Membrane concentrator

摘要

Apparatus for concentrating a nebulant comprising a nebulant flow conduit and a counter-flow conduit, or preferably, a plurality of alternating nebulant flow conduits and corresponding counter-flow conduits eg in layered or coaxial arrangement. and wherein at least a portion of the nebulant flow conduit and said counter-flow conduits define respective opposed sides of a gas permeable membrane. In use a nebulizer is in communication with the nebulant flow conduit and the nebulant flow and counter-flow are in the same or opposite directions and act to concentrate the amount of active in a droplet eg from 35 wt % to 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide in water to disinfect and/or sterilize an article.

主权项

1. A method for concentrating a nebulant to produce a concentrated nebulant and wherein the concentrated nebulant is used to disinfect and/or sterilize an article, the method comprising:
(1) providing a flow of a nebulant consisting of a biocide in a solvent and having a first biocide:solvent ratio to a first side of a gas permeable membrane; and (2) providing a counter-flow of a gas to a second side of the gas-permeable membrane whereby to increase said first biocide:solvent ratio on the first side to a second biocide:solvent ratio greater than the first biocide:solvent ratio.