Ultraviolet light water treatment unit for high flow rate systems

Abstract

A fluid disinfection device is provided for integration into a high flow rate, controlled pressure, closed recirculation system, the device for disinfecting medical devices and lines in the system using high intensity UV-C light. A method of disinfecting a high flow rate, controlled pressure, closed recirculation system that includes a medical device is also provided.

Claims

1. A portable, liquid disinfection device for integration into a closed recirculation system, for use in heart surgery, which includes a heater-cooler unit (HCU), a cooling circuit in fluid communication with the HCU and an oxygenating circuit in fluid communication with the HCU, the portable, liquid disinfection device comprising: a housing which includes an inside upper surface and an inside lower surface, which is opposite the inside upper surface; a first external connector pair comprising a first external inlet line connector and a first external line outlet connector, which are for fluid connection with the cooling circuit; at least a second external connector pair comprising a second external inlet line connector and a second external line outlet connector, which are for fluid connection with the oxygenating circuit; and at least two units which are housed within the housing and are spaced apart from the inside lower surface, the inside upper surface and from one another, each unit including: at least one stainless steel cylinder, the cylinder defining a bore, the bore terminating in a first end and a second end, the cylinder including a mirrored, electropolished inner surface, an inlet in a vicinity of the first end and an outlet in a vicinity of the second end, both the inlet and the outlet disposed on an upper surface of the stainless steel cylinder and in fluid communication with the bore; a quartz tube centrally located in the bore and extending between the first end and the second end, the bore and quartz tube defining a void volume which accommodates a flow rate of at least 15 liters of liquid per minute; a high irradiance Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light source housed in the quartz tube and extending a length of the quartz tube, the light source including a power connector, the light source optically unobstructed from the mirrored, electropolished inner surface along the length of the quartz tube; an inlet line and an outlet line, the lines in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, respectively and with one of the external connector pairs; a first end cap and a second end cap, the end caps releasably sealing the first end and the second end, one of the first end cap and the second end cap including an orifice for the power connector to extend therefrom; a ballast for the UV-C light source, the ballast in electrical communication with the power connector; and a ballast control panel in electrical communication with the ballast.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the high irradiance UV-C light source is an at least about 150 milliwatt per square centimeter UV-C light source.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least about 150 milliwatt per square centimeter UV-C light source is an at least about 240 milliwatts per square centimeter UV-C light source.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein, in use, the void volume in each unit receives about 240 millijoules per square centimeter UV-C light.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein each cylinder is insulated to an R value of at least about 3.0.

6. The device of claim 5 further comprising at least one handle attached to and extending from an outside upper surface of the housing.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the void volume is about 951 milliliters and the distance between the quartz tube and the inner wall of the cylinder is about 18.7 mm.

8. A controlled pressure, closed water recirculation system, the system including a heater-cooler unit (HCU) for heart surgery, a portable disinfection device, a cooling water circuit, and an oxygenating water circuit, each circuit including the HCU and the portable disinfection device, the disinfection device including a housing which includes an inside upper surface and an inside lower surface which is opposite the inside upper surface and at least two units which are housed within the housing and are spaced apart from the inside lower surface, the inside upper surface and from one another, each unit in separate fluid communication with the HCU to provide each of the cooling water circuit and the oxygenating water circuit, wherein each unit comprises: at least one stainless steel cylinder, the cylinder defining a bore, the bore terminating in a first end and a second end, the cylinder including a mirrored, electropolished inner surface, an inlet in a vicinity of the first end and an outlet in a vicinity of the second end, both the inlet and the outlet disposed on an upper surface of the stainless steel cylinder and in fluid communication with the bore; a quartz tube centrally located in the bore and extending between the first end and the second end, the bore and quartz tube defining a void volume which accommodates a flow rate of at least 15 liters of liquid per minute; a high irradiance Ultraviolet-C(UV-C) light source housed in the quartz tube and extending a length of the quartz tube, the light source including a power connector, the light source optically unobstructed from the mirrored, electropolished inner surface along the length of the quartz tube; an inlet line and an outlet line, the lines in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, respectively; a first end cap and a second end cap, the end caps releasably sealing the first end and the second end, one of the first end cap and the second end cap including an orifice for the power connector to extend therefrom; a ballast for the UV-C light source, the ballast in electrical communication with the power connector; and a ballast control panel which is in electrical communication with the ballast.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the high irradiance UV-C light source is an at least about 150 milliwatt per square centimeter UV-C light source.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least about 150 milliwatt per square centimeter UV-C light source is an at least about 240 milliwatts per square centimeter UV-C light source.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, in use, the void volume in each unit receives about 240 millijoules per square centimeter UV-C light.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein each unit is insulated.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein each cylinder is insulated to an R value of at least about 3.0.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising at least one handle attached to and extending from an outside upper surface of the housing.

15. A method of reducing or eliminating microbial contamination in a high flow rate, controlled pressure, closed liquid recirculation system, the method comprising selecting the system of claim 8, turning the UV-C light source on, charging the system with liquid, irradiating the liquid with the high irradiance UV-C light source and recirculating the liquid through the system, thereby reducing or eliminating microbial contamination.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein irradiating provides a dosage of at least about 200 millijoules per square centimeter.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the microbial contamination includes microbial cells and biofilm.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the microbial contamination includes Mycobacterium chimaera.

19. A method of reducing or eliminating microbial contamination a high flow rate, controlled pressure, closed liquid recirculation system, which includes an HCU, the method comprising integrating the device of claim 1 into the recirculation system, turning the UV-C light source on, charging the system with liquid, irradiating the liquid with the high irradiance UV-C light source and recirculating the liquid through the system, thereby reducing or eliminating microbial contamination.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein irradiating provides a dosage of at least about 200 millijoules per square centimeter.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the microbial contamination includes Mycobacterium chimaera.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic of the system of the present technology.

(2) FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary cylinder of the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 2B is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the cylinder of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of the housing of the device; FIG. 3B is top sectional view of the housing of the device.

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic of the electrical system of a unit of the device of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 5 is an end view of the cylinders.

(6) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the housing of the device of FIG. 1; and FIG. 6B is a back view of the housing of the device of FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 7 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION

(8) Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description and claims): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms a, an, and the, as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term about applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words herein, hereby, hereof, hereto, hereinbefore, and hereinafter, and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) or and any are not exclusive and include and including are not limiting. Further, the terms comprising, having, including, and containing are to be construed as open ended terms (i.e., meaning including, but not limited to,) unless otherwise noted.

(9) To the extent necessary to provide descriptive support, the subject matter and/or text of the appended claims is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

(10) Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.

(11) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.

Definitions

(12) BHI agarin the context of the present technology, BHI agar is Brain heart infusion agar.

(13) CFUin the context of the present technology, CFU is colony forming units.

(14) R/OIn the context of the present technology, R/O is Reverse osmosis

(15) High flow ratein the context of the present technology a high flow rate is a flow rate of at least about 15 Litres per minute.

(16) Controlled pressurein the context of the present technology, a controlled pressure is one that is not gravity fed and is under the control of a pump or other pressurizing device.

(17) High irradiancein the context of the present technology, high irradiance is about 80 milliwatts per square centimeter to about 120 milliwatts per square centimeter, based on an end of lamp light rating of 80% or 100 milliwatts per square centimeter to about 150 milliwatts per square centimeter based on a new lamp light rating of 100%.

(18) High dosagein the context of the present technology, high dosage is about 200 millijoules per square centimeter to about 400 millijoules per square centimeter to about 4000 millijoules per square centimeter.

(19) Electropolishedin the context of the present invention, electropolished refers to a surface that has been treated to remove contamination that could cause corrosion. It also creates a smoother finish that is possible by mechanical polishing alone. An electropolished surface has higher reflectivity than does a mechanically polished surface. An electropolished surface lacks directional scars that are present on a surface that has been polished abrasively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(20) As shown in FIG. 1, a system, generally referred to as 8, is for providing a controlled flow of fluid to heart during surgery. The system 8 includes a disinfection device, generally referred to as 10, a first fluid circuit 12 and a second fluid circuit 14 that are coupled to and in fluid communication with the disinfection device 10 and a medical device 16, which in the preferred embodiment is an HCU. It is a closed system, with a high flow rate and controlled pressure. Each fluid circuit 12, 14 has a flow switch 18, a temperature switch 19, an inlet line 20, 24 and an outlet line 26, 28 and is in fluid communication with a circulating fluid source, which may be a pump 30, 32, which may be integral to the medical device 16 or may be a separate unit. The disinfection device 10 includes a device first inlet line 34, a device second inlet line 36, a device first outlet line 38 and a device second outlet line 40, a first cylinder 42 and a second cylinder 44, the first cylinder 42 in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit 12 via the device first inlet line 34 and the device first outlet line 38 and the second cylinder 44 in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit 14 via the device second inlet line 36 and the device second outlet line 40. The cylinders 42, 44 are stainless steel.

(21) The inlet lines 20, 24 and the outlet lines 26, 28 are mated with a first and second inlet 58, 60 and a first and second outlet 62, 64 respectively, with half-inch Hansen couplings (fittings) 65. The first and second inlets and outlets 58, 60, 62, 64 are located on the device housing 66. Similarly, the inlet lines 20, 24 and the outlet lines 26, 28 are mated with at an HCU first inlet 68, 70 and an HCU first and second outlet 72, 74, respectively with half-inch Hansen couplings 65. Note that the Hansen couplings can be replaced in other embodiments with other quick release fittings suitable for surgical settings and approved for use in surgical settings.

(22) As shown in FIG. 2A, using one cylinder as an example, each cylinder 42, 44 houses a UV-C (100 nano meters (nm) to 280 nm, specifically 254 nm) light source 48 which is housed in a quartz tube 52. The quartz tubes 52 are housed in a bore 56 of the cylinders 42, 44. A UV sensor 76 is housed in the cylinder 42, 44. A base 46 at the end of the light source 48 is releasably mated with a socket 50, both of which are specific to the light source 48, examples of which are found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,604,505, incorporated herein in its entirety, which in turn is in electrical communication with the light ballast of FIG. 4. This ensures that only the light source 48 of the disinfection device 10 can be used in the disinfection device 10.

(23) The cylinder has a mirrored, electropolished inner surface 78. Without being bound to theory, the mirrored, electropolished inner surface 78 allows for a lower light irradiance to result in a higher dosage, hence a 100 microwatt per square centimeter irradiance UV-C light source produces a dosage that would be produced by a 160 microwatt per square centimeter irradiance UV-C light source. The cylinder inlet 80 and the cylinder outlet 84 are located normal to the cylinder bores 56 and extend upward from the upper surface 85 of the cylinder 42. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the inlet 80 and the outlet 84 extend from the lower surface 87 of the cylinder. Testing showed that the embodiment of FIG. 2A provided much higher dosages (see Tables 4 and 5). Without being bound to theory, the improvement is expected to result from a higher volume of water in the cylinder 42 as less air is trapped. Consequently, the exposure time is higher.

(24) The inlet 80 and outlet 84 are barbed connectors for connecting the device inlet and outlet lines 34, 38. The quartz tube 52 extends the length 102 of the cylinder 42. An end cap 90 releasably retains the quartz tube 52 in the cylinder 42 on a central longitudinal axis 92 of the bore 56. A shoulder 94 at each end of the bore 56 slidably retains the end cap 90. Threads 96 on an outer surface 98 of the cylinder 42 at the neck 100 threadedly retain a nut 110 or a threaded cap. An O-ring 112 is seated between the nut 110 and the outer surface 98. One nut 110 has an orifice 114 for the power connector 116 that connects to the UV light source 48. The cylinder 42 is retained with a pair of pipe claims 118 to allow it to sit inside the housing 66 so that it is raised from the inside lower surface 120 of the housing and is spaced apart from the inside upper surface. The pipe clamps 118 are attached to a strut 124 that extends across the width of the device 10.

(25) As shown in FIG. 3A, the housing 66 has a slot 126 in the front 128 in which the inlets 58 and outlets are retained, such that they are flush with the front 128 of the housing 66. The cylinder 42 is in the upright configuration, in which the inlet 80 and outlet 84 extend upward. The UV sensor 76 can be seen. FIG. 3B shows the middle inlet 60 and outlet 64 of a three cylinder system are offset from the outer inlets 58 and outlets 62. The front 128 is curved.

(26) As shown in FIG. 4, a cable gland 118 connects the power connector 116 to a cable 130 that is in electrical communication with the light ballast 132. The light ballast 132 includes a green LED light 133. A power cord 134 extends from the light ballast 132. The light ballast 132 is in electrical communication with the flow switch 18 of FIG. 1. The flow switch 18 closes when there is flow in the circuit 12, 14, which signals a relay 136 in the ballast control centre 140 to send power to the light ballast 132. The flow switch 18, therefore prevents the light ballast 132 from energizing if there is no flow. The ballast control centre 140 is in electrical communication with the light ballast 132. The ballast control centre 140 is a printed circuit board and includes a real-time monitor that measures the hours of use of the light source 48. It is electrical communication with the UV sensors 78. The relay 136 will shut down the circuit 12, 14 if the light source 48 is not changed. The ballast control centre 140 is also in electrical communication with a data logger 144, which records light ballast 132 usage. This is in electrical communication with a read-out 150 showing light source days remaining. The ballast control centre 140 is also in electrical communication with the temperature switch 19 of FIG. 1 and the relay 136 will shut down the circuit 12, 14 if the temperature is outside of the acceptable range. The ballast control centre 140 is in electrical communication with an audible alarm and red light emitting diode (LED) light 168, a yellow LED 170 and a green LED 172. The conditions associated with the various LEDs being lit are described in Table 3. To be clear, each circuit includes these components.

(27) As the HCU in a cardiac surgical unit provides a cold water supply for cooling the heart and an oxygenated water supply for oxygenating the heart, the temperature of the water in the two circuits needs to be maintained at their respective temperatures. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5, the cylinders 42, 44 are placed about 4.73 inches apart, centre to centre. Each cylinder 42, 44 is wrapped along it length 102 with an insulation layer 202, 204 to an R value of at least about 3.0, preferably 3.2. The distance 206 between the insulation layers 202, 204 is between about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, preferably about 1.23 inches. The lines within the device are wrapped with insulation to provide an R value of at least about 3.0, preferably 3.3. The insulation protects the fluid from the ambient environment temperature and reduces or eliminates sweating.

(28) The system can treat fluid flowing through inch hose diameter (ID) at up to 20 liters per minute. The pressure of the fluid is about 14.5 psi-29 psi. The preferred flow rate of the fluid is 20 liters per minute. The flow rate and pressure are maintained at the same level as in the lines. The system is a closed system. Once they are charged with the fluid, which in the preferred embodiment is water, the pressure and flow rate is consistent over time and location (position in the lines and device). The fluid in the system flows into the cylinder and along the length of the UV light source, which irradiates in a full 360 degrees. The light source is 330 mm long. The void volume of the cylinder is 951 mL. The distance between the quartz tube 52 and the inner wall of the cylinder 42 is 18.7 mm (0.735 inch). The light dosage is high and is about 130 millijoules per square centimeter per circuit based on the end of lamp life of 80%.

(29) As shown in FIG. 6A, the red, yellow and green LEDs 168, 170, 172 are located at the front 128 of the housing 66. Two handles 266 are located on the outer surface 264. As shown in FIG. 6B, a power on indicator light 270, a switch 272 and an access panel 274 are located on the back 276 of the device 10. The device weighs about 48 pounds, when constructed from stainless steel and can easily be carried by one person. In an alternative embodiment, the device is constructed from aluminum and weighs about 20 to about 30 pounds.

(30) In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the system 8 includes a safeguard that prevents the system 8 from being used until the UV light source 48 has been running for at least 30 minutes, preferably 45 minutes and most preferably an hour. Both the device 10 and the HCU 16 are provided with a wireless antenna 306, 310, which may be Blue Tooth or Wi-Fi or the like. The device 10 includes firmware 302 and a processor 304 under control of the firmware 302. Once the UV light source 48 has run for the prescribed amount of time, the firmware instructs the processor 304 to send a signal to the HCU indicating that it can be started. The firmware 312 and processor 314 in the HCU control start up. The signal is preferably sent wirelessly, however, a wired connection could also be used.

(31) In some embodiments, the device may house a pump for each circuit.

(32) In another embodiment, the device may recirculate the fluid within the device, hence there is one line in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet and in fluid communication with the pump. A bleed line with a releasable closure is in fluid communication with the line.

(33) In another embodiment, there are three circuits, with three vessels, each vessel having a lamp, as described above for the two cylinder and two lamp embodiment. The flow rate remains the same (20 liters per minute). The lamp has an intensity of about 240 milliwatts per centimeter squared based on the end of lamp life of 80%. The light dosage is high (see Table 4) and is about 240 millijoules per square centimeter per circuit based on the end of lamp life of 80%.

(34) In another embodiment, there is one circuit, with one vessel having a lamp, as described above for the two cylinder and two lamp embodiment. The flow rate remains the same. The lamp has an intensity of about 120 milliwatts per centimeter squared based on the end of lamp life of 80%. The light dosage is high (see Table 4 and is about 240 millijoules per square centimeter per circuit based on the end of lamp life of 80%.

(35) In yet another embodiment, there is one water circuit and two vessels, each with a lamp. The relationship between the vessels and the lamps is as described above. Each lamp has an intensity of about 80 milliwatts per square centimeter based on the end of lamp life of 80%. The light dosage is high (see Table 5) and is about 800 millijoules per square centimeter per circuit based on the end of lamp life of 80% and a flow rate of about 5.5 liters per minute. This device is for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

(36) A method of reducing, eliminating or controlling both Mycobacterium chimaera and the associated biofilm (note that the method and device do not remove existing biofilm, but will reduce, eliminate or control formation of new biofilm) is as follows: The disinfection device is attached with the inlet and outlet lines to an HCU. The UV lamp is powered, allowing for sufficient warm up time. Once it is sufficiently warmed up, the HCU and pumps, whether internal to the HCU or external are started and the cylinders and lines in the disinfection device are charged with reverse osmosis water. The flow rate is between about 9 Litres/minute (L/min) to about 20 L/min, for example, 9-11 L/minute for the patient circuit and 15-17 L/min for the cardioplegia circuit in HCUs. The exposure time of the fluid to the UV light is very low. At 20 L/min the water is exposed for about 2.86 seconds. At about 15 L/min, the water is exposed for about 3.77 seconds.

(37) At a total system volume of about 15 litres, the water in the system completes one circuit at 9-11 L/min in approximately 1.5 minutes and at 15 L/min, in about 1 minute.

(38) In a larger system with a total volume of about 29 litres, the water in the system completes one circuit at 9-11 L/min in about 3 minutes and at 15-17 L/m, in about 2 minutes. Thus, the water is recirculated quickly through the system, exposing the water to the UV light source every 1-3 minutes, but for only a few seconds (about 3 seconds per circuit). The effect of recirculation on the bacterial count can be seen in the examples. Recirculating the water in a closed system results in about a Log.sub.10 9 reduction in bacteria.

Example 1

(39) The efficacy of the antimicrobial (disinfectant) device was tested using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Method E2315 Modified for DevicesAssessment of Antimicrobial Activity using a Time-Kill Procedure. ASTM E2315 is a quantitative test method designed to assess changes in the population of microorganisms in an antimicrobial liquid suspension. The method is versatile and can be conducted using contact times ranging from ten seconds to 24 hours. The ASTM E2315 test method uses non-antimicrobial agents as controls to establish baselines for microbial reductions.

(40) The device tested was an early design in which the inner surface of the cylinder was mirrored but was not electropolished. The orientation of the inlet and the outlet was down, such that air was trapped in the cylinder.

(41) The test microorganism used was Mycobacterium smegmatis which is an acid-fast, bacillus-shaped aerobic microorganism that is found in soil, plants, and water. Mycobacterium smegmatis is commonly used as a surrogate model for Mycobacterium tuberculosis because the two microorganisms share a number of morphological traits including the distinctive waxy cell that provides robust resistance to chemical disinfectants and sanitizers. Similarly, it shares a number of morphological traits with Mycobacterium chimaera.

(42) Summary of the Procedure Test microorganisms were prepared in liquid culture medium for bacteria or on agar for fungi. The suspension of test microorganism was standardized, as needed, by dilution in a buffered saline solution. Test and control substances were dispensed in identical volumes to sterile vessels. Independently, Test and Control substances were inoculated with each test microorganism, then mixed and incubated. Control substances were immediately harvested and represent the concentration present at the start of the test, or time zero. At the conclusion of the contact time, a volume of the liquid test solution was harvested and chemically neutralized. Dilutions of the neutralized test solution were assayed using appropriate growth media to determine the surviving microorganisms at the respective contact times. Reductions of microorganisms were calculated by comparing initial microbial concentrations to final microbial concentrations.

(43) Criteria for Scientific Defensibility of an ASTM E2315 Study

(44) For a Time Kill study to be scientifically defensible, the following criteria must be met:

(45) 1. The average number of viable bacteria recovered from the time zero samples must be approximately 110.sup.6 cells/ml or greater.

(46) 2. Ordinary consistency between replicates must be observed for the time zero samples.

(47) 3. Positive/Growth controls must demonstrate growth of appropriate test microorganism.

(48) 4. Negative/Purity controls must demonstrate no growth of test microorganism.

(49) Testing Parameters used in this Study

(50) Culture Growth Media: BHI Agar

(51) Culture Growth Time: 5-10 days

(52) Culture Dilution Media: N/A

(53) Inoculum Volume: 10.0 ml

(54) Inoculum Concentration: 1.0106 CFU/ml

(55) Contact Temp.: Ambient

(56) Contact Time: 2, 5, and 10 minutes

(57) Volume Harvested: 100.0 ml

(58) Neutralizer (Vol.): N/A

(59) Enumeration Plate Incubation Temperature: 361 C.

(60) Enumeration Plate Incubation Time: 3-5 days

(61) Test Substance Volume: 10 liters Replicates: Double (2)

(62) Control Substance Volume: 10 liters

(63) Control Substance: Sterile R/O Water

(64) Disinfection Device Preparation The disinfection device was rinsed thoroughly with a dilute disinfecting solution, neutralized with sodium
thiosulfate and lecithin solution, and then rinsed with sterile reverse osmosis water multiple times. During preparation, the hose for collection was allowed to re-circulate into the water holding tank. To drain tank, water was allowed to pass through the collection tube into a separate collection tank.

(65) Study Procedure for Re-circulation Testing The disinfection device was off and the inoculum was prepared in the input tank. During inoculum preparation, the small circulation pump was allowed to run. 8 L of sterile reverse osmosis water was added and this volume was spiked with sufficient amount of microorganism to achieve 1.010.sup.6 CFU/ml. The small recirculation pump was allowed to run with the UV light source on for >10 minutes. During this time, the large pumps were off and water did not circulate through the cylinders. The pumps were plugged in and the water was allowed to run through the disinfection device into the input tank for the contact time. Once the pumps were activated, a timer was initiated and the disinfection device was allowed to run for the initial contact time of 2 minutes. After the contact time elapses, a sample was collected by closing the hose manually and opening it to collect into a sterile vessel. Once collected, the disinfection device was allowed to circulate through the collection and recirculation paths, for the remaining contact times. Samples were taken after each contact time. The disinfection device was turned off once the sample was collected.

(66) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Results Log.sub.10 Percent reduction reduction compared compared Test Sampling Contact to time to time microorganism type time CFU/mL zero zero M. smegmatis Recirculation time zero 1.00E+06 N/A N/A M. smegmatis Recirculation 2 minutes 8.00E+03 99.20% 2.10 M. smegmatis Recirculation 5 minutes 5.50E+03 99.45% 2.26 M. smegmatis Recirculation 10 minutes 7.70E+02 99.92% 3.11 Sampling Type Contact time CFU/ml Test

Example 2

(67) The efficacy of the antimicrobial (disinfectant) device will be tested using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Method E2315 Modified for DevicesAssessment of Antimicrobial Activity using a Time-Kill Procedure. ASTM E2315 is a quantitative test method designed to assess changes in the population of microorganisms in an antimicrobial liquid suspension. The method is versatile and can be conducted using contact times ranging from ten seconds to 24 hours. The ASTM E2315 test method uses non-antimicrobial agents as controls to establish baselines for microbial reductions.

(68) The device includes the cylinder that is electropolished. The inlet and the outlet extend upwards from the cylinder and are located on the upper surface of the cylinder.

(69) The test microorganism used will be Mycobacterium smegmatis which is an acid-fast, bacillus-shaped aerobic microorganism that is found in soil, plants, and water. Mycobacterium smegmatis is commonly used as a surrogate model for Mycobacterium tuberculosis because the two microorganisms share a number of morphological traits including the distinctive waxy cell that provides robust resistance to chemical disinfectants and sanitizers. Similarly, it shares a number of morphological traits with Mycobacterium chimaera.

(70) Summary of the Procedure Test microorganisms will be prepared in liquid culture medium for bacteria or on agar for fungi. The suspension of test microorganism will be standardized, as needed, by dilution in a buffered saline solution. Test and control substances will be dispensed in identical volumes to sterile vessels. Independently, Test and Control substances will be inoculated with each test microorganism, then mixed and incubated. Control substances will be immediately harvested and represent the concentration present at the start of the test, or time zero. At the conclusion of the contact time, a volume of the liquid test solution will be harvested and chemically neutralized. Dilutions of the neutralized test solution will be assayed using appropriate growth media to determine the surviving microorganisms at the respective contact times. Reductions of microorganisms will be calculated by comparing initial microbial concentrations to final microbial concentrations.

(71) Criteria for Scientific Defensibility of an ASTM E2315 Study

(72) For a Time Kill study to be scientifically defensible, the following criteria must be met:

(73) 1. The average number of viable bacteria recovered from the time zero samples must be approximately 110.sup.6 cells/ml or greater.

(74) 2. Ordinary consistency between replicates must be observed for the time zero samples.

(75) 3. Positive/Growth controls must demonstrate growth of appropriate test microorganism.

(76) 4. Negative/Purity controls must demonstrate no growth of test microorganism.

(77) Testing Parameters Used in this Study

(78) Culture Growth Media: BHI Agar

(79) Culture Growth Time: 5-10 days

(80) Culture Dilution Media: N/A

(81) Inoculum Volume: 10.0 ml

(82) Inoculum Concentration: 1.0106 CFU/ml

(83) Contact Temp.: Ambient

(84) Contact Time: 30, 60, and 120 minutes

(85) Volume Harvested: 100.0 ml

(86) Neutralizer (Vol.): N/A

(87) Enumeration Plate Incubation Temperature: 361 C.

(88) Enumeration Plate Incubation Time: 3-5 days

(89) Test Substance Volume: 10 liters Replicates: Double (2)

(90) Control Substance Volume: 10 liters

(91) Control Substance: Sterile R/O Water

(92) Disinfection Device Preparation The disinfection device will be rinsed thoroughly with a dilute disinfecting solution, neutralized with sodium thiosulfate and lecithin solution, and then rinsed with sterile reverse osmosis water multiple times. During preparation, the hose for collection will be allowed to re-circulate into the water holding tank. To drain tank, water will be allowed to pass through the collection tube into a separate collection tank.

(93) Study Procedure for Re-circulation Testing The disinfection device will be off and the inoculum will be prepared in the input tank. During inoculum preparation, the small circulation pump will be allowed to run. 8 L of sterile reverse osmosis water will be added and this volume will be spiked with sufficient amount of microorganism to achieve 1.010.sup.6 CFU/ml. The small recirculation pump will be allowed to run with the UV light source on for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the large pumps will be off and water will not circulate through the cylinders. The pumps will be plugged in and the water will be allowed to run through the disinfection device into the input tank for the contact time. Once the pumps are activated, a timer will be initiated and the disinfection device will be allowed to run for the initial contact time of 2 minutes. After the contact time elapses, a sample will be collected by closing the hose manually and opening it to collect into a sterile vessel. Once collected, the disinfection device will be allowed to circulate through the collection and recirculation paths, for the remaining contact times. Samples will be taken after each contact time. The disinfection device will be turned off once the sample will be collected.

(94) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Results Log.sub.10 Percent reduction reduction compared Test Sampling Contact compared to to time microorganism type time CFU/mL time zero zero M. smegmatis Recirculation time zero 1.00E+06 N/A N/A M. smegmatis Recirculation 30 minutes 1 99.9999% 6.00 M. smegmatis Recirculation 60 minutes 0.1 99.99999% 7.00 M. smegmatis Recirculation 120 0.001 99.9999999% 9.00 minutes Sampling Type

(95) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Safety system: GREEN YELLOW SAFETY LED LED RED LED ATTRIBUTE CONDITION ACTION OFF OFF OFF The system is Either there is Check NOT ready to no Power to incoming operate. the device or power the resettable connections breaker is in and verify the off that the position. resettable breaker is in the ON position. OFF OFF ON To confirm The device Start flowing that the device has power and water thru the is properly is ready to circuit. connected to operate but the water water is not circuits of the flowing thru host HCU and the circuit. to confirm that water is flowing through the system. ON OFF OFF To confirm The device Monitor the that the has power, lights for any system is water is changes. operating flowing and properly. all systems of the circuit are operating as designed OFF FLASHING ON The system is The device Start flowing programmed has power and water thru the to alert the is ready to circuit. user that the operate but Change the UV lamp will water is not lamp within need to be flowing thru 30 days from changed the circuit. the time the within 30 days The lamp will yellow light from the date need to be first started to of yellow changed flash. LED flashing within 30 days alert. from when the yellow light first started to flash. ON FLASHING OFF The system is The device Change the programmed has power. lamp within to alert the Water is 30 days from user that the flowing thru the time the UV lamp will the circuit and yellow light need to be the circuit is first started to changed operating as flash. within 30 days designed. But from the date the user has of yellow must change LED flashing the lamp alert. within 30 days from the time the yellow light first comes on. OFF FLASHING FLASHING The system The water Change the will prevent circuit is not lamp and the user from operating and reset the operating the the lamp lamp life lamp beyond needs to be timer. the changed recommended immediately. operating life. The water circuit will not operate until the lamp is changed and the lamp life timer is reset. FLASHING FLASHING FLASHING The system The device Notify the will prevent has power; manufacturer. the user from water may or operating the may not be specific flowing. The circuit when circuit is not there is a operating for a problem other reason other than a than a required lamp scheduled change. lamp change.

(96) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Flow rate Dosage in mJ/cm.sup.2 (liters/minute) Inlet & outlet down Inlet & outlet up 20 132.84 265.68 19 139.83 279.66 18 147.60 295.20 17 156.28 312.56 16 166.05 332.10 15 177.12 354.24 14 189.77 379.54 13 204.37 408.74 12 221.40 442.80 11 241.53 483.06 10 265.68 531.36 9 295.20 590.40 8 332.10 664.20 7 379.54 759.08 6 442.80 885.60 5 531.36 1,062.72 4 664.20 1,328.40 3 855.60 1,711.20 2 1,328.40 2,656.80 1 2,656.80 5,313.60

(97) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Flow rate Dosage in mJ/cm.sup.2 (liters/minute) Inlet & outlet down Inlet & outlet up 20 120.12 240.24 19 126.44 252.88 18 133.46 266.92 17 141.31 282.62 16 150.15 300.30 15 160.16 320.32 14 171.60 343.20 13 184.80 369.60 12 200.20 400.40 11 218.40 436.80 10 240.24 480.48 9 266.93 533.86 8 300.29 600.58 7 343.19 686.38 6 400.39 800.78 5 480.47 960.94 4 600.59 1,201.18 3 800.78 1,601.56 2 1,201.18 2402.36 1 2,402.36 4804.70

(98) While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.