FR3027229A1 - AUTONOMOUS DEVICE FOR PROTECTING A PERSON, A MATERIAL OR A PRODUCT AGAINST THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION, BY AN AIR HARNESS WITH ULTRA CLEAN HORIZONTAL FLOW FLOW. - Google Patents

Abstract

An autonomous device for protecting a person, a material or a product against the risk of contamination The invention relates to an autonomous device for producing an ultra-clean horizontal laminar flow air beam with controlled temperature and hygrometry, in the field of a zone sensitive to contamination, by means of a horizontal "C" -shaped air circuit, open on the laminar flow air beam and suspended on any structure. Under the beam, a plan connected to the circuit makes it possible to have a support for a medical or surgical act, for the research, for the production of continuous industrial products or for products of high technologies. Masts fixed inside the "C" horizontal lying between the upper and lower segments and on either side of the beam, allow the attachment of ancillary equipment. A motorized system partially hooked on the high structure, allows to raise or lower the device and to vary the height of the worktop and beam. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for protection against the risk of contamination in the hospital sector, food industry, pharmaceutical laboratories, micro and nano technologies, aerospace and high technologies.

Description

The present invention applies to the particulate or biological protection of a person, a material, a surface or a product by an ultra clean air beam with horizontal laminar flow. Many sectors of activity face the risk of contamination or bio-contamination: hospitals, agri-food production, drug production, production of cosmetics, microelectronics, research or analysis laboratories, production of products focused on micro and nanotechnology, the aerospace industry and, in general, any sector sensitive to particulate or biological contamination.

Particulate contamination is the presence of an undesirable element that can affect the quality of a product or its proper functioning. Bio-contamination is the consequence of the presence of microorganisms in the operative field or the patient, either in a simple or complex material, or in a gaseous or liquid element. This presence of microorganisms constitutes a significant risk for people and a significant cost for the hospital or the company. This bio-contamination can lead to the shutdown of a medical or production unit, or even threaten the existence of a company. Among the factors of contamination or bio-contamination, air constitutes a significant vector.

To guard against these risks, more and more operations of surgical or industrial operations or research, have developed in rooms or enclosures with controlled contamination taking into account the cleanliness of the air in which is carried out these operations. Most of these rooms are qualified and classified according to their level of cleanliness according to national, European or international standards and also, according to the numerical concentrations of particles suspended in the air, in a defined volume. The cleanliness of these rooms or these areas, is defined first, from a rigorous internal architecture, taking into account the tightness, the forms and the surfaces, then the protection of the operators by a holding limiting the emission of particles or microorganisms, the air treatment system and thermal emissions. Air treatment is currently the common way to achieve a room or a clean area according to technical and regulatory requirements. The method consists in diluting the contamination in clean air, or even ultra clean, by a vertical or horizontal sweeping of the room or the zone from a circuit connected to an air treatment unit and comprising several stages of filtration. . The higher the air exchange rate, the cleaner the air in the room will be within a defined limit. -2- However, this process involves significant means both architecturally and technically, because adapted to the size of rooms or areas that may be in some areas, very important. The equipment must be adapted to the volumes to be treated. This process generates high installation and operating costs because. the architecture and the process represent very heavy investments that influence the cost of production for results that are sometimes difficult to control. The current processes are mostly oriented on the totality of the volumes of the rooms or the zones, whereas the protection against the risks of contamination or bio-contamination concern surfaces or reduced spaces.

It is common to find also on the market, closed autonomous stations integrating a vertical flow clean air treatment system. These positions are most often used in laboratories for small research or analysis work. But these positions are not adaptable to surgical procedures or industrial production. In addition, their performance is very limited.

Taking into account the fight against the risks of contamination is increasingly present in our societies. The evolution of technologies towards more and more complex products and smaller and smaller sizes, leads to increase protection performance against these risks. This concerns infectious risk areas as well as industrial production processes or research centers. Increasing these performances requires moving towards new, more efficient and less expensive processes. The new process will no longer act by dilution, but will apply to prioritizing the person, material, surface or product, rather than the room or area in which they are located. It is a priority to treat the area sensitive to the risks of contamination or bio-contamination. The device according to the invention is based on the design of an ultra-clean horizontal laminar air flow constituted by a beam acting on the field of the sensitive zone. This sensitive area may be occupied by a person, a product or a material. This beam works continuously. Its length and constant section are adapted to the needs of the sensitive area. Its temperature and hygrometry are controlled. The particularity of this beam is also to constitute an obstacle to the penetration of particles or microorganisms in its field. This beam is produced from a short "C" shaped circuit lying horizontally open on the beam. The effect of the beam is to increase cleanliness performance, reduce investment and energy consumption. The device according to the invention comprises in its circuit, all equipment useful for the production of the beam, its cleanliness, its temperature and its hygrometry. It comprises in particular, in the upper segment of the circuit: a motorized centrifugal turbine characterized by its ability to produce the laminar flow and continuous beam on the sensitive zone, an exchanger supplied with cold water, a heat exchanger supplied with hot water, a ramp steam emission, to adjust the temperature and hygrometry of the beam. It also includes in particular, in the lower segment of the circuit, and the recovery of the beam air in this circuit a grid consisting of a honeycomb net of an appropriate length whose purpose is to ensure the laminar effect of the air flow. The air is then subjected to a decontamination action by ultraviolet ray lamps. The air is then filtered using a special high efficiency filter. The air then arrives in the upper segment and in the treatment unit for temperature and hygrometry treatment. The air is then directed to the bottom segment by the motorized centrifugal turbine to produce the laminar flow beam. The air will then undergo a second decontamination action by ultraviolet ray lamps. The air will be filtered again using a special filter with very high efficiency. The air is then diffused in a beam by a grid consisting of a honeycomb mesh of appropriate length whose purpose is to ensure the laminar effect of the beam. This device has the particularity of being in suspension and fixed on any high structure. This feature has the advantage of freeing the floor of any support and any material and have an effect on the cleanliness of the soil by improving their cleaning and decontamination by a manual or robotic operation. In addition, the device comprises several vertical poles fixed on the circuit and on either side of the beam for fixing ancillary equipment. According to another particular embodiment, this device can vary in height relative to the ground level, by means of any system, so as to adapt the height of the beam to the needs of operators. According to another particular embodiment, the circuit may be joined by a sub-beam plane serving to support a person, a product or a material. According to another particular embodiment, the circuit may comprise one or more movable seats fixed on the low segment of the circuit. According to another particular embodiment, this device can be installed in a mobile standard container, to be used either in a performing operating room, or in medicalized zones of infectious or other type, on any geographical site. The attached drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents in schematic form the principle of the device of the invention. Figures 2 and 3 show in elevation and in top view, the device of the invention.

FIG. 4 represents a vertical section of the circuit of the device of the invention. FIG. 5 represents a horizontal section of the circuit of the device of the invention. Figure 6 shows a cross section of the entire device of the invention. FIG. 7 represents a detailed view of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 represents a detailed view of FIG. 6.

Figure 9 shows in elevation, a variant of the device of the invention incorporating a sub-beam support plane and a motorized up or down system. Figure 10 shows in elevation, a variant of the device of the invention incorporating an operating table. Figure 11 shows a horizontal section of the device of the invention incorporating an operating table. Figures 12 and 13 show in elevation and in plan view, another variant of the device of the invention incorporating a belt handling system. Figures 14 and 15 show in elevation and in partial vertical section, another variant of the device of the invention incorporating movable seats. Figures 16 and 17 show in zoning and elevation, a particular adaptation of the device of the invention applied to the operating room in a standard container. Figures 18 and 19 show in zoning and elevation, a particular adaptation of the device of the invention applied to medical treatment in a standard container. With reference to the schematic drawing of FIG. 1, the device comprises a horizontally open horizontal "C" shaped circuit (1) open in its low segment, on the ultra-clean horizontal laminar flow air beam (2). In the upper segment of the circuit, there is the air treatment unit (3) whose function is to produce the air beam (2) at the desired temperature and hygrometry. Under the action of a motorized turbine (4), the air is taken from the ambient field by a grid (5) consisting of a honeycomb net 30 whose characteristic is to produce the laminar effect of beam airflow (2). At its entry into the circuit (1), the air is subjected to ultraviolet rays by lamps (6) fixed on the walls of the circuit (1) before being filtered by a high efficiency filter (7). all components (5, 6 and 7) are installed in a box (8) connected to the circuit (1) and can be removed for maintenance or change. The air is then sucked into the air treatment unit (3) to undergo cooling or dehumidification as required by means of a heat exchanger (9) or a heat exchanger (5). intermediate of an exchanger (10). As needed, the air can be humidified by the action of a steam generator (11). Taking into account that the motorized turbine (4) produces an acoustic power and a noise nuisance for the operators, silencers (12) are designed at the inlet and the outlet of the air treatment unit (3). Under the action of the motorized turbine (4), the air is sent into the circuit (1) to the low segment where it is subjected again to ultraviolet rays by lamps (14) fixed on the walls of the circuit (1), before being again filtered by a very high efficiency filter (15) and then diffused in horizontal laminar flow beam (2) via a grid (5) consisting of a nested mesh of bees. All components (14, 15 and 5) are installed in a box (13) connected to the network (1) and are removable. The grids (5) arranged in the boxes (8) and (13) are strictly identical. Referring to the drawing of Figure 2 showing the device in elevation and having a sealed circuit (1) for the circulation of a treated air and purified. This circuit is continuous in the form of horizontal horizontal "C", open in its low segment, on the ultra-clean horizontal laminar flow beam (2). The upper segment of the circuit (1) has hooking points (16) on any structure located on the ceiling (17) so that the device is in vertical suspension and at a certain height of the ground (18). Under each of the boxes (8) and (13), a frame (19) integral with these boxes and the circuit (1), is intended for connecting and fixing a support plane.

Referring to the drawing of Figure 3 showing the device seen from above and having the sealed circuit (1) the circulation of a treated and purified air. The upper segment has hooks (16) on a ceiling structure. With reference to the drawing of FIG. 4 showing the device in vertical cross-section along the width of the circuit (1) showing the upper section (20) reserved for air circulation and the section (21) reserved for the diffusion of air. the air beam (2). According to one embodiment of the circuit (1), its vertical walls (22) may consist of a single skin or a double skin on intermediate mesh to obtain a very rigid assembly and can withstand significant loads on its low segment from the frames (19). The circuit is suspended under any structure (18) by means of supports (16). Referring to the drawing of Figure 5 showing the device in horizontal section seen from above on the low segment of the circuit (1) showing the sections (20) for the circulation of air and the beam width (2) between caissons (8) and (13). With reference to the drawing of FIG. 6 showing the cross-sectional device in horizontal horizontal "C" form and the opening on the air beam (2). The circuit is suspended from any structure (18) by means of supports (16). The beam (2) is produced by the action of a motorized centrifugal turbine (4) providing the air flow and the dynamic and static pressures. The air is taken from the ambient field of the device through a grid (5) constituted by a honeycomb net whose object is to maintain the laminar effect of the air flow of the beam (2 ). At the entrance of the air in the circuit (1), the air is subjected to a decontamination action under the effect of ultraviolet rays produced by lamps (6) fixed on the walls of the circuit. The air is then filtered to retain fine particles and microorganisms by means of a high efficiency filter (7) whose fiberglass media is involved in reducing the life of microorganisms. The simultaneous action of the ultraviolet rays and the maximum filtration of the fine particles acts effectively on the decontamination of the air as soon as it enters the circuit. The air is then sucked into the air treatment unit (3) under the action of the motorized turbine (4) to undergo cooling or dehumidification through a finned exchanger (9). fed with cold water or reheating via a finned exchanger (10) supplied with hot water. Cooling, dehumidification or reheating of the air are subjected to the action of temperature and hygrometry probes which, via interfaces, regulate the flow rates of the fluids on the exchangers. A steam generator (11) corrects if necessary, the hygrometry of the air beam. The air handling unit (3) comprises at its inlet and at its air outlet, silencers (12) whose object is to reduce the noise emitted in the circuit by the motorized turbine (4). After treatment, the air is sent into the circuit (1) to the low segment to undergo a second decontamination under the effect of ultraviolet radiation produced by specific lamps (14) installed on the circuit before being filtered again. by a very high efficiency filter (15) which will act on very fine particles and microorganisms. This second stage of simultaneous ultraviolet light and very fine particles filtration acts effectively on the decontamination of the air at its output to produce ultra clean air. The air is diffused in a laminar beam under the effect of a grid (5) constituted by a honeycomb net.

Chassis (19) fixed under the boxes (8) and (13) allow the attachment of work benches under the beam (2). Referring to the drawing of Figure 7 showing a detailed view of Figure 6 of the device, preparing the diffusion of air beam, the vertical segment of the network penetrates constant section in the box (13) by a right angled extension in order to straighten the airflow horizontally towards the beam field (2). Thus the dynamic pressure is maintained in the preliminary alignment to the beam. The homogeneous distribution of the air on the section of the filter (15) and the grid (5) is made from fins (22) oriented over the entire section of the filter (15). Sealing being imperative between the filter (15) and the circuit (1), a clamping system (23) acts in pressure on the entire perimeter of the filter (15). The filter (15) and the grid (5) are arranged in a removable frame (24). The chassis (19) in profiled tubes is secured to the box (13). Referring to the drawing of Figure 8 showing a detailed view of Figure 6 of the device, the air beam is taken up in the circuit (1) by the grid (5) and the filter (7) on a homogeneous distribution favored by the presence of fins (22) between the sections of the filter (7) and the circuit (1). The horizontal airflow is then straightened vertically by a right angled segment. Sealing being imperative between the filter (7) and the circuit (1), a clamping system (23) acts in pressure on the entire perimeter of the filter (7). The filter (7) and the grid (5) are arranged in a removable frame (24). The frame (19) in profiled tubes is secured to the box (8). Referring to the drawing of Figure 9 showing a variant of the device in elevation. With reference to this drawing, a work plane (25) located under the beam (2) and connected to the frame (19) themselves integral with the entire circuit (1) constitutes a table that can receive a person, a product or a material. On both sides of the beam (2), tubular poles (26) positioned at each end of the bundle connect the low and high segments of the circuit (1) for the attachment of various equipment useful to the operators and complete the rigidity of the circuit (1). Any motorized system (27) makes it possible to raise or lower the entire device from a fixed structure (18) situated on the ceiling. This system allows users of the device to vary the height of the worktop (25) relative to the ground level. Referring to the drawing of Figure 10 showing a variant of the device in elevation. With reference to this drawing, the device is suspended from any structure (18) by means of supports (27) fixed or movable. The work plane (25) located under the beam (2) and connected to the frame (19) themselves integral with the entire circuit (1) can receive a surgical or medical operating table (28). Tubular poles (26) allow the attachment of various equipment, useful for operators for example, operative lighting (29). The entire device incorporating an operating table (28) and all accessories, may vary in height relative to the ground level, through any system as shown in (27). Referring to the drawing of Figure 11 showing a variant of the device in horizontal section. With reference to this drawing, the surgical or medical operation table (28) rests on the plane (25) integral with the device. The ultra clean laminar flow air beam (2) covers the entire patient's field. Tubular poles (26) - 8 - integral with the device, allow the attachment of many care equipment or controls in the field of operation. The air circulates in sections (1) of the circuit. Referring to Figure 12 showing a variant of the device in elevation incorporating the consideration of a belt handling system. With reference to this drawing, the device is suspended from any structure (18) by means of fixed supports (27). The work plane (25) located under the beam (2) and connected to the frame (19) themselves integral with the entire circuit (1) constitutes a plane that can support a strip handling system (30). One or more masts (26) integral with the device, allow the attachment of ancillary equipment.

Referring to Figure 13 showing a variant of the device seen from above. With reference to this drawing, when the beam (2) is used for the protection of products (31) of low heights, the width of the beam (2) will be widened in (8) and (13) to promote a wider action and more economical on the products. The air handling unit (3) is then connected to the circuit (1) by means of segments for grouping together at least two side-by-side air circulation networks (1). Referring to Figure 14 showing a variant of the device in elevation incorporating movable seats in suspension under the work plan. With reference to this drawing, the device is suspended from any structure (18) by means of fixed supports (27). The work plane (25) located beneath the beam (2) is connected to the frames (19), themselves secured to the entire circuit (1). Masts (26) integral with the device, allow the attachment of ancillary equipment (29). Each frame (19) has in its center, a movable vertical axis (32) for fixing seats (33) suspended under the work plane (25). These seats (33) are connected to the axes (32) by spacers (34).

Referring to Figure 15 showing a variant of the partial vertical section device incorporating movable seats under the work plan. Referring to this drawing, the support (19) secured to the circuit (1) has at its center a movable vertical axis (32) for fixing suspension seats (33) under the work plane (25). These seats (33) are connected to the axes (32) by spacers (34).

Referring to Figure 16 showing a variant of the device mounted in a standard container for the design of a mobile operating room and in 3 defined areas. Referring to this drawing, in the container, the device (1) is suspended in a central area used as an operating room (A), arranged itself between the rooms (B) and (C). The volumes constituted by these zones can be subjected to stages of progressive pressures. Referring to Figure 17 showing a variant of the device mounted in a standard container to form a mobile operating room, in an elevational view. With reference to this drawing, the device is suspended from the vault of the container (18) by means of fixed supports (27). The rooms (A) (B) and (C) are protected by thermal insulation (35) and a clean partition (36) on all the internal faces of the container off the floor. The operating plane (25) fixed on the frames (19) is located under the air beam (2) produced by the air treatment unit (3) located on the upper segment of the circuit (1). Masts (26) integral with the device, allow the attachment of ancillary equipment (29). Referring to Figure 18 showing a variant of the device mounted in a standard container for the design of a mobile medical block according to 5 defined areas 10. With reference to this drawing, in the container, the device (1) is suspended in 3 zohes (A) (B) and (C) used as medicalized rooms. These 3 zones are accessible and protected by an area (D). Zone (D) is accessible and protected by an area (E). The volumes constituted by these zones can be subjected to stages of progressive depressions.

Referring to Figure 19 showing a variant of the device mounted in a standard container to form a medical block in an elevational view. With reference to this drawing, the device is suspended from the vault of the container (18) by means of fixed supports (27). All rooms (A) (B) (C) (D) and (E) are protected by thermal insulation (35) and a clean partition (36) on all internal faces of the off-floor container (36). Each bedding (25), fixed on the frame (19), is located under an ultra clean laminar flow air beam (2) produced by the air treatment unit (3) located on the upper segment of the circuit (1). Masts (26), integral with the device, allow the attachment of surveillance equipment and care.

Claims (6)

CLAIMS1) Autonomous device for protecting a person, a material or a product by an ultra clean horizontal laminar flow air beam (2) at controlled temperature and hygrometry, against the risk of contamination, characterized in that it consists of by a short "C" -shaped air circuit (1) and comprising a motorized centrifugal turbine (4), and, from the air inlet of the circuit: a grid (5) consisting of a fine net honeycomb, ultraviolet ray lamps (6), a high efficiency filter (7), an air treatment unit (3) comprising the motorized centrifugal turbine (4), a heat exchanger cooling unit (9), a heating exchanger (10), a steam generator (11), mufflers (12) at the inlet and outlet of the air handling unit (3), lamps ultraviolet ray (14) located at the inlet of a very high efficiency filter (15), a grid (5) constituted a fine network of honeycombs located at the air outlet of the circuit. The air inlets and outlets constituted by the grids (5), are aligned, of identical sections, of variable spacing, and have the effect under pressure of the motorized centrifugal turbine (4) to produce the beam of laminar flow air. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the short air circuit 20 in the form of "C" lying is suspended vertically to any structure (17) by means of supports (16). 3) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the grid (5), the lamps (6), the high efficiency filter (7) are grouped in a waterproof and removable box (8) and the lamps (14) , the very high efficiency filter (15), the grid (5) are grouped together in a waterproof and removable box (13). 4) Device according to claims 1 to 3 characterized in that supports (19) are fixed under each end of the air circuit shaped "C" lying (1) to adapt a work plan (25) below beam (2). 5) Device according to claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the circuit 30 (1) as a whole, can go up or down with any motorized system (27) and vary the height of the work plane ( 25) and the air beam (2), relative to the ground level. 6) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that tubular poles (26) are fixed vertically to the inner shape of the circuit (1) on either side of the beam (2) for fixing any useful equipment .) Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the supports (19) can receive in their center, a vertical axis (32) for adapting seats (33) from movable spacers (34). 8) Device according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it can be suspended from the vault (17) of a standard container to constitute either a mobile block of surgical operations, a medical mobile block, or any another block of clean or ultra clean technical operations.