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WO2012066295A1 - Catalyseur de décomposition d'ozone destiné à être utilisé dans un procédé de stérilisation et/ou de décontamination - Google Patents

Catalyseur de décomposition d'ozone destiné à être utilisé dans un procédé de stérilisation et/ou de décontamination Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012066295A1
WO2012066295A1 PCT/GB2011/001623 GB2011001623W WO2012066295A1 WO 2012066295 A1 WO2012066295 A1 WO 2012066295A1 GB 2011001623 W GB2011001623 W GB 2011001623W WO 2012066295 A1 WO2012066295 A1 WO 2012066295A1
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Prior art keywords
ozone
catalyst
environment
decontamination
metal
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Ceased
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PCT/GB2011/001623
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English (en)
Inventor
James Robert Jennings
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Steritrox Ltd
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Steritrox Ltd
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Priority to EP11808243.7A priority Critical patent/EP2640510A1/fr
Publication of WO2012066295A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012066295A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J21/00—Catalysts comprising the elements, oxides, or hydroxides of magnesium, boron, aluminium, carbon, silicon, titanium, zirconium, or hafnium
    • B01J21/06—Silicon, titanium, zirconium or hafnium; Oxides or hydroxides thereof
    • B01J21/08—Silica
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/34—Chemical or biological purification of waste gases
    • B01D53/74—General processes for purification of waste gases; Apparatus or devices specially adapted therefor
    • B01D53/76—Gas phase processes, e.g. by using aerosols
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/34—Chemical or biological purification of waste gases
    • B01D53/74—General processes for purification of waste gases; Apparatus or devices specially adapted therefor
    • B01D53/86—Catalytic processes
    • B01D53/8671—Removing components of defined structure not provided for in B01D53/8603 - B01D53/8668
    • B01D53/8675—Ozone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/38—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals
    • B01J23/40—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals of the platinum group metals
    • B01J23/44—Palladium
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A61L2/202—Ozone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/13—Biocide decomposition means, e.g. catalysts, sorbents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/20—Method-related aspects
    • A61L2209/21—Use of chemical compounds for treating air or the like
    • A61L2209/212—Use of ozone, e.g. generated by UV radiation or electrical discharge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2251/00—Reactants
    • B01D2251/10—Oxidants
    • B01D2251/104—Ozone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2251/00—Reactants
    • B01D2251/20—Reductants
    • B01D2251/208—Hydrocarbons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2255/00—Catalysts
    • B01D2255/10—Noble metals or compounds thereof
    • B01D2255/102—Platinum group metals
    • B01D2255/1023—Palladium
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2255/00—Catalysts
    • B01D2255/20—Metals or compounds thereof
    • B01D2255/207—Transition metals
    • B01D2255/20707—Titanium
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2255/00—Catalysts
    • B01D2255/30—Silica
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/80—Water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/91—Bacteria; Microorganisms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J21/00—Catalysts comprising the elements, oxides, or hydroxides of magnesium, boron, aluminium, carbon, silicon, titanium, zirconium, or hafnium
    • B01J21/06—Silicon, titanium, zirconium or hafnium; Oxides or hydroxides thereof
    • B01J21/063—Titanium; Oxides or hydroxides thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/06—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of zinc, cadmium or mercury
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/16—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of arsenic, antimony, bismuth, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, polonium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, technetium or rhenium
    • B01J23/32—Manganese, technetium or rhenium
    • B01J23/34—Manganese
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/38—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals
    • B01J23/40—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals of the platinum group metals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/38—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals
    • B01J23/48—Silver or gold
    • B01J23/50—Silver
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/70—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of the iron group metals or copper
    • B01J23/72—Copper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/70—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of the iron group metals or copper
    • B01J23/74—Iron group metals

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an improved catalyst for the conversion of ozone to oxygen in a humid atmosphere, and to the use of said catalyst in a sterilisation and/or decontamination process.
  • the biocidal activity of ozone is widely known and appreciated, and it is also known that the provision of ozone in a humid atmosphere increases the biocidal effectiveness .
  • the method involves the steps of creating a humidified atmosphere, discharging ozone to provide a specific concentration range and maintaining this degree of humidity and ozone by injecting additional water and ozone when the concentrations fall below given levels for a time period sufficient to achieve the required degree of sterilisation.
  • the ozone concentration is then depleted to a safe level, for example by the addition of a substance that will react with ozone, by passing the ozone-containing atmosphere over an ozone decomposition catalyst, or by exposing the ozone-containing atmosphere to ultraviolet radiation of a wavelength commensurate with ozone decomposition.
  • GB 0904266.4 (GB2468519) the Applicant describes a similar process for the sterilisation of contaminated premises in which the ozone is decomposed by passing the atmosphere over a suitable ozone decomposition catalyst but, prior to this, the ozone-containing atmosphere is subjected to a conditioning treatment wherein it is dehumidified and heated by suitable means.
  • the step of dehumidifi cation includes the incorporation of a trap containing an absorbent for water such as silica gel and/or a molecular sieve, and/or a conventional dehumidifier. This had the advantage of increasing the lifetime of the catalyst, thus resulting in less maintenance of the equipment and the cost of replacement catalyst units.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems, in particular to provide a process that achieves a high degree of sterilisation and/or decontamination that enables a substantially sterilised area to be made safe of harmful products within an acceptable timescale and with an improved catalyst lifespan.
  • a catalyst for the conversion of ozone to oxygen at a temperature of less than 40°C in a humid atmosphere comprising at least one catalytically active metal or metal oxide supported on a mixed titanium/silicon oxide support.
  • a method of sterilisation, decontamination and/or sanitation of an enclosed environment comprising;
  • the catalyst comprising at least one catalytically active metal or metal oxide supported on a mixed titanium/silicon oxide support.
  • a third aspect of the present invention provides a sterilisation
  • the decontamination apparatus comprising a humidifier unit, an ozone discharge unit, an ozone depletion catalyst and a controller by which the humidifier unit and ozone discharge unit are controllable based on predetermined conditions
  • the ozone depletion catalyst comprising at least one catalytically active metal or metal oxide supported on a mixed titanium/silicon oxide support.
  • the catalyst used in the first, second and third aspects of the present invention comprises a titanium/silicon mixed oxide support impregnated with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, silver, copper, manganese, zinc and any platinum group metal or any oxide thereof.
  • the active metal comprises at least one platinum group metal, in particular platinum or palladium.
  • the mixed oxide support may have any appropriate amounts of SiCh and TiC .
  • at least 10 % by weight of the support comprises TiC .
  • the conversion of ozone to oxygen according to the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably occurs at ambient temperature, preferably being in the range 10-30°C.
  • the humidified environment should have a relative humidity in excess of 65 % , preferably at least 75 %, more preferably at least 85 %, especially being at least 90% at ambient temperature.
  • the humidified environment preferably has a partial pressure of water vapour of at least 5.00 torr but this will depend upon the temperature of the environment.
  • a cool environment having a temperature of around 6°C will preferably have a partial pressure of 6.00 torr and a warmer environment having a temperature of around 18°C will preferably have a partial pressure of around 13.9 torr.
  • higher humidity levels do not always achieve optimum results and the level of humidity required will depend on the particular conditions and parameters of the process and enclosed environment.
  • Step (c) of the decontamination process according to the second aspect of the present invention may include replenishing the humidity and ozone levels to maintain effective levels for decontamination. Preferably, these levels are held for a predetermined period of time (the "dwell time").
  • a hydrocarbon containing a carbon-carbon double bond may be introduced into the environment to react preferentially with any residual ozone (step (e)).
  • the hydrocarbon comprises a secondary olefin, cis or trans, including cyclic olefins.
  • the decontaminated and sterilised environment may be recycled through the catalyst until the concentration of the ozone, and any other harmful products that may be present, fall to a safe level.
  • the process according to the second aspect of the present invention may also include one or more additional steps for extending the working life of the catalyst.
  • the process may include a catalyst conditioning phase prior to the decontamination phase, the conditioning phase comprising passing a substantially dry inert gas, such as air, over or through the catalyst. This process may be repeated with the catalyst being flushed out with the substantially dry gas prior to each sterilisation phase.
  • substantially dry air means air containing a moisture level below that of the humidified environment.
  • the substantially dry air contains any level of moisture below that of the humidified environment but the lower the water content of the substantially dry air the greater the beneficial effect of the conditioning treatment.
  • the dry air is passed through the catalyst for a time period sufficient for the catalyst to reach equilibrium with the dry air. This may be a number of hours, including overnight in some situations.
  • the ozone-rich atmosphere may be subjected to a dehumidification step prior to passing the atmosphere over the catalyst.
  • Said dehumidification step may include, inter alia, passing the atmosphere through a water absorbent trap and/ or a dehumidifier and/or heating the atmosphere.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of one embodiment of sterilisation and decontamination apparatus for carrying out the process according to the second aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;
  • the sterilisation and decontamination process of the present invention uses ozone at high humidity levels (generally in excess of 90 % at ambient temperature) for the sterilisation and decontamination of an enclosed environment.
  • the process and apparatus also includes an ozone depletion catalyst for reducing levels of the ozone and any unwanted by-products which may be present (such as hydrogen peroxide) to a safe level in minimal time, thereby reducing the time during which a room has to be kept unoccupied.
  • an ozone depletion catalyst for reducing levels of the ozone and any unwanted by-products which may be present (such as hydrogen peroxide) to a safe level in minimal time, thereby reducing the time during which a room has to be kept unoccupied.
  • the present invention alleviates this problem by providing an improved catalyst that is able to operate at high humidity levels but low (ambient) temperatures.
  • the catalyst comprises at least one platinum group metal on a titanium/silicon oxide support. This type of catalyst has been shown to have an extended working life compared with catalysts prepared on a different type of support.
  • the catalyst for use in the present invention has been used previously for the combustion of methane (Chem Comm, 46(34), 6317, 2010) in the automotive industry.
  • the catalyst may be prepared by the hydrolysis of a mixture of tetraethoxysilane and titanium isopropoxide, drying and subsequent impregnation with a platinum group metal, such as palladium.
  • the catalyst is less prone to deactivation in the presence of sulphur compounds and water vapour in the conversion of methane to carbon dioxide at temperatures in excess of 300°C than an equivalent catalyst prepared using a conventional support.
  • the catalyst also may be used for low temperature conversion of ozone to oxygen in a humid environment. This was unexpected as temperatures in the range 10-30°C would not normally be considered to be sufficiently high to allow appreciable desorption of adsorbed species from the catalyst surface which is required to maintain catalytic activity.
  • the mixed titanium/silicon oxide support may be prepared by mixing an appropriate high surface area metal oxide but, more preferably, is prepared by co- precipitation from aqueous solution. Co-precipitation may be carried out, for example, by the addition of an alkaline compound, such as sodium silicate, to a soluble titanium compound in a suitable solvent system or by the hydrolysis of a mixture of titanium and silicon derivatives, such as chlorides. The precipitate is washed extensively to remove any anions or cations, such as chloride, sulphate and sodium, which would adversely affect the activity of the finished catalyst.
  • an alkaline compound such as sodium silicate
  • the mixed oxides are formed into a desired size and shape by conventional techniques used in the manufacture of catalysts, such as pelleting, granulation or extrusion.
  • the formed support following optional further calcination, is then impregnated with a platinum group metal that is active for the decomposition of ozone.
  • Impregnation may be carried out using standard techniques known in the art, using salts or colloids of the active metal component.
  • the new mixed oxide support offers preferential adsorption sites for water vapour in the humid environment. Therefore, the active metal component is available for a longer period of time before the catalyst becomes saturated with water vapour.
  • the illustrated example uses a platinum group metal as the active metal but other known active metals for the conversion of ozone may be supported on the titania/silica carrier, such as oxides of manganese.
  • the catalyst is subjected to a pre- or post-treatment drying period which enables full or substantially full activity of the catalyst to be recovered.
  • the accompanying drawings illustrate one embodiment of a sterilisation and decontamination apparatus 10 according to the third aspect of the invention for carrying out the second aspect of the present invention.
  • the process utilises both an ozone depletion catalyst according to the present invention and a subsequent hydrocarbon quenching step for removal of the ozone after decontamination.
  • the apparatus comprises a portable enclosure 12 which can be opened and which, in use, can generate a positive pressure within the interior to protect sensitive devices contained within the enclosure from the deleterious affects of the ozone.
  • the enclosure 12 has wheels 14 and houses a humidifier unit 16 having a humidified air outlet 17, an ozone discharge unit 18 having an ozone discharge outlet 20, a vessel containing an ozone catalyst 70, an ozone catalyst fan 71 , a hydrocarbon discharge unit 22 having a hydrocarbon discharge outlet 24, and a control unit 26.
  • the humidifier unit 16 in the illustrated example includes a humidifier 28, a humidistat sensor 30, a temperature sensor 31 and a water reservoir 34.
  • a compressed air supply also needs to be provided, for example, in the form of a compressed air tank 32 or container housed within the enclosure 12.
  • the compressed air tank is connected to the water reservoir 34 and the humidifier 28.
  • water droplets having a diameter of less than 5 microns, especially 2-3 microns are introduced into the air to enhance the rate of evaporation of the water into the atmosphere.
  • the smaller the size of the droplet the faster the evaporation of the liquid water.
  • small water droplets defined by nozzle type and operating conditions, are preferred but it is to be appreciated that the use of larger droplet sizes may be appropriate in certain circumstances, for example to minimize cost.
  • the ozone discharge unit 18 includes an ozone generator 36, an ozone detector sensor 38, and an oxygen supply 56 for supplying oxygen to the ozone generator 36.
  • Oxygen is preferred to air for the generation of ozone because this avoids the formation of toxic oxides of nitrogen, increases the rate at which the required concentration of ozone is achieved and also increases the yield of ozone.
  • the ozone catalyst 70 comprises a platinum group metal supported on a mixed titanium/silicon support as described in the Example above. However, alternative active substances may be used, such as a mixture of platinum group metals or oxides of manganese.
  • the hydrocarbon discharge unit 22 includes a hydrocarbon supply 42 in the form of a tank or container containing a volatile unsaturated hydrocarbon, such as butene.
  • the butene is butene-2.
  • the hydrocarbon can be any suitable hydrocarbon having a carbon-carbon double bond, for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter. The selection of hydrocarbon is based on its speed of reaction with ozone and the toxicology of its decay products.
  • the control unit 26 controls the apparatus 10 and is preset with at least one sterilisation and decontamination routine.
  • the control unit 26 includes a controller 46 and a user interface 48 by which a user can input commands to the apparatus 10.
  • the apparatus 10 may include an on-board battery 50 and/or may be connectable to a mains power supply.
  • the battery is preferably rechargeable. If a mains-operated apparatus is provided, this may have a battery back-up system to enable the machine to failsafe in the event of a mains power failure.
  • the apparatus 10 will also typically include other safety features, such as safety sensors, and software routines to prevent start-up or initiate shut-down in the event of a system failure.
  • safety features such as safety sensors, and software routines to prevent start-up or initiate shut-down in the event of a system failure.
  • substantially dry air is directed over the ozone catalyst 70 to remove any water molecules that are present on the surface of the catalyst.
  • the step may occur whilst the apparatus 10 is located in the area to be decontaminated or in an area remote therefrom.
  • the dry air is passed through the catalyst for approximately one hour or until the catalyst approximately reaches equilibrium with the dry air. It is to be appreciated that this "drying step" is only optional to enhance further the activity of the catalyst.
  • the apparatus 10 is then located in the area which is to be sterilised and decontaminated, if not already there.
  • the power to the apparatus 10 is switched on, and the control unit 26 undertakes an initial safety check. If the safety check is not passed, the apparatus 10 does not operate and outputs a suitable indication using warning lights 52.
  • safety checks are made continuously, and in the event of a system failure, the system defaults to a safe mode.
  • the humidifier and ozone generator are switched on to raise their levels by the required degree to effect sterilisation and decontamination of the environment.
  • the controller 46 continues to monitor the ozone level, relative humidity through the hu idistat sensor 30 and ambient temperature through the thermocouple. If after a predetermined interval of time, for example 10 minutes, the calculated relative humidity level and/or the required ozone level has not been reached, the controller 46 aborts the sterilisation and decontamination routine and provides a suitable indication.
  • Oxygen is supplied to the ozone generator 36, and ozone is generated.
  • the generated ozone is then fed into the discharging humidified airstream.
  • the controller 46 provides a suitable indication that the ozone generator 36 is operating, and monitors the ambient ozone levels through the ozone detector sensor 38.
  • Both the ozone and water vapour concentrations to be detected can be altered. However a typical setting is 25 ppm v/v of ozone and a water vapour pressure of 13.6 torr.
  • the dwell time can also be altered, for example, to one hour, and will depend on the degree and type of decontamination / sterilisation to be provided. For instance, contamination by spores or moulds, such as Clostridium difficile, generally require a longer dwell time than contamination by bacteria, such as listeria and methicillin resistant staphyloccocus aureus (MRS A).
  • MFS A methicillin resistant staphyloccocus aureus
  • the ozone concentration and relative humidity are continuously monitored. If the ozone level falls below a predetermined threshold, the ozone discharge unit 18 is reactivated to replenish the ozone levels. If relative humidity level falls below the calculated value, the humidifier unit 16 is reactivated to restore the water vapour level.
  • the controller 46 aborts the sterilisation and decontamination routine and outputs a suitable indication.
  • the controller 46 closes the compressed air valve 54 and the oxygen supply valve 60, and the humidifier unit 16 and the ozone discharge unit 18 are switched off.
  • a pump 71 then blows the atmosphere through the catalyst 70 to reduce the levels of ozone, the level of ozone being monitored continuously.
  • an olefin is introduced by means of a hydrocarbon discharge valve 58 of the hydrocarbon discharge unit 22.
  • the concentration of ozone is continuously monitored.
  • the catalyst 70 may be continuously deployed until the concentration of ozone falls below its OEL.
  • the controller 46 closes the hydrocarbon discharge valve 58 and outputs an indication that the sterilisation and decontamination routine is complete.
  • the ozone level of 0.2 ppm depending on the size of the area being sterilised and decontaminated, is usually achieved within 3 to 4 minutes. If the ozone detector sensor 38 fails to indicate that the predetermined safe level of ozone has been reached within a predetermined time interval, for example within 10 minutes, the controller 46 outputs an indication warning of potentially hazardous ozone levels in the room.
  • the controller may be programmed to allow a time interval to pass in excess of the standard half-life of ozone before announcing that the room may be re-occupied.
  • drier air is then passed through the catalyst 70 by means of fan 71 to remove any water molecules on its surface.
  • the dry air has a lower relative humidity than the processed air that has been humidified prior to introduction of the ozone and, preferably, is completely dry.
  • this air is passed through the catalyst for a time period sufficient for the catalyst to reach equilibrium with the dry air. It is preferable if this air has not been exposed to the decontamination process, i.e. , the unit 10 is removed from the enclosure to a clean, dry atmosphere prior to re- activation of the fan 71.
  • the clean, dry atmosphere may comprise a remote storage area where the fan is left to run for a predetermined amount of time or may be a new area to be decontaminated, with the fan being run for a sufficient period of time prior to activation of the decontamination phase.
  • a separate source of dry clean air may be provided to purge the catalyst. This drying step may be run between each decontamination phase or cycle or only after a number of decontamination cycles.
  • the sterilisation and/or decontamination apparatus may be integrally formed as part of an area, or may be only partly portable.
  • the compressed air supply and/or oxygen supply could be integrally formed as part of the area to be regularly sterilised and decontaminated.
  • components could be housed within the enclosure of the apparatus.
  • the required supply could be linked to the apparatus via a detachable umbilical pipe.
  • the machine may also consist of a main unit and a wirelessly connected remote controller wherein the required preset routine may be remotely initiated by a user from outside the area to be sterilised and/or decontaminated.
  • the oxygen supply is typically in the form of one or more oxygen tanks or cylinders, a commercially available oxygen concentrator can be used.
  • the apparatus uses an electric fan 72 as a gas movement device to circulate the dry air, humidified air, ozone and hydrocarbon.
  • an air mover may be used instead of an electric fan.
  • the above-described apparatus utilises a method of producing an artificially high level of non-condensing humidity, and generating in-situ a high concentration of ozone.
  • the materials of the apparatus are resistant to the corrosive effects of ozone and the solvent effects of the hydrocarbon.
  • the condition of all the valves are monitored using integrally incorporated sensors connected to the controller.
  • the valves failsafe to an appropriate position, such as the closed position so that user safety is maintained at all times.
  • the controller may also incorporate a tamper proof recording system to monitor use, time, date, operational success/failure and other parameters required to measure performance of the machine.
  • the apparatus may be discrete and portable.
  • the method can provide better than 99.99% effective sterilisation and decontamination of an area without an impact on the environment from harmful by-products. Rapid re-use of a contaminated area can thus be realised.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Catalysts (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne l'utilisation d'un catalyseur comprenant au moins un métal ou un oxyde métallique actif supporté sur un support mixte d'oxyde de titane/silicium dans la conversion de l'ozone en oxygène à une température inférieure à 40°C dans une atmosphère humide. Le catalyseur peut être utilisé dans un procédé de stérilisation, de décontamination et/ou d'assainissement d'un environnement clos, le procédé comprenant l'obtention d'un environnement clos humidifié; la décharge d'ozone dans ledit environnement humidifié; le maintien des niveaux de pression d'ozone et de vapeur d'eau à une concentration qui permettra d'atteindre le degré de décontamination requis et le passage de l'environnement sensiblement décontaminé, stérilisé et/ou assaini par un catalyseur de déplétion d'ozone comprenant ledit au moins métal ou oxyde métallique catalytiquement actif supporté sur un support mixte d'oxyde de titane/silicium pour abaisser la concentration d'ozone jusqu'à un niveau prédéterminé; un hydrocarbure contenant une double liaison carbone-carbone pouvant éventuellement être introduit dans l'environnement pour contribuer à l'élimination de l'ozone.
PCT/GB2011/001623 2010-11-17 2011-11-17 Catalyseur de décomposition d'ozone destiné à être utilisé dans un procédé de stérilisation et/ou de décontamination Ceased WO2012066295A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11808243.7A EP2640510A1 (fr) 2010-11-17 2011-11-17 Catalyseur de décomposition d'ozone destiné à être utilisé dans un procédé de stérilisation et/ou de décontamination

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1019389.4 2010-11-17
GB1019389.4A GB2485546A (en) 2010-11-17 2010-11-17 Catalyst for use in a sterilisation and/or decontamination process

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012066295A1 true WO2012066295A1 (fr) 2012-05-24

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Country Status (3)

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EP (1) EP2640510A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2485546A (fr)
WO (1) WO2012066295A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115463656A (zh) * 2022-08-10 2022-12-13 生态环境部华南环境科学研究所(生态环境部生态环境应急研究所) 一种脱除烟气o3的高抗硫抗水催化剂及其制备方法和应用

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI127211B (en) * 2016-07-01 2018-01-31 Risto Härkönen ozonator

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GB904262A (en) 1959-08-10 1962-08-29 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Improved polymers
GB904266A (en) 1960-06-15 1962-08-29 Zallea Brothers Improvements in expansion joints
GB1015296A (en) 1963-06-27 1965-12-31 Ici Ltd Stabilisation of polyvinyl chloride
US5145657A (en) * 1987-01-21 1992-09-08 Nippon Shokubai Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. Method for purification of gas
US5296435A (en) * 1991-12-05 1994-03-22 Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. Catalyst and a method of prepare the catalyst
WO2010067120A2 (fr) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-17 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Amélioration apportée à des catalyseurs
GB2468517A (en) 2009-03-12 2010-09-15 Steritrox Ltd Sterilisation of a environment with ozone and increased humidity
GB2468519A (en) 2009-03-12 2010-09-15 Steritrox Ltd Sterilisation of a environment with ozone and increased humidity

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JPS6297643A (ja) * 1985-10-25 1987-05-07 Nippon Shokubai Kagaku Kogyo Co Ltd オゾン分解触媒
JPH0197461A (ja) * 1987-10-12 1989-04-14 Nippon Shokubai Kagaku Kogyo Co Ltd 殺菌方法
JP2004024472A (ja) * 2002-06-25 2004-01-29 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 脱臭装置および脱臭方法
EP1617947A1 (fr) * 2003-04-29 2006-01-25 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Catalyseurs de decomposition de l'ozone au manganese et procede de preparation de ces derniers
GB2468520B (en) * 2009-03-12 2014-01-15 Steritrox Ltd Improvements in and relating to sterilisation and decontamination

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB904262A (en) 1959-08-10 1962-08-29 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Improved polymers
GB904266A (en) 1960-06-15 1962-08-29 Zallea Brothers Improvements in expansion joints
GB1015296A (en) 1963-06-27 1965-12-31 Ici Ltd Stabilisation of polyvinyl chloride
US5145657A (en) * 1987-01-21 1992-09-08 Nippon Shokubai Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. Method for purification of gas
US5296435A (en) * 1991-12-05 1994-03-22 Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. Catalyst and a method of prepare the catalyst
WO2010067120A2 (fr) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-17 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Amélioration apportée à des catalyseurs
GB2468517A (en) 2009-03-12 2010-09-15 Steritrox Ltd Sterilisation of a environment with ozone and increased humidity
GB2468519A (en) 2009-03-12 2010-09-15 Steritrox Ltd Sterilisation of a environment with ozone and increased humidity
WO2010103287A1 (fr) * 2009-03-12 2010-09-16 Steritrox Limited Stérilisation et/ou décontamination d'un environnement fermé

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115463656A (zh) * 2022-08-10 2022-12-13 生态环境部华南环境科学研究所(生态环境部生态环境应急研究所) 一种脱除烟气o3的高抗硫抗水催化剂及其制备方法和应用

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GB2485546A (en) 2012-05-23
GB201019389D0 (en) 2010-12-29
EP2640510A1 (fr) 2013-09-25

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