Traditional Chinese medicine powder sterilization device
By combining microwave and plasma generating electrodes, a sterilization device for Chinese herbal powder has solved the problems of damage to the effective components and chemical residues of Chinese herbal powder caused by traditional sterilization methods. It achieves efficient, low-temperature sterilization, ensuring sterilization effect and component protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANGZHOU HUQINGYUTANG PHARM CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for sterilizing Chinese herbal powders are prone to damaging active ingredients or causing chemical residues, failing to meet the requirements for high-quality and high-efficiency sterilization.
A sterilization device combining a microwave generator and a plasma generating electrode utilizes low-temperature plasma for sterilization, and optimizes the sterilization effect through a stirring mechanism and a gas circulation system, while a vacuum system reduces the survival pressure on microorganisms.
Low-temperature sterilization is achieved, which maximizes the protection of the effective components of Chinese medicine powder, ensures sterilization uniformity and efficiency, and avoids the defects of traditional methods.
Smart Images
Figure CN224235812U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sterilization technology of traditional Chinese medicine powder, and in particular to a sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder. Background Technology
[0002] In the production of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the sterilization of TCM powder is crucial, directly affecting the quality, safety, and shelf life of the products. Traditional sterilization methods, such as high-temperature sterilization, easily destroy the active ingredients in the powder, affecting its pharmacological activity; chemical fumigation sterilization may result in chemical residues, posing a potential threat to human health. Existing sterilization equipment is insufficient in terms of sterilization effectiveness, protection of TCM powder components, and ease of operation, failing to meet the demands of modern TCM production for high-quality, high-efficiency sterilization. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder, which can efficiently sterilize the powder and reduce damage to its active ingredients.
[0004] Therefore, the technical solution of this utility model is: a sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder, including a sterilization chamber, with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom; a sterilization mechanism and a stirring mechanism are installed inside the sterilization chamber, the sterilization mechanism includes a microwave generator and a plasma generating electrode, the microwave generator is located outside the sterilization chamber, and the plasma generating electrode includes a needle electrode and a plate electrode, the needle electrode is located on the central axis inside the sterilization chamber, and the plate electrode surrounds the inner wall of the sterilization chamber;
[0005] The stirring mechanism includes a stirring shaft and a stirring motor. The stirring motor is located outside the sterilization chamber, and the stirring shaft is located inside the sterilization chamber. The two are connected by a magnetic coupling. The stirring shaft is equipped with spiral blades.
[0006] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the sterilization chamber is provided with multiple rings of plate electrodes, the number of rings of plate electrodes being 3 to 5, and the plate electrodes are made of honeycomb anodized aluminum; the needle electrodes are made of molybdenum alloy.
[0007] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the sterilization chamber is a cylindrical structure with a conical bottom; each side of the conical structure is provided with a discharge port, the discharge port is connected to an inclined discharge pipe, and the discharge pipe is provided with a discharge sealing valve.
[0008] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the inlet of the sterilization chamber is provided with a funnel-shaped feed pipe, and the feed pipe is provided with a feed sealing valve.
[0009] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the top of the sterilization chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor to detect the pressure and temperature data inside the sterilization chamber.
[0010] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the sterilization chamber is also connected to a vacuum system, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, and the top of the sterilization chamber is provided with a vacuum connection port, which is connected to the vacuum pump through an air pipe.
[0011] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the sterilization chamber is also connected to a gas circulation system, an air extraction port is provided at the bottom of the sterilization chamber, an air supply port is provided at the top of the sterilization chamber, the inlet of the gas circulation system is connected to the air extraction port, and the outlet is connected to the air supply port at the top of the sterilization chamber.
[0012] Based on the above scheme and as a preferred embodiment of the above scheme: the gas circulation system includes a filtration device, which includes a filter layer, and the filter layer is a metal-organic framework material.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0014] 1. High-frequency microwaves generated by a microwave generator are transmitted to the plasma generating electrodes inside the sterilization chamber, inducing gas discharge to form low-temperature plasma. This low-temperature plasma can generate a large number of active particles, such as electrons, ions, and free radicals, at relatively low temperatures (generally below 100°C). These active particles can react with microorganisms on the surface and inside the herbal powder, destroying the cell walls, cell membranes, and DNA structure of the microorganisms, thereby achieving highly efficient sterilization while minimizing thermal damage to the effective components of the herbal powder.
[0015] 2. The plasma generating electrode adopts a needle-plate structure. The needle-shaped electrode is located on the central axis of the sterilization chamber, and the plate-shaped electrode surrounds the inner wall of the sterilization chamber. When microwave energy acts on the gas between the electrodes, the gas is ionized to generate plasma, which is evenly distributed in the container to sterilize the Chinese medicine powder in all directions and ensure the sterilization effect.
[0016] 3. The stirring shaft with the spiral blades is driven by magnetic force. In a completely sealed environment, the Chinese medicine powder is moved up and down in the sterilization chamber, realizing three-dimensional tumbling of the material. This not only ensures the uniformity of sterilization but also avoids the contamination that may be caused by traditional mechanical seals.
[0017] 4. Utilize a vacuum system to control the vacuum level inside the sterilization chamber. Before sterilization, activate the vacuum system to evacuate the container to a certain vacuum level, removing air and moisture to create a favorable environment for plasma generation. This also reduces the environmental pressure on microorganisms and enhances the sterilization effect.
[0018] 5. The gas in the sterilization chamber is extracted using a gas circulation system, impurities and microbial metabolic products are removed using a filter layer, and then the purified gas is sent back into the sterilization chamber, so that the gas is continuously purified, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency and stability of the plasma. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization chamber of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization chamber of this utility model.
[0022] The components in the diagram are labeled as follows: sterilization chamber 1, conical structure 11, mounting surface 12, air extraction port 13, air supply port 14, vacuum connection port 15, support frame 2, feed inlet 3, feed pipe 31, feed sealing valve 32, discharge port 4, discharge pipe 41, discharge sealing valve 42, pressure sensor 5, temperature sensor 6, sterilization mechanism 7, microwave generator 71, needle electrode 72, plate electrode 73, stirring mechanism 8, stirring shaft 81, magnetic coupling 82, stirring motor 83, spiral blade 84, vacuum pump 9, gas circulation system 10, filter device 101, and air extraction pump 102. Detailed Implementation
[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "center", "horizontal (X)", "longitudinal (Y)", "vertical (Z)", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.
[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. Thus, the use of "first" and "second" to define a feature may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "several" or "a number" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0025] See the attached drawings. The herbal powder sterilization device described in this embodiment includes a sterilization chamber 1, with a support frame 2 below the chamber 1 to elevate and support it. The sterilization chamber 1 is generally cylindrical with a conical bottom 11. An inlet 3 is located at the top of the chamber 1, and a funnel-shaped feed pipe 31 guides the herbal powder smoothly into the chamber, preventing powder from flying during feeding. A feed sealing valve 32 is installed on the feed pipe 31. An outlet 4 is located on each side of the conical bottom structure 11 of the sterilization chamber 1, connected to an inclined discharge pipe 41, which is equipped with a discharge sealing valve 42. A pressure sensor 5 and a temperature sensor 6 are located at the top of the sterilization chamber 1 to monitor the pressure and temperature data inside the chamber in real time, thus understanding the environmental parameters within the chamber.
[0026] The sterilization chamber 1 is equipped with a sterilization mechanism 7, which includes a microwave generator 71 and a plasma generating electrode. The microwave generator 71 is located outside the sterilization chamber 1 and transmits microwaves to the plasma generating electrode inside the sterilization chamber 1 via a waveguide. The plasma generating electrode includes a needle-shaped electrode 72 and a plate-shaped electrode 73. The needle-shaped electrode 72 is located on the central axis inside the top of the sterilization chamber 1, and the plate-shaped electrode 73 surrounds the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 1. The plate-shaped electrode 72 has 3 to 5 turns, which are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 1. The multi-turn design can enhance the uniformity of plasma distribution and improve the sterilization effect.
[0027] The plasma generating electrode can be made of existing materials. For example, the plate electrode 73 can be made of honeycomb anodic aluminum oxide, and the needle electrode 72 can be made of molybdenum alloy. Other more suitable materials can also be selected.
[0028] High-frequency microwaves generated by a microwave generator are transmitted to the plasma generating electrodes within sterilization chamber 1, inducing gas discharge to form low-temperature plasma. This low-temperature plasma can generate a large number of active particles, such as electrons, ions, and free radicals, at relatively low temperatures (generally below 100°C). These active particles can react with microorganisms on the surface and inside the herbal powder, destroying the cell walls, cell membranes, and DNA structure of the microorganisms, thereby achieving highly efficient sterilization while minimizing thermal damage to the effective components of the herbal powder.
[0029] The sterilization chamber 1 is also equipped with a stirring mechanism 8, which includes a stirring shaft 81, a magnetic coupling 82, and a stirring motor 83. The bottom of the conical structure 11 of the sterilization chamber 1 is provided with a mounting surface 12, and the stirring motor 83 is located outside the sterilization chamber. The stirring shaft 81 is located inside the sterilization chamber, and the two are connected by the magnetic coupling 82. The two ends of the magnetic coupling 82 are located on both sides of the mounting surface 12, connecting the stirring shaft 81 and the stirring motor 83 located inside and outside the sterilization chamber 1. The stirring shaft 81 is provided with spiral blades 84. The central axis of the stirring shaft 81 coincides with the central axis of the sterilization chamber 1. The outermost edge of the spiral blades 84 maintains a certain safe distance from the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 1 to avoid interference with the plate electrode 73 on the inner wall. The top of the stirring shaft 81 also maintains a certain distance from the needle electrode 72 to avoid interference between the two.
[0030] Meanwhile, to ensure smoother discharge from the outlet, the outlet is flush with the installation surface, making it easier for the Chinese medicine powder to fall into the outlet.
[0031] The sterilization chamber 1 is also connected to a vacuum system, which includes a vacuum pump 9. A vacuum connection port 15 is located at the top of the sterilization chamber, connected to the vacuum pump 9 via an air pipe. The vacuum system controls the vacuum level within the sterilization chamber 1. Before sterilization, the vacuum system is activated to evacuate the container to a certain vacuum level, removing air and moisture to create a favorable environment for plasma generation. This also reduces the environmental pressure on microorganisms, enhancing the sterilization effect.
[0032] The sterilization chamber 1 is also connected to a gas circulation system 10, which includes a filtration device 101 and a vacuum pump 102. A vacuum port 13 is located at the bottom of the sterilization chamber 1, and a gas inlet 14 is located at the top. The inlet of the vacuum pump 102 is connected to the vacuum port 13. Gas is drawn from the sterilization chamber 1 and then filtered in the filtration device 101. The filtration device 101 includes a filter layer made of metal-organic framework material, which can remove impurities and microbial metabolic products. The filtration device is a conventional filtration device, which will not be described in detail here. The purified gas is then returned to the sterilization chamber 1 from the gas inlet 14 at the top, continuously purifying the gas and improving the sterilization efficiency and stability of the plasma.
[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder, characterized in that: It includes a sterilization chamber with a feed inlet at the top and a discharge outlet at the bottom; the sterilization chamber is equipped with a sterilization mechanism and a stirring mechanism. The sterilization mechanism includes a microwave generator and a plasma generating electrode. The microwave generator is located outside the sterilization chamber, and the plasma generating electrode includes a needle electrode and a plate electrode. The needle electrode is located on the central axis inside the sterilization chamber, and the plate electrode surrounds the inner wall of the sterilization chamber. The stirring mechanism includes a stirring shaft and a stirring motor. The stirring motor is located outside the sterilization chamber, and the stirring shaft is located inside the sterilization chamber. The two are connected by a magnetic coupling. The stirring shaft is equipped with spiral blades.
2. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber is equipped with multiple rings of plate electrodes, with 3 to 5 rings of plate electrodes, and the plate electrodes are made of honeycomb anodized aluminum; the needle electrodes are made of molybdenum alloy.
3. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber is cylindrical in shape with a conical bottom. Each side of the conical structure has a discharge port connected to an inclined discharge pipe, and the discharge pipe is equipped with a discharge sealing valve.
4. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber has a funnel-shaped feed pipe at its inlet, and the feed pipe is equipped with a feed sealing valve.
5. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber is equipped with pressure and temperature sensors on its top to detect the pressure and temperature data inside the sterilization chamber.
6. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber is also connected to a vacuum system, which includes a vacuum pump. The top of the sterilization chamber is equipped with a vacuum connection port, which is connected to the vacuum pump through an air pipe.
7. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber is also connected to a gas circulation system. The bottom of the sterilization chamber is provided with an air extraction port, and the top of the sterilization chamber is provided with an air supply port. The inlet of the gas circulation system is connected to the air extraction port, and the outlet is connected to the air supply port on the top of the sterilization chamber.
8. The sterilization device for traditional Chinese medicine powder as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The gas circulation system includes a filtration device, which contains a filter layer made of metal-organic framework material.