U.S. patent application number 14/572985 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for portable decontamination unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY. Invention is credited to Steven D. LEIGHT, Cameron J. PEDERSEN, Francis J. ZELINA.
Application Number | 20150182650 14/572985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53480596 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150182650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEIGHT; Steven D. ; et
al. |
July 2, 2015 |
PORTABLE DECONTAMINATION UNIT
Abstract
An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure.
The apparatus comprises a conduit having a passageway therethrough
that defines a path for a carrier gas. A plurality of tube
sections, each of the tube sections having an opening extending
therethrough, is selectively movable into and out of a gap in the
conduit. A heating element is disposed in one of the tube sections
and is operable to heat the carrier gas flowing therethrough. A
destroyer is disposed in another of the tube sections and is
operable to destroy sterilant in the carrier gas. A controller
controls movement of the tube sections into and out of the gap.
Inventors: |
LEIGHT; Steven D.;
(Brunswick, OH) ; PEDERSEN; Cameron J.;
(Painesville, OH) ; ZELINA; Francis J.; (Lake
City, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY |
Mentor |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY
Mentor
OH
|
Family ID: |
53480596 |
Appl. No.: |
14/572985 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61921586 |
Dec 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2202/11 20130101;
A61L 2202/13 20130101; A61L 2202/16 20130101; A61L 2/24 20130101;
A61L 2/208 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/20 20060101
A61L002/20; A61L 2/24 20060101 A61L002/24 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure,
said apparatus comprising: a conduit having a passageway
therethrough, said passageway defining a path for a carrier gas,
said conduit having a first end and a second end, each of said ends
being connectable to an enclosure to define a closed-loop path that
includes a region of said enclosure; a blower attached to said
conduit for re-circulating a carrier gas into, through and out of
said region of said enclosure; a nozzle for injecting a sterilant
into said conduit; a space or gap defined in said conduit; a
plurality of tubular chambers, each of said chamber having an
opening therethrough and each of said chamber being selectively
movable into and out of said gap, an opening in a chamber being
aligned with said passageway in said conduit when said chamber is
disposed in said gap, wherein said opening in said chamber is
aligned with said passageway in said conduit; a heating element
disposed in one of said tubular chambers operable to heat said
carrier gas flowing therethrough; a destroyer disposed in another
of said tubular chambers operable to destroy sterilant in said
carrier gas; and a controller for controlling movement of said
tubular chambers into and out of said gap and the operating of said
heating element and said nozzle.
2. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein said tubular chambers are disposed
about a central axis.
3. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein said tubular chambers are disposed
side-by-side and rotatable about a central axis.
4. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes three, like
tubular chambers disposed side-by-side about a central axis, a
first of said tubular chambers including a heating element, a
second of said tubular chambers including a destroying element, and
a third of said tubular chambers including a desiccant.
5. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein a sealed enclosure surrounds said gap
in said conduit.
6. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 5, wherein said tubular chambers are contained
within said sealed enclosure and are movable therein.
7. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein said controller is programmed to
perform a decontamination operation for decontaminating said region
within said enclosure, said decontamination operation including: a
heating phase, a drying phase, a sterilant vaporization phase, and
a sterilant breakdown phase.
8. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein said controller causes a tubular
chamber having a heating element to align with said conduit during
a carrier gas heating phase.
9. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure as
defined in claim 1, wherein said controller causes a tubular
chamber having a heating element to align with said conduit during
a sterilant vaporization phase.
10. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure
as defined in claim 1, wherein said controller causes a tubular
chamber having a desiccant therein to align with said conduit
during a drying phase.
11. An apparatus for decontaminating a region within an enclosure
as defined in claim 1, wherein said controller causes a tubular
chamber having a destroyer therein to align with said conduit
during a sterilant breakdown phase.
12. A closed loop, flow through vapor phase decontamination system,
comprising: a conduit having a passageway therethrough, said
passageway defining a path for a carrier gas, said conduit having a
first end and a second end, each of said ends being connectable to
an enclosure to define a closed-loop path that includes a region of
said enclosure; a blower connected to said conduit system for
re-circulating a carrier gas flow into, through and out of the
chamber; a nozzle for injecting a sterilant into said closed loop
conduit system; a destroyer for converting the vaporized hydrogen
peroxide in water and oxygen; and a heating element operable to
heat said carrier gas flowing through said closed loop conduit
system, wherein said destroyer and said heating element are
selectively movable into and out of alignment with said passageway
in said conduit, said heating element operable to heat said carrier
gas and vaporize said sterilant when said heating element is
aligned with said passageway and said destroyer operable to break
down said sterilant when said destroyer is aligned with said
passageway.
13. A decontamination system as defined in claim 12, wherein said
heating element is mounted adjacent to said destroyer, and each is
movable along a path into and out of alignment with said passageway
through said conduit.
14. A decontamination system as defined in claim 13, wherein said
heating element and said destroyer are movable along a circular
path.
15. A decontamination system as defined in claim 14, wherein said
heating element and said destroyer are each disposed in a tubular
chamber and said chambers are rotatable about a central axis.
16. A decontamination system as defined in claim 12, further
comprising a desiccant which is selectively movable into and out of
alignment with said passageway.
17. A decontamination system as defined in claim 16, wherein said
desiccant is mounted adjacent to said heating element and said
destroyer and is movable along a path into and out of alignment
with said passageway.
18. A decontamination system as defined in claim 17, wherein said
heating element, said destroyer, and said desiccant are movable
along a circular path.
19. A decontamination system as defined in claim 18, wherein said
desiccant is disposed in a tubular chamber that is rotatable about
a central axis.
20. A decontamination system as defined in claim 19, wherein said
heating element, said destroyer, and said desiccant are movable
along a circular path within a sealed enclosure.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/921,586, filed on Dec. 30, 2013, which is fully
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to decontamination
systems, and more particularly to a vapor-phase decontamination
system for decontaminating an enclosed region or space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A biosafety cabinet (BSC) is an enclosed, ventilated
laboratory workspace that allows laboratory workers to safely work
with materials contaminated with (or potentially contaminated with)
pathogens. The primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet is to protect
laboratory workers and the surrounding environment from
pathogens.
[0004] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
classifies biosafety cabinets into three classes. Most biosafety
cabinets are a Class II, Type A2 cabinet. The principle of
operation of these biosafety cabinets involves using a fan mounted
in the top of a cabinet to draw a curtain of sterile air over the
materials that are being handled. The air is circulated through a
HEPA filter and then directed down underneath a work surface and
back up to the top of the cabinet. A certain percentage of the air
in the cabinet that is exhausted (after passing through the HEPA
filter) is made up by air being drawn into the front of the cabinet
underneath the workspace. The air being drawn into the work area
acts as a barrier to potentially contaminated air coming back out
to the operator. A Class II, Type A2 biosafety cabinet typically
recirculates about 70% of the air used therein.
[0005] To ensure proper operation, the biosafety cabinet,
particularly the HEPA filter, must be periodically cleaned and
tested. Prior to servicing the biosafety cabinet, the enclosure
must be decontaminated to protect service personnel from exposure
to pathogens that may have been collected in the workspace of the
cabinet or the filter.
[0006] A conventional method of decontaminating biosafety cabinets
consists of sealing, i.e., closing, the opening to the workspace,
and heating, i.e. boiling, formaldehyde within the enclosure. The
formaldehyde vapors decontaminate the exposed surfaces of the
workspace. A problem with this method of decontamination is that a
residue is produced by the boiling of formaldehyde. The residue
must be physically removed from the surfaces of the enclosure by a
subsequent cleaning process. Moreover, it is difficult to
decontaminate the HEPA filter using a formaldehyde process as
described above. In this respect, when formaldehyde is used, a
system blower is typically energized for a very short interval to
draw some the vaporized formaldehyde into the filter. However, if
the blower is allowed to operate too long, the aforementioned
residue is collected within the HEPA filter and can clog the
filter, thereby requiring its replacement. Too little exposure of
the formaldehyde vapor can result in the filter not being
completely decontaminated. Moreover, because the blower can be
operated for only a relatively short period of time, the enclosure
and the air passages downstream of the blower and the HEPA filter
are not assuredly decontaminated.
[0007] The present invention overcomes this and other problems and
provides a method and apparatus for decontaminating an enclosure,
particularly a biosafety cabinet, that effectively and efficiently
decontaminates the enclosure of a biosafety cabinet as well as the
HEPA filter and lower passageways therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an apparatus for decontaminating a
region within an enclosure. The apparatus comprises a conduit
having a passageway therethrough. The passageway defines a path for
a carrier gas. The conduit has a first end and a second end, each
of the ends being connectable to an enclosure to define a
closed-loop path that includes a region defined by the enclosure. A
blower is attached to the conduit for re-circulating a carrier gas
into, through and out of the region of the enclosure. A nozzle
injects a sterilant into the conduit. A space or gap is defined in
the conduit. A plurality of tube sections is provided. Each of the
tube sections defines a tubular chamber having an opening
therethrough and each of the chambers is selectively movable into
and out of the gap in the conduit. An opening in a tubular chamber
is aligned with the passageway in the conduit when the chamber is
disposed in the gap, wherein the opening in the tubular chamber is
aligned with the passageway in the conduit. A heating element is
disposed in one of the tubular chambers and is operable to heat the
carrier gas flowing therethrough. A destroyer is disposed in
another of the tubular chambers and is operable to destroy
sterilant in the carrier gas. A controller controls movement of the
tubular chambers into and out of the gap and the operating of the
heating element and the nozzle.
[0009] An advantage of the present invention is a system that can
decontaminate a biosafety cabinet.
[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system that does not require subsequent cleanings
of the biosafety cabinet following a decontamination cycle.
[0011] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that can decontaminate a
filter within a biosafety decontamination cabinet without leaving a
residue.
[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above wherein the entire
interior of the biosafety cabinet is exposed to the
decontaminant.
[0013] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that utilizes a
recirculation system within a biosafety cabinet to circulate a
sterilant through the entire biosafety cabinet.
[0014] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above, wherein the
recirculation system within the biosafety cabinet operates
continuously during a decontamination cycle.
[0015] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system that utilizes a vaporized sterilant.
[0016] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
vaporized hydrogen peroxide system that utilizes a solution
comprised of 59% hydrogen peroxide and 41% water to create
vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
[0017] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above which is portable.
[0018] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that includes connections
for connecting the decontamination system to a biosafety cabinet
that fully encloses the workspace of the biosafety cabinet and
produces a closed-loop vaporous circulation system.
[0019] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
compact decontamination system for decontaminating a room or
region.
[0020] Another advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that is portable.
[0021] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that includes a plurality
of movable tubular chambers that are each used to perform a phase
of a decontamination cycle.
[0022] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that utilizes a vaporous
sterilant.
[0023] Another advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that utilizes vaporous
hydrogen peroxide.
[0024] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above having a plurality of
tubular passages that are each indexable into a path of a carrier
gas.
[0025] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that has a replaceable
canister containing a desiccant.
[0026] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that is suitable for
decontaminating a biosafety cabinet.
[0027] A still further advantage of the present invention is a
decontamination system as described above that can decontaminate
the air circulation system of a biosafety cabinet downstream of the
blower.
[0028] These and other advantages will become apparent from the
following description of a preferred embodiment taken together with
the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a decontamination
system according to the present invention connected to a biosafety
cabinet;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, top perspective view of the
decontamination system, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the decontamination system
shown in FIG. 2 showing a chemical sterilant container removed
therefrom;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4,
showing in cross-section three (3) tube sections that form part of
a tube assembly;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5,
showing a tube section containing a desiccant canister aligned with
a first and second tubular members that form part of a conduit
system for conveying a carrier gas to a room or region;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a tube section containing
a heating element aligned with the first and second tubular members
that form a conduit of the decontamination system;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a desiccant canister
being removed from one of the tube sections of the tube
assembly;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG.
6;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a damper assembly mounted to
the exhaust duct of a biosafety cabinet, showing a damper element
in an open position allowing a portion of the air that circulates
through the biosafety cabinet to be exhausted from the biosafety
cabinet;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the damper assembly shown in
FIG. 10, showing the damper element in a second position wherein a
portion of the air circulated through the biosafety cabinet is
directed to a exit port; and
[0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a closed loop
circulation system that is established when the decontamination
unit is connected to a biosafety cabinet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention
only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a
decontamination system 10, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Decontamination system 10 is particularly
applicable in decontaminating a Class II, Type A2 biosafety
cabinet, and will be described with particular reference thereto.
However, as will be appreciated from a further reading of the
present specification, the decontamination system may also find
advantageous application in decontaminating other types of
biosafety cabinets, as well as decontaminating other types of
enclosed regions or spaces.
[0043] In FIG. 1, a Class II, Type A2 biosafety cabinet 20 is
shown. Biosafety cabinet 20, in and of itself, forms no part of the
present invention. Accordingly, biosafety cabinet 20 shall not be
described in great detail. In general, biosafety cabinet 20 is
comprised of a rectangular enclosure 22 elevated above the floor
14. In the drawings, biosafety cabinet 20 is shown supported on a
table or countertop 12. Enclosure 22 includes a clear front panel
24 having an opening 26 therebelow that provides access to a
workspace 28 within biosafety cabinet 20. Workspace 28 is defined
by an inner housing 32, best seen in FIG. 12 that is located in a
lower portion of rectangular enclosure 22. Inner housing 32
separates workspace 28 from an upper space 34 that contains a
blower 36 and HEPA filters 38A and 38B. A duct 42 is defined within
biosafety cabinet 20 underneath and around one side of inner
housing 32. A bottom wall 32a of inner housing 32 includes slots,
or openings 44, that communicate with duct 42. Blower 36 is
operable to circulate air throughout enclosure 22, over and in
front of workspace 28, as illustrated by the arrows as shown in
FIG. 12. An exhaust port 46 is defined in an upper wall 22a of
enclosure 22 to allow a portion of the air circulated within
biosafety cabinet 20 to be exhausted from biosafety cabinet 20.
Exhaust port 46 communicates with an exhaust duct 48. The air
exhausted from biosafety cabinet 20 is replaced by air drawn into
opening 26 in front panel 24 of biosafety cabinet 20. The air being
drawn into workspace 28 acts as a barrier to block potentially
contaminated air from escaping out of biosafety cabinet 20, as is
conventionally known. Blower 36 is operable to circulate air
through biosafety cabinet 20 with a portion of the air inside
biosafety cabinet 20 being exhausted and replaced with new air
drawn into biosafety cabinet 20, as described above.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, decontamination system 10 is
best seen. In the embodiment shown, decontamination system 10 is
contained within a portable case 60 having a grip or handle 62.
Case 60 is comprised of a base portion 72 and a lid portion 74.
Base portion 72 defines a generally rectangular cavity that is
dimensioned to receive the operative components of decontamination
system 10. Lid portion 74 is hinged to base portion 72. Latches 76
on lid portion 74 are provided to securely attach lid portion 74
and base portion 72 together and to allow case 60 to completely
enclose decontamination system 10.
[0045] A frame structure 82, best seen in FIG. 4, is disposed
within base portion 72 of case 60. Frame 82 supports a generally
flat panel 84. Mounted to flat panel 84, and disposed within base
portion 72 of case 60, is a generally rectangular housing 92 that
defines an inner chamber 92a. Housing 92 is attached to the
underside of flat panel 84 by conventional fasteners, as best seen
in FIG. 5. An opening 94 (best seen in FIG. 3), formed through
panel 84, communicates with inner chamber 92a of housing 92, to
allow access thereto.
[0046] In the embodiment shown, housing 92 is generally rectangular
in shape. A first tubular member 112 extends from one face of
housing 92. A second tubular member 122 extends from an opposing
face of housing 92. In the embodiment shown, first tubular member
112 is a straight, cylindrical tube, defining a first passageway
112a. Second tubular member 122 is an L-shaped, cylindrical tube,
defining a second passageway 122a. In accordance with one aspect of
the present invention, first tubular member 112 is generally
aligned with second tubular member 122, such that the first
passageway 112a is in alignment with, but spaced from, second
passageway 122a. In this respect, a space or gap, defined by
chamber 92a of housing 92, exists between first and second tubular
members 112, 122.
[0047] The free end of L-shaped, second tubular member 122 extends
upward through flat panel 84, as best seen in FIG. 4. The free end
of second tubular member 122 includes a tubular collar 132 and
defines a system outlet 134. Collar 132 has an annular groove 136
formed in the outer surface thereof.
[0048] A blower 142 is mounted to the underside of panel 84,
adjacent to housing 92. Blower 142 has an inlet 142a connected to a
tubular connector 152 extending through panel 84 and defining a
system inlet 154. An outlet from blower 142 is connected to the
free end of first tubular member 112. A gasket 146 is disposed
between outlet 142b of blower 142 and the free end of first tubular
member 112.
[0049] A cup-shaped, reagent receiving well 162 is mounted to the
underside of panel 84, adjacent to housing 92. An opening 164 in
panel 84 communicates with reagent receiving well 162. Well 162 is
dimensioned to receive a closed container 166 containing a liquid
sterilant. Container 166 is generally a cup-shaped receptacle 166a,
formed preferably of plastic having a foil or mylar layer 166b
covering and enclosing container 166a. A cap 172, having a
siphoning tube 174 extending therefrom, is dimensioned to be
positioned over well 162. Siphoning tube 174 is dimensioned to
puncture layer 166b and to extend into sterilant container 166, as
shall be described in greater detail below. Flexible tubing 182 is
connected to cap 172 and is in fluid communication with siphoning
tube 174 extending from cap 172. Tubing 182 is connected to an
inlet of a sterilant injection system. The sterilant injection
system (not shown) is basically comprised of a pump (not shown)
having an outlet tubing 184 connected to an atomizing nozzle 186
disposed within the first passageway of first tubular member 112.
Atomizing nozzle 186, best seen in FIG. 6, is supported on an arm
extending into first passageway 112a.
[0050] A hinge 192 connects a cover plate 194 to the upper surface
of panel 84. Cover plate 194 is dimensioned to cover opening 94 to
chamber 92a and opening 164 to reagent receiving well 162. In this
respect, cover plate 194 is movable between a closed position
covering openings 94, 164, as shown in FIG. 2, and an opened
position allowing access to openings 94, 164, as shown in FIG. 3. A
continuous, generally rectangular seal 196 is provided on the
underside of cover plate 194 and is dimensioned to surround opening
94 and to form a seal between panel 84 and cover plate 194 when
cover plate 194 is in the closed position.
[0051] Locking elements 197 on cover plate 194 are provided to be
received in openings 198 in panel 84 to lock cover plate 194 in the
closed position. A tab 199 on cover plate 194 is dimensioned to be
received in a slot 195 in panel 84. A sensor (not shown) on the
underside of panel 84 is provided to sense when tab 199 is within
slot 195, which indicates that cover plate 194 is in a closed
position.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, a tube assembly 210, comprised
of a plurality of tube sections, is shown. In the embodiment shown,
three (3) side-by-side tube sections 212, 214, 216 are shown. Each
tube section 212, 214, 216 defines a tubular chamber 212A, 214A,
216A. In the embodiment shown, each tube section is connected to
each of the other two (2) tube sections to form a generally
triangular configuration when viewed in cross-section, as best seen
in FIG. 5. Tube assembly 210 is symmetrical by a central axis "A."
A shaft 222 extends along central axis "A" and is connected to each
tube section 212, 214, 216. Shaft 222 of tube assembly 210 is
mounted to housing 92, such that tube assembly 210 is rotatable
about axis "A." Shaft 222 is disposed, i.e., positioned, within
housing 92 such that each of the tube sections can be moved, i.e.,
rotated, into alignment with passageways 112a, 122a defined between
the ends of first tubular member 112 and second tubular member 122.
When aligned with first and second tubular members 112, 122, a
tubular chamber of a tube section essentially completes a path
defined by passageways 112a, 122a of first tubular member 112 and
second tubular member 122.
[0053] One end of shaft 222 is connected to a motor 224 that is
schematically illustrated in the drawings. Motor 224 is mounted to
outer surface of housing 92. Motor 224 is operable to rotate tube
assembly 210 about axis "A," wherein one of tube sections 212, 214,
216 may be aligned with first and second tubular members 112, 122.
Each tube section 212, 214, 216 of tube assembly 210 is dimensioned
such that each end of a tube section 212, 214, 216 mates closely
with the ends of first and second tubular members 112, 122 that
communicate with inner chamber 92a of housing 92. When a tube
section 212, 214, 216 is aligned with tubular members 112, 122, the
aligned tube section is in an "operative position" and a generally
continuous path is defined through decontamination system 10. The
path extends through first tubular member 112, through an aligned
tube section of the tube assembly and continues through to second
tubular member 122.
[0054] Tube section 212 of tube assembly 210 contains an
atomization tube 231 and a heating element 232. Atomization tube
231 is disposed within tube section 212. Atomization tube 231 is
dimensioned such that a gap 233 or space is defined between tube
section 212 and atomization tube 231, as best seen in FIG. 7. In
the embodiment shown, heating element 232 is coiled into a
generally conical shape, best seen in FIG. 7. At least one coil
232a of heating element 232 is in contact with the inner surface of
atomization tube 231. The heating element is coiled around a
cylindrical pin 234 having a conical end portion 236. Heating
element 232 is mounted on a support bracket 238 to be centrally
located within tubular chamber 212A of tube section 212, with pin
234 facing blower 142. Electrical leads 239A, 239B extend from
heating element 232 through the wall of tube section 212.
[0055] Tube section 214 of tube assembly 210 contains a desiccant
canister 242. Desiccant canister 242 contains a material that
absorbs moisture. The axial ends of canister 242 are perforated to
allow air to flow therethrough. According to one aspect of the
present invention, tube section 214 is comprised of two tube
section halves 214a, 214b. A hinge 244 connects tube section half
214a to half tube section 214b and allows tube 214 to be opened to
allow removal and replacement of a desiccant canister 242
therein.
[0056] A latch element 246, best seen in FIG. 8, is attached to the
outer surface of tube section half 214b of tube section 214. Latch
element 246 is formed from a strip of resilient material, such as a
spring metal, that is formed to have a U-shaped section 246a that
defines a tab. U-shaped section 246a is dimensioned to snap lock
into a slot 248 formed in tube section half 214a. Latch 246
releasably locks tube section haves 214a, 214b together to secure
desiccant canister 242.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 8, a desiccant canister 242 can easily be
inserted or removed from tube section 214, when tube section 214 is
in alignment with first and second tubular members 112, 122, by
releasing latch 246 and separating tube section halves 214a,
214b.
[0058] Tube section 216 contains a destroyer cartridge 252 therein.
Destroyer cartridge 252 contains a material operable to break down
a vapor sterilant as the vapor sterilant flows through second
tubular chamber 216A. In the embodiment shown, destroyer cartridge
252 is a cylindrical container having perforations formed through
the ends thereof to allow axial air flow therethrough.
[0059] A temperature sensor 262 and a humidity sensor 264 are
disposed within decontamination system 10. Temperature sensor 262
and humidity sensor 264 are preferably disposed within passageway
112a of first tubular member 112.
[0060] A controller 270, schematically illustrated in the drawings,
is provided within decontamination system 10. Controller 270 is
connected to temperature sensor 262 and humidity sensor 264 to
receive signals therefrom. Controller 270 is also connected to
blower motor 144, motor 224 of tube assembly 210, heating element
232 that is disposed within tube section 212, and sterilant
injection pump (not shown) to control the respective operations
thereof. A control panel 272 having an interface display 274 is
mounted to panel 84 and is connected to controller 270 to allow
user input and control. Power to decontamination system 10 is
provided by an electrical cable 276 connectable to controller 270
and to an external power source, i.e., a building outlet, (not
shown). A serial connection port 278 is provided on panel 84 and is
connected to controller 270 to allow external devices to connect to
controller 270.
[0061] Two (2) flexible hoses 282, 284 are provided to connect
decontamination system 10 to biosafety cabinet 20. Each flexible
hose includes cylindrical sleeve 286 at the ends thereof. Sleeves
286 are dimensioned to be attached in a tight-fitting relationship
to tubular collars 132, 152 on second and first tubular members
122, 112, respectively. One end of first flexible hose 282 is
connected to a panel 292 that is attached to biosafety cabinet 20.
Panel 292 is dimensioned to cover and enclose opening 26 to
biosafety cabinet 20. In this respect, panel 292 is generally
rectangular in shape and sized to cover opening 26 to biosafety
cabinet 20. Panel 292 is attached to opening 26 of biosafety
cabinet 20 by conventional fasteners, tape, or magnetic means (not
shown). Panel 292 has a tubular connector 296 extending therefrom,
that is dimensioned to receive cylindrical sleeve 286 on the end of
first flexible hose 288. Panel 292 is preferably comprised of a
polymer material.
[0062] Second flexible hose 284 is longer than first hose 282, as
best seen in FIG. 1. One end of hose 284 is attached to tubular
collar 152 that is connected to blower inlet 142a. The other end of
second flexible hose 284 is connected to a tubular connector 316 on
a damper assembly 310 that is connected to exhaust duct 48 of
biosafety cabinet 20.
[0063] Damper assembly 310, best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, is
installed between exhaust port 46 and exhaust duct 48 of biosafety
cabinet 20 to control air exhausted therefrom. Damper assembly 310
is generally comprised of a housing 312 defining an inner cavity
314 that communicates with exhaust port 46 and a passageway 48a
defined by exhaust duct 48. A tubular connector 316, that is
similar in design to tubular collars 132, 152, extends from one
side of housing 312. Connector 316 defines an inner passageway 316a
that communicates with inner cavity 314 of housing 312. A damper
plate 318 is pivotally mounted within housing 312 to be movable
between a first position obstructing and covering passageway 316a,
as shown in FIG. 10, and a second position, obstructing and
covering passageway 48a in exhaust duct 48, as shown in FIG.
11.
[0064] Aspects of the present invention shall now be described with
reference to the operation of decontamination system 10. Prior to
initiating a decontamination cycle, panel 292 is attached to
biosafety cabinet 20 to cover access opening 26 to workspace 28.
Panel 292 is secured to biosafety cabinet 20 to completely seal
opening 26. Hoses 282, 284 are then connected to decontamination
system 10 and biosafety cabinet 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
Damper 318 is moved to its second position, as shown in FIG. 11, to
close off exhaust duct 48 and connect the interior of biosafety
cabinet 20 to passageway 316a and hose 284.
[0065] With the two flexible hoses 282, 284 connecting
decontamination system 10 to biosafety cabinet 20 and damper plate
318 in its second position, a closed-loop circulation path is
created from decontamination system 10 through first flexible hose
282, though biosafety cabinet 20 and back to decontamination system
10 through second flexible hose 284.
[0066] Decontamination system 10 is dimensioned to utilize an
enclosed, prepackaged liquid sterilant container 166. A sterilant
container 166 is placed into cup-shaped reagent receiving well 162
through opening 164 in flat panel 84 of decontamination system 10.
According to another aspect of the present invention, it is
contemplated that sterilant container 166 includes an RFID tag, or
other means of encoded data, on the side of container 166 that can
be read by an RFID reader (not shown) that is connected to
controller 270. Encoded information from the RFID tag on sterilant
container 166, including the volume of the sterilant enclosed, an
expiration date and the like, can be transmitted from the barcode
scanner to controller 270 of decontamination system 10 prior to
initiating a decontamination cycle.
[0067] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, decontamination system 10 utilizes a sterilant solution
comprised of hydrogen peroxide and water. In a more preferred
embodiment, a sterilant solution comprised of 59% hydrogen peroxide
by weight and 41% water by weight is used. However, other
concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and water are contemplated.
[0068] During the operation of decontamination system 10, blower 36
of biosafety cabinet 20 is operated to help the circulation of
sterilant throughout biosafety cabinet 20, and particularly,
through the HEPA filter 38 and through upper space 34 of biosafety
cabinet 20, as shall be described in greater detail below.
[0069] Controller 270 is programmed to perform a decontamination
cycle that includes: a heating phase; a drying phase; a
conditioning phase; a decontamination phase; and an aeration phase.
When a decontamination cycle is first initiated, controller 270
causes motor 224 of tube assembly 210 to move tube section 212,
that contains heating element 232 into alignment with first and
second tubular members 112, 122, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
Controller 270 then initiates the "heating phase" by energizing
blower motor 144 that cause blower 142 to circulate air (the
carrier gas) past heating element 232. The air is conveyed through
biosafety cabinet 20 along the closed loop circulation path, as
illustrated in FIG. 12. Heating element 232 is energized to heat
the air circulated through biosafety cabinet 20 and through
decontamination system 10. Temperature sensor 262 within passageway
112a of first tubular member 112 senses the temperature of the air,
i.e., the carrier gas, as it is circulated through biosafety
cabinet 20 and decontamination system 10.
[0070] When the circulated air reaches a desired temperature, about
31.degree. C., heating element 232 is de-energized and motor 224 of
tube section assembly 210 is energized to index tube section 214
containing desiccant canister 242 into position in alignment with
first and second tubular members 112, 122. With second tube section
214 containing desiccant canister 242 now forming part of the
closed loop circulation path, the "drying phase" is initiated.
Moisture within the air flowing through biosafety cabinet 20 and
decontamination system 10 is removed as the air passes through
desiccant canister 242. Humidity sensor 264 within first tubular
member 112 monitors the humidity of the air flowing through first
tubular member 112 and, thus, provides an indication of the
humidity within biosafety cabinet 20. In accordance with the
preferred embodiment, the drying phase continues until the air
circulating through the closed loop circulation path, i.e., through
biosafety cabinet 20, attains a relative humidity of about 15%.
[0071] Once a desired humidity level is reached, a "conditioning
phase" is initiated. Motor 224 of tube assembly 210 is energized to
return tube section 212 containing heating element 232 into
position in alignment with first and second tubular members 112,
122. Controller 270 then causes the sterilant injection system,
and, more specifically the sterilant pump (not shown), to inject
the liquid sterilant from sterilant container 166 to atomizing
nozzle 186 within first tubular member 112, thereby creating an
atomized mist within first passageway 112a. The air circulating
through the closed loop circulation path defined by decontamination
system 10 and biosafety cabinet 20 was previously heated and dried
during the drying phase. The atomized hydrogen peroxide vaporizes
within decontamination system 10. The vaporization process is a
hybrid of conventionally known flash vaporization where the liquid
hydrogen peroxide is vaporized on a heating plate/element.
According to the present invention, the vaporization occurs in
several ways. The atomized hydrogen peroxide is introduced into the
heated airstream where latent heat is extracted from the airstream
to vaporize the hydrogen peroxide. Remaining atomized hydrogen
peroxide is flashed vaporized from contact conical end portion 236
and heater element 232. Vaporization is also conducted from contact
of the atomized hydrogen peroxide with the inner surface of
atomization tube 231 as a result of the transfer of heat from the
contact of coil 232a of heating element 232 to the inner surface of
atomization tube 231.
[0072] The vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is introduced into the
closed-loop circulation path and is conveyed through first flexible
hose 282 into work space 28 of biosafety cabinet 20. Since the
blower system of biosafety cabinet 20 is operating, the vaporized
hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is drawn into upper space 34 where blower
36 in biosafety cabinet 20 circulates 70% of the carrier gas and
the vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) contained therein through
duct 42 through HEPA filter 38A, to the underside of workspace 28
and back into workspace 28, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG.
12.
[0073] 30% of the carrier gas and associated vaporized hydrogen
peroxide (VHP) is drawn through HEPA filter 38B (exhaust) and
through second flexible hose 284 by blower 144 of decontamination
system 10 and biosafety cabinet blower 36. In other words, the
vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is introduced into a closed-loop
path and is conveyed through flexible hoses 282, 284 by the carrier
gas (air) into and back out of biosafety cabinet 20 before it is
returned to decontamination system 10. During the conditioning
phase, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is injected into
decontamination system 10 at a relatively high rate to bring the
vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) level within biosafety cabinet 20
to a desired level in a short period of time. During the
conditioning phase, blower 142 and cabinet blower 36 causes the air
within the closed loop path to circulate continuously through first
and second flexible hoses 282, 284 and through biosafety cabinet
20. As a result of the continuous circulation of the vaporized
hydrogen peroxide (VHP) along the closed-loop path (created by
connecting decontamination system 10, first and second flexible
hoses 282, 284 and biosafety cabinet 20), the concentration of
vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) in biosafety cabinet 20 increases
more rapidly than it would if vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP)
exiting biosafety cabinet 20 was destroyed and exhausted. In other
words, the vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) flowing through the
closed-loop path continuously circulates through decontamination
system 10 and past atomizing nozzle 186 where additional vaporized
hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is generated and added to the air stream.
The conditioning phase is completed when a predetermined
concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide has been established
within the closed loop system.
[0074] After the conditioning phase is completed, the
decontamination phase is initiated. During the decontamination
phase, the sterilant injection rate to atomizing nozzle 186 is
decreased to maintain the concentration of vaporized hydrogen
peroxide (VHP) at the desired parts per million (ppm) level. The
decontamination phase is run for a predetermined period of time,
preferably with the vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) concentration
remaining constant, at a level sufficient to effect the desired or
decontamination of the interior of biosafety cabinet 20. In this
respect, because the blower within biosafety cabinet 20 assists in
the circulation of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) throughout
biosafety cabinet 20 and, more importantly, HEPA filter(s) 38 of
biosafety cabinet 20, decontamination of the entire interior of
biosafety cabinet 20 is performed. After the decontamination phase
is completed, controller 270 causes the pump of the injection
system to shut down, thereby shutting off the flow of additional
sterilant to atomizing nozzle 186.
[0075] Following completion of the decontamination phase, an
aeration phase is initiated. At the start of the aeration phase,
controller 270 causes tube assembly 210 to rotate tube section 216,
containing the destroyer material, into alignment with first and
second tubular members 112, 122. Blower motor 144 of
decontamination system 10 and blower 36 of biosafety cabinet 20
continue to operate causing the carrier air to continuously
circulate along the closed-loop path, wherein the air is forced
through and past the destroyer material. Contact with the destroyer
material causes the vaporized hydrogen peroxide to break down into
water and oxygen. During the aeration phase, blower 142 continues
to operate until the vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) level is
reduced to an allowable threshold (about 1 ppm).
[0076] The present invention provides a compact decontamination
system 10 that allows for the decontamination of biosafety cabinets
or other similar spaces. By utilizing the circulation system of a
biosafety cabinet 20 during the decontamination cycle, the
decontamination system 10 can contain a smaller blower, thereby
reducing the size, as well as the weight, of decontamination system
10. Still further, tube sections 212, 214, 216 forming tube
assembly 210 need not sealingly engage the ends of first and second
tubular members 112, 122 when a tube section is indexed in
alignment. In this respect, because housing 92 surrounding tube
assembly 210 is totally enclosed, any leaks between tube sections
212, 214, 216 and the first and second tubular members 112, 122 is
contained within enclosed housing 92. In other words, any vaporized
hydrogen peroxide (VHP) generated that may be forced into enclosed
housing 92 would be later destroyed during the aeration phase of
the decontamination cycle.
[0077] The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the
present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is
described for purposes of illustration only, and that numerous
alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is intended that all such modifications and
alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of
the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *