WO2022009080A1

WO2022009080A1 - Apparatus for purifying air and sanitizing rooms and related room treatment method

Info

Publication number: WO2022009080A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/056030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pietro Antonini; Federico BONOMI; Domenico MATERA
Original assignee: Ditta Edoardo Lossa S.R.L.; Irico Impianti S.R.L.; Dimensione Service S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-07-09
Filing date: 2021-07-06
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: EP4178630A1; IT202000016609A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically purifying air and sanitizing rooms, comprising, in combination and integrated in a single structure(15): a first section (12) intended to sanitize, a second section (13) intended to purify, and a third section (14) intended to treat the ambient air; the apparatus further comprises an electric/ electronic unit (30) adapted to control the operation of the sections (12, 13, 14) and programmed to perform at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol which provides a cycle comprising, in sequence, a sanitizing step, a standby step and a purifying step.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PURIFYING AIR AND SANITIZING ROOMS AND RELATED ROOM TREATMENT METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for purifying air and sanitizing rooms which is particularly compact and incorporating a series of devices capable of performing the required tasks, as well as to a related room treatment method. BACKGROUND ART

The Sars Covid-19 pandemic is set to change the behaviours we are used to for a long time. All the confined spaces in which we spend most of our lives need to be reconsidered so that they are protected from potential contagion resulting from their crowding and pollution.

Today, a new sensitivity is developing towards the ambient, in particular towards IAQ (indoor air quality), which is induced by the current situation but is increasingly subject to air pollution. Air treatment in confined spaces has been the subject of extensive scientific discussion regarding the potential transmissibility of infection through systems and their maintenance. Much can be done to improve the systems and integrate them with appropriate solutions to allow the reduction and control of contamination within acceptable limits, even in everyday life rooms and not only in the hospital, pharmaceutical and aerospace fields where these technologies are already known and individually used.

As a matter of fact, the current background art of sanitizing as described by the protocols in force issued by the bodies in charge of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic almost exclusively provides for the use of chemical sanitizers distributed manually or through spraying apparatuses.

It must be said that as far as effectiveness and efficiency are concerned, the most commonly used known sanitizing systems are achieved by wet spraying sanitizing and disinfecting products, with the drawback that in this way there is a certain environmental impact with wet treated surfaces. In addition and importantly known spraying systems require the rooms and areas undergoing remediation and sanitization to be of the airtight type, which results in long lead times before the treated rooms can be used, particularly after remediation and disinfection.

In addition, separate systems are provided for purify rooms, which cannot be used as effectively as would be required and desired.

Where there are no ventilation and/or air conditioning systems, and where it is not possible or desirable to work on them, there are currently no automatic solutions that ensure complete sanitization of the confined spaces and adequate air purification. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the general aim of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks related to the state of the known art.

Said aim is achieved by the apparatus and method having the characteristics expressed in the appended claims which are an integral part of the present description.

An apparatus for purifying air and sanitizing a room according to the present invention comprises inside a supporting structure, in combination: a first section intended to sanitize a surrounding space, a second section intended to purify air, and a third section intended to treat air. The apparatus further comprises a fan adapted to suck air from the surrounding space and emit air into the surrounding space, and an electric/electronic unit adapted to control the operation of the sections of the apparatus and programmed to perform at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol comprising, in sequence: a sanitizing step during which only the first section is active, and possibly the third section at reduced air flow is active, a standby step preferably having fixed and/or predetermined duration depending on a sanitizing liquid, during which none of the sections of the apparatus is active, and a purifying step during which only the second section and the third section are active; the duration of the standby step and the phenomena occurring during it will be clarified in the detailed description below.

According to the present invention, the first section comprises a compressor connected to one or more nozzles for spraying a sanitizing liquid and adapted to diffuse sprayed sanitizing liquid directly into a surrounding space.

In particular, the compressor may be arranged in the lower part of the structure and the one or more spraying nozzles are preferably but not exclusively located at the top of the structure of the apparatus. According to the present invention, the second section comprises a photocatalytic oxidation device arranged in a duct.

The photocatalytic oxidation device may comprise an ultraviolet lamp in association with a suitable catalyst capable of performing a photocatalytic oxidation process combining ultraviolet light, oxygen and humidity present in the air. According to the present invention, the third section comprises a filtration system associated with the fan that sucks air from the surrounding space and emits it into the surrounding space through one or more air-emitting mouths. Preferably, the fan is connected to the air-emitting mouths via a duct.

Advantageously, the filtration system of the third section comprises at least one air inlet opening in a first chamber, in particular an acoustically insulated chamber; the outlet of the first chamber is associated with an air filter in turn associated with a second chamber, in particular an acoustically insulated chamber, in which the fan is arranged. Preferably, the duct between the fan and the air-emitting mouths is in turn acoustically insulated and the photocatalytic oxidation device is placed along it.

The third section may further comprise an air humidifier or thermo-hygrometric air treatment system, if required.

ADVANTAGES

In general, according to the present invention, several sanitizing and purifying systems have been integrated in a single apparatus with versatility of the apparatus, simplicity of use and minimization of the overall dimensions of the same.

This new apparatus for purifying air and sanitizing a room is a solution adapted to be easily used without modifying existing systems, thus constituting an alternative or even a simple addition in all rooms subject to crowding which need purifying and sanitizing.

In fact, purifying and sanitizing air by means of the apparatus according to the present invention allows any person in a confined space to breathe clean air the quality of which is superior to that obtained by the most sophisticated current mechanical filters, where installed. In fact, they are not able to eliminate viral loads, rather limit themselves, within the limits of current technology, to intercepting them. Therefore, it is necessary to both purify the air and sanitize the room after its use in accordance with the protocols recommended by the authorities so as to ensure complete and effective protection of users from pathogens and pollutants. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following detailed description of at least one preferred non-limiting embodiment thereof, made with reference to the appended drawings.

The different features in the individual configurations may be combined with one another as desired according to the preceding description, should there be advantages specifically resulting from a specific combination.

In such drawings,

Figure 1 is a front schematic view showing a section of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; - Figure la shows a top view of the apparatus in Figure 1 ;

Figure 2 shows a partial schematic view of the apparatus in Figure 1, highlighting a section of the apparatus intended to sanitize;

Figure 3 shows a partial schematic view of the apparatus in Figure 1, highlighting a section of the apparatus intended to purify; Figure 4 shows a partial schematic view of the apparatus in Figure 1, highlighting a section of the apparatus intended to treat air.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION For the illustration of the drawings, use is made in the following description of identical numerals to indicate construction elements with the same function. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, certain numeric references may not have been repeated in many or all drawings.

Indications such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, “upper” and “lower” (in the absence of other indications) are to be read with reference to the assembly (or operating) conditions and with reference to the normal terminology used in current language, where “vertical” indicates a direction substantially parallel to that of the gravitational force vector “g” and horizontal a direction perpendicular thereto. With general reference to the various figures, they show a preferred, but non limiting, embodiment of a particularly compact apparatus for purifying air and sanitizing rooms - indicated as a whole by 11- in which a number of devices are integrated capable of performing the required tasks according to the present invention.

The apparatus 11 constitutes an integrated system which, as will be seen, is capable of automatically purifying air and sanitizing rooms and surfaces by means of complementary and alternative technologies by integrating such technologies into a single "stand-alone" apparatus.

The apparatus is an assembly consisting essentially of three sections 12, 13 and 14 and appears as a whole as shown by way of example in Figure 1.

A first section 12 - highlighted in Figure 2 - is arranged, as is the other second section 13 and third section 14, in a supporting structure 15 in the form of a totem having any square, circular, etc. section, which in the non-limiting example, is octagonal with relative dividers and shelves.

This first section 12 is intended to sanitize and essentially comprises a compressor 16 preferably arranged in the lower part of the structure. The compressor 16 is connected to one or more spraying nozzles 18 preferably arranged at the top of the structure 15 of the apparatus; advantageously, the compressor 16 and the spraying nozzles 18 are connected via a pipe 17. Even more advantageously, a Venturi-effect arrangement connects the spraying nozzles 18 via an additional pipe 19 to a sanitizing liquid storage tank 20.

The sanitizing liquid for use in the apparatus according to the present invention may advantageously be a sanitizing solution comprising an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, and more advantageously, also a silver salt, for example silver nitrate. Such a solution exploits the oxidizing action of hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates pathogens and is active against a wide range of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, spores, etc. Therefore, an optimal bactericidal action is achieved that avoids any proliferation.

With reference to Figure 1, spraying nozzles 18 arranged at the top of the structure 15 of the apparatus are preferably inclined by 45°, but may also have a different inclination or even be directed vertically upwards or horizontally outwards if the geometry of the room requires it in function of the best distribution of the spraying itself.

The apparatus according to the present invention could alternatively use other sanitizing liquids having a certain degree of toxicity to humans and subject to "decay" over time (e.g. at the choice of the operator). Such liquids could for example, be silver-based, in particular silver citrate, or based on decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

The sanitizing liquid may not always be the same.

In summary therefore, the first section 12 is a section intended to sanitize and uses a technology for spraying disinfectant liquid, for example normally used in the hospital environment. According to a preferred embodiment, the first section 12 comprises a compressor 16 (or more generally, a pressurization system), a sanitizing liquid storage tank 20 and one or more nozzles 18 for spraying, preferably by means of a Venturi system. This technology allows a shock treatment thanks for example, to the oxidizing and sanitizing action of the hydroxyl radicals which is effective both in the room and on surfaces. A predetermined condition of sanitizing liquid concentration in the surrounding space, in particular in each point thereof, by means of dry fog (hydrogen peroxide with or without silver salt additives and/or other sanitizing liquids suitable for use in different types of rooms and on different types of surfaces), neutralizes microorganisms (e.g. viruses, bacteria, spores, moulds, odours).

A second section 13 - highlighted in Figure 3 - is intended to purify the surrounding air. The purification of the surrounding air, usually referred to as "PCO" (= photocatalytic oxidation), provides a photocatalytic oxidation device, such as for example, an ultraviolet lamp or similar.

Advantageously, the second section 13 comprises a channel or duct 21 made in the structure 15 of the present apparatus; in particular, the photocatalytic oxidation device is arranged in the duct 21. According to a preferred embodiment, the photocatalytic oxidation device comprises for example, at least one ultraviolet lamp 22 in association with a suitable catalyst 23.

The ultraviolet lamp 22 and catalyst 23 are capable of performing a photocatalytic oxidation process combining the ultraviolet light, oxygen and natural humidity in the air. Catalyst 23 for example, is composed of titanium and other noble metals and acts to create a series of "friendly" oxygen- and hydrogen-based oxidants that return into the air in the form of carbon dioxide and water after oxidation.

Such purification has clear advantages as no chemicals are involved in the process and consequently no chemical residues of the process remain. Advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention provides a purifying device, in particular a UV-C ray purifying device: the combined action of UV-C rays, humidity and titanium dioxide generates oxidizing ions capable of killing 99.9% of vimses, bacteria, moulds, allergens, odours present in the air and on surfaces as certified by the FDA. According to some embodiments of the invention, the purifying device is capable of ionizing PM2.5 and PM 10 particulate matter such that it aggregates to form larger particulate matter and can be filtered out. According to other embodiments, the same purifying device is capable of reducing viruses, bacteria, mould, allergens, odours present in the air and on surfaces, as well as particulate matter.

The present invention further provides an advantageous arrangement that makes such an apparatus of relevant utility: a third section 14 (which is highlighted in Figure 4) is provided in combination with the arrangement of the second section 13. The third section 14 is intended to treat air through a filtration system which, according to this embodiment is of mechanical type, but which could alternatively or additionally be of a chemical and/or electrostatic type. Additionally, an air transport system is provided by means of a fan 28, advantageously a low noise fan, arranged upstream of the duct 21. This third section 14 may advantageously be completed with an air humidifier or thermo-hygrometric air treatment system, if required. Finally, the treated air is distributed into the surrounding space by means of adjustable vents.

More precisely, Figure 4 shows how for example, the structure 15 of the apparatus 11 provides openings (see reference 24 in the drawing) on the bottom for the input of air into a first advantageously acoustically insulated chamber 25, at the outlet of which an air filter 26 for access to a second, also advantageously acoustically, insulated chamber 27, is associated. In particular, the first opening is protected by a metallic filtering section 24.

Advantageously, this second chamber 27 provides an opening opposite to the outlet from the first chamber 25, so that the fan 28 can emit the sucked air towards the aforementioned duct 21, which in turn is advantageously acoustically insulated. This duct 21 leads towards the top of the structure, or in any case towards the outside of the same, through a series of vents 29 for the emission of the purified air. The vents 29 may be oriented for example by 360°, and/or adjustable and preferably, but not exclusively, arranged at the top of the structure 15. Advantageously, there may be a suitable number of adjustable wheels (not shown in the drawings) on the bottom of the structure 15 of the apparatus 11; preferably, the wheels are positioned so as not to be substantially visible when the apparatus is in use, for example positioned in corresponding seats - "substantially invisible" may mean for example, that only 5-15% are visible. In this way, the apparatus can be moved and used at different times in different rooms in the same building, for example.

An electric/electronic unit 30 is adapted to control the operation of the apparatus sections 12, 13, 14, in particular the compressor 16, the fan 28 and the photocatalytic oxidation device 22, 23. The electric/electronic unit is programmed to perform at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol which provides a cycle comprising, in sequence: a sanitizing step during which only the first section 12 is active, and possibly the third section 14 at reduced air flow is active, a standby step preferably having fixed and/or predetermined duration depending on the sanitizing liquid, during which none of the sections 12, 13, 14 is active, a purifying step during which only the second section 13 and the third section 14 are active.

So in general, these steps are repeated in succession indefinitely; you could say "in a continuous cycle".

In particular, the cycle may comprise alternating purifying steps and standby steps (after a previous sanitizing step and before a subsequent sanitizing step). It is not to be excluded that there can be some "dead times" between these steps, that is not dedicated to sanitizing, standby, or to purifying.

It should be noted that the above mentioned steps can be performed without the need to ventilate the room in a natural way (for example, by opening doors and/or windows) between them; in fact, the duration of the standby step can be advantageously chosen in such a way that the sanitizer sprayed in the room first "acts" and then "decays" and therefore is no longer harmful for human beings. The "(minimum) action time" depends on the type of sanitizer and can also depend on the concentration of the sanitizer reached in the room at the end of the sanitizing step; the action against the pathogens occurs by contact between the sprayed particles of the sanitizer and the microorganisms present in the atmosphere and/or on the surfaces of the space surrounding the apparatus. The "(minimum) decay time" (intended as chemical and/or physical decay) depends on the type of sanitizer and may also depend on the concentration of sanitizer reached in the room at the end of the sanitizing step. Obviously, the duration of the standby step may be longer than these times; if for example, the estimated action time is 15 minutes and the estimated decay time is 40 minutes, the duration of the standby step could be chosen to be 55 minutes or more (e.g., 60 or 75 or 90 minutes).

Advantageously, the electric/electronic unit 30 is programmed to perform a plurality of different purifying and sanitizing protocols.

In particular, the electric/electronic unit 30 is programmed so that the standby step has a fixed duration (in particular, in light of the above considerations) and/or so that it is adapted to automatically calculate the predetermined duration (in particular, in light of the above considerations). In particular, the electric/electronic unit 30 is programmed so that the sanitizing step has a duration which is a function of the type of sanitizing liquid sprayed and of the volume of the surrounding space and preferably factory settings, so that at least one predetermined condition of sanitizer concentration is reached in said surrounding space, in particular at each point thereof, at the end of the sanitizing step.

Advantageously, the electric/electronic unit 30 issues a report at the end of each protocol performed which certifies the room treatment performed and which may indicate for example, the quantity of sanitizing liquid used, the duration of the sanitizing step and the pollutant reduction efficiency achieved. Issuing the report may be subject to verifying the absence of errors and/or anomalies during the protocol; alternatively, the report may contain information relating to any errors and/or anomalies during the protocol.

Advantageously, the electric/electronic unit 30 brings together all the various connections and wiring to the individual sections and correlates the operation thereof which can be activated and programmed by an operator. The electric/electronic unit 30 is typically provided with a PLC controller (program logic controller) 31. Said PLC controller 31 (with HMI interface) is equipped with a specially dedicated integrated software that allows the operator to configure the operating parameters of section 12 (sanitizer dosage, sanitization duration and remote tracking of the same) and section 14 (fan air flow rate). This section may be implemented to accommodate and manage additional IAQ-related parameters. Advantageously, in addition to a first "HMI interface" for the operator, it is advantageous to provide a second "HMI interface" for the user; in particular, the electric/electronic unit 30 is associated with both the first operator interface and the second user interface. It should be noted that the aspect of the present invention related to the innovative interface (in particular dual or multiple interfaces) is independent of the purifying and sanitizing protocols achieved thanks to the electric/electronic unit of the apparatus; for example, with reference to this aspect, one protocol may not provide for a cycle and/or one cycle may not provide for a standby step.

Advantageously, the first operator interface allows an operator to program parameters of at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol, in particular it allows programming the type of sanitizing liquid and the volume of surrounding space; advantageously, the operator interface further allows programming a predetermined condition of sanitizing liquid concentration in the surrounding space, in particular so that the electric/electronic unit 30 can calculate the duration of the sanitizing step necessary to reach this condition. The second user interface instead only allows a user to activate and deactivate the purifying and sanitizing protocol. It should be noted that the term "user" here means a category of people who can only perform "simple and safe operations" on the apparatus, and the term "operator" here means a category of people who can perform "complex and sensitive operations" (but also simple and safe operations) on the apparatus. It is not to be excluded that there may be intermediate categories of people; for example, there may be a category of people who can change the volume of the room to be treated but not the type of sanitizing liquid.

Typically, controlling the various sections is based on factory settings based on experimental campaigns, for example. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the electric/electronic unit 30 comprises a selector switch e.g. in the form of a knob (not shown in the drawings) as an input device and a set of indicator lights (not shown in the drawings) e.g. LEDs, as an output device. The knob could have several positions, for example: apparatus OFF, apparatus ON in "automatic" mode (i.e. operating according to the operator's settings), apparatus ON in "manual - air sanitizing only" mode, apparatus ON in "manual - air purifying only" mode. For example, there may be a light indicating whether the apparatus is ON or OFF, a light indicating whether sanitizing is active, and a light indicating whether purifying is active.

It is understood that such an apparatus may be designed for the activity of purifying the air of a room and is or may be sized according to the volume and surface area of the room and the maximum potential crowding of the same room.

The apparatus can also be programmed to activate the periodic sanitizing of rooms (when people are absent) by generating the dry fog in a quantity suitable for the volume and surface of the room and according to the time necessary to reduce the residual bacterial and viral charges on the surfaces and for the intended use of the premises.

Therefore, according to the foregoing, it is noted that the apparatus of the present invention provides for the second and third sections 13, 14 to be operated independently of the presence of people in the room. Differently, the first section 12 can be activated, according to differently programmable times as mentioned, in the absence of people in the rooms when said second section 13 is deactivated, while the third section 14 works at reduced air flow.

Thanks to this, a purified and comfortable room with all surfaces sanitized, even those difficult to access, is achieved in the presence of people during the usual times of use of the rooms. As mentioned, this technology allows a very important and significant treatment by spraying a suitable sanitizing liquid in the form of dry fog at programmed times that advantageously do not affect the working hours or daily occupation of the room, neutralizes all those microorganisms that could nest in them.

It is also noted how according to the present invention, also a method was perfected for purifying air and sanitizing a room that provides a cycle comprising, in sequence: a step of sanitizing a room by spraying a sanitizing liquid into a room; - a standby step preferably having fixed and/or predetermined duration depending on said sanitizing liquid; a step of purifying air by photocatalytic oxidation and possibly by filtration, wherein said photocatalytic oxidation and filtration are performed in an air flow taken from said room and then returned to said room; wherein said sanitizing and said purifying are carried out in separate times, and wherein said sanitizing is carried out in the absence of people in said room. It should be noted that as mentioned above, the standby step excludes the need to naturally ventilate the room (e.g. by opening doors and/or windows) between steps of the cycle. Advantageously, the cycle comprises an alternation of purifying steps and standby steps. Put another way, it may be contemplated for the sanitizing step to be performed once and then the purifying and standby steps to be performed sequentially several times. According to one of the many possible examples, the sanitizing step is carried out on Saturday, the subsequent standby step lasts all day Sunday, and then the purifying steps are repeated during the day and the standby steps are repeated at night from Monday to Friday, without the need to aerate the room (e.g. by opening doors and/or windows).

Typically, the absence/presence of people in the room is not detected by means of special sensors, rather indirectly by programming the sanitization at times of the day and/or week when the presence of people is not expected; for example, in the case of an office, sanitization can be scheduled between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. when there are certainly no employees in the office. Alternatively, at least one sensor for detecting the presence of people in the room can be provided (and associated with the apparatus).

In general, the electric/electronic unit 30 may comprise one or more sensors that allow managing the functions of the apparatus based on their reading, in particular in real time.

For example, there may be a sensor capable of detecting the presence of people in the space surrounding the apparatus ; in particular, the detection of people may occur during the sanitizing step if this step is to be performed in the absence of people in the space surrounding the apparatus. Such a sensor could also be used for example, to estimate the number of people in the surrounding space and thus manage the functions of the apparatus. For example, there can be a sound emitter adapted to signal the start of the sanitizing step; this is obviously useful if this step must be performed in the absence of people in the space surrounding the apparatus.

Advantageously, it is generally contemplated that an operator will configure the various operating parameters of the apparatus (not just the schedules) according to the location where the apparatus is put into operation.

In general, it is advantageous to provide for sanitization to be manually activatable at any time.

Air treatment can be performed both during sanitizing and purifying. However, the air treatment during sanitizing preferably is performed with a significantly reduced air flow (at the limit zero) with respect to normal, for example with a flow rate of 1/10 to 1/3.

The features of the apparatus of the present invention, as well as the relative advantages thereof, are evident from the above description. From the embodiment described above, additional variants are possible, without departing from the teaching of the of the present invention.

Finally, it is clear that an apparatus as conceived herein is susceptible to many modifications and variations, all falling within the present invention; furthermore, all the details are replaceable by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as their dimensions, can be of any type according to the technical requirements.

Claims

1. An apparatus for purifying air and sanitizing a room, comprising in combination within a supporting structure (15): a first section (12) intended to sanitize the room, comprising a compressor (16) connected to one or more spraying nozzles (18) of a sanitizing liquid, and adapted to diffuse sprayed sanitizing liquid directly into a surrounding space; a second section (13) intended to purify the air, and comprising a photocatalytic oxidation device (22, 23) arranged in a duct (21); a third section (14) intended to treat the air, and comprising a filtration system arranged upstream of said duct (21); a fan (28) adapted to suck air from said surrounding space, to make it flow along said duct (21) and to emit it into said surrounding space through one or more air- emitting mouths (29); an electric/electronic unit (30) adapted to control the operation of said first, second and third sections (12, 13, 14), in particular said compressor (16) and said fan (28) and said photocatalytic oxidation device (22, 23); wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) is programmed to perform at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol, wherein said at least one protocol comprises a cycle comprising, in sequence: - a sanitizing step during which only said first section (12) is active, and possibly said third section (14) at reduced air flow is active, a standby step during which none of said sections (12, 13, 14) is active, the duration of said standby step preferably being fixed and/or predetermined depending on said sanitizing liquid, - a purifying step during which only said second section (13) and said third section (14) are active.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cycle comprises an alternation of purifying steps and standby steps.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) is programmed so that said sanitizing step has a duration which is a function of said sanitizing liquid and of the volume of said surrounding space and preferably factory settings, so that at least one predetermined condition of sanitizer concentration is reached in said surrounding space, in particular at each point thereof.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) is programmed to perform a plurality of different purifying and sanitizing protocols.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) is associated with a first operator interface and a second user interface.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said first operator interface allows an operator to program parameters of said at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol, in particular type of sanitizing liquid and volume of surrounding space, and wherein said second user interface only allows a user to activate and deactivate said at least one purifying and sanitizing protocol.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 and 4, wherein said first operator interface allows an operator to program parameters of said purifying and sanitizing protocols, in particular type of sanitizing liquid and volume of surrounding space, and wherein said second user interface only allows a user to alternately activate and deactivate said at least one of said purifying and sanitizing protocols.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) is adapted to issue a report at the end of a protocol certifying the room treatment performed.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said compressor (16) is arranged in the lower part of the structure (15) and is connected by a pipe (17) to said one or more spraying nozzles (18) located at the top of the structure (15) of the apparatus, said one or more spraying nozzles (18) being provided with Venturi device.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said photocatalytic oxidation device comprises an ultraviolet lamp (22) in association with a suitable catalyst (23) capable of performing a photocatalytic oxidation process combining ultraviolet light, oxygen and humidity present in the air.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said catalyst (23) consists of titanium and other noble metals and acts to create oxygen- and hydrogen-based oxidants adapted to return into the air in the form of carbon dioxide and water after said oxidation process.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical filtration system of said third section (14) comprises at least one ambient air inlet opening in a first chamber (25), said first opening being protected by a metallic filtering section (24), an air filter (26) in turn associated with a second chamber (27) in which said fan (28) is provided being associated at the outlet of said first chamber (25).

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) brings together all the various connections and wiring to the individual sections (12, 13, 14) and correlates the operation thereof which can be activated and programmed by the operator and/or the user.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) comprises a PLC controller (31) which enables managing the functions of the apparatus, in particular all the functions of the apparatus.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said PLC controller (31) is associated with a software allowing the operator to configure operating parameters of the apparatus, in particular with regard to sanitizer dosage and/or duration of sanitization and/or air flow rate.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said software enables on-site and/or remote tracking of the operations performed by the apparatus.

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) comprises a selector switch and/or a set of indicator lights.

18. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of adjustable wheels for displacing the apparatus on the supporting surface or surfaces, wherein said wheels are preferably positioned so as not to be substantially visible when the apparatus is being used.

19. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) comprises at least one sensor which allows managing the functions of the apparatus based on the reading, in particular in real time, of said at least one sensor.

20. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) comprises a sensor adapted to detect the presence of people in said surrounding space, in particular during said sanitizing step.

21. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electric/electronic unit (30) comprises a sound emitter adapted to signal the start of said sanitizing step.

22. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said third section (14) further comprises an air humidifier or thermo-hygrometric air treatment system.

23. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said third section (14) performs a mechanical and/or electrostatic and/or chemical type of filtration.

24. A method for purifying air and sanitizing a room that provides a cycle comprising, in sequence: a step of sanitizing a room by spraying a sanitizing liquid into a room; a standby step preferably having fixed and/or predetermined duration depending on said sanitizing liquid; a step of purifying air by photocatalytic oxidation and possibly by filtration, wherein said photocatalytic oxidation and filtration are performed in an air flow taken from said room and then returned to said room; wherein said sanitizing and said purifying are performed at separate times, wherein said standby step excludes natural ventilation of said room, and wherein said sanitizing is performed in the absence of people in said room.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said cycle comprises an alternation of purifying steps and standby steps.