WO2004040084A1

WO2004040084A1 - Protection system

Info

Publication number: WO2004040084A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/004702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Richard England
Original assignee: Quest International Services Limited
Priority date: 2002-10-31
Filing date: 2003-10-29
Publication date: 2004-05-13
Also published as: GB0225458D0; AU2003278382A1

Abstract

A comprehensive and integrated protection system (10) for people and their personal property is provided, and one that is capable of protecting people in a movable vehicle. The protection system (10) consists of an enclosure (11) having one or more personnel transfer chambers (12, 13) extending between the interior (14) and the exterior of the enclosure (11). The personnel transfer chambers (12, 13) may have a plurality of sub-chambers (12a, 12b, 12c, 13a, 13b, 13c) connecting with each other in sequence. The enclosure (11) has at least one air intake (17) and an air pumping device (19) to maintain the enclosure (11) at a positive pressure with the incoming air (CA) being controlled and filtered. The enclosure (11) also has at least one public utility services entry (18), i.e. for water, electricity and/or gas. Mutually spaced detectors (21) adapted to detect hazardous effects, i.e. nuclear radiation, biological agents and/or chemical agents, are located around the enclosure (11).

Description

PROTECTION SYSTEM

This invention relates to protection systems, and in particular to systems for the protection of people in buildings or transportation vehicles, and their personal property, from attack by nuclear radiation and/or biological or chemical agents.

It is known to provide underground bunkers with a considerable amount of protection for their occupants against attack from nuclear weapons and radiation and biological or chemical agents. However such underground bunkers require specialised building and are usually only constructed on an individual basis and for use for government and/or military purposes. There are also stand-alone detection and protection systems against nuclear radiation or biological or chemical agents. In each case, the emphasis has been on protecting the building so that in consequence its occupants are protected.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a comprehensive and integrated protection system for people and their personal property that is suitable for more general production than the known underground bunker arrangements, and also one that is capable of protecting people in a movable vehicle.

The invention provides a protection system comprising an enclosure for personnel, the enclosure having at least one personnel transfer chamber extending between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure and at least one air intake, the enclosure being maintained at a positive pressure and incoming air being controlled and filtered.

By positive pressure is intended to mean a pressure greater than that prevailing outside the enclosure. The incoming air may be sterilised. The enclosure may have at least one public utility services entry, i.e. for water, electricity and/or gas.

The protection system may comprise detector means adapted to detect hazardous effects, i.e. nuclear radiation, biological agents and/or chemical agents. Preferably, the detector means comprises a plurality of mutually spaced detectors, hereinafter collectively referred to as N, B and C detectors. The detectors may be disposed around the enclosure, either internally and/or externally thereof. The detector means may be connected to a central processing unit (CPU), which may be located within the enclosure. The detector means may comprise analysers operable to identify the radiation or agent, which may be operable to quantify the level/concentration thereof. The detector means may provide an audible/visual warning when radiation/an agent is detected. At least an interior part of each of the transfer chamber, the air intake and the public utility services entry may also be maintained at a positive pressure. The personnel transfer chamber may comprise a plurality of sub-chambers connecting with each other in sequence, with at least the innermost sub-chamber connecting with the interior of the enclosure being maintained at a positive pressure. The personnel transfer chamber may comprise inner, middle and outer sub-chambers, with the inner and middle sub-chambers being maintained at a positive pressure. The inner sub-chamber may be maintained at a higher positive pressure than that of the middle sub-chamber. The middle sub-chamber may be a decontamination chamber. The protection system may comprise inward and outward personnel transfer chambers. The central processing unit may be operable to control doors between the personnel transfer chamber and the interior and the exterior of the enclosure based on information provided to the central processing unit by the detector means.

The air intake may comprise a filter and/or steriliser, and may also comprise an isolation shutter at the outward end thereof. The protection system may comprise a pressurised air supply connected to the air intake and adapted to maintain the interior of the enclosure at a positive pressure. The pressurised air supply may comprise an air-pumping device. The protection system may comprise a pressure-sensing device operable to sense the positive pressure and to control the operation of the air-pumping device. The air-pumping device may be operable to recirculate air from the enclosure to the air intake, and the protection system may comprise an air reservoir from which the air-pumping device is operable to pump air to the air intake together with recirculated air.

The public utility services entry may comprise a filter/steriliser, and may also comprise an isolation shutter at the outward end thereof. The public utility services entry may also comprise a controller located therein and connected to the central processing unit.

The protection system may comprise an emergency air supply storage container (EAS), which may be located within the enclosure. The protection system may also comprise an emergency water supply storage container (EWS), which may be located within the enclosure. The protection system may also comprise an emergency services supply (ESS). The ESS may include an emergency electricity generation and /or storage device and/or a food storage container, at least the latter of which may be located within the enclosure. The emergency air supply, the emergency water supply and the emergency electrical generator/storage device may be controlled by the central processing unit. The central processing unit may incorporate a back-up system. The protection system may comprise an information connection between the central processing unit and the relevant authorities.

The protection system may be fixedly secured on the ground or may be movable over the ground. The enclosure may comprise a building or vehicle, or may be a part thereof. The protection system may comprise a first enclosure in the form of at least a part of a building and a second enclosure in the form of an escape vehicle.

The protection system may include protective clothing for personnel and storage therefor within the enclosure. The protection system may also comprise portable N, B and C detectors.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which shows a protection system 10 which may be fixedly secured on the ground, i.e. all or a part of a commercial or domestic premises, or may be movable over the ground, i.e. a movable vehicle. The protection system 10 has an enclosure or safety zone 11 for personnel, the enclosure 11 having two personnel transfer chambers 12, 13 extending between the interior 14 and the exterior of the enclosure 11. Inward personnel transfer chamber 12 connects the exterior of the enclosure 11 with the interior 14, and outward transfer chamber 13 connects the interior 14 of the enclosure 11 with the exterior. Alternatively, instead of having an outward transfer chamber 13, the inward personnel transfer chamber 12 may be bi-directional so as to be operative for ingoing or outgoing personnel. An air intake 17 and a public utility services entry 18 are provided. An air-pumping device 19 is connected inboard of the air intake 17 and is operable to maintain the interior 14 of the enclosure 11, or a number of enclosures, at a positive pressure relative to the ambient pressure outside the enclosure 11. A pressure sensing device 20 located in the interior 14 of the enclosure 11 is operable to sense the positive pressure, i.e. the pressure differential between the interior 14 and the exterior of the enclosure 11, and to control the operation of the air pumping device 19. If the interior 14 of the enclosure 11 is sub-divided into separate zones, each zone will have its own pressure sensing device 20 to activate increased air intake or exhaust as necessary. The air-pumping device 19 may recirculate air from the enclosure 11 to the air intake 17, or pump air to the air intake 17 from an air reservoir or "safe" air supply (not shown) together with recirculated air.

The enclosure 11 is surrounded by mutually spaced and strategically located sets of N, B and C detectors 21, each set of detectors 21 incorporating or being connected to analysers adapted to detect and identify hazardous effects, i.e. nuclear radiation, biological agents and/or chemical agents. The sets of detectors 21 may also include meteorological detectors, the data from which can be used to predict the potential spread of the detected agent or agents. Eight sets of N, B and C detectors 21 are shown, but any appropriate number of sets of detectors 21 may be provided depending on the size and location of the enclosure 11. The number and positioning of the detectors 21 is determined by surveying the area/s to be protected and assessing the vulnerability to various forms of attack. On the basis of such assessment, separate detectors of nuclear radiation, biological and chemical agents may be spaced from each other, placing specified types of detectors in positions that are the most suitable for detecting the particular hazard and will firstly give the earliest possible (accepting any limitations on areas available) warning of an attack, and secondly to be of sufficient quantities to be able to monitor the spread of the radiation/agent. The detectors 21 are connected to a central processing unit CPU, which is located within the enclosure 11.

Alternatively, the central processing unit CPU may be at a remote location, particularly if more than one enclosure is to be monitored.

Each personnel transfer chamber 12, 13 consists of inner, middle and outer sub-chambers 12c, 12b, 12a, and 13a, 13b, 13c, respectively, connecting with each other in sequence. The inner sub-chambers 12c, 13a are maintained at a higher positive pressure than that of the middle sub-chambers 12b, 13b. The middle sub-chambers 12b, 13b may be decontamination and egress isolation chambers respectively. The inner sub-chambers 12c, 13a may be maintained at the positive pressure of the interior 14,or alternatively at lesser positive pressure. Two or more than three sub-chambers may be provided if desired. Alternatively, particularly in circumstances in which space is limited, a single, bi-directional transfer chamber 12, or two uni-directional transfer chambers 12, 13 may be provided.

The air intake 17 consists of a filter/steriliser 22, and an isolation shutter 23 located at the outward end thereof. Air, that may be contaminated, is drawn through the air intake 17 by the air pumping device 19 as shown by arrow CA, and after passing through the filter/steriliser 22 enters the interior 14 as clean filtered air as shown by arrow CFA. The air-supply may be recirculated from the enclosure 11 or taken from an air reservoir or "safe" air supply (not shown) together with recirculated air. In order that the filter 22 may be changed/cleaned whilst maintaining the protection of the enclosure 11 , a duplicate filter may be provided in the air intake 17, and/or one or more duplicate air intakes 17', as shown in dotted lines in the figure, may be provided for temporary use whilst the principal filter 22 is cleaned. This will enable the system or its controller to import air from areas that have not been contaminated to maximise survival. Any air intake 17, 17' connected to a contaminated area can be sealed to prevent air loss from the pressurised interior 14 of the enclosure 11. The public utility services entry 18 for electricity, water and also gas if required, also consists of a filter/steriliser 22, and an isolation shutter 23 located at the outward end thereof. In addition, the public utility services entry 18 has a controller 24 located adjacent the filter/steriliser 22 and connected to the central processing unit CPU.

An emergency air supply storage container EAS is located within the enclosure 11 if required as a result of the vulnerability assessment. An emergency water supply storage container E S is also located within the enclosure 11. In addition, an emergency services supply ESS, which may include an emergency electricity generation and /or storage device and/or a food storage container, is located within the enclosure 11. Alternatively, an emergency electrical generation or storage device could be remote from the enclosure 11 in appropriate circumstances. The emergency air supply EAS, the emergency water supply EWS and the emergency services supply ESS are each controlled by the central processing unit CPU, with or without manual intervention. If required, a gas supply may be included in the public utility services, although the possibility of problems with fumes may make such provision less desirable.

The protection system 10 also has an information connection 25 between the central processing unit CPU and the relevant authorities as shown by the arrow RA, whereby information relating to the conditions within the enclosure 11 and the state of the personnel therein can be relayed to the relevant authorities. The operation of the system is controlled, either manually or automatically by the controller, based on the information provided by the central processing unit CPU. The detectors 21 or the central processing unit CPU can provide a visual/audible indication of the presence of biological or chemical agents or nuclear radiation to the occupants of the enclosure 11 and to the relevant authorities outside, such as local and national security organisations. In addition, the central processing unit CPU can provide information to activate and control the operation of relevant parts of the protection system either manually or automatically.

The system 10 provides a controlled access to the enclosure 11, including control of doors 15 between the sub-chambers 12a, 12b, 12c, 11, 13a, 13b, 13c based on information provided to the central processing unit CPU by the detectors 21. By doors 15 is intended to include multistage access arrangements, rapid escape arrangements and/or lock and seal arrangements. A person wishing to enter the enclosure 11 will proceed in turn through each sub-chamber 12a, 12b, 12c of the inward personnel transfer chamber 12. The middle sub-chamber 12b is a decontamination chamber where standard decontamination procedures are followed. This procedure is repeated in reverse through the outward personnel transfer chamber 13 when a person leaves the enclosure 11. As an alternative, a single, combined inward and outward (bi-directional) personnel transfer chamber could be provided, particularly in the case of small enclosures 11. A similar procedure is followed for goods and materials being delivered to and despatched from the enclosure 11. If the detectors 21 indicate that conditions outside the enclosure 11 require it, the incoming air CA and incoming public utility services 18 may be switched off, and reliance placed on the emergency air supply EAS, water supply EWS and public utility services supply ESS. This can continue until the threat from the biological or chemical agents has dissipated or to allow sufficient time for personnel to evacuate safely to an uncontaminated area.

By means of the invention, an intelligent protection system is provided for personnel and their personal possessions in commercial and domestic premises and vehicles. The protection system minimises the permeability of the boundaries of the enclosure surrounding the safety zone to be protected. It creates a continuously controlled environment within those boundaries until the threat from the radiation and/or biological/chemical agents has been assessed and has dissipated.

Claims

1. A protection system (10) comprising an enclosure (11) for personnel, characterised in that the enclosure (11) has at least one personnel transfer chamber (12, 13) extending between the interior (14) and the exterior of the enclosure (11) and at least one air intake (17), the enclosure (11) being maintained at a positive pressure and incoming air (CA) being controlled and filtered.

2. A protection system according to claim 1 , characterised in that the incoming air (CA) is sterilised.

3. A protection system according to claim 1or claim 2, characterised in that the enclosure (11) has at least one public utility services entry (18).

4. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised by detector means (21) adapted to detect hazardous effects.

5. A protection system according to claim 4, characterised in that the detector means (21) comprises a plurality of mutually spaced detectors (21).

6. A protection system according to claim 5, characterised in that the detectors (21) are disposed around the enclosure (11).

7. A protection system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the detector means (21) is connected to a central processing unit (CPU).

8. A protection system according to claim 7, characterised in that the central processing unit (CPU) is located within the enclosure (11).

9. A protection system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that the detector means (21) comprises analysers operable to identify the radiation or agent.

10. A protection system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterised in that the detector means (21) comprises analysers operable to quantify the level/concentration of radiation or agent.

11. A protection system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterised in that the detector means (21) provides an audible/visual warning when radiation/an agent is detected.

12. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that at least an interior part of each of the transfer chamber(12c, 13a), the air intake (17) and the public utility services entry (18) is maintained at a positive pressure.

13. A protection system according to claim 12, characterised in that the personnel transfer chamber (12, 13) comprises a plurality of sub-chambers (12a, 12b, 12c, 13a, 13b, 13c) connecting with each other in sequence.

14. A protection system according to claim 13, characterised in that at least the innermost sub-chamber (12c, 13a) connecting with the interior (14) of the enclosure (11) is maintained at a positive pressure.

15. A protection system according to claim 14, characterised in that the personnel transfer chamber (12, 13) comprises inner, middle and outer sub-chambers (12c, 13a, 12b, 13b, 12a, 13c).

16. A protection system according to claim 15, characterised in that the inner and middle sub-chambers (12c, 13a, 12b, 13b) are maintained at a positive pressure.

17. A protection system according to claim 16, characterised in that the inner sub-chamber (12c, 13a) is maintained at a higher positive pressure than that of the middle sub-chamber (12b, 13b).

18. A protection system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterised in that the middle sub-chamber (12b, 13b) comprises a decontamination chamber.

19. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised by inward (12) and outward (13) personnel transfer chambers.

20. A protection system according to claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon, characterised in that the central processing unit (CPU) is operable to control doors (15) between the personnel transfer chamber (12, 13) and the interior (14) and the exterior of the enclosure (11) based on information provided to the central processing unit (CPU) by the detector means (21).

21. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the air intake (17) comprises a filter (22).

22. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the incoming air (CA) is sterilised and the air intake (17) comprises a steriliser (22).

23. A protection system according to claim 21 or claim 22, characterised in that the air intake (17) comprises an isolation shutter (23) at the outward end thereof.

24. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterised by a pressurised air supply connected to the air intake (17) and adapted to maintain the interior (14) of the enclosure (11) at a positive pressure.

25. A protection system according to claim 24, characterised in that the pressurised air supply comprises an air-pumping device (19).

26. A protection system according to claim 25, characterised by a pressure-sensing device (20) operable to sense the positive pressure and to control the operation of the air-pumping device (19).

27. A protection system according to claim 25 or claim 26, characterised in that the air- pumping device (19) is operable to recirculate air from the enclosure (11) to the air intake (17).

28. A protection system according to claim 27, characterised by an air reservoir (EAS) from which the air-pumping device (19) is operable to pump air to the air intake (17) together with recirculated air.

29. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterised in that the public utility services entry (18) comprises a filter (22).

30. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterised in that the incoming air (CA) is sterilised and the public utility services entry (18) comprises a steriliser (22).

31. A protection system according to claim 30, characterised in that the public utility services entry (18) also comprises an isolation shutter (23) at the outward end thereof.

32. A protection system according to any one of claims 29 to 31 , characterised by a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the public utility services entry (18) also comprises a controller (24) located therein and connected to the central processing unit (CPU).

33. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterised by an emergency air supply storage container (EAS).

34. A protection system according to claim 33, characterised in that the emergency air supply storage container (EAS) is located within the enclosure (11).

35. A protection system according to claim 33 or claim 34, characterised by an emergency water supply storage container (EWS).

36. A protection system according to claim 35, characterised in that the emergency water supply storage container (EWS) is located within the enclosure (11).

37. A protection system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, characterised by an emergency services supply (ESS).

38. A protection system according to claim 37, characterised in that the emergency services supply (ESS) comprises an emergency electricity generation and/or storage device.

39. A protection system according to claim 37 or claim 38, characterised in that the emergency services supply (ESS) comprises a food storage container.

40. A protection system according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterised in that the emergency services supply (ESS) is located within the enclosure (11).

41. A protection system according to any one of claims 37 to 40, characterised by a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the emergency air supply (EAS), the emergency water supply (EWS) and the emergency services supply (ESS) are controlled by the central processing unit (CPU).

42. A protection system according to claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon, characterised in that the central processing unit (CPU) comprises a back-up system.

43. A protection system according to claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon, characterised by an information connection (25) between the central processing unit (CPU) and the relevant authorities (RA).

44. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 43, characterised in that the enclosure (11) is fixedly secured on the ground.

45. A protection system according to claim 44, characterised in that the enclosure (11) is at least a part of a building.

46. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 43, characterised in that the enclosure (11) is movable over the ground.

47. A protection system according to claim 46, characterised in that the enclosure (11) is a vehicle.

48. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 47, characterised by a first enclosure (11) in the form of at least a part of a building and a second enclosure (11) in the form of an escape vehicle.

49. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 48, characterised by protective clothing for personnel and storage therefor within the enclosure (11).

50. A protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 49, characterised by portable N, B and C detectors (21).

51. A protection system (10) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.