Method and apparatus for air treatment

• US 7,407,633 B2
• Filed: 02/26/2002
• Issued: 08/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Inventors: Potember, Richard S., Bryden, Wayne A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Warden; Jill
• Assistant Examiner(s): Conley; Sean E.
• Application Number:
  US10/257,196
• Publication Number:
  US 20040120845A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,352 Days
• Field of Search: 422/120, 422/121, 422/186.07
• US Class Current: 422/121
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/212 Use of ozone, e.g. generated by UV radiation or electrical discharge
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/015 using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone A61L9/20 takes precedence ; evaporation in general B01B1/005
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/145 air-liquid contact processes, e.g. scrubbing
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/20 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/123 Ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 13/00 Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space , or structural parts of the aircraft treatment rooms with artificial climate for medical purposes A61G10/02; respiratory apparatus in general A62B; for vehicles in general B60H
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2221/44 Protection from terrorism or theft
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 8/22 using UV light
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 8/26 using ozone
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 8/40 by ozonisation for sterilisation F24F8/26

Abstract

A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it neutralizes airborne pathogens in large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. Typically, the system has a flow-through reaction chamber that contains a UV light source that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source of water vapor or spray, and an ozone generator. The system generates highly reactive ozone intermediates by irradiating ozone gas with UV light in the presence of water droplets or water vapor. The pathogens that can be neutralized by this system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and parasites.

Claims

1. A pathogen neutralization system, comprising a flow-through reaction chamber having a chamber air inlet located at a first end of the reaction chamber to admit air that is to be disinfected, and a chamber air outlet located at a second end of the reaction chamber to release disinfected air, and defining therebetween a passageway for the passage of air that is to be disinfected through the reaction chamber, the passageway containing no filters and otherwise being substantially free of any obstructions so as not to impede the passage of air through the reaction chamber thereby permitting the neutralization of airborne pathogens in large volumes of ventilated air in real time, wherein the reaction chamber further comprises

a. an ozone generator;

b. a water supply line;

c. an ultraviolet light source separate from the ozone generator; and

d. a porous matrix for providing increased surface area on which the neutralization of pathogens can occur, wherein the porous matrix consists of metal foam.

2. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the water supply line is connected to a nozzle to mist water as it is sprayed into the reaction chamber.

3. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 2, wherein water droplets are sprayed as a mist through the nozzle into the reaction chamber.

4. The pathogen neutralization system of claim 1, wherein the metal is selected from the group comprising aluminum, copper, silver, and oxides thereof.

5. The pathogen neutralization system of claim 1, wherein the metal foam is aluminum foam.

6. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, further comprising a solid support coated with one or more ozone removal catalysts.

7. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, further comprising a microwave generator disposed in the flow-through reaction chamber.

8. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, further comprising an ultrasonic wave generator disposed in the flow-through reaction chamber.

9. The pathogen neutralization system of claim 1, wherein the porous matrix is removable.

10. The pathogen neutralization system of claim 6, wherein the solid support is removable.

11. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the ozone generator is removable.

12. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the system is automated with sensors and controllers.

13. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source emits high intensity ultraviolet light.

14. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength in a range from about 100 to about 350 nm.

15. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the amount of ozone in the flow-through reaction chamber is maintained at a level in a range of from about 0.01 ppm to about 1000 ppm.

16. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the amount of ozone in the flow-through reaction chamber is maintained at a level in a range from about 0.1 to about 10 ppm.

17. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the neutralization system is configured for operation in a continuous mode.

18. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the neutralization system is configured to be activated upon demand.

19. The pathogen neutralization system of claim 6, wherein the ozone removal catalyst is an all-aluminum catalyst.

20. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein the ozone generator is a corona discharge generator.

21. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, further comprising a fan.

22. The pathogen neutralization system as in claim 1, wherein one or more surfactants are added to the water before it is introduced to the reaction chamber.