampling microorganisms can be carried out
smoothly.
[0029] When a construction is selected such that a wind tunnel
forming a passage of air containing microorganisms is interposed
between the microorganism supply means and the microorganism
sampling means, and the microorganism elimination means is arranged
inside the wind tunnel in this case, the elimination, the sampling
and the supply of the air containing microorganisms can be done in
the limited wind tunnel.
[0030] Further, a construction is preferable such that the
microorganism elimination means and the microorganism sampling
means are arranged outside the vertically downward region of the
microorganism supply means. Because particulate substances not
prepared in a gaseous form in a mist discharged from the
microorganism supply means fall in the vertically downward region
and its peripheral regions, the microorganism elimination means and
the microorganism sampling means are not contaminated with the
fallen substances owing to such construction, so that the
reliability of the evaluation apparatus can be improved. So as to
attain the effect, importantly, the microorganism elimination means
and the microorganism sampling means should not be arranged
vertically downward the microorganism supply means. By arranging
the microorganism supply means and the microorganism sampling means
in the horizontal direction or by arranging both the microorganism
elimination means and the microorganism sampling means in a
position slightly shifted from the vertically downward position of
the microorganism supply means or in a direction oblique to the
direction of the microorganism supply means, for example, the
effect can be gained.
[0031] In accordance with the invention, further, an apparatus for
evaluating elimination of microorganisms can be used, where a
separate container so as to cover the container is arranged outside
the container. Due to such construction of the apparatus,
microorganisms leaking from the container or particulate substances
not prepared in a gaseous form can be shielded with the separate
container, so that such microorganisms or such particulate
substances hardly leak outside.
[0032] In the apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms described above, a stirring means for stirring the
space inside the container from a position below the supplied
microorganisms can be arranged. In such manner, for supplying
microorganisms from the microorganism supply means into the
container, spontaneous settling of microorganisms due to their
weight from the microorganism supply means can be prevented to
effectively carry out the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms
due to the microorganism elimination means.
[0033] The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
can be constituted such that the supply of microorganisms due to
the microorganism supply means can be done by preparing a solution
of microorganisms in dispersion in a mist form and then spraying
the mist form in the space inside the container.
[0034] Additionally, the apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms can be constituted such that the particles for the
sterilizing treatment of microorganisms are discharged in the form
of a gas generated by any of atmospheric electric discharge,
atmospheric irradiation of radiation and the Lenard effect. Still
additionally, the apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms can have a construction such that the particles for
the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms are in a form of
radiation, X ray, gamma ray or electromagnetic wave and can be
discharged in the apparatus.
[0035] Additionally, the apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms can be constituted such that the microorganism
elimination means can irradiate positive ions and/or negative ions
as the particles for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms.
Still additionally, the apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms can be constituted such that the microorganism
elimination means can irradiate particles of chemicals as the
particles for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic constitutional view showing a first
embodiment of an apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms according to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic constitutional view showing a second
embodiment of an apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms according to the invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 shows the result of measurement for Example 1, which
is a result of measurement for microorganisms sampled in a case of
a sterilizing treatment while changing the ion concentration;
[0039] FIG. 4 shows the result of measurement for Example 2, which
is a result of measurement for microorganisms sampled in a case of
conducting ion discharge and in a case of not conducting ion
discharge;
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a photograph obtained by photographing sampled
microorganisms in Example 2, in which FIG. 5A is a photograph for
microorganisms sampled in a case of conducting ion discharge and
FIG. 5B is a photograph for microorganisms sampled in a case of not
conducting ion discharge;
[0041] FIG. 6 shows the result of measurement for Example 3, which
is a result of measurement for sampled microorganisms in a case of
stirring and in a case of not stirring the inside of a
container;
[0042] FIG. 7 shows the result of measurement for Example 4, which
is a result of measurement for sampled microorganisms in a case of
conducting ion discharge and in a case of not conducting ion
discharge;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic constitutional view showing a third
embodiment and Example 6 of an apparatus for evaluating elimination
of microorganisms.;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic constitutional view showing a fourth
embodiment of an apparatus for evaluating elimination of suspended
microorganisms;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic constitutional view showing a fifth
embodiment of an apparatus for evaluating elimination of suspended
viruses;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a cell infection probability of
influenza viruses depending on ion concentration of Example 6;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a graph showing a cell infection probability of
Coxackie viruses depending on ion concentration of Example 6;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a graph showing a cell infection probability of
polio viruses depending on ion concentration of Example 6;
[0049] FIG. 14 is a graph showing mass spectrum for positive ions
and negative ions formed from an ion generation element of Example
6;
[0050] FIG. 15 is a flow chart for an evaluation test of Example
6;
[0051] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating
elimination of suspended pathogenic bacteria of Example 7;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the change with time of the
concentration of aerial suspended Staphylococcus bacteria at the
ion concentration of 200,000 N/cm.sup.3 of Example 7;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a graph showing the change with time of the
concentration of aerial suspended Staphylococcus bacteria by an ion
generation element and a UV-ray ozone generation device of Example
7;
[0054] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the change with time of the
concentration of aerial suspended Bacillus bacteria at the ion
concentration of 200,000 N/cm.sup.3 of Example 8;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the change with time of the
concentration of aerial suspended Bacillus bacteria by an ion
generation element and a UV-ray ozone generation device of Example
8;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of an air conditioner in
which an ion generation element of Example 9 is disposed at a
blowing port channel;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a graph showing the cell infection probability of
aerial suspended viruses depending on the ion jetting amount of
Example 9; and
[0058] FIG. 23 is a graph showing the change with time of an aerial
viruses cell infection probability depending on ion jetting of
Example 9.
BEST METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0059] Embodiments of the present invention are described
below.
[0060] (First Embodiment)
[0061] At first, an apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms capable of carrying out a method of the invention is
explained. FIG. 1 is a schematic constitutional view of an
apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of microorganisms as an
example of an apparatus for evaluating elimination of
microorganism. The apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of
microorganism comprises a container 8, a microorganism injection
tube 5 constituting a microorganism supply means, an ion generation
device 1 constituting a means for elimination of microorganisms, a
microorganism sampling tube 3 and a microorganism sampler 6, both
of which constitute a microorganism sampling means.
[0062] The container 8 has a structure with an inner space thereof
being closed from an outside air and is adapted such that
microorganisms are present in the space inside thereof and a
sterilizing treatment for the microorganisms can be conducted.
[0063] Further, the temperature and the humidity in the inner space
of the container 8 can be controlled optionally by an air
conditioning system not illustrated particularly, so that
environment can be set optionally for microorganisms.
[0064] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the container 8 is formed such
that the size in the direction of height is made larger than the
size in the horizontal direction. Since this can take a larger
volume for the space in the container 8, the treating capacity of
the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of microorganism can be
enlarged. The microorganism injection tube 5 is disposed at a
predetermined position of the container 8 and can supply
microorganisms by way of the microorganism injection tube 5 to the
space inside the container 8, and microorganisms can be suspended
in the space inside the container 8.
[0065] The microorganism injection tube 5 is adapted such that the
microorganisms are sent from a microorganism supply source not
particularly shown in FIG. 1. Then, microorganisms are injected
into the container 8 from a microorganism injection port 5a facing
the inside of the container 8.
[0066] For injection of the microorganisms from the microorganism
injection tube 5 into the container 8, the microorganisms per se
may be injected, or a solution in which the microorganisms are
dispersed may be sprayed as a mist into the container 8.
[0067] The ion generation device 1 irradiates ions 7 as particles
for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms. The ion generation
device 1 is disposed in the container 8 and irradiates the ions 7
from an ion generation port 2 to the microorganisms injected from
the microorganism injection portion 5a into the container 8.
[0068] The ion generation device 1 has an ion generation element at
the inside, and generates the ions 7 comprising positive ions and
negative ions by ionization phenomena such as electric discharge or
the like caused by the application of AC voltage between the
electrodes of the ion generation element.
[0069] Generation of the ions 7 along with electric discharge or
the like of the ion generation device 1 is not influenced in a
state of air pressure in the container 8. Further, the intensity
(concentration) of the ions 7 can be changed by controlling the
operation voltage applied to the ion generation element of the ion
generation device 1.
[0070] The microorganism sampling tube 3 for sampling the
microorganisms is disposed in the space inside the container 8. As
shown in FIG. 1, the sampling tube 3 comprises a portion disposed
along a vertical direction which is a direction for the height of
the container 8 and a portion disposed along the horizontal
direction of the container 8.
[0071] The portion of the sampling tube 3 disposed along the
horizontal direction extends to the outside of the container 8
passing through the lateral side of the container 8 and is
connected with the microorganism sampler 6 to be described later at
the outside of the container 8. A microorganism sampling port 3a is
formed at the upper end in the vertical direction of the sampling
tube 3, and the microorganisms in the container 8 are taken from
the sampling port 3a into the sampling tube 3.
[0072] The microorganism sampler 6 is disposed outside the
container 8 and constitutes, together with the sampler tube 3, a
microorganism sampling means. The microorganism sampler 6 sucks the
air in the space in the container 8 by way of the microorganism
sampling tube 3 and takes the microorganisms in the container 8
from the microorganism sampling port 3a into the sampling tube 3
and also samples them to the microorganism sampler 6.
[0073] The microorganism sampler 6 for sampling the microorganisms
can be constituted by using an air sampler. Further, the
microorganism sampler 6 can also be constituted so as to sample the
microorganisms through a solution bubbler.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, a stirrer 4 is disposed at the lower
portion inside the container 8 in the apparatus 10 for evaluating
elimination of microorganism. The stirrer 4 is a stirring means for
starring the space in the container 8 and one adapted to form an
air stream in the peripheral space by a rotating blower thereby
stirring the space can be used.
[0075] When the stirrer 4 is disposed to stir the space in the
container 8, it is possible to prevent microorganisms from
spontaneous settling downward due to their weight and suspend
microorganisms more effectively in a region where the ions 7
irradiated from the ion generation device 1 are present
effectively.
[0076] Particularly, in a case where the microorganisms are of a
heavy mass type, they tend to cause spontaneous settling but
disposing of the stirrer 4 can prevent spontaneous settling and
conduct the sterilizing treatment by the ions 7 effectively.
[0077] For carrying out the invention, it is not always necessary
to provide the stirrer 4 but the sterilizing treatment by the ions
7 can be conducted effectively by disposing the stirrer with the
reasons described above.
[0078] The method for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
using the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of microorganisms
can be conducted as described below. At first, a predetermined
amount of microorganisms are injected from the microorganism
injection port 5 into the container 8. Then, the ion generation
device 1 is operated and the ions 7 are irradiated to the injected
microorganisms to conduct a sterilizing treatment for the
microorganisms. After irradiating the ions 7 for a predetermined
period of time, the microorganisms are sampled by the microorganism
sampler 6.
[0079] The number of cells can be measured for the sampled
microorganisms. For measuring the number of cells of the
microorganisms, this can also be conducted after culture of the
sampled microorganisms on a predetermined culture medium in a
culture medium petri dish for a predestined period of time. This
can more accurately measure the number of cells of the sampled
microorganisms. Further, the number of cells of the microorganisms
can be measured by observing the microorganisms on the petri dish
with a microscope.
[0080] As described above, by measuring the microorganisms sampled
by the microorganism sampler 6 using the apparatus 10 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism, the sterilizing
performance to the microorganisms by the irradiation of the ion 7
can be evaluated.
[0081] Further, when elimination of the microorganisms is evaluated
using the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of microorganism,
the following measurement and evaluation can also be conducted. At
first, as described above, after injecting a predetermined amount
of microorganisms in the container 8, the ions 7 are irradiated to
conduct the sterilizing treatment for a predetermined period of
time and then the microorganisms are sampled by the microorganism
sampler 6, and the number of cells of the sampled microorganisms is
measured.
[0082] Then, the same amount of the microorganisms are injected
into the container 8 under the same condition as that in a case of
conducting the sterilizing treatment by irradiation of the ions 7.
Then, after lapse of the same period of time as the time for
irradiation of the ions 7, without irradiating the ions 7, the
microorganisms are decayed spontaneously. Subsequently, the
microorganisms are sampled by the microorganism sampler 6 and the
number of cells of the sampled microorganisms is measured.
[0083] Then, the sterilizing performance by the ions 7 to the
microorganisms can be evaluated relatively by comparison to the
spontaneous decay, by comparing the number of cells of the
microorganisms sampled after the sterilizing treatment by the
irradiation of the ions 7 and the number of cells of the
microorganisms sampled after the spontaneous decay.
[0084] Further, for the measurement of the microorganisms sampled
by the microorganism sampler 6 as described above, the change with
time for the number of cells of the microorganisms against the
lapse of time from the start of the irradiation of the ions 7 or to
the lapse of time after starting the spontaneous decay of
microorganisms can also be measured.
[0085] Further, for the measurement of the microorganisms described
above, measurement can be conducted for a case of conducting
stirring and for a case of not conducting stirring by the stirrer
4.
[0086] Further, for the measurement of microorganisms, the
intensity of the ions 7 to be irradiated to the microorganisms may
be changed and measurement of the sampled microorganisms to each of
the intensities of the ions 7 can also be conducted. Thus, the
sterilizing performance to the microorganisms in accordance with
the intensity of the ions 7 can be evaluated.
[0087] (Second Embodiment)
[0088] Then, a second embodiment of an apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganism 20 is explained with referring to FIG.
2. FIG. 2 is a schematic constitutional view of the apparatus for
evaluating elimination of microorganism 20 as the second embodiment
of the apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganisms.
[0089] The apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganism 20
shown in FIG. 2 comprises a container 18, a microorganism injection
tube 15 constituting a microorganism supply means, an ion
generation element 12 constituting a microorganism eliminating
means, a sampling tube 13 and a microorganism sampler 6
constituting a microorganism sampling means. That is, the
microorganism injection tube 15 as the microorganism supply means,
the ion generation element 12 as a microorganism elimination means,
the sampling tube 13 and the microorganism sampler 6 as the
microorganism sampling means are disposed sequentially from the
upstream to the downstream in air passage containing
microorganisms.
[0090] The container 18 has a structure with the inner space
thereof being closed from the outside air and adapted such that
microorganisms are present in the space inside thereof and the
microorganisms can be sterilized. In the container 18, as can be
seen from FIG. 2, the size in the direction of the height is made
smaller compared with the size in the horizontal direction.
[0091] The microorganism injection tube 15 is connected to a
microorganism sprayer 11 at the outside of the container 8, and the
microorganisms are sent from the microorganism sprayer 11. The
microorganism sprayer 11 sends a gas containing microorganisms at a
predetermined concentration to the microorganism injection tube 15
at a constant velocity. Then, the gas containing the microorganisms
sent from the microorganism sprayer 11 to the microorganism
injection tube 15 is injected into the container 18 from a
microorganism injection port 15a facing inside the container
18.
[0092] When the microorganisms are supplied from the microorganism
sprayer 11 into the container 18, the microorganisms per se may be
incorporated in air and sent to the microorganism injection tube
15, or they may also be sent into the microorganism injection tube
15 by spraying a solution in a mist form in which the
microorganisms are dispersed.
[0093] The ion generation element 12 is disposed on the bottom
surface in the container 18 outside the region vertically below the
microorganism injection tube 15. The ion generation element 12
generates ions 7 comprising positive ions and negative ions by ion
generation electrodes 12a which are arranged in a predetermined
substantially planar-like configuration. Microorganisms injected
from the microorganism injection tube 15 are sterilized by the ions
7 generated from the ion generation element 12.
[0094] The ion generation element 12 is the same as the ion
generation element provided to the ion generation device 1 shown in
FIG. 1 and the operation of generating the ions 7 is the same as
that described for the ion generation device 1.
[0095] The microorganism sampling tube 13 for sampling the
microorganisms is disposed along the horizontal direction outside
the region vertically below the microorganism injection tube 15 and
is formed at one end thereof with a microorganism sampling port 13a
facing inside the container 18 and connected at the other end with
the microorganism sampler 6 at the outside of the container 18.
[0096] The microorganism sampler 6 disposed at the outside of the
container 18 sucks air from the space in the container 18 by way of
the microorganism sampling tube 13, and takes the microorganisms in
the container 18 through the microorganism sampling port 13a into
the inside of the sampling tube 13 and samples them in the
microorganism sampler 6. An air sampler can be used for the
microorganism sampler 6 for sampling the microorganisms. Further,
the microorganism sampler 6 can also be constituted to sample the
microorganisms through a solution bubbler.
[0097] The method of the present invention can be carried out as
described below by using the apparatus for evaluating elimination
of microorganism 20. At first, a predetermined amount of
microorganisms is injected from the microorganism injection port 15
into the container 18. Then, the ion generation element 12 is
operated, the ions 7 are irradiated to the injected microorganisms
to conduct the sterilizing treatment for the microorganisms. After
irradiating the ions 7 for a predetermined period of time, the
microorganisms are sampled by the microorganism sampler 6.
[0098] Then, the microorganisms sampled to the microorganism
sampler 6 are measured. For measuring the sampled microorganisms,
the number of cells for the sampled microorganisms can be measured.
For measuring the number of cells of the microorganisms, it can
also be conducted after cultivating the sampled microorganisms for
a predetermined period of time on a predetermined culture medium
with a culture medium petri dish. Further, measuring the number of
cells of the microorganisms sampled can be conducted by observation
using a microscope.
[0099] As described above, the sterilizing performance to the
microorganisms by the irradiation of the ions 7 can be evaluated by
measuring the microorganisms sampled in the microorganism sampler 6
by using the apparatus for evaluating elimination of microorganism
20.
[0100] Further, according to the apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganism 20, a series of treatment including
the injection of microorganisms by way of the microorganism
injection port 15a into the container 18, the sterilizing treatment
of the microorganisms by irradiating the ions 7 with the ion
generation element 12 and subsequent sampling of the microorganisms
by way of the microorganism sampling port 13a can be conducted
substantially along one pass.
[0101] Therefore, according to the apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganism 20, since it is not necessary to
consider the spontaneous decay of the microorganisms in the
container 18, evaluation for eliminating the aerial suspended
microorganisms at high concentration can be conducted.
[0102] Further, according to the apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganism 20, since the apparatus can be made
compact and evaluation can be conducted in a closed space, even
harmful microorganisms can also be evaluated.
[0103] Further, also in case of carrying out the method according
to the present invention by using the apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganism 20, the following measurement and
evaluation can be conducted in the same manner as that explained
for the case of carrying out the method by the apparatus 10 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in FIG. 1.
[0104] That is, the microorganisms sampled in the sampler 6 can be
measured for the case of causing the microorganisms supplied into
the container 18 to decay spontaneously without irradiation of the
ions 7 and for the case of conducting the sterilizing treatment by
irradiating the ions 7, and the results can be compared.
[0105] Further, when the sampled microorganisms are measured, it is
also possible to measure the change with time for the number of
cells of the microorganisms against the lapse of time after
starting the irradiation of the ions 7 or lapse of time after
starting the spontaneous decay of the microorganisms.
[0106] Further, the sterilizing performance to the microorganisms
in accordance with the intensity of the ions 7 can be evaluated by
changing the intensity of the ions 7 irradiated to the
microorganisms and measuring the sampled microorganisms against
each intensity of the ions 7.
[0107] In the above description, explanation has been made with the
example of irradiating ions 7 comprising positive ions and negative
ions as particles for the sterilizing treatment of the
microorganisms.
[0108] Further, particles of chemicals may also be used as the
particles for the sterilizing treatment of the microorganisms. In a
case of using the particles of the chemicals, the present invention
can be carried out by changing the ion generation device 1 of the
apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in
FIG. 1 or the ion generation element 12 of the microbial
eliminating apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 to a means for spraying
particles of the chemicals. In a case of using the particles of the
chemicals, alcohol or aldehyde type chemicals, anti-viruses drugs
or insecticides can be used as the chemicals.
[0109] (Third Embodiment)
[0110] Then, a third embodiment of the apparatus for evaluating
elimination of microorganism according to the present invention
will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic
constitutional view showing the third embodiment of an apparatus
for evaluating elimination of microorganism. In comparison with the
second embodiment, FIG. 8 has a feature in providing a wind tunnel
and a separate container further at the outside of the container
for sealing the inside.
[0111] That is, an apparatus 30 for evaluating elimination of
microorganism of this embodiment comprises, as shown in the
drawing, a container 18, a microorganism injection tube 15
constituting a microorganism supply means, an ion generation
element 12 constituting a elimination of microorganisms means, and
a sampling tube 13 and a microorganism sampler 6 constituting a
microorganism sampling means. A wind tunnel 31 is disposed in a
space from the injection tube 15 to the sampling tube 13 inside the
container 18, and the ion generation device 12 is disposed in the
wind tunnel 31.
[0112] The container 18 has a structure with an inner space thereof
being closed from the outside air and formed such that the size in
the height direction is made smaller compared with the size in the
horizontal direction. On one side wall of the container 18, the
injection tube 15 is extended by way of a seal packing 32 from the
outside into the container, and the sampling tube 13 is extended by
way of a seal packing 33 into the container on the opposite side
wall opposed to the injection tube 15.
[0113] The microorganism injection tube 15 is connected at the
outside of the container 18 with a microorganism sprayer 11 and
microorganisms are sent through the microorganism sprayer 11. The
microorganism sprayer 11 sends a gas containing microorganisms at a
constant concentration to the microorganism injection tube 15 at a
constant velocity. Then, the gas containing the microorganisms sent
from the microorganism sprayer 11 to the microorganism injection
tube 15 is injected into the container 18 from a microorganism
injection port 15a facing the inside of the container 18. In this
case, the microorganisms per se may be incorporated in air and sent
into the microorganism injection tube 15, or a solution in which
the microorganisms are dispersed may be sent by being sprayed in a
mist form to the microorganism injection tube 15.
[0114] The wind tunnel 31 in the container 18 is formed
cylindrically, disposed substantially horizontally and positioned
such that the injection tube 15 and the sampling tube 13 are faced
to both ends thereof.
[0115] The ion generation element 12 is disposed at the bottom
surface in the wind tunnel 31 slightly upstream thereof, out of the
region vertically below the microorganism injection tube 15. The
ion generation element 12 generates positive ions and negative ions
from ion generation electrodes arranged at a predetermined
substantially planar configuration and sterilizes microorganisms
injected from the microorganism injection tube 15.
[0116] The ion generation element 12 is the same as the ion
generation element provided to the ion generation device 1 shown in
FIG. 1 and the operation of generating the ions 7 is the same as
that explained for the ion generation device 1.
[0117] The microorganism sampling tube 13 is disposed in the
horizontal direction opposed to the microorganism injection tube
15, and a microorganism sampling port 13a facing the inside of the
container 18 is formed at one end of the microorganism sampling
tube 13, and the other end of the microorganism sampling tube 13 is
connected to the microorganism sampler 6 at the outside of the
container 18.
[0118] The microorganism sampler 6 accommodates bubbling liquid in
it, and is constituted to collect microorganisms after taking in
air sampled from the end of the microorganism sampling tube 13
submerged in the bubbling liquid and bubbling the air. Then, the
entire spray test system including the container 18, the
microorganism sprayer 11 and the sampler 6 is covered with a
separate container 35.
[0119] In this embodiment, the mist emitted from the injection port
15a is sprayed inside the wind tunnel 31, and a slight gap is
disposed between the injection port 15a and the wind tunnel 31 so
as to drop unnecessary water droplets to the container 18.
[0120] Further, the gas emitted from the injection port 15a has a
predetermined constant velocity by being sprayed and passes through
the wind tunnel 31 in the direction shown by an arrow 37 in FIG. 8
at that velocity. By the mechanisms described above, particles
comprising the ions discharged from the discharging electrodes of
the ion generation element 12 affect the microorganisms, and the
effect of eliminating the microorganisms by the ions till they
reach the sampler 6 can be confirmed. The method for evaluating the
microorganisms are not particularly limited and any evaluation
method can be adopted such as evaluation methods by agar culture,
evaluation by cell culture, hemagglutination, allergy reaction to
living bodies or cells, or microscopic observation.
[0121] Further, since ingredients of the mist containing
microorganism that are not vaporized but formed into water droplets
dropping rapidly, and not-sampled microorganism ingredients are
accumulated in the wind tunnel 31, the container 18 containing the
same inside is constituted such that they are less leaked outside.
Further, since the outside thereof is further covered with a
separate container 35, it is not likely to affect persons or thr
like at the outside. Accordingly, even when the wind tunnel 31 and
the container 18 are not completely sealed containers, a
probability of causing accidents such as biohazard can be decreased
greatly. Further, since interfusion of unnecessary contaminants
from the outside into the container 18 can be prevented by the
shielding effect of the separate container 35, an effect which can
improve the evaluation accuracy can be obtained.
[0122] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0123] FIG. 9 is a schematic constitutional view of an apparatus
for evaluating elimination of suspended microorganisms in which a
particle emitting portion in the evaluation apparatus shown in the
third embodiment is replaced with a needle-type electric discharge
device 40.
[0124] That is, in this embodiment, a needle-like electric
discharge device 40 is disposed instead of the ion generation
element 12 in the third embodiment. The needle-like electric
discharge device 40, disposed in the wind tunnel 31, comprises a
needle-like electric discharge electrode 40a disposed in a upstream
side region thereof and a counter plate electrode 40b disposed in
opposition thereto. Since other constitutions are the same as those
in the third embodiment, descriptions therefor are omitted.
[0125] In this embodiment, when a positive or negative high voltage
at about several kv is applied to the needle-like electrode 40a,
electric discharge occurs in the periphery of the top end of the
needle and a gas mainly comprising ions charged positively or
negatively as ionic ingredients are discharged.
[0126] According to the constitution described above, since the gas
mainly comprising positive or negative ions are emitted and
irradiated to a mist containing microorganisms discharged from the
microorganism injection tube 15 and microorganisms are sterilized
and eliminated, the evaluation test for eliminating microorganisms
can be conducted.
[0127] In this embodiment, the discharged particles 7 are not
limited only to the case mainly comprising ions but they may be
radicals, ozone, active oxygen or other particles having
sterilizing effect.
[0128] (Fifth Embodiment)
[0129] FIG. 10 is a schematic constitutional view of an apparatus
for evaluating elimination of suspended viruses. In this
embodiment, in the evaluating apparatus shown in the third
embodiment, the particle emitting portion comprising the ion
generation element 12 is replaced with a radical emitting mechanism
comprising UV-lamps and catalysts.
[0130] That is, in this embodiment, a radical emitting mechanism 50
is disposed instead of the ion generation element 12 in the third
embodiment.
[0131] The radical emitting mechanism 50, in the upstream side
region in the wind tunnel 31, comprises UV-ray lamps 50a disposed
substantially at the center portion and catalysts 50b oppositely
disposed at the periphery of the UV-ray lamps 50a. Since other
constitutions are identical with those in the third embodiment,
descriptions therefor are to be omitted.
[0132] The catalyst 50b comprises a material containing, for
example, platinum, gold or titanium oxide and has an operation such
as applying energy of radiation light radiated from the UV-ray lamp
50a to radial formation and emitting the induced radials to the
space.
[0133] The catalyst 50b is not limited only to the material
containing platinum, gold, titanium oxide or the like but it will
be apparent that those capable of emitting active gases can provide
an evaluation test for elimination in the same manner.
[0134] Further, in this embodiment, the evaluation can be conducted
also in the apparatus in which the catalyst 50b is removed. In this
case, microorganisms present in the space can be sterilized by
photon 7 as fine particles radiated from the UV-lamp 50a.
[0135] Further, this embodiment shows a case of generating
radiation light from the lamp 50a and the radiation light having an
energy from 5 eV to 20 eV is excellent in the sterilizing
performance, and applying the radiation light including such light
to this evaluation apparatus makes it possible to expect obtaining
the evaluation result. Further, for the radiation light, a device
of emitting X-rays or y-rays may be disposed at a position for the
UV-ray lamp 50a and the test can be conducted in the same
manner.
[0136] The present evaluation method and apparatus for evaluating
are effective in a way of usage to use them on the test for
radioactive rays above described, but it will be apparent that
other particles, for example, heat rays such as infrared rays, or
visible rays may also be used, and they may be evaluated according
to the present invention. In this case, it is considered, in
principle, that thermal sterilizing performance is predominant and
since intense thermal rays or visible light are required, it is
desirable to separately dispose a heat dissipation mechanism or a
light shielding plate.
[0137] Further, in case of using radioactive rays, sterilization
with electromagnetic waves at 2 GHz to 200 GHz is available. In
this case, the catalyst is not required particularly and the energy
of the electromagnetic waves can be absorbed into the constituent
elements of the microorganisms to destroy the microorganisms at the
level of the molecules. The electromagnetic waves required for this
purpose can include, for example, electromagnetic waves near 2.45
GHz, as a part of examples, which are considered to be easily
absorbed in water. For example, electromagnetic waves from about 2
GHz to the shorter wave length region can be used.
[0138] At the frequency of equal to or higher than 2 GHz or higher,
electromagnetic waves in a further higher frequency region that can
be considered to be absorbed easily into elemental substances
constituting microorganisms such as proteins can be a candidate,
and it is considered that frequency up to 200 GHz is applicable to
the sterilization as a possible frequency in the current situation
of high frequency devices.
[0139] Further, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 10, an
electromagnetic wave discharge device, optical waveguide device
such as optical fiber or electric heater may be disposed at the
position for the UV-ray lamp 50a.
[0140] (Microorganisms as Target)
[0141] The microorganisms as a target for the sterilizing treatment
according to the present invention can include mycete, bacteria,
viruses and allergenic substances inducing allergy (proteins, etc).
In carrying out the invention, the mycete, bacteria, viruses and
allergenic substance may be used alone or a plurality of them may
be selected optionally and used in combination.
[0142] Since viruses generally belong to the region of the
microorganisms, the effect of suppressing the growth thereof is
expressed as the term of sterilization or elimination in the
present invention. Generally, since the term of inactivation is
often used for the effect of suppressing the growth of viruses, as
for the viruses, the term of sterilization or elimination in the
present specification may be used by replacing with the term of
inactivation.
[0143] Further, in the same manner, also for the allergenic
substance, the effect of suppressing the occurrence of allergic
reaction for human bodies is expressed by the term of sterilization
or elimination. Generally, since the effect described above can be
replaced with the term of deactivation, the term of sterilization
or elimination for the allergenic substance can be replaced with
the term of deactivation in the present specification.
EXAMPLE
Example 1
[0144] Example 1 was practiced under the following conditions. For
evaluating the elimination of microorganisms, an apparatus 10 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in FIG. 1 was used.
The container 8 of the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of
microorganism has a size for the inner space of 2.0 m length, 2.5 m
width, and 2.7 m height.
[0145] Then, the atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to be a
temperature of 25.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 42%.
Further, the space inside the container 8 was stirred by a stirrer
4. Stirring was conducted by the stirrer 4 at an air blow of 4
m.sup.3/min.
[0146] Escherichia coli were used as microorganisms. The
Escherichia coli were supplied into the container 8 in a mist form
from a microorganism injection port 5a. Then, Escherichia coli were
scattered at a concentration of about 500 to 1,500 N/m.sup.3 in the
container 8.
[0147] Further, a sampler 6 was constituted by using the Biotest
Hyton RCS air sampler. The microorganisms were sampled at 40
liter/min for 4 min by the air sampler.
[0148] Then, ions 7 including positive ions and negative ions were
irradiated by an ion generation device 1. In Example 1, the ion
concentration was changed and the ions 7 were irradiated at each of
the ion concentrations for 1 hour to conduct the sterilizing
treatment. The ion concentration was expressed as values in the
space at a distance of 10 cm from an ion discharge portion (ion
generation port 2) of the ion generation device 1.
[0149] Then, after supplying Escherichia coli into the container 8
under the conditions described above, the ions 7 were irradiated at
a constant ion concentration for one hour, and then Escherichia
coli was sampled to the air sampler and the number of cells of the
sampled Escherichia coli was measured. Then, the ion concentration
of the ions 7 was changed and the measurement described above was
repeated for each change of the ion concentrations.
[0150] FIG. 3 shows the result of measurement in Example 1. In FIG.
3, the abscissa corresponds to the ion concentration (N/cm.sup.3)
of the ions 7 in the logarithmic expression. Further, in FIG. 3,
the ordinate corresponds to the suspended bacteria residual ratio
(%). The suspended bacteria residual ratio represents the number of
cells remained not sterilized after irradiation of the ions 7 by
percentage.
[0151] From the result shown in FIG. 3, it was confirmed that the
residual ratio of the aerial suspended bacteria was lowered when
the concentration of the positive and negative ion emitted from the
ion generation device 1 is increased. Further, it was also
confirmed that the residual ratio of the aerial suspended bacteria
is lowered rapidly when the negative or positive ion concentration
is increased to 10,000 N/cm.sup.3 or more.
[0152] Since the concentration of ions in usual rooms is from 500
to 1,500 N/cm.sup.3, as a rough standard for providing the effect
of eliminating the microorganisms effectively, it is considered
appropriate to deliver the negative or positive ions at a
concentration of 10,000 N/cm.sup.3 or more.
Example 2
[0153] Example 2 was practiced under the following conditions. For
evaluating the elimination microorganisms, the apparatus 10 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in FIG. 1 was used.
The container 8 of the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of
microorganism has a size for the inner space of 2.0 m length, 2.5 m
width, and 2.7 m height.
[0154] Then, the atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to a
temperature of 25.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 42%.
Further, the space inside the container 8 was stirred by the
stirrer 4. Stirring was conducted by the stirrer 4 at an air flow
of 4 m.sup.3/min.
[0155] Escherichia coli were used as the microorganisms. The
Escherichia coli in a mist were supplied into the container 8 via
the microorganism injection port 5a. Then, Escherichia coli were
scattered at a concentration of about 1,000 N/m.sup.3 in the
container 8.
[0156] Further, the sampler 6 was constituted by using the Biotest
Hyton RCS air sampler. The microorganisms were sampled at 40
liter/min for 4 min by the air sampler. Then, sampling was
conducted by the air sampler described above both in the case of
delivering ions for irradiation of the ions 7 by the ion generation
device 1 and in the case of spontaneous decay by delivering no ions
for irradiation of the ions 7 by the ion generation device 1. In
case of conducting the ion discharge, the ion concentration was set
such that the negative and positive ions were each at 50,000
N/cm.sup.3 in the space at a 10 cm distance from the ion discharge
portion.
[0157] Then, Escherichia coli were sampled on every 15 min to the
air sampler both in the case of conducting the ion discharge and
the case of not conducting the ion discharge, and the number of
cells of sampled Escherichia coli was measured.
[0158] FIG. 4 shows the result of measurement in Example 2, in
which the change with time of the residual ratio of suspended
bacteria (%) is shown. In FIG. 4, the abscissa corresponds to the
lapse of time and the ordinate corresponds to the suspended
bacteria residual ratio (%) in the same manner as in FIG. 3.
[0159] In the case of not conducting the ion discharge, the
residual ratio of bacteria due to spontaneous decay after lapse of
one hour was 80%. On the other hand, in the case of conducting the
ion discharge, the bacteria residual ratio after lapse of one hour
was 10%.
[0160] For the measurement described above, it is considered that
difference of 10% against the residual ratio by spontaneous decay
is a meaningful difference when the sampling accuracy of
microorganisms and the concentration measurement accuracy is taken
into consideration as the rough standard for judging the effect of
eliminating microorganisms effective. Further, when the test
accuracy is taken into consideration, in the case of not delivering
ions, it is preferred to set such a test condition that the
residual ratio of bacteria after lapse of one hour by spontaneous
decay is 50% or more.
[0161] FIG. 5 shows a photograph taken for sampled Escherichia coli
after lapse of 15 min both in the case of conducting ion release
and the case of not conducting ion release. FIG. 5A is for the case
of ion release and FIG. 5B is for the case of no ion release.
[0162] Further, when Escherichia coli shown in FIG. 5 were
photographed, Escherichia coli sampled for each of the case were
cultured on an agar medium at 34.degree. C. and at 100% RH humidity
for 48 hours and then photographed. Further, in FIG. 5, the size of
the petri dish was 9 cm.
[0163] In the case of conducting the ion discharge, formation of
Escherichia coli colony was not observed, as shown in FIG. 5A. On
the other hand, in the case of not conducting the ion discharge,
formation of Escherichia coli colony was observed, as shown in FIG.
5B. From the result shown in FIG. 5, it can be seen that the
bacteria were eliminated by the ions.
Example 3
[0164] Example 3 was practiced under the following conditions. For
evaluating the evaluation of microorganisms, the apparatus 10 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in FIG. 1 was used.
The container 8 of the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of
microorganisms has a size for the inner space of 2.0 m length, 2.5
m width and 2.7 m height. Then, the atmosphere inside the container
8 was set to a temperature of 25.degree. C. and a relative humidity
of 42%.
[0165] Further, in Example 3, comparison was made for the case of
stirring and for the case of not stirring the inside of the
container 8 which will be described later, and the stirring was
conducted by the stirrer 4 at an air flow of 4 m.sup.3/min in the
case of stirring the space inside the container 8.
[0166] Cladosporium, a kind of mycete, were used as microorganisms.
Cladosporium were supplied into the container 8 as a mist via the
microorganism injection port 5a. Then, Cladosporium were scattered
at a concentration of about 1,000 N/m.sup.3 in the container 8.
[0167] Further, the sampler 6 was constituted by using the Biotest
Hyton RCS air sampler. The microorganisms were sampled at 40
liter/min for 4 min by the air sampler.
[0168] Then, both in the case of conducting stirring by the stirrer
4 and the case of not conducting stirring by the stirrer 4, aerial
suspended mycete were sampled by the air sampler on every 15 min
and the number of sampled mycete was measured.
[0169] FIG. 6 shows the result of measurement in Example 3, in
which the change with time of the residual ratio of aerial
suspended mycete (%) by spontaneous decay depending on whether
stirring was conducted or not is shown. In FIG. 6, the abscissa
corresponds to the lapse of time and the ordinate corresponds to
the suspended mycete residual ratio (%) in the same manner as in
FIG. 3.
[0170] In the case of not conducting stirring, mycete reached a
detection limit after lapse of 45 min and the residual ratio was
12%. On the other hand, in the case of conducting stirring, the
residual ratio of mycete by spontaneous decay after lapse of one
hour was 80%.
[0171] From the foregoing result, it can be said that stirring
prevented mycete from falling spontaneously and facilitated
evaluation of the suspended microorganisms. Particularly, stirring
is effective in a case of mycete of large mass.
Example 4
[0172] Example 4 was practiced under the following conditions. For
evaluating the elimination of microorganisms, the apparatus 10 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in FIG. 1 was used.
The container 8 of the apparatus 10 for evaluating elimination of
microorganism has a size for the inner space of 2.0 m length, 2.5 m
width and 2.7 m height.
[0173] Then, the atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to a
temperature of 25.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 42%.
Further, space in the container was stirred by the stirrer 4.
Stirring was conducted by the stirrer 4 at an air flow of 4
m.sup.3/min.
[0174] Cladosporium, a kind of mycete, were used as microorganisms.
Cladosporium were supplied into the container 8 in a mist form via
the microorganism injection port 5a. Then, Cladosporium were
scattered at a concentration of about 1,000 N/m.sup.3 in the
container 8.
[0175] Further, the sampler 6 was constituted by using the Biotest
Hyton RCS air sampler. The microorganisms were sampled at 40
liter/min for 4 min by the air sampler.
[0176] Then, mycete were sampled by the air sampler described above
both in the case of delivering ions for irradiation of the ions 7
by the ion generation device 1 and the case of not delivering ions
of spontaneous decay by delivering no ions for irradiation of the
ions 7 by the ion generation device 1. In the case of conducting
the ion discharge, the ion concentration was set such that the
negative or positive ions were each at 50,000 N/cm.sup.3 in the
space at a 10 cm distance from the ion discharge portion.
[0177] Then, mycete were sampled on every 15 min to the air sampler
for each of the case of conducting the ion discharge and the case
of not conducting the ion discharge and the number of cells of
sampled mycete was measured.
[0178] FIG. 7 shows the result of measurement in Example 4, in
which the change with time of the residual ratio of suspended cells
(%) is shown. In FIG. 7, the abscissa corresponds to the lapse of
time and the ordinate corresponds to the suspended cell residual
ratio (%) in the same manner as in FIG. 3.
[0179] In the case of not conducting the ion discharge, the
residual ratio of cells due to spontaneous decay after lapse of one
hour was 75%. On the other hand, in the case of conducting the ion
discharge, the cell residual ratio after lapse of one hour was
10%.
[0180] For the measurement described above, it is considered that
difference of 10% against the residual ratio by spontaneous decay
is a meaningful difference when the sampling accuracy of
microorganisms and the concentration measurement accuracy is taken
into consideration as the rough standard for judging the effect of
eliminating microorganisms effective. Further, when the test
accuracy is taken into consideration, in the case of not delivering
ions, it is preferred to set such a test condition that the
residual ratio of cells after lapse of one hour by spontaneous
decay is 50% or more.
Example 5
[0181] Example 5 was practiced under the following conditions. For
evaluating elimination of microorganisms, the apparatus 20 for
evaluating elimination of microorganism shown in FIG. 2 was used.
The container 18 of the apparatus 20 for evaluating elimination of
microorganism was formed to be a square pole shape of 8 cm square
and 30 cm length. Then, the atmosphere inside the container 18 was
set to a temperature of 28.degree. C. and a relative humidity of
50%.
[0182] As microorganisms to be sterilized, polio viruses were used.
An aqueous solution in which the polio viruses were dispersed by
the number of several tens thousands per 1 cc was mixed with air to
form a mist, which was supplied at a rate of 1 cc/min and at a blow
rate of 1.6 m/sec from the injection port 15a into the container
18.
[0183] Further, in case of the sterilizing treatment by irradiation
of the ions 7 to the polio viruses, the positive and negative ions
were set each to 100,000 N/cm.sup.3 in a space at a 10 cm distance
from the ion discharge portion of the ion generation element
12.
[0184] Further, for sampling the polio viruses to the sampler 6
after the sterilizing treatment by the irritation of the ions 7,
the viruses were separated and collected by a solution bubbler.
[0185] Then, when the polio viruses were sampled to the sampler 6
after the sterilizing treatment by the irradiation of the ions 7
and the number of cells was measured, the viruses elimination ratio
was 78%.
Example 6
[0186] Example 6 was practiced under the following conditions. FIG.
8 is a schematic constitutional view of an apparatus for evaluating
elimination of suspended viruses of this example. FIG. 11 is a
graph showing a cell infection probability of influenza viruses
depending on the ion concentration, FIG. 12 is a graph showing a
cell infection probability of Coxackie viruses depending on the ion
concentration, and FIG. 13 is a graph showing a cell infection
probability of polio viruses depending on the ion concentration.
FIG. 14 is a graph showing mass spectrum for positive ions and
negative ions formed from an ion generation element. FIG. 15 is a
evaluation test flow chart for comparing the case of not operating
the ion generation element with the case of operating the ion
generation element. In the example, as shown in the flow chart of
FIG. 15, after preparing a microorganism-containing solution, the
solution was sprayed in a space by using a test apparatus and the
air is sampled. A step of releasing and effectuating particles
giving the sterilizing effect on the air containing the sprayed
microorganisms is added after the spraying. The test was conducted
for the case of releasing particles and the case of not releasing
them. Using the solution sampled by the method described above, the
concentration was measured or the activity of microorganisms was
evaluated, for example, by means of the plaque method or
hemagglutination. The effect of sterilizing treatment or
inactivation is evaluated by comparing the case of acting with the
case of not acting the particles, thereby enabling to make the
effect of the particles distinct. By changing the concentration of
the particles or the acting time of the particles, the dependency
on the irradiation time or the dependency on the particle
concentration can be examined regarding the extent of sterilization
or inactivation.
[0187] In this example, the apparatus 30 for evaluating elimination
of microorganism shown in FIG. 8 was used. The ion generation
element 12 used in this case is a flat creeping discharge element
of 37 mm length and 15 mm width. Creeping discharge was made to a
surface electrode by alternately applying positive and negative
high voltages between the electrodes, thus resulting in generating
positive and negative ions by discharge plasmas at an atmospheric
pressure.
[0188] The ion generation element 12 was attached and fixed to one
end of an acrylic cylindrical container 31 of 55 mm inner diameter
and 200 mm length. On one side of the container 18 for housing
them, a viruses solution sprayer 11 is attached on one side and a
sampler 6 for collecting viruses solution is attached on the other
side thereof.
[0189] Influenza viruses were inoculated to a chorioallantois cavum
of an embryonated egg and cultured in an incubator. Thereafter, a
chorioallantois fluid was sampled as a test virus solution. The
test virus solution was put in a glass atomizer (viruses solution
sprayer 11) by 10 ml, and the glass atomizer was connected to one
end of the container 18. A glass impinger (sampler 6) in which 10
ml of PBS(-) was incorporated was connected to the other end of the
container 18. In the atomizer, a discharge pressure of pressurized
air from an air compressor was controlled to be 0.48 hPa by a gauge
pressure and the test viruses were sprayed from the injection port
into the wind tunnel 31 in the container 18. The amount of spray
was adjusted to 30 ml (spray flow rate 0.1 ml/min.times.spray time
30 min).
[0190] In this process, the ion generation concentration at 200,000
N/cm.sup.3, 100,000 N/cm.sup.3, and 50,000 N/cm.sup.3 were compared
with that in case of not operating the ion generation element 12 as
a control.
[0191] The impinger sucked and collected the air in the test
apparatus for 30 min at a suction flow rate of 10 L/min. PBS(-)
obtained by sucking and collecting the air in the test apparatus
via the impinger was used as a test solution, and influenza viruses
were measured by the plaque method using MDCK cells. Further,
Coxackie viruses and polio viruses were measured by the plaque
method using Hela cells.
[0192] The plaque method is a sort of methods of injecting a
viruseses-containing solution so as to be in contact with cells and
confirming infection of viruses to the cells, and this is a method
of examining the activity of the viruses, that is, the infection
probability of viruses or the proliferation potential of viruses in
the cells.
[0193] As for the ion concentration, an air blow was made to flow
by a blower (not illustrated) at a blow rate of 4 mm/sec from one
side of the cylindrical wind tunnel 31 in which the ion generation
element 12 was disposed, an air ion counter manufactured by Dan
Science Co. (Method No. 83-1001B) was disposed at a 10 cm distance
from the ion generation element, and the ion concentration in the
space was measured. The atmosphere in the space was set to a
temperature of 25.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 60% RH.
Further, ion generation was confirmed in a range from a temperature
of 0.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 10% to a temperature of
40.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 90%. The blower was used
for confirming the ion concentration. In the actual evaluating of
elimination of microorganisms, the blower was not used and air blow
was caused by spraying from the sprayer 11 in the cylindrical wind
tunnel 31.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 11, assuming the cell infection probability
of the influenza viruses in a case of not operating the ion
generation element is 100%, the cell infection probability was
lowered greatly to 3.8%, 2.6%, and 0.5% in the case of generating
ions by the number of 50,000, 100,000, and 200,000 (N/cm.sup.3).
Thus, it was confirmed that the eliminating performance for
influenza viruses was improved by increasing the ion
concentration.
[0195] Further, as shown in FIG. 12, assuming the cell infection
probability of the Coxackie viruses in the case of not operating
the ion generation element is 100%, the cell infection probability
was lowered greatly to 3.3%, 2.6%, and 1.1% in the case of
generating ions by the number of 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000
(N/cm.sup.3). Thus, it was confirmed that the eliminating
performance for Coxackie viruses was improved by increasing the ion
concentration.
[0196] Further, as shown in FIG. 13, assuming the cell infection
probability of the polio viruses in the case of not operating the
ion generation element is 100%, the cell infection probability was
lowered greatly to 1.0%, 0.5%, and 0.4% in the case of generating
ions by the number of 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 (N/cm.sup.3), and
it was confirmed that the eliminating performance for polio viruses
was improved by increasing the ion concentration.
[0197] As shown in FIG. 14, the generated ions have a composition
that positive ions ionize molecules of water in air by plasma
discharge to form hydrogen ions H.sup.+ and water molecules in air
are clustered with hydrogen ions by the solvation energy, and that
negative ions ionize molecules of oxygen or water molecules in air
by plasma discharge to form oxygen ion O.sub.2.sup.- and molecules
of water in air are clustered with oxygen ions by the salvation
energy.
[0198] Positive and negative ions delivered to the space surround
viruses suspended in air, and positive and negative ions generate
active species of hydrogen peroxide H.sub.2O.sub.2 or radical OH
due to chemical reaction at the surface of viruses, thereby
destroying and killing proteins. With the method as described
above, viruses in air can be effectively sterilized and
eliminated.
[0199] As a method of examining the activity of viruses,
hemagglutination can also be used. The hemagglutination is a method
of injecting a viruseses-containing solution, for example, into a
solution containing a blood of chicken and observing blood
coagulation. Presence of viruses can be confirmed by utilizing the
phenomenon that hemagglutinin existing on the surface of viruses
acts on plural red cells to induce coagulating of the blood
cells.
[0200] Further, as a method of examining the concentration of the
viruses, the concentration of active viruses, that is, the
concentration of viruses having infectivity by the activation of
the hemagglutinin can be examined relatively by diluting the
viruses with aqueous solutions so as to obtain a plurality of
concentrations and confirming whether each of the diluted solutions
causes hemagglutination or not.
Example 7
[0201] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating
elimination of a suspended pathogenic bacteria. FIG. 17 is a graph
showing change with time of a concentration of aerial suspended
Staphylococcus at an ion concentration of 200,000 N/cm.sup.3. The
same ion generation device as in Example 6 was used. FIG. 18 is a
graph showing change with time of the concentration of aerial
suspended Staphylococcus bacteria by an ion generation element and
a UV-ray ozone generation device. The atmosphere in the space was
at a temperature of 25.degree. C. and at a relative humidity of 60%
RH. The generation of ions was confirmed in a range from a
temperature of 0.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 10% to a
temperature of 40.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 90%.
[0202] For demonstrating the effect of eliminating suspended
Staphylococcus bacteria existing in a predetermined space by the
ion generation element, the way of testing substantially equal with
that shown in FIG. 1 was used in this test. That is, the container
8 made of FRP, having acrylic plates attached on both ends thereof,
with a space of 1 m.sup.3 of 1 m.times.1 m.times.1 m size, was
used. The ion generation element 1 was attached to a portion of an
upper air blow port of a blower at a flow rate of 2 m.sup.3/min in
the container.
[0203] Further, for suspending the sprayed bacteria for a long
time, axial flow blowers 4 each of 15 cm square were placed by four
units at four corners of the container 8 such that the air blow was
directed upward. The injection tube 5 for spraying bacteria
solution was disposed at one end of the acrylic plate of the
container 8, which was used as a test apparatus.
[0204] For the test bacteria, preserved strains were inoculated on
a Trypticase Soy Agar medium (BBL) and cultured at 35.degree. C.
for 24 hours. The bacteria were diluted, and conditioned by
sterilized physiological saline, washed and then used as test
bacteria.
[0205] The test bacterial solution was charged by 10 ml to a glass
atomizer, which was connected to one end of the test apparatus. A
glass impinger incorporated with 100 ml of sterilized physiological
saline was connected to the other end of the container 8. In the
atomizer, the discharged pressure of pressurized air from an air
compressor was controlled to be 0.48 hPa by a gauge pressure and
the test bacteria were sprayed from a spray port. The amount of
spray was adjusted to be 1.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1
ml/min.times.spray time 10 min). The axial flow blower 4 was
operated at the same time with the spraying of the bacteria
solution and operated continuously to the end of the test.
[0206] At the instance the spray was completed, the air in the
container 8 was sucked and collected by the impinger at a suction
flow rate of 10 L/min for 10 min. This was defined as 0 min value.
In the case of operating the ion generation element 1, the ion
generation element and the blower were operated simultaneously.
After starting the operation and lapse of a predetermined period of
time, the air in the container was sucked and collected by 100 L in
the same manner as that for 0 min value. The ion generation
concentration was set to be 200,000 N/cm.sup.3.
[0207] Further, also in the case of not operating the ion
generation element (spontaneous decay value), it was operated in a
state of operating only the blower 4 without operating the ion
generation element, and the air in the container was sucked and
collected on every lapse of time.
[0208] Further, for conducting a comparative experiment with ozone,
a test was conducted by using a UV-ray ozone generation device
(OZ51N-1, Sen Tokushu Kogen K.K.) at the same amount of the ozone
generation amount of 1.637 mg/h (22.degree. C., 17% RH) as the
amount of ozone formed from the ion generation element.
[0209] A sterilized physiological saline formed by sucking and
collecting air in the container by the impinger was used as a test
solution, which was diluted stepwise by using sterilized
physiological saline, and the stock solution and each of the
diluted solutions were coated on the Trypticase Soy Agar medium
(BBL) and cultured at 35.degree. C. for 48 hours. After culturing,
the number of colonies grown on the medium was counted and
indicated by the number of cells per sucked air.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 17, compared with the case of not operating
the ion generation element, it was confirmed that the concentration
of the suspended bacteria after lapse of 30 min was decreased to
about 1/10 when the ions were generated. Further, after lapse of 60
min, suspended bacteria were no more detected.
[0211] As shown in FIG. 18, compared with the case of UV-ray ozone
generation device, it was confirmed that the concentration of
suspended bacteria was decreased to about 1/10 after lapse of 60
min by the ion generation element. Accordingly, the sterilizing
effect was confirmed by the effect described for Example 6 also for
Staphylococcus bacteria which are typical bacteria causing hospital
infection.
Example 8
[0212] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the change with time of the
concentration of aerial suspended Bacillus bacteria at an ion
concentration of 200,000 N/cm.sup.3. The same ion generation device
as in Example 6 was used. FIG. 20 is a graph showing the change
with time of the concentration of aerial suspended Bacillus
bacteria by the ion generation element and by the UV-ray ozone
generation device. For demonstrating the effect of the ion
generation element for eliminating suspended Bacillus bacteria
existing in a predetermined space, an FRP container with a space of
1 m.sup.3 of 1 m.times.1 m.times.1 m size, having acrylic plates
attached to both ends, was used in this test. Inside the container,
the ion generation element was attached at a portion of an upper
air blow port of a blower at an air flow of 8 m.sup.3/min.
[0213] Further, for suspending the sprayed bacteria for a long
time, axial flow blowers 4 each of 15 cm square were placed by four
units at four corners of the container such that the air blow was
directed upward. The injection tube 5 for spraying bacteria
solution was disposed at one end of the acrylic plate of the
container 8, which was used as a test apparatus.
[0214] The test bacteria were inoculated on a nihon-coseibussitsu
kijun sporulation medium (Nihon Kosei Bussitsu lyakuhin Kijun,
notification No. 117 of Ministry of Health and Welfare No. 117,
Jun. 30, 1982) and cultured at 35.degree. C. for seven days. After
washing the bacteria with sterilized physiological saline, they
were heat-treated at 65.degree. C. for 30 min to confirm
sporulation by a microscope. They were washed and diluted with
sterilized physiological saline and used as a spore solution.
[0215] The test bacteria solution was charged by 10 ml to a glass
atomizer, which was connected to one end of the test apparatus. A
glass impinger incorporated with 100 ml of sterilized physiological
saline was connected to the other end. In the atomizer, the
discharged pressure of pressurized air from an air compressor was
controlled to be 0.48 hPa by a gauge pressure and the test bacteria
were sprayed from a spray port. The amount of spray was adjusted to
be 1.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1 ml/min.times.spray time 10 min). The
axial flow blower 4 was operated at the same time with the spraying
of the bacteria solution and operated continuously to the end of
the test.
[0216] At the instance the spray was completed, the air in the
container was sucked and collected by the impinger at a suction
flow rate of 10 L/min for 10 min. This was defined as 0 min value.
In the case of operating the ion generation element 1, the ion
generation element 1 and the blower 4 were operated simultaneously.
After starting the operation and after lapse of a predetermined
period of time, the air in the container was sucked and collected
by 100 L in the same manner as that for 0 min value. The ion
generation concentration was set to be 200,000 N/cm.sup.3.
[0217] Further, also in the case of not operating the ion
generation element (spontaneous decay value), it was operated in a
state of operating only the blower 4 without operating the ion
generation element and the air in the container was sucked and
collected on every lapse of time. The atmosphere in the space was
at a temperature of 25.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 60%
RH. Further generation of ions was confirmed in a range from a
temperature of 0.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 10% to a
temperature of 40.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 90%.
[0218] Further, for conducting a comparative experiment with ozone,
a test was conducted by using a UV-ray ozone generation device
(OZ51N-1, Sen Tokushu Kogen K. K.) at the same amount of ozone
generation amount of 1.637 mg/h (22.degree. C., 17% RH) as the
amount of ozone generated from the ion generation element.
[0219] A sterilized physiological saline formed by sucking and
collecting air in the container by the impinger was used as a test
solution, which was diluted stepwise by using sterilized
physiological saline, and the stock solution and each of the
diluted solutions were coated on the Trypticase Soy Agar medium
(BBL) and cultured at 35.degree. C. for 48 hours. After culturing,
the number of colonies grown on the medium was counted and
indicated by the number of cells per sucked air.
[0220] As shown in FIG. 19, compared with the case of not operating
the ion generation element, it was confirmed that the concentration
of the suspended bacteria after lapse of 30 min was decreased to
about 1/10 when the ions were generated compared with the case of
not operating the ion generation element. Further, after lapse of
120 min, suspended bacteria were no more detected.
[0221] As shown in FIG. 20, compared with the case of UV-ray ozone
generation device, it was confirmed that the concentration of
suspended bacteria was decreased to about 1/2 after lapse of 60 min
by the ion generation element compared with the UV-ray ozone
generation device. Accordingly, the sterilizing effect was
confirmed by the effect described in Example 6 also for Bacillus
bacteria which formed heat resistant spores. The effect can be
expected also for anthrax bacteria since they are of an identical
genus with Bacillus bacteria.
Example 9
[0222] FIG. 21 shows a cross sectional view of an air conditioner
disposed at a blowing channel of an ion generation element. FIG. 22
is a graph showing the cell infection probability of aerial
suspended viruses after 60 min against the jetting amount of ions
to the space with a 27 liter capacity. FIG. 23 is a graph showing
the change with time of the infection probability of aerial viruses
to the cells in a case of supplying positive and negative ions each
at 5,400,000 N/m.sup.3 for one min to a space with a 30 m.sup.3
capacity.
[0223] In the test shown in FIG. 22, for demonstrating the effect
of reducing the cell infection rate of the suspended influenza
viruses existing in the space depending on the jetting amount of
ions, the vinyl chloride container with a space of 27 L of 30
cm.times.30 cm.times.30 cm size, having a viruses sprayer and a
collection device attached to both ends thereof, was used. Inside
the container, the ion generation element was attached at a portion
of the blow port above the blower. Further, with an aim of
suspending the sprayed viruses for a long period of time, an axial
flow blower was disposed such that air blow was directed
upward.
[0224] Influenza viruses (A(H1N1) A/PR8/34: ATCC VR-95) were
inoculated to an allantoic membrane cavity of a embryonated egg and
cultured in an incubator, and the allantoic liquid was sampled and
used as a test viruses solution. The test viruses solution was put
by 10 ml into a glass atomize, and the glass atomizer was connected
to one end of the test apparatus. A glass impinger in which 10 ml
of sterilized physiological saline was incorporated was connected
to the other end. In the atomizer, the discharge pressure of the
pressurized air from an air compressor was controlled to be 0.48
hPa by gauge pressure and the test viruseses was sprayed from the
spray port. The spray amount was set to 3.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1
ml/min.times.spray time 30 min). The axial flow blower was operated
simultaneously with the spray of the viruses solution and operated
continuously to the end of the test.
[0225] At the instance the spray was completed, air in the
container was sucked and collected by the impinger at a suction
flow rate of 10 L per min for 30 min. This was defined as 0 min
value. After lapse of one hour after starting the operation, the
air in the container was sucked and collected in the same manner as
that for 0 min value. PBS(-) formed by sucking and collecting the
air in the test apparatus via the impinger was used as a test
solution and the influenza viruses was measured by a plaque method
using MDCK cells. The ion jetting amount was controlled by
controlling the input voltage to the ion generation element.
Assuming the cell infection probability to be 100% in the case of
the jetting amount of positive and negative ions each at 0/m.sup.3
min, rapid lowering of the cell infection probability was confirmed
at 270,000 N/m.sup.3 min or more, and the effect of lowering the
infectivity of viruses was confirmed at the jetting amount of
positive and negative ions each at 270,000 N/m.sup.3 min or
more.
[0226] Further, for confirming the effect in the space actually
used in the residential circumstance, the air conditioner 60 shown
in FIG. 21 was disposed in a space capacity of 30 m.sup.3 in the
test shown in FIG. 23, and the residual ratio of the suspended
viruses in the space is shown in the case of operating the ion
generation element 65, from which a dust collection filter 64b and
a deodoring filter 64a were detached.
[0227] Referring to the constitution of the air conditioner 60
shown in FIG. 21, an air suction port 62 is formed at the frontal
surface of an indoor unit 61 and an air blow port 63 is formed at
the upper surface of the unit 61. A deodoring filter 64a and a dust
collecting filter 64b are provided at the suction port 62, and an
ion generation device 67 comprising an ion generation element 65
and a high voltage power source 66 therefor is disposed near the
air blow port 63. Then, the air sucked from the air suction port 62
by a blower 68 inside the unit is emitted via the air blow port 63.
In this case, ionized air is emitted by driving the ion generation
device 67.
[0228] In air conditioner having the constitution described above,
the ion generation element 65 is disposed at the blow channel and,
when the air sucked from the suction port 62 is enitted from the
blow port 63, ions can be incorporated into the sucked air and
emitted into the space. Thus, the ions are added not only to the
sucked air but also the ions can be added entirely in the
space.
[0229] The way of the viruses concentration measurement was the
same as that conducted in the test of FIG. 22. The positive and
negative ions were supplied each at a jetting amount of 5,400,000
N/m.sup.3 for one min. It was confirmed that the cell infection
probability was lowered to 1/10 for one hour.
[0230] As has been described above, it was found that the effect of
inactivating viruseses in air could be evaluated also in the
capacity of the air conditioner used actually in the residential
circumstance.
[0231] Positive and negative ions delivered to the space surround
viruses suspended in air and positive and negative ions generate
active species of hydrogen peroxide H.sub.2O.sub.2 or radical OH
due to chemical reaction at the surface of viruses, thereby
destroying and killing proteins. With the method as described
above, viruses in air can be effectively sterilized and
eliminated.
[0232] In this example, ions represent both of positive and
negative ions, and concentration of the ions are also described as
a mean value for the concentration of each of the ions assuming
that they are substantially equal to each other.
[0233] Further, throughout the examples described above, the
advantageous effects of the present invention can be obtained also
by using a method of Lenard effect for the particle releasing
method, that is, of jetting a liquid or causing vibrations thereto,
thereby separating the same physically into electrically charged
particles.
[0234] Further, the same effects as those of the present invention
can be obtained in a case of using positive ions, negative ions or
gases comprising positive and negative ions mixed to each other, as
well as charged particles such as .alpha.-rays, .beta.-rays, or
various kinds of gas particles rendered into the plasma state,
particles such as of radicals and particles of chemicals in
addition to those described above.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0235] As described heretofore, according to the present the
invention, the sterilizing performance of particles such as ions
for microorganisms can be measured and evaluated by suspending
microorganisms in a given space, allowing sterilizing particles to
irradiate the microorganisms and subsequently sampling and
measuring the microorganisms.
* * * * *