DE102020107315B4 - Process for cleaning the interior of pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cleaning the interior of pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems, comprising at least the following method steps in the order: a) Carrying out a pre-cleaning of the at least one pipe to be cleaned with at least one cleaning device (1) at least one pipe is guided; b) taking at least one first contact sample of the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1), which for this purpose is provided with at least one first sterile carrier element and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference; c) cleaning of the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1), which for this purpose is provided with at least one first cleaning element and is guided through the at least one pipe due to the pressure difference; d) Detection of the interior of the at least one pipe by means of at least one sensor, which is little at least one pipe is passed in order to determine the degree of soiling; e) disinfecting the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1) which is passed through the at least one pipe due to the pressure difference and which is provided with at least one second cleaning element for this purpose, which comprises a disinfectant; and f) taking at least one second contact sample.

Description

The invention relates to a method for cleaning the interior of pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems. The invention also relates to a cleaning device for use in such a method.

In the private sector in particular, controlled living space ventilation systems and air conditioning systems are increasingly being installed. For this purpose, flexible plastic pipes provided with grooves are usually laid. The problem here is that the pipes become soiled over time and contaminated with germs, yeasts, molds or the like.

To clean the pipes, it is known from practice to pass them through, as in the case of chimneys, brushes or the like. Coarse dirt can be removed under certain circumstances. However, any contamination is not removed.

the DE 20 2019 000 152 U1 relates to a cleaning device for cleaning pipes of ventilation or air conditioning systems. A so-called pig is used, which consists of one or more parts that are held together by a rope or a flexible axle.

In the DE 20 2019 000 165 U1 is a device for collecting the impurities when cleaning ventilation and air conditioning systems.

the WO 2005/007 308 A1 relates to a pig for cleaning the inside of deposits in a pipe, the pig being provided with at least one axial spiral groove which is formed in the surface of the pig facing the inner surface of the tube.

Proceeding from this, the object of the present invention is to create a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular enables a thorough cleaning of pipes also in the private sector. B. with germs, yeasts, molds, etc., should preferably be verifiably eliminated.

This object is achieved according to the invention by claim 1.

1. a) Durchführen einer Vorreinigung des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mit wenigstens einer Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche durch eine Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird;
2. b) Entnehmen wenigstens einer ersten Abklatschprobe des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche dazu mit wenigstens einem ersten sterilen Trägerelement versehen und durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird;
3. c) Reinigen des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche dazu mit wenigstens einem ersten Putzelement versehen und durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird;
4. d) Erfassen des Innenbereichs des wenigstens einen Rohrs mittels wenigstens eines Sensors, welcher durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird, um einen Verschmutzungsgrad festzustellen;
5. e) Desinfizieren des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird und welche dazu mit wenigstens einem zweiten Putzelement versehen wird, welches ein Desinfektionsmittel aufweist; und
6. f) Entnehmen wenigstens einer zweiten Abklatschprobe des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche dazu mit wenigstens einem zweiten sterilen Trägerelement versehen und durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird.

According to the invention, a method for cleaning the interior of pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems is proposed, comprising at least the following method steps, in particular in the following sequence:

1. a) performing a pre-cleaning of the at least one pipe to be cleaned with at least one cleaning device which is guided through the at least one pipe by a pressure difference;
2. b) taking at least one first contact sample of the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device, which for this purpose is provided with at least one first sterile carrier element and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference;
3. c) cleaning the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device, which for this purpose is provided with at least one first cleaning element and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference;
4. d) detecting the interior of the at least one pipe by means of at least one sensor which is guided through the at least one pipe in order to determine a degree of contamination;
5. e) disinfecting the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device which is guided by the pressure difference through the at least one pipe and which is provided with at least one second cleaning element which has a disinfectant; and
6. f) Taking at least one second contact sample of the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device, which for this purpose is provided with at least one second sterile carrier element and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference.

By means of the measures according to the invention, a thorough cleaning of the pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems can be carried out, with an effective and verifiable disinfection also taking place.

• 1.) Kamerabefahrung aller Rohre, um den Grad der Verschmutzung und eventuelle Schäden festzustellen bzw. zu erkennen;
• 2.) Anbringen eines Staubsaugeradapters an dem zur Erzeugung des der Druckdifferenz verwendeten Staubsauger;
• 3.) Grobreinigung mit der Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 4.) Entnehmen einer ersten Abklatschprobe des gesamten Rohrs, mittels einer Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche mit einer sterilen Kompresse oder einem sterilen Schwamm oder dergleichen umwickelt ist;
• 5.) Reinigen des Rohres mit der Reinigungsvorrichtung, welche beispielsweise mit einem Microfasertuch als erstem Putzelement umwickelt ist;
• 6.) Kamerabefahrung des Rohres, um den Grad der Verschmutzung festzustellen;
• 7.) Wiederholung der Punkte 5 und 6 so lange, bis der gewünschte Reinigungseffekt erzielt ist;
• 8.) Desinfektion des gesamten Rohres mit der Reinigungsvorrichtung und einem in Desinfektionsmittel getränkten Tuch, insbesondere Microfasertuch;
• 9.) Entnehmen einer zweiten Abklatschprobe, um ein nachweisliches Ergebnis der Reinigung zur Verfügung stellen zu können.

The application method according to the invention for pipe cleaning by means of a cleaning device can proceed as follows:

• 1.) Camera inspection of all pipes to determine or recognize the degree of soiling and possible damage;
• 2.) Attaching a vacuum cleaner adapter to the vacuum cleaner used to generate the pressure difference;
• 3.) Rough cleaning with the cleaning device;
• 4.) Taking a first contact sample of the entire pipe, by means of a Cleaning device wrapped with a sterile compress or sponge or the like;
• 5.) Cleaning the pipe with the cleaning device, which is wrapped, for example, with a microfiber cloth as the first cleaning element;
• 6.) Camera inspection of the pipe to determine the degree of contamination;
• 7.) Repeat points 5 and 6 until the desired cleaning effect is achieved;
• 8.) Disinfection of the entire pipe with the cleaning device and a cloth soaked in disinfectant, in particular a microfiber cloth;
• 9.) Taking a second contact sample in order to be able to provide a verifiable result of the cleaning.

The at least one first and / or second sterile carrier element can be a sterile compress.

In contrast to the specifications of VDI 6022, in which a contact sample must be taken directly on the object, this is difficult to do with a pipe due to its length. Therefore, in this case, a sterile compress or the like can be wrapped around the cleaning device as a carrier element and sucked through the pipe to be cleaned using the vacuum method. Due to the nature of the cleaning device, the sterile compress is pressed against the pipe wall and thus absorbs the contamination. When removing the cleaning device with the contaminated compress, attention should be paid to cleanliness so that a contact sample can then be taken from the contaminated compress. The first contact sample can be used, for example by an external laboratory, to determine how high the total contamination of the pipe was before cleaning. After the pipe has been cleaned and disinfected, an external laboratory can also use the second or last contact sample to demonstrate how successful the cleaning and disinfection by the method according to the invention was. As a desirable result, the contamination by yeasts, molds and germs should be significantly reduced or no longer detectable.

The at least one first and / or second cleaning element can be designed as a microfiber cloth.

Microfiber cloths have a greatly increased cleaning efficiency for various types of soiling. Microfiber cloths can also be used for cleaning relatively residue-free and in almost all applications without the need to use harsh cleaning agents; water is usually sufficient to moisten the cloth. In the present case, for example, a vinegar cleaner can be used to achieve a very thorough cleaning effect on the pipes.

By means of the at least one sensor, which is guided through the at least one tube, the interior area or part of the interior area of the at least one tube can be detected before method step a) in order to determine a degree of contamination and / or possible damage, in particular as a visual inspection of the at least one tube ascertain.

Process steps c) and d) can be repeated one after the other until a desired or predetermined reduction in the degree of soiling, in particular a reduction in the infestation of germs and fungi, has been achieved.

The at least one sensor can be designed as a camera.

Before method step a), a vacuum cleaner can be connected to a first end of the at least one tube, in particular via an adapter preferably made of silicone, in order to generate the required pressure difference. The vacuum cleaner can be suitable for dust class H (highly hazardous dusts). In addition, a vacuum of at least 160 mbar can be generated by the vacuum cleaner.

A class H vacuum cleaner can be used to clean the pipes. In the event of a possible contamination of the at least one pipe by mold, it can thus be ensured that the mold is properly suctioned off and also remains in the vacuum cleaner. Using an unsuitable vacuum cleaner can spread the mold further into the air. The vacuum cleaner should create a vacuum of at least 160 mbar to ensure that the cleaning device does not get stuck in the pipe. To connect the vacuum cleaner to different pipe diameters, a vacuum cleaner adapter can be used, which is especially made individually for the respective pipe, also preferably made of silicone. Silicone has high non-stick properties, is dishwasher safe and can therefore be used multiple times. In addition, silicone has high dimensional stability over a long period of time (sustainability) and high chemical resistance to aggressive media such as disinfectants and cleaning agents.

It is advantageous if the vacuum cleaner is connected in the technical or boiler room or in the room in which the central unit of the air conditioning or ventilation system is located, in order to direct the dirt there from the rooms or living spaces.

In method steps b), c), e) and f), the cleaning device can be wrapped with the at least one first and / or second sterile carrier element and / or with the at least one first and / or second cleaning element.

The cleaning device can be cylindrical and / or have a plurality of circumferential elastic lamellae in its outer surface or jacket surface, and / or be made in one piece, and / or be at least partially or completely made of silicone.

Because the cleaning device is made of silicone, it can ideally adapt to the shape of the pipe to be cleaned. Silicone has high non-stick properties and is dishwasher safe. Furthermore, it has a high dimensional stability over a long period of time and a high chemical resistance to aggressive media. Due to its shape and the adaptable size of the lamellas, the cleaning device is ideally placed in the recesses of the pipe in order to remove the dirt there without damaging any antibacterial coating on the pipes. Due to its shape and composition, the cleaning device is ideally suited as a carrier for sterile compresses or microfibre cloths in order to gently press them against the pipe walls. In this way, optimal cleaning results are achieved or the disinfectant is applied to the entire surface of the pipe. In this way, a complete and comprehensive cleaning and disinfection is achieved.

Claim 11 specifies a cleaning device for use in a method for cleaning the interior of one or more pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems.

The circumferential elastic lamellae can be formed by alternating elevations and depressions on the lateral surface that extend in the radial direction.

Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in principle below with reference to the drawing.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Reinigungsvorrichtung zur Verwendung in einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren;
• 2 eine seitliche Ansicht der Reinigungsvorrichtung aus 1; und
• 3 eine vereinfachte perspektivische Ansicht eines Staubsaugeradapters.

They show schematically:

• 1 a perspective view of a cleaning device for use in a method according to the invention;
• 2 a side view of the cleaning device 1 ; and
• 3 a simplified perspective view of a vacuum cleaner adapter.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a cleaning device 1 , in particular for use in a method for cleaning the interior of one or more pipes, not shown, of ventilation and air conditioning systems, which is cylindrical and has several circumferential elastic lamellas 2 in their lateral surface 3 having. The cleaning device 1 can be designed in one piece and / or at least partially or completely made of silicone.

The surrounding elastic slats 2 are like out 1 can be seen through alternating elevations extending in the radial direction 3a and depressions 3b the outer surface 3 educated.

In 2 FIG. 14 is a side view of the cleaning device of FIG 1 shown, with the lowest indentation 3b the outer surface 3 only in 2 is shown.

1. a) Durchführen einer Vorreinigung des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mit wenigstens einer Reinigungsvorrichtung 1, welche durch eine Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird;
2. b) Entnehmen wenigstens einer ersten Abklatschprobe des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung 1, welche dazu mit wenigstens einem ersten sterilen Trägerelement versehen und durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird;
3. c) Reinigen des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung 1, welche dazu mit wenigstens einem nicht dargestellten ersten Putzelement versehen und durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird;
4. d) Erfassen des Innenbereichs des wenigstens einen Rohrs mittels wenigstens eines Sensors, welcher durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird, um einen Verschmutzungsgrad festzustellen;
5. e) Desinfizieren des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung 1, welche durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird und welche dazu mit wenigstens einem zweiten Putzelement versehen wird, welches ein Desinfektionsmittel aufweist; und
6. f) Entnehmen wenigstens einer zweiten Abklatschprobe des wenigstens einen zu reinigenden Rohrs mittels der Reinigungsvorrichtung 1, welche dazu mit wenigstens einem zweiten sterilen Trägerelement versehen und durch die Druckdifferenz durch das wenigstens eine Rohr geführt wird.

According to the invention, a method for cleaning the interior of pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems is now proposed, comprising at least the following method steps, in particular in the following sequence:

1. a) Carrying out a pre-cleaning of the at least one pipe to be cleaned with at least one cleaning device 1 which is passed through the at least one tube by a pressure difference;
2. b) Taking at least one first contact sample from the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device 1 which for this purpose is provided with at least one first sterile carrier element and is guided through the at least one tube by the pressure difference;
3. c) cleaning the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device 1 which for this purpose is provided with at least one first cleaning element, not shown, and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference;
4. d) detecting the interior of the at least one pipe by means of at least one sensor which is guided through the at least one pipe in order to determine a degree of contamination;
5. e) disinfecting the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device 1 which is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference and which is provided for this purpose with at least one second cleaning element which has a disinfectant; and
6. f) Taking at least one second contact sample from the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device 1 , which for this purpose is provided with at least one second sterile carrier element and is guided through the at least one tube by the pressure difference.

The at least one first and / or second sterile carrier element can be a sterile compress.

The at least one first and / or second cleaning element can be designed as a microfiber cloth.

By means of the at least one sensor, which is guided through the at least one tube, the inner area or a part of the inner area of the at least one tube can be detected before method step a) in order to determine a degree of contamination and / or possible damage to the at least one tube.

The process steps c) and d) can be repeated one after the other until a desired or predetermined reduction in the degree of soiling or the contamination has been achieved.

The at least one sensor can be designed as a camera.

Before method step a), a vacuum cleaner, in particular via an adapter, preferably made of silicone 4th (please refer 3 ), to be connected to a first end of the at least one pipe in order to generate the pressure difference.

The vacuum cleaner is thus used to guide the cleaning device 1 provided by the at least one pipe by means of the pressure difference.

The vacuum cleaner can be suitable for dust class H (highly hazardous dusts). A vacuum of at least 160 mbar, e.g. B. 256 mbar can be generated.

In method steps b), c), e) and f), the cleaning device can be wrapped with the at least one first and / or second sterile carrier element and / or with the at least one first and / or second cleaning element.

In further exemplary embodiments, the cleaning device 1 be made cylindrical and / or several circumferential elastic lamellae 2 in their outer surface or jacket surface 3 have and / or be made in one piece and / or be at least partially or completely formed from silicone.

List of reference symbols

1

Cleaning device

2

Slats

3

Outer surface

3a

increase

3b

deepening

4th

Adapter for vacuum cleaner

Claims (12)

Method for cleaning the interior of pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems, comprising at least the following method steps in the order: a) Carrying out a pre-cleaning of the at least one pipe to be cleaned with at least one cleaning device (1) which is guided through the at least one pipe by a pressure difference will; b) At least one first contact sample is taken from the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1), which for this purpose is provided with at least one first sterile carrier element provided and guided by the pressure difference through the at least one tube; c) cleaning the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1), which for this purpose is provided with at least one first cleaning element and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference; d) detecting the interior of the at least one pipe by means of at least one sensor which is guided through the at least one pipe in order to determine a degree of contamination; e) disinfecting the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1) which is guided through the at least one pipe due to the pressure difference and which for this purpose is provided with at least one second cleaning element which has a disinfectant; and f) taking at least one second contact sample of the at least one pipe to be cleaned by means of the cleaning device (1), which is provided with at least one second sterile carrier element for this purpose and is guided through the at least one pipe by the pressure difference. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the at least one first and / or second sterile carrier element is a sterile compress. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one first and / or second cleaning element is designed as a microfiber cloth. Procedure according to Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , wherein by means of the at least one sensor, which is guided through the at least one pipe, the inner region of the at least one pipe is detected before method step a) in order to determine a degree of contamination and / or possible damage to the at least one pipe. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , the process steps c) and d) being repeated one after the other until a predetermined reduction in the degree of soiling has been achieved. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the at least one sensor is designed as a camera. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , wherein before method step a) a vacuum cleaner, in particular via an adapter (4), preferably made of silicone, is connected to a first end of the at least one tube in order to generate the pressure difference. Procedure according to Claim 7 , wherein the vacuum cleaner is suitable for a dust class H, highly hazardous dusts, and / or a vacuum of at least 160 millibars can be generated by the vacuum cleaner. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the cleaning device (1) in process steps b), c), e) and f) is wrapped with the at least one first and / or second sterile carrier element and / or with the at least one first and / or second cleaning element. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 The cleaning device (1): - is cylindrical, and / or - has several circumferential elastic lamellas (2) in its outer surface or jacket surface (3), and / or - is made in one piece, and / or - at least partially or completely is formed from silicone. Cleaning device (1) for use in a method for cleaning the interior of one or more pipes of ventilation and air conditioning systems according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 which is cylindrical and has a plurality of circumferential elastic lamellae (2) in its outer surface (3), and which is formed in one piece and / or is at least partially or completely formed from silicone. Cleaning device (1) after Claim 11 , wherein the circumferential elastic lamellae (2) are formed by alternating elevations (3a) and depressions (3b) of the lateral surface (3) extending in the radial direction.

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