WO2023017343A1

WO2023017343A1 - Controlled gaseous iodine sublimation from solid iodine for atmospheric iodine nutrition, disinfection and therapeutic uses

Info

Publication number: WO2023017343A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056856
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terence Francis MULLINS
Original assignee: Novo Integrated Sciences Inc.
Priority date: 2021-08-11
Filing date: 2022-07-25
Publication date: 2023-02-16

Abstract

A system and method for producing gaseous iodine is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir for the gaseous iodine, an iodine source connected to the reservoir, a dispersal device for dispersing the iodine from the reservoir and an electronic controller for controlling the iodine source and the dispersal device. The iodine source includes a cooled iodine dispenser, a hot plate, a valve connecting the dispenser and the hot plate, and a hot plate fan for transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir. The method includes passing solid iodine from a cooled iodine dispenser through a valve to a hot plate to produce gaseous iodine, transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir with a hot plate fan, and dispersing the iodine from the reservoir, wherein providing and dispersing the iodine is controlled by an electronic controller.

Description

CONTROLLED GASEOUS IODINE SUBLIMATION FROM SOLID IODINE FOR ATMOSPHERIC IODINE NUTRITION, DISINFECTION AND THERAPEUTIC USES

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaseous iodine, and more particularly to a system and method for controlled gaseous iodine sublimation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Humans need air to sustain life. The air environments we live in can be healthy or harmful to breathe, and in some cases deadly. The pathogenic microbial world seeks human hosts to proliferate and utilizes any means available to accomplish its task. The water we drink has a residual disinfectant, the surfaces we encounter are disinfected, but the air we breathe is not.

[0003] Currently there is no atmospheric disinfection or micronutrient technology safe for human inhalation within an environment or establishment. Air purification traditionally represents chemical contaminants removal and, in some cases, point of disinfection within a device.

[0004] The recontamination of air delivered by a device is inevitable when humans or animals are present within a room or establishment. Humans are bacterial and viral vectors for the deadliest diseases known to man. Humans shed diseases from their bodies through exhalation or physical contact, the microbial world can maintain viability in the air and upon surfaces long after its departure from the carrier host. [0005] Out of all the disinfectant technologies developed over the last 200 years, only one can be safely ingested and is approved and recognized globally as safe for human consumption applications; Iodine. Iodine can also be safely inhaled.

[0006] Iodine in its natural state is rare and a gas. The largest reservoirs in nature for iodine (iodide) are the oceans. Pure iodine, is typically delivered in solid form and used by industries. Iodine is a pure element on the periodic table. Iodine (iodide) is an essential micronutrient added to table salt globally at the turn of the twentieth century. Iodine is a world class disinfectant recognized by the global medical community. Iodine is natures’ killer against the microbial world. Iodine kills the microbial world in a fashion that leaves intact microbe materials within or without the body. The human immune system reacts to recognizable intact microbial material and makes antibodies. Early vaccine technologies provided this natural introduction of intact, inert microbial materials from harmful bacteria and viruses for our immune systems to produce antibodies and keep us safe in the future.

[0007] Iodine is very elusive and difficult to control. We have bound disinfectant iodine, chemically with products and at concentrations that are not safe or suitable for human consumption or inhalation.

[0008] Human bodies are designed to intake iodine and iodides to maintain health and body functions, including a strong immune system. Iodine has been ingested or applied topically to achieve life sustaining health benefits.

[0009] Due to this fact, iodine is the one available natural element that can potentially be considered an aerosol disinfectant safe for inhalation by humans.

SUMMARY [0010] In the present disclosure, a system and method for producing gaseous iodine is provided.

[0011] Thus, by one broad aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for producing gaseous iodine, the system including a reservoir for receiving the gaseous iodine, an iodine source connected to the reservoir for providing the gaseous iodine to the reservoir, wherein the iodine source includes a cooled iodine dispenser for holding solid iodine, a hot plate for producing gaseous iodine from the solid iodine, a valve connecting the dispenser and the hot plate to allow passage of the iodine from the dispenser to the hot plate, and a hot plate fan in proximity to the hot plate for transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir. The system further includes a dispersal device for dispersing the iodine from the reservoir and an electronic controller connected to the valve, the hot plate and the dispersal device for controlling the iodine source and the dispersal device.

[0012] By a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for producing gaseous iodine, the method including providing iodine from an iodine source to an iodine reservoir, wherein providing the iodine from the iodine source to the iodine reservoir includes passing solid iodine from a cooled iodine dispenser through a valve to a hot plate to produce gaseous iodine and transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir with a hot plate fan. The method further includes dispersing the iodine from the reservoir with an iodine dispersal device, wherein providing and dispersing the iodine is controlled by an electronic controller.

[0013] A further understanding of the functional and advantageous aspects of the invention can be realized by reference to the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] Embodiments disclosed herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for providing gaseous iodine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Although the invention has been described with a preferred embodiment, it should be noted that the inventor can make various modifications, additions and alterations to the invention without departing from the original scope as described in the present disclosure.

[0018] The present invention produces gaseous iodine through sublimation of solid iodine. The content of gaseous iodine can be varied based on application for disinfection, micronutrient, commercial and industrial requirements.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a safe for humans, pure gaseous iodine airborne disinfectant and micronutrient simultaneously. The airborne disinfectant kills viruses and bacteria in a way that when inhaled post-microbe kill, activates the body’s immune system. When inhaled, iodine also interacts with bacteria and viruses within the body, and converts to iodide, its micronutrient form. When inhaled iodine enters the blood stream, upon interaction with microbes iodine is converted to iodide and it is used by the thyroid to produce t3/t4 iodine hormones that allow our immune system and metabolism to function.

[0020] This invention can produce and control the introduction and content of gaseous iodine within a cubic meter of air. Disinfection, micronutrient, therapeutic and drug related products are readily produceable. This invention also teaches that gaseous iodine is controllable, containable, transportable and dispersible for but not limited to human, agriculture, medical, commercial and industrial uses.

[0021] A system is provided for producing gaseous iodine. The system includes a reservoir for receiving the gaseous iodine and an iodine source connected to the reservoir for providing the gaseous iodine to the reservoir. The iodine source includes a cooled iodine dispenser for holding solid iodine, a hot plate for producing gaseous iodine from the solid iodine, a valve connecting the dispenser and the hot plate to allow passage of the iodine from the dispenser to the hot plate and a hot plate fan in proximity to the hot plate for transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir. The system also includes a dispersal device for dispersing the iodine from the reservoir, and an electronic controller connected to the valve, hot plate and dispersal device for controlling the iodine source and the dispersal device

[0022] The iodine source provides solid iodine, which is sublimated to produce gaseous iodine. The reservoir connected to the iodine source houses the gaseous iodine. The dispersal device disperses the gaseous iodine from the reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere or environment. The sublimation process is controlled by the electronic controller, which is capable of monitoring and adjusting the function of devices within the apparatus. The invention allows for replaceable mated solid iodine recharges of the iodine source to accommodate predetermined maintenance and replenishing schedules of the apparatus. [0023] Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the system, the reservoir 23 receives gaseous iodine from the iodine source. The iodine source includes a cooled iodine dispenser 1 for holding solid iodine and a hot plate 33 for producing gaseous iodine from the solid iodine. A valve 29 connects the iodine dispenser 1 and the hot plate 33 and allows passage of the solid iodine from the dispenser 27 to the hot plate 33. A hot plate fan 35 located in proximity to the hot plate 33 transports the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir 23. The electronic controller 13 is connected to the valve 29, for regulating iodine passage from the dispenser 27 to the hot plate 33. The system may be powered by electricity through an electrical plug 15.

[0024] The gaseous iodine production component of the invention requires iodine dispenser 1 and hot plate 33 to work in harmony to produce a known quantity of gaseous iodine. The physical capturing and storing of the gaseous iodine is encompassed within iodine cylinder 25 and the airless iodine inert expandable envelop 23 within the iodine cylinder 25. Mated airless connectors at the base of iodine cylinder 31 and the apex of iodine cylinder 21 are integral to the operation of the system. Peristaltic pump 19 utilizing iodine inert hosing 17 draws the iodine gas from the iodine inert expandable envelop 23. Peristaltic pump 19 accurately dispenses gaseous iodine through positive pressure into dispersion and dispersal fan apparatus 11 into an environment or establishment.

[0025] This invention works through an orchestrated interaction of specific components within the apparatus. Solid iodine is introduced and sublimed to its gaseous state, retained by way of an inert collapsible airless bladder 23 within a sealed cylinder 25 and then drawn from the iodine cylinder by way of a micro peristaltic pump 19 and disseminated into the air.

[0026] This invention requires procedural steps within a process to accomplish its designed task. An electronic controller is programmed to instigate mechanical procedures at specific times within the process to account for immediate dispersal or retention of gaseous iodine prior to introduction to an establishment or environment.

[0027] In an embodiment of the system, the dispersal device comprises a perforated gaseous iodine dispersal ring.

[0028] In an embodiment of the system, a dispersal fan 11 moves the iodine from the reservoir 23 to the dispersal device.

[0029] In an alternate embodiment of the system, a reservoir peristaltic pump 19 moves the iodine from the reservoir 23 to the dispersal device.

[0030] A method for producing gaseous iodine is provided, including providing iodine from an iodine source to an iodine reservoir, and dispersing the iodine from the reservoir with an iodine dispersal device, wherein providing and dispersing the iodine is controlled by an electronic controller.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, solid iodine from the iodine source provides gaseous iodine to the reservoir. Solid iodine is passed from a cooled iodine dispenser 1 through a regulated valve 29 to a hot plate 33 to produce gaseous iodine and the gaseous iodine is transported from the hot plate 33 to the reservoir 23 with a hot plate fan 35. The passage of the iodine through the valve 29 is regulated by an electronic controller 13.

[0032] Solid iodine is introduced to a heated disk 33 to initiate, sustain and control the iodine sublimation process from a solid to gaseous iodine form. In this embodiment, a cooling system is added to maintain the optimal environment for a solid iodine dispensing mechanism 1. Once the iodine gas is produced, the iodine gas enters an airless reservoir 23, such as an airless teflon or kynar expandable envelop, connected to a peristaltic micropump 19 that can accurately meter gaseous iodine from the iodine envelop 23 into an environment or establishment. This embodiment allows for both small and large scale production of gaseous iodine suited for commercial, medical, residential and industrial applications.

[0033] In an embodiment, a known quantity of solid iodine is dispensed by a thermodynamically controlled dispensing mechanism 1 , 29 into a heated sublimation container 33. Solid iodine is then sublimed to its gaseous state. Gaseous iodine is captured and contained within a vertical iodine inert airless envelop 23. The airless iodine envelop 23 is housed within an encased cylinder 25 interconnected to the iodine sublimation apparatus at the base 31 and a gaseous iodine inert feed tube 17 connected at the apex 21. The sublimation apparatus 33 also provides for passive heating of the gaseous iodine retention envelop 23. A gaseous iodine feed tube 17 is interconnected to the iodine envelop 23 and a peristaltic micro-pump 19 to disseminate controlled gaseous iodine into an environment, room or establishment.

[0034] An electronic controller 13 operates the distinct components within the device to produce controlled pure gaseous iodine. Preprogrammed algorithms based on air volume, gaseous iodine levels and air turnover within a room or establishment are employed to operate the device.

[0035] In practice, the apparatus is connected to power with cable 15 to activate the electronics system 13. The electronic system 13 supplies power to the cooled iodine dispenser 1 and hot plate 33. When hot plate 33 reaches operating temperature, cooled iodine dispenser 1 dispenses solid iodine by activating valve 29 introducing a known quantity of solid iodine to hot plate 33 and a known quantity of solid iodine is sublimed to a known quantity of gaseous iodine. Hot plate fan 35 may be activated or not, and iodine gas fills an iodine inert envelop 23 within iodine containment cylinder 25. Upon completion of the sublimation process, valve 29 is closed pending on hot plate fan 35 activation, and connector 31 is closed to seal iodine envelop 23. Peristaltic pump 19 is activated to accurately meter iodine gas through dispersal fan and dispersal ring 11 into a known environment or establishment.

[0036] By providing a known quantity of solid iodine and introducing said iodine to a heat source, a sublimation process occurs with iodine from a solid to a gas. Next, the iodine gas must be captured and contained. With a known quantity of gaseous iodine, it can then be accurately metered into an environment or establishment by way of an iodine inert pump.

[0037] In another embodiment, the iodine cylinder 25 within the invention is removable, refillable and replaceable. In this rendition, gaseous iodine cylinders are produced remotely and then installed onsite into the invention. This eliminates the solid iodine dispenser 1 and sublimation 33 aspect of the invention on site.

[0038] In an embodiment of the method, the gaseous iodine is dispersed from the reservoir 23 to the environment through a perforated gaseous iodine dispersal ring 11. [0039] In another embodiment of the method, the iodine is directed from the reservoir 23 to the dispersal device with a reservoir peristaltic pump 19.

[0040] In another embodiment of the method, the iodine is directed from the reservoir to the dispersal device by way of positive directional airflow created by a dispersal fan 11.

[0041] With the introduction of gaseous iodine to an establishment or an environment, the operator can control the gaseous iodine to micronutrient levels or disinfectant capabilities by adjusting the output of gaseous iodine by the device, thereby predetermining iodine levels within a cubic meter of air. This invention reduces the opportunity for harmful microbes to utilize air as a vector for the transmission of disease. An osmotic effect is that inanimate objects and surfaces coming in contact with gaseous iodine are disinfected. Iodine is also recognized for topical healing effects that can be exploited with this invention from post operating room recovery to controlling disease within children's day cares facilities at the other end of the spectrum. This invention provides both air disinfection and a micronutrient supply to a vast number of humans concurrently. We can now address one of the vectors for the transmission of disease through the introduction of gaseous iodine to the air we breathe within an environment or establishment.

[0042] Additionally, the present invention can be scaled. It can be used for human inhalation therapy by way of a face mask apparatus attached to the device. It can either be stationary or incorporated into mobile devices. This invention allows for the introduction of other micronutrients, vitamins and or drugs that can be delivered in an aerosolized form.

[0043] A further object of the invention is to provide replaceable iodine canisters of predetermined volume within the apparatus. The iodine canister can include a chemical inert collapsible bladder within the iodine canister. The distinct iodine replacement canister connections are uniquely mated to the connector fittings within the apparatus to ensure the integrity of the system operation.

[0044] The present disclosure can be applied within but not limited to, automobiles, planes, trains, spacecraft, commercial buildings, hospitals, ships, manufacturing plants, residences, or any facility that requires safe air for humans or animals to breathe.

[0045] The described apparatus can be used independently or incorporated into an existing air treatment system.

[0046] The present invention has been shown and described in a preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the presented invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for producing gaseous iodine, comprising: a reservoir for receiving the gaseous iodine; an iodine source connected to the reservoir for providing the gaseous iodine to the reservoir, wherein the iodine source comprises: a cooled iodine dispenser for holding solid iodine; a hot plate for producing gaseous iodine from the solid iodine; a valve connecting the dispenser and the hot plate to allow passage of the iodine from the dispenser to the hot plate; and a hot plate fan in proximity to the hot plate for transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir; a dispersal device for dispersing the iodine from the reservoir into an atmosphere; and an electronic controller connected to the valve, the hot plate and the dispersal device for controlling the iodine source and the dispersal device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispersal device comprises a perforated gaseous iodine dispersal ring.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a dispersal fan moves the iodine from the reservoir to the dispersal device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a reservoir peristaltic pump moves the iodine from the reservoir to the dispersal device.

5. A method for producing gaseous iodine comprising: providing an iodine from an iodine source to an iodine reservoir, wherein providing the iodine from the iodine source to the iodine reservoir comprises: passing solid iodine from a cooled iodine dispenser through a valve to a hot plate to produce gaseous iodine; and transporting the gaseous iodine from the hot plate to the reservoir with a hot plate fan; and dispersing the iodine from the reservoir with an iodine dispersal device; wherein providing and dispersing the iodine is controlled by an electronic controller. The method of claim 5, wherein dispersing the iodine from the reservoir with an iodine dispersal device comprises dispersing the iodine with a perforated gaseous iodine dispersal ring. The method of claim 5, further comprising moving the iodine from the reservoir to the dispersal device with a dispersal fan. The method of claim 5, further comprising moving the iodine from the reservoir to the dispersal device with a reservoir peristaltic pump.