CN101287504A - Disinfection integrated system - Google Patents

Abstract

A disinfection system for disinfecting articles includes an enclosure (10) having an expansion structure (12) that, when expanded, defines an interior space (30) for receiving the article to be disinfected. A disinfectant source (106) is in fluid communication with the interior space. The disinfectant source supplies disinfectant to the interior space for disinfecting the article. The enclosure and other components of the disinfection system are easily transportable, so that articles, such as motor vehicles, can be disinfected at or near a location where contamination with hazardous chemical or microbiological agents is determined.

Description

Disinfection integrated system

Background technique

The invention relates to the field of environmental disinfection. Applications have been found dealing with portable enclosures for specific applications of microbiological, biological or chemical disinfection of large equipment and will therefore be described using specific references. However, it should be understood that the invention is also applicable to the disinfection, treatment or isolation of other items, whether large or small.

Small devices used in medical, pharmaceutical, food and other applications are often sterilized or microbiologically sterilized before use or reuse. However, concerns arise when larger equipment such as vehicles, food and drug manufacturing equipment, mail processing equipment, etc. become contaminated with chemical or biological contaminants such as harmful organics or other species. Such equipment is also often large, or not suitable for transport into a sterilization system such as a sterilizer. In addition, there is often concern that transporting contaminated equipment around a facility or off-site to a sanitation system puts those transported equipment at risk, or spreads contamination around the facility or to transported equipment.

U.S. Published Application No. 2003/0133834 to Karle discloses an enclosure assembly comprising a frame made of structural elements and a flexible transparent enclosure that provides isolation and/or treatment of patients, equipment, etc. closed body. A treatment substance such as hydrogen peroxide or other gas or vapor sterilant may be supplied into the enclosure for microbiological disinfection or treatment of the device. The closure is quickly assembled and disassembled after use, making it suitable for handling large equipment that is not easily removable or is too large to accommodate conventional sterilization equipment.

Karle's system is suitable for smaller enclosures where the frame height enables assembly. Due to the large number of parts, there is a danger that if components have been previously used and are inadvertently repacked, important parts of the frame may be lost.

The present invention provides a new and improved portable environmental enclosure and method of use that overcome the above-referenced problems and others.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a sterilization system for sterilizing items includes an enclosure having an inflatable structure that, when expanded, defines an interior space for receiving items to be sterilized. A source of sterilant is in fluid communication with the interior space. The source supplies disinfectant to the interior space for sanitizing items.

According to another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a method of sterilizing an item is provided. The method includes expanding an expandable structural member to form an enclosure having an interior space, thereby maintaining the enclosure upright while conveying an article into the interior space. The items are sealed in the enclosure, and a gaseous sterilant is introduced into the interior space to sterilize the items.

One advantage of at least one embodiment is that the disinfection system is readily transportable to or near the location where contamination occurs or is identified.

Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the system is operational for a period of time.

Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the system can be stored in a smaller volume when not in use.

Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the passages forming the enclosure are heated by the expanding air, reducing condensation of sterilant between the source of sterilant and the interior of the enclosure.

Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the enclosure is temperature controlled on all sides.

Other advantages will become apparent from reading the following description and claims.

Description of drawings

The drawings show embodiments of the invention without intending to limit it. Still further embodiments will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and following the detailed description. The invention is understood to include such other embodiments which come within the scope of the independent claims or their equivalents.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disinfection system according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the top plan view of disinfection system in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the disinfection system of Figure 1 with the front door open;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the side wall of the enclosure of FIG. 1. FIG.

Detailed ways

Referring to Figure 1, a portable sanitizing system A includes a portable enclosure 10, wherein the enclosure 10 is suitable for temporarily isolating and sanitizing larger items. The enclosure 10 is easily erected and used, if necessary, to isolate contaminated or potentially contaminated items from the surrounding environment and to subsequently sterilize the items with a gaseous or liquid disinfectant. Gas disinfectants may be in the form of gas, vapour, smoke, aerosol or mist. Suitable gas disinfectants include oxidizing agents, especially eg hydrogen peroxide, fresh air or combinations of hydrogen peroxide with co-agents such as ammonia or UV radiation. Other suitable gaseous sanitizers include heated air and other gaseous sanitizers that destroy, inactivate, or render the contaminants harmless. Although specific reference is made to vaporized hydrogen peroxide, it is understood that other gaseous disinfectants and combinations of disinfectants are also contemplated.

The term "disinfection" as used herein includes microbial disinfection-destruction or inactivation of biological contaminants, including live microorganisms and harmful replicating organisms, such as prions. The term also includes disinfection-destruction, or chemical inactivation, using chemical agents that are harmful to humans at low concentrations (eg, below about 10 ppm), such as chemical warfare agents. While the sanitization process also achieves cleaning, it is not desirable to include only the physical removal of such contaminants without destruction or inactivation. A "disinfectant" as used herein is a substance capable of effecting disinfection. The enclosure 10 is used for carrying out disinfection processes, in particular chemical and microbiological disinfection processes, such as sterilization or smaller forms of disinfection, including disinfection and sanitation.

Items that may be quarantined and sterilized within enclosure 10 include: mechanized passenger and freight vehicles such as ambulances, cars, trucks, buses; and other on-road vehicles, military vehicles such as combat vehicles, and personal and military supplies Food transportation vehicles, aircraft; food and beverage processing equipment, such as cooking, processing, freezing, cutting, packaging and bottling equipment, and pharmaceutical equipment. Other equipment can also be disinfected, such as medical and veterinary equipment contaminated by body fluids or other microbial sources, including beds, chairs, washing utensils, etc. Pharmaceutical processing equipment, mail handling equipment, and other equipment may also be quarantined and sanitized. Articles are generally those contaminated with chemical or biological pollutants known or suspected to be harmful to humans, such as chemical warfare agents, biological warfare agents, and naturally occurring chemical and biological pollutants. The item is easily isolated and sterilized without the need to move to a permanent, purpose-built isolation unit, reducing the chance of harmful microorganisms or other contaminants spreading around the tool. In addition, some equipment that is too heavy or too large for movement is also cleaned in situ.

The enclosure 10 includes a flexible inflatable structure 12 . As shown in Figure 1, the inflatable structure 12 provides a rigid freestanding walled enclosure when inflated with an inflation fluid such as air. The structure 12 is self-supporting and does not require a frame of supports made of rigid material, however such a frame could be used if desired. Referring also to FIG. 2 , the expandable structure 12 includes a plurality of expandable walls 14 , 16 , 18 . Although it is shown that the enclosure 10 is constructed such that the expanded rear wall 14 and the expanded side walls 16, 18 extend and arch upwards to form the top 20 of the structure 12 (FIG. 1), it will be appreciated that as long as the enclosed If the body is expandable for the desired purpose, then a large number of walls can be used. One or more of the walls 14, 16, 18 or a portion of these walls may include a non-expandable portion. For example, the rear wall 14 can alternatively be formed of a single layer or a double layer. The walls 14 , 16 , 18 define an expandable support structure formed from a set of cylindrical elements or other suitably shaped structural parts 21 interconnecting expansion channels 22 . Once inflated and attached or anchored down, the enclosure is capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to about 100 mph, as required. The enclosure 10 optionally includes a base 24 adapted to be positioned on a support surface 26 . In one embodiment, the bottom is insulated to allow precise temperature control. Alternatively, the support structure 12 is glued or sealed to the support surface 26 and has an intersecting configuration to aid in holding the wall matrix in place as desired. The closure 10 is lightweight prior to expansion and may be stored in a suitably sized travel bag 28 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the interior space 30 within the enclosure 10 may be sealed from the surrounding air to form a substantially airtight isolation chamber for the sterilization process. Specifically, the bottom 24 of the enclosure is sealed to the wall adjacent its lower end. The rear wall 14 is sealed to adjacent side walls 16, 18 around its perimeter. During sterilization, the access opening 32 at the end of the enclosure opposite the rear wall 14 is sealed by a closure comprising an inner door 34 and an outer door 36 defining a front chamber 38 therebetween. Doors 34 , 36 each include a set of closures in the form of flexible panels 40 , 42 , 44 ( FIG. 1 ), which may be formed from the same material as inflatable structure 12 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the panels are folded, rolled or drawn to the side to provide access to the enclosed space 30 . Fastening elements 46 along the edges of the panels 40, 42, 44 allow the panels to be sealed to each other and to the bottom when in the closed position. Suitable fastening elements 46 include hook and loop straps (eg Chico ^(TM) Hook and Strap, available from Stretchline (Textiles) Ltd, Gos. Tetbury, UK, or Velcro ^(TM) straps). Other suitable fastening elements include zippers and type closure. Chico ^™ hook and loop straps are, for example, fire-resistant straps made of 100% nylon. It provides insulation and vibration-reducing cushioning and, when securely closed, acts as an effective dust filter, and in one embodiment is snow and sand proof.

In FIG. 1 , the outer door has a central panel 40 comprising a transparent portion 48 for providing a window to the interior space 30 . The central panel 40 can be rolled up from the bottom and held by straps or cords 50 attached to a fixed panel 52 ( FIG. 3 ) for access to the interior 30 . The two side panels 42 , 44 are likewise drawn sideways and held in place by appropriately positioned straps or ties 54 attached to the inflatable structure 12 . The inner door 34 may be similarly constructed.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the expansion system 60 is connected to the interconnected expansion channels 22 prior to expansion. The expansion system 60 includes a compressor 62 or other suitable blower that pressurizes the atmosphere. A suitable blower is an electrically operated pump, however manually operated pumps may alternatively be used. The expansion system also optionally includes a heating and/or cooling device 64 for heating/cooling the air before entering the passage 22 . Compressor 62 may have two or more operating speeds to provide lower and higher flow rates. High flow rates are used to initially expand the structure 12, while low rates are used to maintain the expanded structure.

Temperature-controlled air enters the channel 22 and provides a temperature-regulated layer of air around the interior space 30, which enables the proper temperature for effective disinfection to be maintained within the interior space. In the case of hydrogen peroxide vapor, the appropriate temperature is that which eliminates or minimizes condensation of the hydrogen peroxide vapor on the walls of the enclosure or on the article, and is generally above the temperature of the surrounding external environment. A switch (not shown) or the like is selectively provided on the pump 62, which enables the user to change the pump from an inflated mode to a deflated mode. Expansion system 60 typically operates at about 1-300 cubic meters per minute. Depending on the size of the blower and the size of the inflatable structure, the enclosure can be erected in a relatively short period of time, typically under about an hour. For larger enclosures, multiple blowers can be used to increase the rate of expansion.

The expansion system 60 is connected to the interior 30 via an expansion enclosure inlet 70 . As shown here, an insulated air duct 72 extends between the expansion system and the enclosure wall 18 . In one embodiment, the air duct ends with a suitable coupling element 74 for snap coupling with a corresponding coupling element 76 extending from the inlet 70 . Alternatively, a fixed coupling may be provided between the duct 72 and the wall inlet 70 . The expansion system 60 optionally also supplies fresh air to the antechamber 38 via an inlet 78 . The air in the channel can be heated or cooled, thereby ensuring a temperature-controlled environment on each side of the enclosure 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the walls 14 , 16 , 18 and the pre-section 20 of the enclosure are formed by inner and outer panels 80 , 82 of flexible material, such panels being arranged parallel to each other. The plates 80, 82 are connected to each other by vertically extending connecting elements 84 which may be made of the same material. The inner and outer layers and the connecting elements together form a cylindrical member defining the channel 22 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the walls 14 , 16 , 18 may slope generally inwardly, either vertically or towards the upper ends of the walls adjacent to the top 20 . The channel 22 defining the side walls 16, 18 and the top 20 thus extends generally perpendicularly from the bottom 24 to form the first side wall 16, spans the top 20, and continues down the other wall 18 to the bottom. Connecting element 84 is provided with holes 86 which allow air to flow through the passage and equalize pressure. An outlet check valve 88 on the outer panel 82 of the wall 16, opposite the inlet, allows relief of excess pressure above a preselected maximum pressure and allows the passage to be continuously or intermittently refilled with heated or cooled air if required.

The panels 40 , 42 , 44 , 80 , 82 are sealed together at their edges to provide an airtight or substantially airtight interior space 30 . It will be appreciated that each panel may be formed as two or more separate panels sealed together at their respective edges. By "substantially airtight" it is meant that if air is supplied to the enclosure at a pressure equivalent to approximately 3.8 cm of water and allowed to equilibrate for 2 minutes, and then the supply of air pressure is interrupted, the pressure in the enclosure after another 5 minutes At least about 2 centimeters of water pressure, in one embodiment, at least about 2.5 centimeters of water pressure. The closure may be subjected to a seal test prior to use to verify that the closure is substantially airtight, for example by pressurizing the closure to about 1.5 centimeters of water pressure, equilibrating for 1 minute, and testing to ensure maintenance, for example, at Acceptable pressure level for 1.0 cm water pressure after 2 minutes.

The bottom 24 of the enclosure is selectively heated for heating the interior space 30 . For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the base includes lower and upper layers of flexible material 90 , 92 . A flexible resistive heating element 94 or other heat source is located in the gap 96 between the two layers. In one embodiment, bottom 24 includes several sections, each section having its own associated heat source.

The moving source 100 of gas sterilant supplies the gas sterilant to the inner space 30 . As shown in FIG. 2, the source 100 is located outside the enclosure, however it is contemplated that the source may optionally be transported inside prior to sterilization. A suitable source 100 for supplying vaporous hydrogen peroxide includes a source 102 of liquid hydrogen peroxide in a dissolved state, such as a container of aqueous hydrogen peroxide having a hydrogen peroxide concentration of about 20-40% by weight. The hydrogen peroxide liquid is conveyed by pump 104 to vaporizer 106 where the hydrogen peroxide and water components are evaporated on a heated surface (not shown). The vapor is carried in a carrier gas, such as air or other flowing medium, supplied by a carrier gas source 108, such as a blower or a pressurized container. Blower 108 may operate at about 1-300 cubic meters per minute. For larger enclosures, multiple moving sources 100 may be used. The air is selectively dehumidified in dehumidifier 110 and heated by heater 112 before being combined with hydrogen peroxide vapor.

A suitable mobile source 100 of biocide is a STERIS VHP 1000 ^™ Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor Generator. Other suitable evaporators are disclosed in US Patent No. 6,734,405 to Centanni et al. and US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0159915 to Zelina et al. Other suitable smoke, mist or aerosol generating devices for generating gaseous disinfectant are also conceivable. Alternatively, the gaseous sterilant is generated in situ within the enclosure, or supplied from a pressurized container (as in the case of eg fresh air).

The evaporator 106 is connected to the interior space 30 by one or more insulated supply pipes 114 passing through respective inlets 116 in the enclosure walls 16 , 18 and carried within or through the channel 22 . Internally, ducts 114 branch to provide a gas disinfection distribution network 118 . Port 116 is sealed around the tubing to reduce leakage. Alternatively, conduit 114 and network 118 may optionally be connected by a detachable connection element, as may gas supply conduit 72 .

The distribution network 118 includes a plurality of hoses 120 that are collapsible. Conduit 120 carries the gaseous sterilant to a plurality of sterilant supply inlets 122 which are vents or nozzles spaced around interior 30 . The hot air of passage 22 assists in preventing or limiting condensation of hydrogen peroxide or other vapor sterilant between source 100 and nozzle 122 . The nozzles 122 deliver the gaseous disinfectant to the interior space 30 . This nozzle can be oriented to aid circulation of the sanitizer. One or more fans 124 or other circulation devices optionally assist in the distribution of the sterilant throughout the interior gas. The ducts 120 may be nested within the channel 22, in which case they may be folded flat or held in place internally by suitable retaining clips or buckles 126.

As best shown in FIG. 5, in order to ensure that the sterilant contacts a portion of the item that is inaccessible to sterilant, the flexible hose 128 passes through selectively operable ports 130 formed in the inner and outer panels 80, 82, Communication between the evaporator and the interior 30 . The flexible hose 128 , which is accessible to hard-to-reach areas, is sterilized, for example, through a window of a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the port 130 is covered when not in use by a closure 132 such as a flexible flap made of Chico ^™ or Velcro ^™ hook and loop strips or other suitable closure elements. . A flexible hose 128 is fed through the side walls 16, 18 as necessary so that they extend between the interior and exterior. Port 130 is designed to hold the hose firmly, minimizing leakage from interior 30 . Additional sealing material, such as duct tape, is optionally used to aid in sealing around the hose 128 at port 130 . Alternatively, a distribution tube embedded within the channel 22 terminates along the interior at an operable/sealed connection port.

Referring to FIG. 4, sensors 140 within the enclosure detect one or more parameters of the interior space 30, such as temperature, humidity, concentration of disinfectant (e.g., hydrogen peroxide concentration), concentration of pollutants (e.g., anthrax spores or chemical warfare agents), contamination The concentration of the reaction product of chemical warfare agent and disinfectant (such as the reaction product of chemical warfare agent and hydrogen peroxide) and so on. In one embodiment, several sensors 140 of each type are disposed around the interior space 30 . The sensors are suspended from suitably positioned hangers or straps 142 mounted to the inner panel 80 and communicate through appropriate optical or electrical connectors 146 with a monitoring system 144 such as a microprocessor located outside the enclosure. Biological and/or chemical indicators 148 are optionally located within the enclosure and checked after the sterilization process. Suitable biological indicators include spore count or other hard indicators of microbial kill. The presence of residual viable spores after disinfection is an indication of an inadequate disinfection process. Suitable chemical indicators exhibit a visual or detectable change in response to a preselected minimum concentration of disinfectant.

The monitoring and control system 144 includes a monitoring functional unit 150 that records inputs from sensors and determines/stores detected parameter values. The system 144 also includes a control function 152 that provides feedback control of the sterilant source 100 in response to the sensed parameters. Control function 152 uses the information provided by monitoring function 150 to control variables such as hydrogen peroxide evaporation rate, carrier gas flow rate, carrier gas temperature, expansion gas temperature and flow rate, heater 94 power, and other operations. Parameters to maintain the desired conditions for sterilization in closed bodies.

For example, the control function unit 152 instructs the disinfectant source 100 to increase or decrease the hydrogen peroxide production rate when the hydrogen peroxide concentration detected at the interior 30 is outside a preselected range. Alternatively or additionally, the control function unit 152 provides feedback control for other components of the system. For example, if the temperature within the enclosure is outside a preselected range, the control function unit 152 instructs the heater 64 to adjust the temperature of the air entering the channel, its rate of introduction, or instructs the bottom heater 94 to adjust the bottom temperature and set the temperature to Adjust to within the preselected range. In this way, the system components can be adjusted to maintain the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the interior space 30 within a preselected range, such as from about 0.1-5 mg/liter (72-3600 ppm), especially from 0.1-2.0 mg/liter , and avoid reaching saturation concentrations. In one embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide concentration is at least about 0.7 mg/L (400+ppm). An interior space 30 temperature of about 15-120°C may be used, for example at least 25°C. The vapor peroxide concentration is chosen to be below the saturation point and is a function of the temperature in the interior space 30 .

As shown in Figure 2, spent vapors mixed with air from interior 30 escape from enclosure 10 optionally through outlet conduit 154 connected to outlet 156, and are advantageously routed to a catalytic converter before being released to the atmosphere. device 158 or other destroyers. A filter system 160 in the outlet duct removes traces of residual contaminants in the exhaust air. For example, filtration system 160 includes a HEPA filter that traps microorganisms. Optionally include chemical filters to remove certain harmful chemicals. In the illustrated embodiment, a pump 162 is used to actively pump out spent vapors. One or more outlet vents 164 are located in the wall of the antechamber 38 and are connected by suitable flexible hoses 165 to the outlet conduit 154 for drawing air from the antechamber.

Alternatively or additionally, all or a portion of the vapor is selectively recirculated through the evaporator via return line 166 after passing through catalytic converter 168 , dehumidifier 110 and heater 112 ( FIG. 2 ).

Hydrogen peroxide is a particularly effective disinfectant for many airborne microorganisms and other toxic substances including chemical warfare agents and biological warfare agents. It has been shown to be effective against a wide variety of plants and spore-forming bacteria (such as anthrax), fungi, viruses, yeasts and prion. It is also effective against many chemical warfare agents including organosulfur agents such as mustard gas (H, HD, HS); G-series nerve agents (organophosphate nerve agents); such as tabun (GA), sand Lin (GB), soman (GD) and cyclosarin (cyclosarin) (GF); V-series nerve agents, such as VX, VE, VG, VM and V-gas, especially when used in the 1:1 and A hydrogen peroxide:ammonia ratio between 1:0.0001 and ammonia in the composition. For example, spores responsible for anthrax and other microbial contamination are easily destroyed by exposure to hydrogen peroxide for a short period of a few minutes. Destruction by chemical warfare agents can take hours. In one embodiment, the disinfectant reduces the number of viable microorganisms or the weight concentration of harmful chemicals to less than 1% original value, and in one embodiment, reduces the contamination to undetectable levels.

Fresh air is also used to neutralize most known biological and chemical pollutants. Chemical and biological contaminants can also be treated with additional disinfectants such as ultraviolet rays and the like.

A slight negative pressure may be applied to the enclosure interior 30 prior to the introduction of the vapors to speed up the introduction and dispersion of the vapors.

The enclosure 10 is capable of maintaining an internal pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure or slightly below atmospheric pressure. Subatmospheric pressure is preferred when desired to minimize any leakage of airborne contaminants from the enclosure. In one embodiment, the enclosure is resistant to approximately three times the normal operating pressure of 2-5 cm water pressure to provide a safety margin for vapor peroxide disinfection.

In one embodiment, the enclosure 10 is made of a flexible sheet material that is airtight and water resistant, such as vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is also resistant to chemical disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide. One suitable material is sold under the trade mark V3F Polytarp and is a 77 g/m2 weight woven polyester fabric, the layers of which are laminated on both sides with soft polyvinyl chloride to obtain a material of approximately 580 g/m2. This material can withstand temperatures above approximately -25°C. The enclosure can thus be used for sterilization at varying temperatures indoors or outdoors between approximately -50 and +50°C.

As shown in Figures 1 and 5, in one embodiment a portion of the walls 14, 16, 18 are transparent to provide an operator outside the enclosure with a view of what is happening inside. For example, the intermediate portions 172, 174, 176 of the inner and outer panels 80, 82 and the connection elements 84 are formed by a sheet of transparent material, such as a sheet of transparent polyvinyl chloride, and the window 170 is formed in the wall. A suitable polyvinyl chloride sheet has a thickness of 0.5 mm and a weight of 646 g/m2 and is sold under the trade mark Velbex ^(TM ) by Wardle Storeys Ltd, Colne, Earby, Lancashire, UK. The gaps between the various laminar panels can be overlapped and sewn, glued, heat fused together, etc. The inner panel 80 of the wall may be coated with an anti-fungal UV stabilized waterproof coating. The water repellent composition resists condensation of vapors on the enclosure walls, while the antifungal composition inhibits fungal growth on the enclosure walls during storage.

The size of the enclosure 10 varies according to the size of the items to be sterilized. Generally speaking, the internal volume can range from about 20 cubic meters to about 10,000 cubic meters. For example, for sanitizing a vehicle such as an ambulance, the interior may define a volume of approximately 10 meters x 8 meters x 4 meters. For larger carriers such as aircraft, the enclosure can be particularly large. For larger enclosures, such as above about 500-1000 cubic meters, the structure 12 may not be fully self-supporting, and in such cases, constructing an inner or outer frame (not shown) of metal columns etc., the enclosure Brace on that.

Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure 10 is optionally adapted to facilitate otherwise sterilizing the item in order to supply a gaseous sterilizing agent to the interior. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a liquid conduit 180 is selectively connected to one or more nozzles 182 in the interior space 30 for washing or sanitizing items to remove water, detergent, liquid disinfectant, or a combination thereof. of solid pollutants. A drain 184 is formed in the bottom of the enclosure for allowing spent liquid and associated dirt and contamination to flow into a sump 186 formed in the support surface. Fluid collected in the sump is optionally bagged and discarded, or otherwise properly treated to remove contaminants, by hazardous waste treatment facilities.

The enclosure 10 is particularly suitable for the processing of vehicles and for the disinfection of items transported into the enclosure by vehicles such as wheeled trolleys or haulers.

A typical disinfection process proceeds as follows. In the event of a contamination event such as the release of a chemical or biological warfare agent, the contamination is communicated to the operator who transports all or a portion of the compression enclosure 10 and associated equipment 60, 100, 158, 160, etc. to such a location : In this location, the contaminated or potentially contaminated items exposed to the contamination event will be disinfected. For example, the enclosure 10, steam generator 100, blower 60, etc. are loaded onto a truck and transported to an indoor or outdoor location or facility at or near the pollution incident location. This minimizes the risk of contamination spreading.

The closure 10 is removed from its travel bag 28 and unfolded, ready to expand. Blower 60 is connected to port 70 and expansion begins, optionally with air and/or bottom heating/cooling. As soon as the enclosure has reached a sufficiently stable inflated state, vehicles or other objects to be sterilized are transported into the enclosure by persons wearing hazardous material protective clothing. Vehicle doors, windows, etc. are opened to allow access to the disinfectant. Sensor 140 and chemical/biological indicator 148 are suspended from the enclosure or are located within interior volume 30 . The ends of the flexible tubes 120 , 128 are advanced through their respective ports, eg, from the inside to the outside, and connected to the source of sterilant 100 . The flexible tubes 128 are arranged with their outlets at less accessible parts of the vehicle, with the tubes 120 suspended from the clamps 126 . Before the introduction of gas sterilant begins, the inner and outer doors 34, 36 of the enclosure are closed and the hook and loop strip 46 is sealed together. The pressure in the interior space 30 can be reduced slightly below atmospheric pressure to minimize leakage of contaminants and thereby speed up the introduction of the disinfectant.

If a washing operation or a liquid disinfection is carried out, this can optionally be carried out before the gas disinfection, but also optionally after or instead of the gas disinfection.

A gaseous sterilant is introduced into the interior space 30 to achieve a concentration sufficient to ensure acceptable levels of sanitization of the items for a preselected period of time ranging, for example, from a few minutes to a few days. For example, in the case of hydrogen peroxide, a concentration of about 400-1000 ppm at a temperature of 20-50°C is generally sufficient to reduce microbial contamination by 6 times in about two hours and generally in about 30 minutes or less. Log reduction (ie 10 ⁶ spore count reduction to 1 or less). Like concentration, temperature can also be used to destroy chemicals or reduce their activity to levels that are not considered dangerous. However, it may take longer. Once the sanitization cycle is complete, the interior space 30 is re-aired, for example, by disconnecting the evaporator 106 and introducing dehumidified outside air with the blower 108 while air is drawn from the one or more vents 156 .

Alternatively or additionally, vent holes 188 in the expansion passage 22 release air into the enclosure. Vent 188 can be closed when not in use by covering with Chico ^(TM) or Velcro ^(TM) hook and loop straps, in a similar manner as in vent 132. To hold the shutter open, the hook and loop strap may be temporarily secured by the hook and loop strap to a corresponding hook and loop fabric attached to the inner wall 80 . Mesh screen 190 covers the ventilation holes and allows air to pass freely. Aeration continues until the disinfectant concentration in the enclosure is low enough to allow operator re-entry. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, a safe level is considered to be about 1 ppm or less. The inflation phase can last several hours or longer. A vehicle or other sanitized item can be tested for residual contamination before it is reused. Or, if appropriate, the item may be discarded.

After use, the expanded closure 10 can be deflated and repacked in the travel bag 28 for later reuse. Before repackaging, the closure is optionally subjected to a suitable sterilization process, for example a gas sterilization process, for example with hydrogen peroxide vapor. This sanitization process can be used to sanitize both the exterior and interior surfaces of the enclosure. Alternatively, the closure is used once and then discarded using appropriate safe disposal methods.

It will be appreciated that, depending on the size of the items and the size of the enclosure, multiple items may be sterilized simultaneously within the enclosure.

Claims (26)

1, a kind of decontamination system (A) that is used for sterilizing objects is characterized in that:

The obturator (10) that comprises expansion structure (12), when expanding, this expansion structure limits inner space (30), is used to admit article to be sterilized; And

The disinfectant source (106) that is communicated with the inner space fluid, this disinfectant source is fed to the inner space to disinfectant, is used for sterilizing objects.

2, decontamination system as claimed in claim 1, feature are that also disinfectant source comprises the gaseous decontaminant source.

3, decontamination system as claimed in claim 2, feature are that also the gaseous decontaminant source comprises hydrogen peroxide source.

4, as any one described decontamination system of claim 1-3, feature also is, disinfectant source is positioned at obturator wall (14,16,18) outside and that pass obturator and is communicated with the inner space.

5, as any one described system of claim 1-4, feature is that also expansion system (60) is connected with obturator, is used to make expansion structure to expand.

6, system as claimed in claim 5 also comprises heater (64), and it is connected with expansion system and is used for the air supplied heating so that the structure expansion.

7, as any one described decontamination system of claim 1-6, feature is that also closure member (34,36) is used to make inner space sealing-in selectively.

8, decontamination system as claimed in claim 7, feature are that also closure member comprises interior door and external door (34,36), and these two doors limit cup (38) between the two, and this cup separates inner space and external environment condition.

9, as any one described decontamination system of claim 1-9, feature is that also expansion structure comprises expandable tubular element (21), and wherein this expandable tubular element limits sidewall (16,18) and top (20) of obturator.

10, decontamination system as claimed in claim 9, feature also is, expansion structure, when this expansion structure expanded, this expansion structure constituted the expansible rear wall (14) of obturator, and wherein this obturator is connected with the top with sidewall.

11, as the decontamination system of claim 9 or 10, feature is that also at least a portion tube element is made by the transparent material that constitutes window (170).

12, as any one described decontamination system of claim 9-11, feature is that also obturator also comprises the bottom (24) that is connected with this obturator sidewall (16,18).

13, as the decontamination system of claim 12, feature is that also the bottom comprises delivery pipe (184).

14, as the decontamination system of claim 12 or 13, feature is that also the bottom comprises heater (94).

15, as any one described decontamination system of claim 1-14, feature is that also expansion structure limits the inflatable channel (22) of a plurality of interconnection, and when expanding, these passages constitute the structural detail (21) that supports this structure.

16, as the decontamination system of claim 15, feature is that also disinfectant source is communicated with the inner space fluid by at least one pipeline (114), and this pipeline is by at least one inner passage carrying of expansion structure.

17, as the decontamination system of claim 16, feature is that also air vent (188) is installed on the inner panel (80), and wherein this inner panel limits the wall of one of them inflatable channel.

18, as the decontamination system of claim 17, feature is that also air vent comprises: hook and knop cloth that flexible trap (132) and being used for stays open this valve.

19, as any one described decontamination system of claim 1-18, feature is that also by the pick off (140) that expansion structure supports, this pick off is used to survey the parameter in the inner space (30).

20, as the decontamination system of claim 19, feature also is, the monitoring system that is connected with pick off (144), and wherein this system controls disinfectant source according to the parameter of sensing.

21, as any one described system of claim 1-18, feature is that also motor vehicles are held in being dimensioned to of inner space.

22, a kind of method that is used for sterilizing objects is characterized in that, article is transported in the inner space (30) of obturator as claimed in claim 1 (10); And disinfectant is fed to the inner space with sterilizing objects.

23, as the method for claim 22, its feature also is, regulates the temperature of expanding gas; And expansion structure is expanded with this expanding gas, the temperature of regulating the inner space whereby.

24, as the method for claim 22 or 23, feature is that also obturator comprises the bottom (24) that is attached on the expansion structure, and this method also comprises: regulate the temperature of obturator bottom, the temperature of regulating obturator whereby.

25, as any one described method of claim 22-24, its feature also is, the parameter in the sensing inner space; And according to the parameter of this sensing control disinfectant source.

26, a kind of method that is used for sterilizing objects comprises:

Utilize inner space (30) that the expandable structure element (21) of obturator (10) is expanded, so that obturator is kept erectting;

Article are transported to the inner space;

Article are sealed in the obturator; And

Gaseous decontaminant is incorporated into the inner space with sterilizing objects.

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