DESC:A MICROWAVE WASTE DISINFECTION SYSTEM
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a microwave waste disinfection system and more particularly, to a microwave waste disinfection system for treating bio-medical waste generated from healthcare actives.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Bio-medical waste, also known as healthcare or medical waste, refers to any waste generated during medical research, diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals. This waste can contain potentially infectious materials, such as blood, bodily fluids, sharp objects, and other bio-hazardous substances. Improper management and disposal of bio-medical waste can pose serious health and environmental risks, leading to the transmission of diseases and pollution.
[0003] To address these challenges, various waste management technologies have been developed, and one of the effective methods for treating bio-medical waste is the microwave waste disinfection system. The concept of using microwaves for waste disinfection systems from the principle of applying electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range (typically 2.45 GHz) to kill or inactivate microorganisms present in the waste.
[0004] Traditional waste treatment methods, such as incineration, autoclaving, and chemical treatment, had some limitations in terms of size, energy consumption, emissions, and treatment efficiency. Microwave disinfection offered several advantages, including faster treatment times, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to treat a wide range of waste materials effectively.

[0005] Bio-Medical Waste which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps, including Anatomical Waste, Soiled Waste, Microbiological waste, Medical Disposables, Vacutainers, Gloves etc.
[0006] All such wastes are treated and disposed through Incinerators, Autoclaves, Chemical treatments, Deep Burial and Shredder/Mutilators. The waste is generated somewhere else, packed, transported and brought to a Common Facility for treatment for disposal. Such method causes higher risks due to logistics, higher volumes, environmental pollution and higher costs.
[0007] A need exists, therefore, for a microwave waste disinfection system to treat and disinfect the biomedical waste near its place of generation.
SUMMARY
[0008] In view of the foregoing, the preferred embodiment herein provides a microwave waste disinfection system for treating the bio-medical waste generated from healthcare actives. The microwave waste disinfection system includes a controller and a power supply, an RH probe/sensor (5) to control and maintain the relative humidity in the system, which allows only required amount of water dozing in the waste, a HEPA filter (23) to prevent escaping of any contamination from microorganisms, during the air expelling and drying cycles, a steel chamber (31) comprising an odor masking and a scrubber to allow flue gasses to escape into the atmosphere only after scrubbing with water, two or more magnetron sources(21) with a microprocessor controlled operating module, designed to efficiently generate microwaves for waste disinfection system, a shredder breaks down the bio-waste into smaller and manageable pieces, a waveguide (20) made of aluminum, facilitating the transmission of microwaves from the magnetrons (21) into a disinfection chamber, a chamber (31) constructed from stainless steel capable of securely housing the waste, a removable stainless steel container (1) positioned within the chamber (31), designed to let the waste engage with a set of revolving blades (15) at auto adjusted rpm for ensuring effective and thorough disinfection and mutilation results, (5) a Relative Humidity Sensor (5) integrated to monitor moisture levels in the waste, a controlled water dosing system (10) which accurately administers the required amount of water into the stainless steel chamber (31), as and when needed, an odor masking system (14) effectively preventing the escape of flue gases into the atmosphere without prior scrubbing, a temperature control mechanism maintained within between the range of 97-1000C throughout the disinfection cycle for ensuring optimal disinfection, a vacuum pump (24) in conjunction with a HEPA filter (23) for eliminating excess moisture from the system, resulting in a dry and safe end product. The loading mechanism is such that the waste is fed from a front hinged door (37) treated, disinfected and shredded waste is taken out from the bottom side sliding door (4).
[0009] In another embodiment, the temperature control mechanism comprises an RH probe/sensor and a temperature probe/sensor work together to ensure precise moisture and temperature control, enhancing the disinfection process.
[0010] In another embodiment, the waveguide made of aluminum is configured to minimize the energy losses and maximize the transmission of microwaves into the chamber, enhancing efficiency.
[0011] In another embodiment, the odormasking system, which maintains a foul-smell-free environment by preventing the escape of the flue gases and vapours.
[0012] In another embodiment, incorporating a HEPA Filter and a vacuum pump during the drying cycle, ensuring the removal of excess moisture and pathogens, resulting in a dry and safe end product.
[0013] In another embodiment, the set of revolving blades shred the biomedical waste and thus enable a uniform exposure of waste to the microwave energy, ensuring comprehensive disinfection and mutilation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a microwave waste disinfection system according to an embodiment herein;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation of a microwave waste disinfection system according to an embodiment herein; and
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic drawing of a microwave waste disinfection system according to an embodiment herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a microwave waste disinfection system according to an embodiment herein. The microwave waste disinfection system comprises a powder coated stainless steel body (39),an electrical control panel (27), a servo transformer (25) to safe guard the electrical system from power fluctuations, a door limit switch (38) for ensuring that the door is closed and remains closed during the disinfection cycle, a stainless chamber (31) serving as the main cavity or enclosure wherein the waste is placed for disinfection, a hinged door (37) and an outlet (2) from which the final waste is unloaded.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation of a microwave waste disinfection system according to an embodiment herein. The microwave waste disinfection system comprises a powder coated stainless steel body (39), a hinged door (37), an outlet (2), a control unit PLC/HMI (28), an online printer (29), an electric supply indicator (26) and an electrical control panel (27).
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic drawing of a microwave waste disinfection system according to an embodiment herein. The microwave waste disinfection system comprises a stainless steel container (1), an outlet (2), a hood (3), an outlet door system (4), an RH probe/sensor (05), a temperature probe/sensor (06), a water circulation pump (07), a solenoid valve for cooling system (08), a solenoid valve for odor masking system (9), a solenoid valve for water dozing system (10), a solenoid valve (11) for system for transferring water to the two or more magnetrons (21), a solenoid valve (12) for the water drain system, a water tank (13), an odor masking system (14), a belt pulley arrangement (18) connected to an electric motor (19) provided with a bearing box (16) for a smooth rotation of the shaft of the set of revolving blades (15) on the basis of data from load sensors (17), a waveguide (20) opening into a stainless steel chamber (31) through a port (22), a thermostat (30) for protection of overheating of two or more magnetrons (21), a HEPA filter (23) for exhaustion of flue gases that are sucked through a vacuum pump (24), orifice control (32) through the solenoid valve of the cooling system (8), a water header (33), a water tank temperature probe/sensor (34) fitted in the water tank (13) wherein the water is fed from the water tank (13) into the water header (33) via a water circulation pump (7) and a Plate heat exchanger (35) coupled to a water-cooling system (36) wherein the Plate Heat Exchanger (35) is connected to the water tank (13) and the water header (33) via the orifice control (32) coupled to the solenoid valve (8) for a controlled water flow.
[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the microwave waste disinfection system is designed to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, present in the waste. In some embodiments, the microwave waste disinfection system helps to minimize the risk of disease transmission and environmental contamination,
[0022] The waste disinfection system for both wet and dry types of wastes like bio-medical waste, kitchen waste & general household waste which includes two or more magnetron sources (21) with a microprocessor controlled operating module to generate microwaves. The microwaves so generated are made to pass through its waveguide (20) (made of Aluminum) into the Chamber (31) made of stainless-steel quality 304/316, in which the waste is put through a stainless-steel container (1). The SS Chamber container (311) houses a set of revolving blades (15) for shredding and for effective efficacy results. The moisture in the system is monitored through the RH (Relative Humidity) Probe/Sensor (05) and only the required amount of water is dozed into the container (1), as and when required. Odor Masking System (14) is provided to ensure that no flue gasses or vapors escape into the atmosphere, without being scrubbed in this system. The temperature in the system is maintained between 97-1000C throughout the disinfection cycle. At end of the cycle the excess moisture is removed using the vacuum pump (24) and the HEPA filter (23) of size 0.3 microns, thus resulting in a dry and safe end product. A shredder using revolving blades (15) breaks down the bio-waste into smaller and manageable pieces.
[0023] An electric motor (19) in a microwave waste disinfection system is an electro-mechanical component used to adjust the rotational speeds and torque of the system using a variable frequency drive (40). In some embodiments, the electric motor (19) is designed to handle the power output from the microwave generator and ensure the efficient rotation of the revolving blades (15) inside the treatment chamber (31). In some embodiments, the electric motor (19) & Variable frequency drive (40) helps in achieving a uniform and controlled rotation & shredding of the waste during the disinfection process.
[0024] The water system zone is an essential part of the microwave waste disinfection system. The water system zone comprises the supply and management of water to assist in the disinfection process. The microwave energy heats the water molecules in the waste, which aids in raising the overall temperature and improving disinfection efficiency. The water system zone may include a water tank, pumps, and distribution pipes to control the flow and recirculation of water within a treatment chamber.
[0025] The bearing box (16) is a component that houses bearings & seals, which facilitate the smooth rotation of the shaft of the revolving blades (15). In some embodiments, bearings are mechanical elements that reduce friction between moving parts, allowing for an efficient rotation with minimal wear and tear. The set of revolving blades (15) is a part of the stainless steel chamber (31) whereinto the medical waste is unloaded from the container (1). In some embodiments, the revolving blades rotate during the disinfection process, ensuring that the waste is mutilated and evenly exposed to microwave energy for uniform disinfection. A belt pulley arrangement (18) for the precise revolving speeds of the revolving blades, motor (19) and Variable frequency drive assembly (40). A Recirculation water tank (13), a water circulating pump (7) which takes water from the water from the tank and delivers it to the water header (33) for further feeding water to various water supply lines like water line to the odor masking system (14) through solenoid valve (9), water line to the water dozing system through solenoid valve (10), water line to the two or more magnetrons (21) system through solenoid valve (11), water line to plate heat exchanger (35) and orifice control (32) through solenoid valve (8), water line to the tank emptying system through solenoid valve (12).
[0026] Two or more magnetrons (21) system zone is provided with aluminum wave guides (20) which opens into the stainless chamber (31) through a port (22), magnetron unit (21) and a thermostat (30) to protect over heating of the two or more magnetrons (21).
[0027] The two or more magnetrons (21) is the microwave generator in the system. In some embodiments, the two or more magnetrons (21) is an electronic device that converts electrical energy into microwave radiation. The microwave radiation produced by the two or more magnetrons (21) is then directed into the treatment chamber to heat and disinfect the waste.
[0028] In another embodiment, a shredder using revolving blades (15) break down the bio-waste into smaller and manageable pieces. In some embodiments, a shredder is a mechanical device used to break down the bio-waste into smaller and manageable pieces.
[0029] In another embodiment, the waste material is first mechanically shredded into smaller pieces which reduces the overall volume of the waste but increases the surface area.
[0030] In another embodiment, the shredded waste is then exposed to microwave radiation. Microwaves generate heat by causing water molecules within the waste to vibrate rapidly, leading to friction and subsequent heating. This heating process can effectively kill pathogens, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms present in the waste for more efficient microwave treatment.
[0031] The waveguide (20) is a metal tube or an aluminium channel used to guide and direct the microwave energy from the two or more magnetrons (21) to the treatment chamber. In some embodiments, aluminum is used in waveguide (20) because it is a good conductor of heat thus generated which helps maintain the efficiency of energy transmission.
[0032] The stainless chamber (31) is the main cavity or enclosure where the waste is placed for disinfection. In another embodiment, stainless steel is often used for the chamber due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of cleaning. The microwave radiation from the waveguide enters the chamber and interacts with the waste, heating it to the desired temperature for disinfection. The ports are an opening or aperture in the stainless chamber (31) through which the microwave energy from the waveguide (20) enters the chamber (31). The ports are strategically placed to ensure the proper distribution of microwave energy inside the chamber (31).
[0033] The microwave radiation thus generated by the two or more magnetrons (21) is directed to the stainless chamber (31) through wave guide (20). The op control sensor zone is provided with a temperature probe/sensor (06) to monitor temperature, an RH probe/sensor (05) to monitor relative humidity of the system, which are connected to the PLC/HMI (28) which controls the system logically and also printed on the online printer (29).The system transmits data to the cloud using internet connection and permanent IP address if provided by the end user. To dry the waste, the flue gases are sucked through a vacuum pump (24) and pushed through a 0.3 microns HEPA Filter (23). The Stainless-steel Chamber (31) is provided with a set of revolving blades (15) on which the waste is unloaded from the container (1) through the front-loading hinged door (37) for disinfection. After loading the waste, the container (1) placed in its position inside the stainless-steel chamber (31). The inner cavity of the chamber (31) is connected to the odor masking system (14) through a dished top hood (3) which prevents the flue vapors to escape.
[0034] In another embodiment of the microwave waste disinfection system, the temperature (RH) probes are essential sensors used to monitor and control the environmental conditions inside the treatment chamber (31). In some embodiments, the temperature (RH) probes play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of the disinfection process and maintaining the desired conditions throughout the treatment.
[0035] In another embodiment, the temperature probe is a sensor that measures the temperature inside the treatment chamber. In some embodiments, the temperature probe is typically equipped with a thermocouple or a resistance temperature detector (RTD) to accurately measure the temperature. The temperature probe constantly monitors the temperature of the waste during the disinfection process. The temperature data gathered by the probe allows the system to adjust the microwave power duration output, ensuring that the waste reaches and maintains the desired disinfection temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature probe helps in preventing overheating, under-heating, or temperature fluctuations that may affect the efficiency of the disinfection process. The RH probe assesses the moisture content of the waste and the overall humidity level in the environment during the disinfection process.
[0036] In another embodiment, monitoring relative humidity is important because it can impact the efficiency of the disinfection process. In some embodiments, some waste materials may require a specific moisture level to achieve optimal disinfection. The RH probe allows the system to regulate humidity, ensuring that the waste remains in the appropriate condition for effective disinfection.
[0037] In another, both the temperature and RH probe/sensors are typically connected to the system's control unit or a central processing unit. In some embodiments, the data collected by these probes is used to control the microwave power output, adjust the treatment parameters, and ensure that the disinfection process meets the required standards.
[0038] The waste and is placed in the container (1) which are loaded in the stainless-steel chamber (31) and the hinged door (37) is closed. A door limit switch (38) ensures that the door is closed and remains closed during the disinfection cycle. The load cell (17) automatically weighs the waste using load cell (17) which monitors no weight or over weight conditions and the cycle duration is adjusted accordingly through the electrical control panel (27).
[0039] The load cell (17) in a microwave waste disinfection system allows for automated waste weighing during the disinfection process. In some embodiments, load cells (17) are sensors designed to measure the weight or force exerted on them, load cells are commonly used in various industries for accurate weight measurement. Automatically after a few minutes of running, RH probe/sensor (05) allows the correct amount of water to be sprayed on the waste through turning on solenoid valve (10). Disinfection of the waste takes place by using two or more magnetrons (21) of capacity 1.0 – 2.0 .35 kW to generate microwave and bombarding the same to in the container (1). During the disinfection cycle the flue vapors are collected through the top hood (3) and passed into the odor masking system (14) where water is sprinkled onto it through a solenoid valve (9).
[0040] In another embodiment, the flue vapors are the gases or vapors that are released during the disinfection process. These vapors may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other odor-causing substances. To collect these vapors, a top hood (3) is installed above or around the treatment chamber. This hood (3) serves as a collection device to capture the flue vapors as they are produced. The collected flue vapors are then directed to the odor masking system. The main purpose of this system is to reduce or neutralize the odors present in the flue vapors before they are released into the environment. In the odor masking system, water is used to sprinkle onto the flue vapors. The water acts as a medium to dissolve or trap odor-causing compounds, reducing their concentrations.
[0041] A solenoid valve is a device used to control the flow of water in response to an electrical signal. It is incorporated into the odor masking system (14) to regulate the amount of water sprinkled onto the flue vapors. The solenoid valve (9) opens and closes based on the system's settings and the presence of flue vapors, ensuring that the right amount of water is applied for effective odor mitigation.
[0042] In another embodiment, using the top hood (3), odor masking system, and water sprinkling with the solenoid valve (10), the microwave waste disinfection system can help reduce the impact of any potential odors that may be released during the disinfection process. In some embodiments, proper management of flue vapors is crucial in waste treatment facilities to maintain a safe and pleasant working environment and prevent any potential nuisance to surrounding areas. All the circulated water comes back in the re-circulation water tank (13). After completion of disinfection cycle, the moisture in waste is expelled through the HEPA filter (23) of capacity 0.3 microns by deploying a vacuum pump (24). The system turns off automatically and an audio/visual alarm is raised to alert the operator. Thus, the finally disinfected waste becomes dry, which is retrieved from the outlet door (2) by opening the sliding door (4) and can now be safely disposed-off.
[0043] The load cell automatically weighs the waste and a software automatically adjusts the duration of the disinfection cycle to achieve desired effective efficacy. It also provides no weight & over weight protections. The RH probe/sensor (5) to control and maintain the Relative Humidity in the system, which allows only required amount of water dozing in the waste. No water shall be allowed to be added if the waste is already wet or is liquid waste. The system comprises an Odor Masking System with sprinklers and a HEPA filter of the size of 0.3 microns to prevent escaping of any contamination from microorganisms, during the Drying cycle. The wastes exited shall thus be dry. In some embodiments, same machine can be used for disinfection of Bio-Medical Waste, Kitchen Waste and/or Household waste. In some embodiments, the online thermal printer continuously prints the Real-time data, for effective traceability of the desired efficacy in waste disinfection. The operating data is taken on cloud using internet & permanent IP address for viewing the machine operation on computer/mobile while can be monitored at the HMI color touch digitally displayed screen.
[0044] The waste placed in container (1) and unloaded into the stainless-steel chamber (31), is automatically weighed and cycle duration is adjusted accordingly. After a few minutes of running, RH probe/sensor (05) allows the correct amount of water to be sprayed on the waste. Disinfection of the waste takes place by using single two or more magnetrons (21) of capacity 1-2.0kW. After disinfection moisture in waste is expelled through the HEPA filter (23) of capacity 0.3 microns.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
I/We Claims:

1. A front-loaded microwave waste disinfection system that treats bio-medical waste generated from healthcare activities and produces a dried output, the system comprising:
a stainless steel chamber (31) adapted to receive bio-medical wastes via a removable stainless-steel container (1) through a hinged door (37) located at a front portion; the stainless steel container (1) comprising: a set of revolving blades (15) for shredding the waste;
a two or more magnetrons (21) positioned adjacent to the stainless-steel chamber (31) and adapted to emit microwaves so as to heat and disinfect the wastes;
an environment control mechanism comprising a RH probe/sensor (05) and a temperature probe/sensor (06);
characterized in that,
the biomedical waste is first disinfected and heated by the two or more magnetrons (21) when received within the container, and then shredded by the set of revolving blades (15) so as to receive a dried product wherein the environment control mechanism is adapted to maintain a predetermined relative humidity and temperature during the shredding process wherein further the exhaust mechanism exhausts and traps unwanted impurities within a HEPA filter (23).
2. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, further comprising a controller for the purpose of activation / deactivation thereof.
3. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, further comprising a servo power supply (25) for purpose of powering the system without fluctuations and surges.
4. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe/sensor (05) comprises any suitable temperature control mechanism adapted to maintain a temperature within a range of 97-1000C for ensuring an optimal disinfection.
5. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the RH probe/sensor (05) comprises a humidity sensor adapted to sense and maintain a required level of humidity within the chamber.
6. The microwave disinfection system of claim 5, wherein the RH probe/sensor (5) is connected to a controlled water dosing system (10) for administering water into the stainless steel chamber (31).
7. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust mechanism comprising a vacuum pump connected to the HEPA filter (23) towards an outlet of the Chamber (31).
8. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the one or more impurities comprising one or more of but not limited to unwanted moisture, pathogens, and the like.
9. The microwave disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the waste is fed from the front hinged door (37) and the treated, disinfected and shredded waste is taken out from the bottom side sliding door (4).

10. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the untreated waste is loaded through the front door (37) and the treated, disinfected & shredded waste is removed through outlet (02) placed at side bottom.
11. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the recirculation tank (13) is provided with a temperature probe/sensor (05) to continuously monitor water temperature to safeguard Magnetrons (21) against overheating.
12. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the removable container (1) is placed in place after loading the waste for the effective disinfection and shredding of the waste.
13. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, further comprising a water tank (13) connected to a water header (33), wherein the water is fed from the water tank (13) into the water header (33) via a water circulation pump (7).
14. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, further comprising a Plate Heat Exchanger (35) coupled to a water-cooling system (36) wherein the Plate Heat Exchanger (35) is connected to the water tank (13).
15. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, further comprising an orifice control (32) coupled to a solenoid valve (8) for controlling the water supply from the water header (33) to the Plate heat Exchanger (35).
16. The microwave waste disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the set of revolving blades (15) is coupled to an electric motor (19) paired to a Variable Frequency Drive (40), wherein the Variable Frequency Drive (40) is configured to control the RPM & torque of the set of revolving blades (15).