Method for eliminating legionella from a colonized aqueous flux by

Method for eliminating legionella from
a colonized aqueous flux by
electropulsation
CONTEXT
Notre référence :
84206-01
Status des brevets
Legioserious pneumopathy know as “legionnaire’s disease” or legionellosis and a benign
flu-like syndrome known as “Pontiac fever”. Contamination can occur by inhaling water
micro-doplets containing bacteria, in particular when using hot water for sanitary
purposes, mainly from showering and via air conditioning units. Legionellosis mortality rate
can be as high as 10%; this disease poses a difficult problem as regards prevention, in
particular in hospitals and in termal facilities. There is a great need for a method and units
that can destroy Legionella effectively, without involving a deleterious secondary effect,
such as the toxic effects of chlorine, and which can be operated permanently in an
economic manner.nella are Gram negative bacilli that cause a potentially.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Inventeurs
Nathalie EYNARD
Pierre-André CABANES
Justin TEISSIE
The invention relates to a method for treating an aqueous flow colonised by cells by
applying a pulsed electric field, the intensity of the field being less than 1 kV/cm. It also
relates to the application of this method to eliminating Legionella and to a method for
destroying Legionella.
The advantage of the flow system is that it can be used to treat large volumes. The
method overcomes the disadvantages of chlorination, re-colonisation (because of
complete eradication of bacteria), burn risk and economic constraints. No systemic toxicity
is induced.
Status Commercial
Exclusive or nonexclusive licenses and
research agreements
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Treatment of continuous or sequential natural, domestic or industrial aqueous flow. This
treatment can be used for example in hospitals, termal facilities, retirement homes, hotels,
etc.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
Laboratoires
Institut de
Pharmacologie et de
Biologie Structurale
(IPBS) - UMR 5089, a
joint institute of CNRS
and Paul Sabatier
University (University of
Toulouse), in Toulouse,
France.
Department : Cellular Bi
ophysics.http://www.ipb
Pilot systems are available at the laboratory scale with a low flow rate. Flow chamber
design is optimized as well as the nature of the electrodes. The process needs further
developments concerning new high power pulsed electric generators. They are needed for
the treatment of larger volumes requested for the use at an industrial level.
s.fr
Mots clés :
Legionella Gram
negative Pneumopathy
Destruction Electric field
Potential difference
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