Apparatus for the generation of gases

Abstract

The instant application provides apparatus and methods for the generation of gas, preferably chlorine dioxide. The methods and apparatus of the invention use a removable reaction chamber for the reaction of precursor chemicals, e.g., chlorite salt and an acid. The methods and compositions of the invention provide gas for a number of personal and commercial applications.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the generation of gases using a disposable reaction chamber with the preferred embodiment being the generation of gaseous chlorine dioxide for small scale applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Chlorine dioxide was discovered in the early 1800's, and was adopted by commerce in the United States in the 1940's. Chlorine dioxide has been called the ideal biocide and the ability of chlorine dioxide to reduce or eliminate microbes, e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores, algae and protozoa, is well-documented and well known. See, for example, Franklin, C. L. et al. (1991) Am Vet Med Assoc 198:1625-30; Korich K. G., et al. (1990) Appl Environ Microbiol. 56:1423-8; Boddie et al. (2000) J Dairy Sci. 83:2975-9; Lee et al. (2004) J Food Prot. 67:1371-6; Han et al. (2003) J Environ Health 66:16-21; Sy et al. (2005) J Food Prot. 68:1176-87; and LeChevallier M. W. et al. (1988) Appl Environ Micro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0031]In another embodiment the liquid comprises an additive which inhibits the formation of contiguous pieces of ice. Such an additive will desirably cause the solution to freeze as slush rather than a uniform solid. In another embodiment the liquid comprises an additive which decreases the freezing temperature of the liquid.

[0053]In another embodiment the liquid comprises an additive which inhibits the formation of contiguous pieces of ice. Such an additive will desirably cause the solution to freeze as slush rather than a uniform solid. In another embodiment the liquid comprises an additive which decreases the freezing temperature of the liquid.

[0066]In a another embodiment, the sensor alerts a user when the chlorine dioxide level has reached a level that it is same to reenter the area in which the instrument is being used. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor allows for the reentry to a given area by physically unlocking a door, thereby allowing individuals to reenter the disinfected or deodorized area.

Problems solved by technology

A major limitation to the use of chlorine dioxide is that chlorine dioxide can not be manufactured in bulk at an industrial gas plant and shipped to final use destinations.

The use of chlorine dioxide in large scale applications is well known, however, the use of chlorine dioxide in small scale applications has not been widely adopted.

The lack of adoption in small scale applications is a result of the limitations in the prior art with respect to the cost, speed, size and user-friendly generation of chlorine dioxide in sufficient concentration and purity to be useful.

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