A sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light

Abstract

This application discloses a sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light, applied in sterilization equipment. The sterilization equipment includes a discharge chamber with a high-frequency, low-voltage power supply installed inside. The sterilization method includes: performing a vacuum operation on the discharge chamber to reduce the gas pressure to a preset first gas pressure; filling the discharge chamber with argon gas to increase the gas pressure to a preset second gas pressure; and outputting an excitation signal of a preset frequency within the discharge chamber through the high-frequency, low-voltage power supply, thereby exciting the argon gas in the discharge chamber and generating deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a preset wavelength to sterilize the items to be sterilized. By reducing the gas pressure within the discharge chamber through vacuum operation and maintaining a low-pressure argon gas state in the discharge chamber through argon gas, and then generating deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a specific wavelength through discharge, this method achieves immediate use, spectral stability, high sterilization efficiency, and broad-spectrum disinfection applicable to multiple scenarios such as liquids, air, and object surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sterilization and disinfection equipment technology, and in particular to a sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, traditional ultraviolet sterilization mainly uses mercury lamps, which contain mercury, are easily broken and contaminated, require preheating, operate at high temperatures, have short lifespans, and exhibit significant light decay.

[0003] Furthermore, conventional plasma sterilization typically involves atmospheric / low-pressure discharge, resulting in high ozone levels, high temperatures, and unstable discharge, which can easily damage heat-sensitive materials. Additionally, chemical disinfection presents issues such as residues, secondary pollution, and the development of drug resistance, making it unsuitable for high-end cleanroom environments. Existing low-pressure ultraviolet light sources are complex in structure, costly, and difficult to engineer.

[0004] In summary, the relevant technologies cannot simultaneously meet the comprehensive disinfection requirements of being mercury-free, low-temperature, highly efficient, stable, and residue-free. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application relates to a sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light, providing a mercury-free, environmentally friendly, low-temperature, and heat-damage-free sterilization method that is ready to use immediately, has a stable spectrum, high sterilization efficiency, and is applicable to a wide range of scenarios including liquids, air, and object surfaces.

[0006] This application discloses a sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light, applied in a sterilization device. The sterilization device includes a discharge chamber, in which a high-frequency low-voltage power supply is installed. The sterilization method includes: performing a vacuum operation on the discharge chamber to reduce the gas pressure in the discharge chamber to a preset first gas pressure; filling the discharge chamber with argon gas to increase the gas pressure in the discharge chamber to a preset second gas pressure; and outputting an excitation signal of a preset frequency in the discharge chamber through the high-frequency low-voltage power supply, thereby exciting the argon gas in the discharge chamber to generate deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a preset wavelength, so as to sterilize the items to be sterilized.

[0007] In the above scheme, the gas pressure in the discharge chamber is reduced by vacuuming, and argon gas is used to maintain the discharge chamber in a low-pressure argon state; then, deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a specific wavelength is generated by discharge; thus, it can be used immediately, has a stable spectrum, high sterilization efficiency, and is suitable for broad-spectrum disinfection in multiple scenarios such as liquids, air, and object surfaces.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the sterilization device further includes a sterilization chamber, and the sterilization chamber and the discharge chamber are adjacent to each other, so that the discharge chamber can generate deep ultraviolet argon arc light to sterilize the sterilization chamber; the sterilization of the item to be sterilized specifically includes: entering the item to be sterilized from the inlet of the sterilization chamber, sterilizing the item to be sterilized by the deep ultraviolet argon arc light generated by the discharge chamber, and then taking the item to be sterilized out from the outlet of the sterilization chamber.

[0009] The above scheme aims to illustrate the coordinated arrangement of the sterilization chamber and the discharge chamber, which facilitates the sterilization of objects to be sterilized.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the sterilization chamber inlet and sterilization chamber outlet are fluids, so that the object to be sterilized can flow in from the sterilization chamber inlet and flow out from the sterilization chamber outlet; the fluid includes water or air.

[0011] The above scheme aims to illustrate that fluid can be placed in the sterilization chamber, which is beneficial for the inflow and outflow of objects to be sterilized.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the preset first pressure is 10~100 Pa.

[0013] The above scheme aims to disclose a preferred low-pressure range that meets the conditions; the pressure range can fluctuate within a certain range.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the preset second pressure is 30~300Pa.

[0015] The above scheme aims to disclose a preferred pressure range after argon filling, within which, in conjunction with a subsequent voltage, light of a preset wavelength can be generated.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the preset frequency is 25~40KHz.

[0017] The above scheme aims to disclose a voltage with a preset frequency, within which the voltage can meet the requirements.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the preset wavelength is 185~254nm.

[0019] The above scheme aims to disclose a wavelength range in which deep ultraviolet argon arc light has good performance.

[0020] Furthermore, the values ​​disclosed in this application are all empirical values ​​and are not intended to be limiting.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the sterilization device further includes a monitoring module, and the sterilization method further includes: issuing a fault signal when the preset first pressure, preset second pressure, preset frequency, and preset band are not within the preset range; performing an emergency shutdown operation when the fault signal exceeds a preset time; the emergency shutdown operation includes disconnecting the power supply and simultaneously stopping the argon filling and vacuuming operations.

[0022] In the above scheme, it is crucial to maintain the stability of various parameters of the sterilization equipment while simultaneously disclosing the sterilization process. The monitoring ranges for several key data points have been disclosed above.

[0023] In one possible implementation, after sterilizing the items to be sterilized, the sterilization method further includes: stopping the high-frequency low-voltage power supply from outputting an excitation signal; stopping the filling of the discharge chamber with argon gas; and stopping the vacuum operation.

[0024] The above solution discloses the normal shutdown procedure, ensuring safe and reliable shutdown without affecting the next use, and also extending the lifespan of the sterilization equipment.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the sterilization method further includes: when shutting down, after the vacuum operation has stopped and the fluid in the sterilization chamber has continued to run for a preset time, closing the inlet and outlet of the sterilization chamber.

[0026] The above solution discloses that when the sterilization chamber is filled with fluid, a separate shutdown method needs to be considered when shutting down the machine.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this application include: providing a mercury-free, environmentally friendly, low-temperature sterilization method that does not cause heat damage, enabling immediate use, stable spectrum, high sterilization efficiency, and broad-spectrum disinfection applicable to multiple scenarios such as liquids, air, and object surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are for distinguishing similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such orders can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms include and have, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0033] This application discloses a sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light, which is applied in a sterilization device. The sterilization device includes a discharge chamber and a high-frequency low-voltage power supply is installed in the discharge chamber. The sterilization method includes steps S101-S103.

[0034] Step S101: Perform a vacuuming operation on the discharge chamber to reduce the gas pressure in the discharge chamber to a preset first gas pressure.

[0035] At this point, the vacuum pump is started, and the discharge chamber is evacuated through the vacuum / argon interface. The pressure sensor monitors the gas pressure inside the chamber in real time. When the gas pressure inside the chamber drops to the preset vacuum level of 10~100Pa, the vacuum pump automatically stops running, and the chamber is vented.

[0036] Step S102: Fill the discharge chamber with argon gas to raise the gas pressure in the discharge chamber to a preset second gas pressure.

[0037] At this point, the argon gas inlet valve is opened, and high-purity argon gas is introduced into the cavity. The drive control module automatically adjusts the argon gas inlet flow rate according to the feedback signal from the pressure sensor, and maintains the gas pressure in the cavity stably within the working range of 30~300Pa, creating conditions for argon arc discharge.

[0038] Step S103: A preset frequency excitation signal is output in the discharge chamber through a high-frequency low-voltage power supply, which excites the argon gas in the discharge chamber and generates a deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a preset wavelength, so as to sterilize the items to be sterilized.

[0039] At this time, the driving power supply outputs a high-frequency, low-voltage excitation signal of 25~40kHz to the electrodes. The argon gas in the cavity is excited under ultra-low pressure, forming a stable low-temperature glow discharge, generating deep ultraviolet argon arc light in the 185nm~254nm wavelength band, providing a light source for subsequent sterilization operations. Commonly used designs can be used for the circuit design of the high-frequency, low-voltage excitation signal; this manual does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0040] In the above example, the gas pressure inside the discharge chamber is reduced by evacuation, and argon gas is used to maintain the discharge chamber in a low-pressure argon state; then, deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a specific wavelength is generated by discharge; thus, it can be used immediately, has a stable spectrum, high sterilization efficiency, and is suitable for broad-spectrum disinfection in multiple scenarios such as liquids, air, and object surfaces.

[0041] Before the vacuuming operation, there is also a stage for equipment installation and inspection: First, the ultra-low pressure argon arc sterilizer is installed in the pipeline of the fluid to be treated (water or air), ensuring that the equipment is placed horizontally and the flange connection is reliably sealed; then, the power supply of the vacuum pump, argon gas source, and drive control module is connected, and grounding protection is completed. Before starting, the main body shell, discharge chamber, electrodes, quartz window, and all pipeline interfaces are checked for damage, leakage, and stains, and it is confirmed that the argon gas cylinder pressure is normal and the fluid pipeline is unobstructed. There is also a system initialization stage: the main power supply of the equipment is turned on, the drive control module is powered on and executes the self-test program, the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, drive power supply and other components enter the standby state, and the system enters standby mode when there is no fault alarm.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the sterilization device further includes a sterilization chamber, and the sterilization chamber and the discharge chamber are adjacent to each other, so that the discharge chamber can generate deep ultraviolet argon arc light to sterilize the sterilization chamber; the sterilization of the item to be sterilized specifically includes: entering the item to be sterilized from the inlet of the sterilization chamber, sterilizing the item to be sterilized by the deep ultraviolet argon arc light generated by the discharge chamber, and then taking the item to be sterilized out from the outlet of the sterilization chamber.

[0043] The above scheme aims to illustrate the coordinated arrangement of the sterilization chamber and the discharge chamber, which facilitates the sterilization of objects to be sterilized.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the sterilization chamber inlet and sterilization chamber outlet are fluids, so that the object to be sterilized can flow in from the sterilization chamber inlet and flow out from the sterilization chamber outlet; the fluid includes water or air.

[0045] The above scheme aims to illustrate that fluid can be placed in the sterilization chamber, which is beneficial for the inflow and outflow of objects to be sterilized.

[0046] At this point, the fluid pipeline valve of the sterilization chamber is opened, and the fluid to be treated enters the flow equalization chamber through the fluid inlet. After flow equalization, it flows evenly through the sterilization irradiation area. Under the full-area irradiation of deep ultraviolet argon arc light, the DNA / RNA structure of microorganisms is destroyed, achieving efficient sterilization. The treated fluid is stably discharged from the fluid outlet.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the preset first pressure is 10~100 Pa.

[0048] The above scheme aims to disclose a preferred low-pressure range that meets the conditions; the pressure range can fluctuate within a certain range.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the preset second pressure is 30~300Pa.

[0050] The above scheme aims to disclose a preferred pressure range after argon filling, within which, in conjunction with a subsequent voltage, light of a preset wavelength can be generated.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the preset frequency is 25~40KHz.

[0052] The above scheme aims to disclose a voltage with a preset frequency, within which the voltage can meet the requirements.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the preset wavelength is 185~254nm.

[0054] The above scheme aims to disclose a wavelength range in which deep ultraviolet argon arc light has good performance.

[0055] Furthermore, the values ​​disclosed in this application are all empirical values ​​and are not intended to be limiting.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the sterilization device further includes a monitoring module, and the sterilization method further includes: issuing a fault signal when the preset first pressure, preset second pressure, preset frequency, and preset band are not within the preset range; performing an emergency shutdown operation when the fault signal exceeds a preset time; the emergency shutdown operation includes disconnecting the power supply and simultaneously stopping the argon filling and vacuuming operations.

[0057] In the above scheme, it is crucial to maintain the stability of various parameters of the sterilization equipment while simultaneously disclosing the sterilization process. The monitoring ranges for several key data points have been disclosed above.

[0058] During operation, the drive control module monitors the gas pressure, discharge power, cavity temperature, and ultraviolet light intensity parameters within the cavity. When faults such as overpressure, overcurrent, overtemperature, gas leakage, or abnormal light intensity occur, the system immediately performs automatic protection shutdown and issues a fault alarm signal.

[0059] In one possible implementation, after sterilizing the items to be sterilized, the sterilization method further includes: stopping the high-frequency low-voltage power supply from outputting an excitation signal; stopping the filling of the discharge chamber with argon gas; and stopping the vacuum operation.

[0060] The above solution discloses the normal shutdown procedure, ensuring safe and reliable shutdown without affecting the next use, and also extending the lifespan of the sterilization equipment.

[0061] At this point, after the sterilization operation is complete, press the stop button, and the system will execute the safety shutdown procedure: First, stop the drive power output, extinguishing the argon arc discharge; then close the argon gas inlet valve and stop the vacuum pump; the fluid pipeline continues to run for 10-30 seconds to purge residual fluid from the flow channel before closing the pipeline valves; after the equipment has cooled down for 1-2 minutes, turn off the main power supply to complete the shutdown. The above times are examples, and other times are also possible; there are no restrictions.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the sterilization method further includes: when shutting down, after the vacuum operation has stopped and the fluid in the sterilization chamber has continued to run for a preset time, closing the inlet and outlet of the sterilization chamber.

[0063] The above solution discloses that when the sterilization chamber is filled with fluid, a separate shutdown method needs to be considered when shutting down the machine.

[0064] In addition to normal shutdown, there is also emergency shutdown: if abnormal sounds, odors, gas leaks, overheating or alarms occur during equipment operation, immediately press the emergency stop button, and at the same time close the argon gas source main valve and fluid pipeline valves, disconnect the main power supply of the equipment, and restart the equipment after the fault is cleared.

[0065] This manual provides a mercury-free, environmentally friendly, low-temperature sterilization method that avoids heat damage. It is ready to use immediately, has a stable spectrum, high sterilization efficiency, and is suitable for broad-spectrum disinfection in various scenarios, including liquids, air, and object surfaces. Beneficial effects also include: 1. Mercury-free and environmentally friendly: Completely free of mercury, with no leakage or pollutants, meeting environmental protection and international mercury restriction requirements.

[0066] 2. Low temperature and no thermal damage: Non-equilibrium plasma has an extremely low temperature rise and does not damage plastics, food, medicines, or precision instruments.

[0067] 3. Ready to use immediately: It ignites instantly under ultra-low pressure, requires no preheating, and has a fast response.

[0068] 4. Pure and efficient spectrum: The deep external light (argon arc light) output is concentrated, with a strong sterilization band, high photon utilization, and low light decay.

[0069] 5. Broad-spectrum bactericidal effect: It has a highly effective inactivation ability against bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, algae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[0070] 6. No residue, safe and clean: Pure physical disinfection, does not change water quality or air composition, and has no by-products.

[0071] 7. Simple and reliable structure: Modular design, easy installation and maintenance, suitable for large-scale promotion.

[0072] In practice, extensive testing has shown that the kill rate against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is >99.99%; the virus inactivation rate is >99.9%; the working surface temperature rise is <5℃; the ozone concentration is far below the national safety limit; the continuous working life is >8000 hours; and the start-up time is <1 second.

[0073] Applicable fields and application scenarios include: 1. Sterilization of drinking water, direct drinking water, and water purifier terminals; 2. Central air conditioning, fresh air systems, and indoor air purification; 3. Food packaging, cold chain equipment, and fruit and vegetable preservation and disinfection; 4. Surface disinfection of medical devices, dental instruments, and precision instruments; 5. Aquaculture, swimming pool water circulation, and sewage treatment; 6. Disinfection of clean areas in laboratories and pharmaceutical workshops.

[0074] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0076] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A sterilization method based on ultra-low pressure argon arc light, characterized in that, Applied in sterilization equipment, the sterilization equipment includes a discharge chamber, in which a high-frequency, low-voltage power supply is installed; the sterilization method includes: A vacuum operation is performed on the discharge chamber to reduce the gas pressure in the discharge chamber to a preset first gas pressure; Argon gas is introduced into the discharge chamber to raise the gas pressure in the discharge chamber to a preset second gas pressure; A high-frequency, low-voltage power supply outputs an excitation signal of a preset frequency into the discharge chamber, which excites the argon gas in the discharge chamber to generate a deep ultraviolet argon arc light of a preset wavelength, so as to sterilize the items to be sterilized.

2. The sterilization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization device also includes a sterilization chamber, and the sterilization chamber and the discharge chamber are adjacent to each other, so that the discharge chamber can generate deep ultraviolet argon arc light to sterilize the sterilization chamber; The sterilization of the items to be sterilized specifically includes: The object to be sterilized enters through the inlet of the sterilization chamber. After sterilization by the deep ultraviolet argon arc light generated by the discharge chamber, the object is removed from the outlet of the sterilization chamber.

3. The sterilization method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sterilization chamber inlet and sterilization chamber outlet are fluids, so that the objects to be sterilized can flow into the sterilization chamber inlet and flow out of the sterilization chamber outlet; the fluids include water or air.

4. The sterilization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset first pressure is 10~100Pa.

5. The sterilization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset second pressure is 30~300Pa.

6. The sterilization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset frequency is 25~40KHz.

7. The sterilization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset wavelength range is 185~254nm.

8. The sterilization method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sterilization device further includes a monitoring module, and the sterilization method further includes: When the preset first air pressure, preset second air pressure, preset frequency, and preset band are detected to be outside the preset range, a fault signal is issued. If the fault signal exceeds the preset time, an emergency shutdown operation will be performed; the emergency shutdown operation includes disconnecting the power supply and simultaneously stopping the argon filling and vacuuming operations.

9. The sterilization method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, After sterilizing the items to be sterilized, the sterilization method further includes: Stop the high-frequency low-voltage power supply from outputting the excitation signal; Stop filling the discharge chamber with argon gas and stop the vacuum operation.

10. The sterilization method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sterilization method further includes: When shutting down, after the vacuum operation stops, the fluid in the sterilization chamber continues to run for a preset time, and then the inlet and outlet of the sterilization chamber are closed.

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