Positive air pressure isolation system

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/805,776, entitled “Positive Air Pressure Isolation System,” filed May 24, 2007, and naming David W. Palmer as inventor, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

[0002] U.S. application Ser. No. 11/805,776, in turns, claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/802,977, filed May 24, 2006, entitled “Positive Air Pressure Isolation System,”, and naming David W. Palmer as inventor, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The invention generally relates to a positive air pressure isolation system. More specifically, the invention relates to the management and cleaning of air flow in or out of a closed space to produce a constant positive (+) or negative (−) room air pressure.

[0004] Air pressure control systems are used in many hospital room and semiconductor clean room applications to create isolation and containment areas. Isolation and containment techniques manage airborne micron size particles and micro organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, mold, spores, and dust. Such techniques add to the health benefits of those living and working in the pressurized room by filling the space with clean air and removing contaminated air. The pressurization of a closed space further prevents the leakage of contaminated air into the room. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of isolation and containment rooms as a viable method of slowing the spread of airborne viruses.

[0005] The negative air pressure design criteria of many of the prior art control systems capture and contain the air containing micro-organisms and, then, neutralize or destroy the airborne contamination before releasing the air back into the environment. By evacuating air from the room, the leakage of air is into the room, preventing the escape of contamination.

[0006] Existing air pressure control systems have been built into containment rooms in hospitals specializing in the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and other airborne diseases. The number of such rooms is adequate for today's medical requirements, but will not meet the needs of an out break of a human to human version of the avian influenza (i.e., Bird Flu), or similar airborne disease. If an outbreak appears in a metropolitan area, the number of containment rooms will be inadequate to accommodate the number of inflicted people. Further, if the outbreak occurs in a rural area, hospitals with containment rooms may not be located within a reasonable distance.

[0007] Therefore, the challenge is to find a way to make available positive and negative air pressure control systems that will convert a standard room at the site of an outbreak of the influenza. The control systems must be easily installed and made available in sufficient quantities to isolate and protect the first responders; and to contain, capture, and destroy the contaminated air used by symptomatic patients.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for the control of air pressure in a closed space. The system may be installed through a window and contains a system inlet and system outlet. The system may also contain a variable-speed fan, and a motor controller to control the speed of the fan. The variable-speed fan may be reversible to allow the system to provide a positive or negative pressure in the closed space.

[0009] The system may include a differential-air-pressure transducer. The differential-air-pressure transducer monitors the air pressure at the system inlet and system outlet. In some embodiments, the differential-air-pressure transducer may be a hot wire or solid state anemometer. A closed-loop controller, in communication with the motor controller and the differential pressure transducer, can vary the speed of the fan based on the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of the system, thereby controlling a pressure within a space.

[0010] Further, the air-pressure-control system may also include a control panel in communication with the closed-loop controller. The control panel may be capable of receiving setpoint values. Based on the received setpoint values, the control panel may change the speed or the direction of the fan. The control panel may further include a switch that allows a user to select between positive and negative room pressures.

[0011] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the closed-loop controller may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor can compare an output from the differential-air-pressure transducer and the setpoint value and adjust the speed or direction of the fan based on the difference between the differential-air-pressure transducer output and the setpoint value.

[0012] The air-pressure-control system may also include a safety sensor in communication with the microprocessor. The safety sensor may be configured to alarm when the air pressure control system is not operating at the setpoint values.

[0013] In accordance with further embodiments, the air-pressure-control system may also include a germicidal radiation chamber. The germicidal radiation chamber may be located in an airflow path within the air-pressure-control system and may contain at least one UV light source. The germicidal radiation chamber may also include reflective interior surfaces to reflect the UV light produced by the UV light source. Baffles may be located at one or both ends of the germicidal radiation chamber to prevent UV light from exiting the germicidal radiation chamber. The airflow path containing the germicidal radiation chamber may be blackened to prevent UV reflection through the system inlet and outlet. The wavelength of the UV light may be, but is not limited to, 253.7 nanometers. The UV light may pass entirely across a portion of the airflow path.

[0014] In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the air-pressure-control system does not contain a filter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air-pressure-control system may contain a second airflow path. The differential-air-pressure transducer may be located within the second airflow path.

[0016] In accordance with other embodiments, an air-pressure control system with a filter can control the air pressure within an enclosed space. The system includes a system inlet, a system outlet, and a first filter located within an airflow path between the system inlet and system outlet. The system may also have a variable-speed fan configured to operate at a speed, a motor controller in communication with the fan and configured to control the speed of the fan, and a differential-air-pressure transducer configured to monitor an air pressure at the system inlet and an air pressure at the system outlet. The differential pressure transducer can be a hot-wire or solid state anemometer. A closed-loop controller, in communication with the motor controller and differential-pressure transducer, can vary the speed of the fan based on the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of the system. By controlling the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet, the system is able to control the pressure within a space.

[0017] The fan can be reversible, and the system can include a control panel in communication with the closed-loop controller. The control panel can receive setpoint values and change the speed or a direction of the fan based on the setpoint value. The control panel can include a switch that allows a user to select between positive and negative room air pressures. The system may also include a microprocessor that compares the output from the differential pressure transducer and the setpoint value, and adjusts the speed or direction of the fan based on the difference between the values. A safety sensor in communication with the microprocessor can alarm when the air-pressure-control system is not operating at the setpoint values.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system can also include a germicidal radiation chamber located within the airflow path. The germicidal radiation chamber may include at least one UV light source and may have a reflective interior surface that reflects the UV light produced by the UV light source. The germicidal radiation chamber may also have at least one slot providing access to the filter. The first filter may be located at a first end of the germicidal radiation chamber. The system may also include a second filter located at a second end of the germicidal radiation chamber.

[0019] The airflow path may be blackened to prevent UV reflection through the system inlet and system outlet. Additionally (or alternatively), the system may have baffles located at an at least one end of the germicidal radiation chamber to prevent UV light from exiting the germicidal radiation chamber. In some embodiments, the UV light has a wavelength of about 253.7 nanometers.

[0020] In some embodiments, the air-pressure-control system is configured for through-window installation. The first filter can be a translucent glass fiber filter, and may have a metal frame. The filter may also be pleated and oriented such that the pleats are vertical. The UV lamps can be oriented such that they are transverse to the pleats of the first filter.

[0021] The system further may also include an air flow sensor located within the germicidal radiation chamber. The air flow sensor can be mounted on an inside wall of the germicidal radiation chamber. The air flow sensor can be oriented such that it is co-linear with the flow of air through the system. In some embodiments, the air flow sensor is a solid state sensor and is shielded from the UV light source. The air flow sensor may also communicate with the microprocessor such that the microprocessor can control the fan speed based on a signal transmitted by the air flow sensor.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system can include a UV sensor located within the germicidal radiation chamber and configured to measure the amount of UV radiation. The UV sensor can be located in the air flow path. In addition, the UV sensor can communicate with the microprocessor such that the microprocessor can control the fan speed based on a signal transmitted by the UV sensor.

[0023] To prevent airflow through the system, the system may include a cover that has a closed and an open position. In the closed position the cover closes the system inlet when the system is not in use. The cover can be made from an insulating material. The cover can be connected to an interlock switch that senses the position of the cover and prevents system operation if the cover is in the closed position. The interlock switch can be connected to the microprocessor.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an air-pressure-isolation system 110 in accordance with the present invention. The system 110 may be a through window, “plug and play” type system. As such, the system 110 can transform a closed space 180 into either an isolation or containment room by placing the system 110 into a window 120 and plugging a power cord 160 into a standard wall socket. The inward facing side of the system 110 may have a stylish design so that it does not negatively impact the aesthetics of the closed space 180. The outward facing side of the system 110 may have a design that is suitable for exposure to the environment.

[0037] In an isolation configuration, a variable speed fan 130 forces clean air into the closed space 180, resulting in a positive pressure within the closed space 180. In order to produce a constant positive pressure consistent with surgical sites and clean rooms, the system 110 may control the air flow into the room, by varying the speed of the fan, to match the air flow out of the room through gaps around windows and doors. In the containment configuration, a variable-speed fan 130 forces air out of closed space 180, resulting in a negative room air pressure. In either orientation, a germicidal radiation chamber 140, located within a closed airflow path, cleans the air as it passes through system 110. If the system 110 is not installed in a window, the user can add an extension to the air path out of the germicidal radiation chamber 140 to reach the outside environment.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system 110 may contain multiple variable-speed fans. If more than one variable-speed fan is present, the fans may operate such that they force air in multiple directions.

[0039] As show in FIG. 2, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 may contain ultraviolet lamps 210. The ultraviolet lamps 210 may radiate at a wavelength of approximately 253.7 nanometers. UV radiation at 253.7 nanometers has been proven to inflict the greatest amount of damage on living and dormant micro-organisms. For example, at 253.7 nanometer wavelength, UV testing on influenza indicates a 90% kill ratio with severe damage (sufficient to neutralize) inflicted on the remaining 10%. The targets of the germicidal radiation chamber 140 include, but are not limited to: viruses, bacteria, fungus, mold, and spores. Although a 253.7 nanometer wavelength is used as an example, the UV wavelength can be adjusted to maximize the damage to any one species of micro-organisms.

[0040] The radiation chamber 140 may also provide access to the UV lamps 210 so that a user may replace the UV lamps 210 when needed. The user can install the UV lamps 210 from outside of the germicidal radiation chamber 140 so that they need not disassemble the chamber 140. Access to the UV lamps 210 may include a kill switch that shuts off the system 110 to prevent a user from accessing the UV lamps 210 during operation. Alternatively, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 may be a cartridge design that a user can completely remove and replace at a remote location. The UV lamps 210 may include multiple lamps with varying wavelengths to target different types of airborne particulates or micro-organisms.

[0041] As mentioned above, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 can be removable. In embodiments containing a removable radiation chamber 140, the system may also include an interlock switch that is electrically connected to the radiation chamber 140. The interlock switch can verify that the radiation chamber 140 is installed correctly and, in the event of incorrect installation, cut off the main power to the system 110.

[0042] Destruction and neutralization of micro-organisms using UV light depends on the amount of UV light that the micro-organisms are exposed to and the exposure time. To increase the amount of exposure, the inside surface of the germicidal radiation chamber 140 may contain a reflective coating 230. The reflective coating 230 reflects the UV light within the chamber, exposing the micro-organisms to greater amounts of UV light and, thus, increasing the micro-organism kill and neutralization ratios. The exposure time may be increased by slowing down the air flow within the germicidal radiation chamber 140. A laminar air flow through chamber 140 can assure that the resident time and exposure is uniform and equal throughout chamber 140. To further increase the exposure and residence time, the chamber 140 should be as large as possible within the constraints of overall size of the system 110. Dead spots in the airflow should be minimized.

[0043] UV light is hazardous and should be contained within the germicidal radiation chamber 140 and system 110. To prevent UV light from escaping, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 may include baffles 220 at one or both ends. The airflow path of the system 110 may be blackened to prevent UV reflection through the system inlet or outlet.

[0044] A differential-air-pressure transducer 150 can measure the air pressure at the inlet and outlet of the system 110. The differential-air-pressure transducer 150 may sample and measure the air pressure of the inside air through a closed space air port 270 and can measure the outside air pressure through an outside air port 280. The system 110 may contain pressure-tight connections between the differential pressure transducer 150 and air ports 270, 280. The outside air port 280 may contain provisions to prevent blockage from freezing weather and other variables such as insects. If the system 110 is not installed in a window, the outside air port 280 may include an extension to reach the outside environment. In some embodiments, the differential-air-pressure sensor 150 can be a hot-wire or solid state anemometer. In other embodiments, a pressure transducer 150 may be located in a second airflow path 260. The second airflow path 260 may be separate and distinct from the first airflow path 250, which contains the germicidal radiation chamber 140.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the system 110 may include a closed-loop controller 320. The closed-loop controller 320 may be connected to the differential-air-pressure transducer 150, and a motor controller 310. The closed-loop controller 320 may monitor the pressure differential between the system inlet and the system outlet and, based on the pressure differential, adjust the speed of the fan 130 via the motor controller 3 10. By controlling the speed of the fan 130 via the motor controller 310, the closed-loop controller 320 is able to control the pressure within the closed space 180. The motor controller 310 may work on all voltages and cycles, and have a selectable voltage switch. In embodiments containing multiple fans, the motor controller 310 may have a different controller power situation for each unit.

[0046] During startup, the closed-loop controller 320 may be configured to expect a worst case scenario and bring the fan 130 to full speed. In response to a power interruption to the system 110, the closed-loop controller 320 may provide an orderly shut down and start up process.

[0047] The closed-loop controller 320 may include a microprocessor 360. The microprocessor 360 may compare the differential-air-pressure transducer 150 output to a setpoint inputted by the user via a control panel 330 (discussed below). The microprocessor 360 may then adjust the speed of the fan 130 to maintain the pressure within the closed space 180 at the setpoint value. When the system 110 is operating out of set point conditions, the closed-loop controller 320 may trigger an alarm.

[0048] The closed-loop controller 320 may also include a second control band capable of recognizing when a door 170 (FIG. 1) is opened. The closed-loop controller 320 may then respond to such a condition by taking the fan 130 to full speed and then closing on a setpoint. The closed-loop controller 320 may also set a dead band to prevent the fan 130 from hunting.

[0049] In other embodiments, the closed-loop controller 320 may verify the presence of UV light and control the intensity of the UV radiation based on the air flow through the system 110. The closed-loop controller 320 may control the intensity of the UV radiation by turning on all UV lamps 210 for maximum radiation, or by turning on one UV lamp at a time to perform a step function of radiation levels. The closed-loop controller 320 may also recognize if a UV lamp fails and switch the power to a functioning lamp.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the closed-loop controller may contain a software port (not shown). The software port allows a user to download new software revisions and to test individual functions of the system 110.

[0051] In further embodiments, the system 110 may contain a control panel 330. A user may input setpoints values into the control panel 330. The control panel 330 may also contain a switch (not shown) to allow the user to chose between either positive or negative room pressure. The switch can be either a mechanical switch, a key pad, or a key pad multiple digital code. In embodiments containing multiple fans, the control panel 330 may allow the user to select one of the fans to move in a different direction. Other functions of the control panel 330 include, but are not limited to, diagnosing one or all functions of the control system, and displaying when routine services, such as UV lamp 210 replacements, are needed. The control panel 330 may be available in multiple languages.

[0052] In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the system 110 may also contain safety sensors 340. The safety sensors 340 may include an audible or visible alarm. The safety sensor 340 and the associated alarm may be in communication with the microprocessor 360 and the closed-loop controller 320. After receiving a signal from the closed-loop controller 320, the safety sensor 340 may trigger the alarm if the system 110 is not operating at the setpoint value or when system components are not functioning.

[0053] A universal power supply 350 supplies power to the system 110. The power supply 350 contains a GSI and a breaker reset and may be plugged into a standard wall socket.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 110 is a filter-less system. In the filter-less embodiment, the UV light kills or neutralizes the micro-organisms as they pass through the germicidal radiation chamber 140.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 can be contained within an electrical chassis 405. In such embodiments, a user can essentially slide the germicidal radiation chamber 140 into the electric chassis 405 to create the complete system 110. As discussed in greater detail below, the electrical chassis 405 houses many of the electrical and mechanical components of the system 110.

[0056] In still other embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the system 110 may include a HEPA filter 410 located at one or both ends of the germicidal radiation chamber 140. In some embodiments, the filter 410 may be at the opposite end of the germicidal radiation chamber 140 from the fans 910 (see FIGS. 7 and 10). To ease filter installation and replacement, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 may include slots that allow access to the filter 410. The addition of the filter 410 and two more sensors (an air flow sensor in the UVC chamber and a UVC level sensor in the UVC chamber, discussed in greater detail below) essentially makes the system 110 a portable air cleaner and air sterilizer as well as a room isolation controller and a room containment controller.

[0057] In preferred embodiments, the filter 410 should be a translucent fiber glass HEPA filter. The translucent filter allows the UV radiation to pass through the filter, allowing the UVC radiation to kill the viruses as they move through the germicidal radiation chamber 140 and pass through the filter 410. In some embodiments, the filter may be pleated to increase the effective surface area of the filter. The pleated filters can be oriented such that the pleats are vertical, and the axis of the UV lamp 210 is transverse to the filter pleat axis. In preferred embodiments, the UV lamps 210 are co-planar.

[0058] The HEPA filter 410 will trap larger contamination, exposing the larger contamination to continuous irradiation by the high intensity UVC lamps 210. By doing so, the filter 410 allows for destruction of the larger particulates (which require greater amounts or irradiation to be killed), while maintaining a manageable system size and the flowrates needed for room isolation and containment. The UVC radiation will dissociate most organic particulates from the HEPA filter 410, creating a self-cleaning filter.

[0059] The filter 410 and filter frame 415 (FIG. 7) should be constructed from materials that are resistant to UVC radiation. For example, the filter 410 may be translucent fiber glass, and the filter frame 415 may be metal.

[0060] The entrance to the germicidal radiation chamber 140 can also include a UVC light baffle and flow straightener 420. As discussed above, the UVC light baffles prevent UV light from exiting the germicidal radiation chamber 140. As the name suggests, the flow straighteners straighten the air flow through the system and may be used to reduce turbulence within the germicidal radiation chamber 140.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the germicidal radiation chamber 140 can have a cover 620 that encases the germicidal radiation chamber 140. In addition, some embodiments of the present invention may also have a UV level sensor 610 located within the germicidal radiation chamber 140. The UV level sensor 610 can either be in or at the edge of the air flow. The UV level sensor 610 can transmit a signal to the microprocessor, which may control the fan speed or indicator lights based on the UV level sensor signal.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the system 110 may also include an air flow sensor 710 located within the germicidal radiation chamber 140 (e.g., mounted to the inside wall of the chamber) and connected to the microprocessor. In preferred embodiments, the air flow sensor should 710 be a solid state sensor and co-linear with the air flow. In addition, the air sensor 710 should be shielded from the UV radiation to prevent damage to the air flow sensor 710. The air flow sensor 710 can send a signal to the microprocessor indicative of the air flow through the system. The microprocessor may then use this signal to modify the fan speed or control an indicator light (e.g., an alarm). In some embodiments, the air flow sensors 710 can be temperature compensated.

[0063] In addition to the above described components, the electrical chassis 405 can also house the UVC power supply 810 and the fan power supply 820. The electrical chassis 405 can also house the differential air pressure sensor 150. In a similar manner as the flow sensors 710, the differential air pressure sensor 150 can be temperature compensated.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, to improve system storage and prevent debris, dirt, and other objects from collecting within the system 110, the system 110 may also have a cover 1010 that closes off the air flow when the system is not in use. The cover 1010 may be, for example, a slide or a flap made from an insulating material. In some embodiments, the system may include a cover interlock switch 1020 electrically connected to the cover 1010 to sense the position of the cover 1010 (e.g., whether the cover is open or closed). The cover interlock switch 1020 may also be electrically connected to the microprocessor such that it prevents system operation when the cover 1010 is closed.

[0065] In some embodiments, a cable 1030 can be used to activate (e.g., open and close) the cover 1010. The position of the cable 1030 can act as the on-off switch for the system. For example, when the cable position corresponds to an open cover, the system is on. Conversely, when the cable position corresponds to a closed cover, the system is off. Like the cover 1010 itself, the cable 1030 can also be electrically connected to a cable interlock switch 1050 (FIG. 10) to sense the position of the cable 1030. A user can adjust the position of the cable 1030 (e.g., open and close) using a knob 1040 located on the system control panel 330 (FIG. 11).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 10, the system can have a fan assembly 1025 attached to the electrical chassis 405. The fan assembly can have any number of fans (FIG. 10 shows 3 fans) that create the air flow through the system. As mentioned above, the fan speed can be controlled based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to, pressure differential, set points, and amount of UV light. The fan assembly 1025 can have a pre-filter assembly 1027 that covers each of the fans. The pre-filter assembly 1027 prevents larger objects, debris, or small animals from entering the system 110.

[0067] In some embodiments, the portion of the system 110 exposed to the outside elements may have insulation 1205 (FIG. 12). In addition, the outside shell 1210 may receive an expandable frame (not shown) that provides for a better fit in through-window installations. The expandable frame can expand to the size of the window in which the system is installed. The expandable frame may include a soft gasket for sealing against the window sill, window frame, and the system shell.

[0068] Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the invention. These and other obvious modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.