Gasification apparatus for disinfectants and method for gasifying disinfectants

Abstract

To provide a gasification device of a disinfectant capable of reliably gasifying a disinfectant and enhancing a disinfectant concentration in a gas, while being compact, and also to provide a gasification method of a disinfectant.SOLUTION: A gasification device includes: a spiral metallic pipe in which at least one of an interval of the spiral pipe is 1.0 mm to 30.0 mm, or an angle of a spiral is larger than 0 degree and 30 degrees or smaller with regard to a face orthogonal to a central axis of the spiral; a molten metal solidification layer embedding the spiral metallic pipe by a casting process; a heating body configured to heat an exterior surface of the molten metal solidification layer; and a nozzle disposed at one edge part of the spiral metallic pipe and configured to spray a disinfectant inside the spiral metallic pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gasification device for a bactericide that generates a gas of the bactericide and a method for gasifying the bactericide, which are used for sterilizing a packaging material in a sterile filling and packaging machine.

Background Art

[0002] Foods and beverages are filled into various containers by a sterile filling and packaging machine and distributed, such as portion milk, beverages in brick-shaped liquid paper containers, soups in pouches, beverages in cups, and beverages in plastic bottles such as PET. A sterile filling and packaging machine is a device that fills and seals sterilized contents into a container sterilized in a sterile atmosphere. Products produced by a sterile filling and packaging machine can be distributed and stored at room temperature, so they have an increasing trend because they consume less energy and have a better taste than refrigerated and frozen products.

[0003] In a sterile filling and packaging machine, the packaging materials that serve as containers are various as described above, and the sterilization methods also differ depending on the packaging materials. There are methods of irradiating with ultraviolet rays or electron beams, but the mainstream method is to sterilize the surface of the packaging material with a bactericide. Further, when sterilizing the packaging material using a bactericide, portion milk and brick-shaped paper containers are sterilized by immersion in the bactericide, but there is also a method of spraying the bactericide. Packaging materials that are flat and do not interfere with relatively high drying temperatures after immersion are sterilized by immersion. Formed containers such as cups and bottles and packaging materials such as films that will stretch during high-temperature drying are sterilized by spraying the bactericide.

[0004] If the droplets of the bactericide to be sprayed are large, they will drip on the sides of the cup or bottle. The smaller the droplets of the bactericide to be sprayed, the more uniformly they are applied to the surface of the packaging material, and the higher the sterilization effect. Therefore, a method for atomizing the droplets of the bactericide has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0005] The smaller the droplets of disinfectant adhering to the surface of the packaging material, and the denser the surface of the packaging material is covered with these droplets, the higher the disinfecting effect. Therefore, instead of spraying droplets of disinfectant, a method has been proposed in which the disinfectant is gasified and the gaseous disinfectant is sprayed onto the surface of the packaging material, causing the disinfectant to condense on the surface of the packaging material (Patent Document 2). The gasification of the disinfectant is performed by dropping the disinfectant onto a heated heating element.

[0006] Furthermore, a method has been proposed to efficiently gasify a large amount of disinfectant by spraying the disinfectant into a heated tube (Patent Document 3). In addition, a method has been proposed to install a heat storage body inside a heated tube (Patent Document 4).

[0007] The disinfectant vaporization device described in Patent Document 3 sprays the disinfectant into a heated cylinder. Another disinfectant gasification device has been proposed in which disinfectant liquid is sprayed into a heated cylinder, hot air is blown in from upstream, and a plate heater is installed at the bottom of the cylinder (Patent Document 5). Another device has been proposed in which hydrogen peroxide is injected into a cylinder while a gaseous medium is supplied, and the hydrogen peroxide is vaporized and discharged by applying it to the surface of a heating device (Patent Document 6).

[0008] The aforementioned disinfectant gasification devices gasify the disinfectant by bringing it into contact with a relatively large heated cylindrical tube or heated housing surface. Some devices also use hot air to blow on the disinfectant. Devices have also been proposed that gasify the disinfectant by injecting or spraying it into a relatively narrow heated flow path. Patent Document 7 describes a device in which a coil spring is inserted between a heated outer cylinder and an inner rotating body, and the disinfectant is vaporized by flowing it through the helical space formed by the coil spring. Patent Document 8 also proposes a device in which the disinfectant is sprayed into a circumferential groove, and then vaporized by flowing the disinfectant through multiple heated pipes extending downward from the groove.

[0009] Furthermore, in a vaporizer for vaporizing sterilization gas from raw gas, a method is described in which a tubular member forming a helical vaporization chamber is embedded by casting using a material with good thermal conductivity and low cost (Patent Document 9). In addition, a gasification device for a disinfectant is shown, which includes a molten metal solidification layer covering a helical metal pipe, a heating element for heating the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer, and a nozzle at one end of the helical metal pipe for spraying a disinfectant into the helical metal pipe (Patent Document 10).

[0010] Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant, but trace amounts of heavy metals in the hydrogen peroxide solution can cause it to decompose. To prevent this, hydrogen peroxide used for disinfection in aseptic filling and packaging machines is supplemented with stabilizers such as sodium pyrophosphate or orthophosphate, whose safety and effectiveness have been confirmed (Patent Document 11). However, such stabilizers can precipitate when hydrogen peroxide is gasified, accumulating on the surface of the heating element used for gasification, reducing the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide gasification, or clogging the nozzle that sprays the hydrogen peroxide gas onto the object to be disinfected. To prevent such problems caused by stabilizer precipitation, a method has been proposed in which hydrogen peroxide is first gasified, the gas is cooled and passed through a filter, and the liquefied hydrogen peroxide is then further gasified (Patent Document 12). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-220067 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-11163 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-224469 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-218134 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-276189 [Patent Document 6] Special Publication No. 2010-534167 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Publication No. 122926 / 1983 [Patent Document 8] Special Publication No. 2005-503206 [Patent Document 9] Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 53-017908 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-029541 [Patent Document 11] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-240969 [Patent Document 12] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-258811 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In aseptic filling and packaging machines, gaseous hydrogen peroxide is widely used to sterilize packaging materials. Hydrogen peroxide is gasified by bringing it into contact with the surface of a heated element. Another method involves blowing hot air onto sprayed hydrogen peroxide, but because hot air has a low heat capacity, it is difficult to completely gasify the hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide sprayed inside a cylindrical tube gasifies upon contact with the heated inner surface of the tube. There are also hydrogen peroxide solutions that are sprayed onto the container to be sterilized in droplet form, without contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical tube.

[0013] The complete gasification of sprayed hydrogen peroxide allows the gaseous hydrogen peroxide to come into contact with bacteria on the surface of the container or the flat packaging material before the container is formed. The gaseous hydrogen peroxide then condenses on the container surface to form fine droplets, and subsequent heating causes the hydrogen peroxide to gasify again, thus enhancing the sterilization effect. In other words, completely gasifying the hydrogen peroxide and thereby increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the gas enhances the sterilization effect.

[0014] To increase the gasification rate of hydrogen peroxide, it is effective to increase the surface area of ​​the cylindrical tube relative to the sprayed hydrogen peroxide, so that all droplets of hydrogen peroxide come into contact with the surface of the heated element. However, even if the cylindrical tube is made longer, there is a possibility that the gasified hydrogen peroxide will recondense in the cylindrical space, making complete gasification difficult. Also, even if the cylindrical tube is made wider, there is a possibility that the sprayed hydrogen peroxide will not reach the inner surface of the cylindrical tube. Thus, making the cylindrical tube longer or wider would increase the size of the gasification device, which is undesirable for an aseptic filling machine.

[0015] On the other hand, the gasification devices proposed in Patent Documents 7 and 8 gasify hydrogen peroxide by passing it through a spiral groove or pipeline. Compared to gasification devices consisting of cylindrical tubes, the surface area of ​​the heated element relative to the sprayed hydrogen peroxide is larger, so it is presumed that the gasification rate of hydrogen peroxide will be higher. However, both have complex structures and are expensive to manufacture.

[0016] The disinfectant gasification devices described in Patent Documents 9 and 10 involve embedding a spiral tube in metal and heating the embedded metal to vaporize the disinfectant within the spiral tube, thus efficiently vaporizing the disinfectant. However, no technology for increasing the efficiency or miniaturizing the disinfectant gasification device has been disclosed.

[0017] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a disinfectant gasification device and method that can reliably gasify a disinfectant by increasing the opportunities for the disinfectant, which has been turned into droplets by spraying, to come into contact with a heated heating element, thereby increasing the concentration of the disinfectant in the gas, and is easy to maintain and compact.

[0018] When using hydrogen peroxide water as a bactericide, the stabilizer contained in the hydrogen peroxide water is deposited on the inner surface of the gasification device and accumulates on the surface of the heated heating element. The deposited stabilizer hinders the heat conduction to the outermost surface of the heated heating element and reduces the gasification efficiency of the hydrogen peroxide water. To solve this problem, the gasification device of the bactericide must be disassembled and cleaned regularly, which inhibits productivity. The present disclosure enables replacement by use for a certain period of time without disassembling and cleaning the gasification section of the gasification device on which the stabilizer is deposited by suppressing the manufacturing cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] The gasification device of the bactericide according to one embodiment is a spiral metal pipe in which at least one of the pitch of the spiral pipe is 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, or the angle of the spiral is more than 0 degrees and 30 degrees or less with respect to the plane orthogonal to the central axis of the spiral, a molten metal solidified layer that buries the spiral-shaped portion with molten metal leaving both ends of the spiral metal pipe by a casting method, a heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidified layer, and a nozzle that sprays a bactericide into the spiral metal pipe at one end of the spiral metal pipe. Furthermore, a gasification device tip nozzle is provided at the disinfectant gas outlet from which the disinfectant gas is ejected at the other end of the helical metal pipe, and the gasification device tip nozzle is brought into contact with the molten metal solidification layer. It is characterized in that the volume ratio of the spiral metal pipe to the molten metal solidified layer is in the range of 1:3 to 1:30.

[0020] Further, in the gasification device of the bactericide according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the spiral metal pipe is made of stainless steel.

[0022] Further, in the gasification device of the bactericide according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the tip nozzle of the gasification device is made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0023] Further, in the gasification device of the bactericide according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the spiral direction of the spiral metal pipe is changed at least once.

[0024] Furthermore, in the gasification apparatus for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer is brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0025] Furthermore, in a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer and the heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer are made of the same material.

[0026] Furthermore, in a gasification apparatus for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer circumference and inside of the helical metal pipe and is provided in a cylindrical shape.

[0027] Furthermore, in a gasification apparatus for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer and inner circumference of the helical metal pipe and is provided in a cylindrical shape.

[0028] Furthermore, in the gasification apparatus for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the nozzle is a two-fluid spray.

[0029] Furthermore, in the gasification apparatus for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable to provide a cleaning liquid inlet device that flows the cleaning liquid into the spiral metal pipe.

[0030] Furthermore, in a disinfectant gasification apparatus according to one embodiment, it is preferable to provide a branch pipe at the disinfectant gas outlet from which the disinfectant gas, gasified in the spiral metal pipe, is ejected, and to equip the apparatus with one or more of a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter, a thermometer, and a conductivity meter.

[0031] A method for gasifying a disinfectant according to one embodiment includes a spiral metal pipe in which the spacing between spiral pipes is 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, or the angle of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 30 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the spiral, a molten metal solidification layer in which the spiral-shaped portion of the spiral metal pipe is embedded with molten metal, leaving two ends of the spiral metal pipe intact by a casting method, and a heating element for heating the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer, wherein the volume ratio of the spiral metal pipe to the molten metal solidification layer is in the range of 1:3 to 1:30, and the disinfectant is sprayed into the spiral metal pipe from one end of the spiral metal pipe. A gasification device tip nozzle is provided at the disinfectant gas outlet at the other end of the aforementioned spiral metal pipe from which the disinfectant gas is ejected, and the ejected disinfectant gas is guided, and the gasification device tip nozzle is brought into contact with the molten metal solidification layer and heated. It is characterized by the following.

[0032] Furthermore, in the gasification method for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the helical metal pipe be made of stainless steel.

[0034] Furthermore, in the gasification method for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the nozzle at the tip of the gasification device be made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0035] Furthermore, in the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable to change the spiral direction of the helical metal pipe at least once.

[0036] Furthermore, in the gasification method for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer be brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0037] Furthermore, in the gasification method for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer and the heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer be made of the same material.

[0038] Furthermore, in the gasification method for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer circumference and inside of the helical metal pipe, forming a cylindrical shape.

[0039] Furthermore, in the gasification method for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer and inner circumference of the helical metal pipe, making it cylindrical.

[0040] Furthermore, in the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable to spray the disinfectant into the helical metal pipe using a two-fluid spray.

[0041] Furthermore, in the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable to flow the cleaning solution through the spiral metal pipe.

[0042] Furthermore, in the gasification method for disinfectants according to one embodiment, it is preferable to use water obtained by ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration, or distillation for the washing solution.

[0043] Furthermore, in the gasification method for a disinfectant according to one embodiment, it is preferable to flow the cleaning solution through the spiral metal pipe, rinse the cleaning solution with water, and then blow air through the spiral metal pipe to remove any remaining water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] The disinfectant gasification apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a spiral metal pipe, a molten metal solidification layer in which the spiral metal pipe is embedded by a casting method, a heating element for heating the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer, and a nozzle provided at one end of the spiral metal pipe for spraying the disinfectant into the spiral metal pipe. This ensures that the disinfectant sprayed into the spiral metal pipe is reliably gasified. Therefore, it is possible to increase the concentration of the disinfectant in the gas, thereby enhancing the disinfecting effect. Furthermore, by reliably gasifying the disinfectant, the gasified disinfectant condenses on the surface of the container to form fine droplets, and subsequent heating causes the disinfectant to gasify again, further enhancing the disinfecting effect.

[0045] By narrowing the spacing between the spirals of the spiral metal pipe, reducing the angle of the spiral, or doing both, the spiral metal pipe can be made more compact while maintaining a sufficient length. This allows for a smaller disinfectant gasification device that can vaporize a large amount of disinfectant compared to conventional devices. Furthermore, making the spiral metal pipe compact improves the ease of replacement of the disinfectant gasification device and simplifies the structure for holding the disinfectant gasification device.

[0046] Furthermore, because the gasification device for disinfectants according to this disclosure is inexpensive to manufacture, when hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant, if it appears that the stabilizer contained in the hydrogen peroxide has precipitated inside the spiral metal pipe, it is possible to replace the gasification unit of the gasification device where the stabilizer has precipitated without disassembling and cleaning it, thereby increasing the productivity of the aseptic filling machine.

[0047] Furthermore, because the gasification device for disinfectants according to this disclosure has a spiral-shaped metal pipe inside, it has superior cleaning effect and rinsing performance with cleaning solution compared to conventional cylindrical gasification devices, enabling efficient removal of stabilizers and rinsing of chemicals in a short time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the gasification apparatus for the disinfectant according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the gasification apparatus for the disinfectant according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the spiral metal pipe of the disinfectant gasification device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing another spiral metal pipe of the disinfectant gasification apparatus of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the gasification apparatus for the disinfectant according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the gasification apparatus for the disinfectant according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the disinfectant gasification device of Embodiment 1 with a washing liquid inlet device installed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0050] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows a disinfectant gasification apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1. The disinfectant gasification apparatus 1 comprises a spiral metal pipe 2, a molten metal solidification layer 3 in which the spiral metal pipe 2 is embedded by a casting method, a heating element 4 for heating the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer 3, and a nozzle 5 at one end of the spiral metal pipe 2 for spraying the disinfectant into the spiral metal pipe 2.

[0051] The spiral metal pipe 2 is heated by heat conducted from a heating element 4 located on the outer surface of a molten metal solidification layer 3 embedded around the outer circumference of the spiral metal pipe 2 by a casting method. A disinfectant can be sprayed into the spiral metal pipe 2 from a nozzle 5 located at one end of the spiral metal pipe 2, causing the disinfectant to vaporize. The disinfectant vaporizes and turns into gas when it comes into contact with the heated inner surface of the spiral metal pipe 2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the spiral metal pipe 2 is a metal pipe processed into a spiral shape. The metal can be any metal that has a melting point higher than the melting temperature of the material forming the molten metal solidification layer 3. For example, iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, etc. are acceptable, but stainless steel is preferred because it has good durability against cleaning solutions containing disinfectants and chemicals. As stainless steel, alloys of iron with added chromium and nickel, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum and copper, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum and nitrogen, or duplex stainless steel alloys having two structures, the aforementioned stainless steel alloy and ferrite, can be used.

[0053] The metal pipe is shaped into a spiral to ensure the longest possible path for the disinfectant within the limited space, allowing the disinfectant to be sprayed inside the pipe and vaporized. The spiral metal pipe 2 is heated from the outside, and the sprayed disinfectant passes through the heated spiral metal pipe 2, ensuring that the disinfectant is vaporized.

[0054] The spiral shape of the metal pipe satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the spacing between the spiral pipes is 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, or the angle of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and 30 degrees or less with respect to the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the spiral. By narrowing the spacing between the spiral pipes, reducing the angle of the spiral, or satisfying both conditions, the spiral metal pipe 2 can be made more compact even with the same pipe length. By making the spiral metal pipe 2 more compact, the disinfectant gasification device 1 that gasifies the same amount of disinfectant can be made smaller and more compact, the buried molten metal solidification layer 3 can also be reduced, and the weight of the disinfectant gasification device 1 can be reduced.

[0055] The spacing between the spiral pipes is between 1.0 mm and 30.0 mm. The spacing between spiral pipes is the shortest distance between any two adjacent pipes. If the spacing between spiral pipes is less than 1.0 mm, the thickness of the molten metal solidification layer 3 filling the space between the pipes will be insufficient, which may reduce the strength of the molten metal solidification layer 3. In addition, the spiral metal pipes 2 act as an insulating layer, making it difficult for the high temperature of the outer surface of the heated molten metal solidification layer 3 to be transmitted to the interior (center). If the spacing between spiral pipes exceeds 30.0 mm, the axial length of the spiral metal pipes 2 becomes excessive, resulting in a larger disinfectant gasification device 1.

[0056] The spacing between the spiral pipes does not have to be constant and may vary between the two ends of the spiral metal pipe 2. Varying the spacing between the spiral pipes makes the flow of the disinfectant irregular, causing the disinfectant in contact with the walls of the spiral metal pipe 2 to change, and thus increasing the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant.

[0057] The angle of the helix is ​​greater than 0 degrees and 30 degrees or less with respect to the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the helix. Preferably, it is between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. If the angle of the helix is ​​less than 5 degrees, it may become impossible to maintain the spacing between adjacent pipes. In addition, the sprayed disinfectant and the vaporized disinfectant inside the pipe will not flow smoothly, requiring an increase in the pressure of the compressed air used for spraying. This also increases the ejection pressure of the disinfectant gas ejected from the disinfectant gas outlet 6, making it difficult to adjust the amount of disinfectant gas. Furthermore, if the angle exceeds 30 degrees, the axial length of the helical metal pipe 2 becomes excessive.

[0058] The angle of the spiral does not have to be constant and may vary between the two ends of the spiral metal pipe 2. Varying the angle of the spiral makes the flow of the disinfectant irregular, causing the disinfectant in contact with the walls of the spiral metal pipe 2 to change, and thus increasing the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant.

[0059] The first spiral angle at the two ends of the spiral-shaped metal pipe 2 can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees. The region from the end of the spiral to the completion of one rotation will not interfere with adjacent pipes even if the spiral angle is small. By making the spiral angle less than 5 degrees, the flow rate of the disinfectant becomes irregular, and the vaporization efficiency increases.

[0060] The spiral metal pipe 2 is made by processing a metal pipe with an inner diameter of 3 mm to 30 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm into a spiral shape. The radius from the center of the axis of the spiral metal pipe 2 to the outermost part of the spiral metal pipe 2 is appropriately 10 mm to 200 mm. The axial length of the spiral is appropriately 50 mm to 800 mm. The total length of the spiral metal pipe 2 is appropriately 500 mm to 5000 mm. Furthermore, the ratio of the radius of the spiral to the outer diameter of the spiral metal pipe 2, i.e., radius of the spiral / outer diameter of the spiral metal pipe 2, is preferably 4 to 50. More preferably, it is 10 to 30. Within this range, there is a good balance between the processability of the spiral processing and the size of the spiral metal pipe 2. A nozzle 5 is connected to one end of the spiral metal pipe 2. The other end becomes a disinfectant gas outlet 6 from which gasified disinfectant gas is ejected.

[0061] The spiral metal pipe 2 may have its spiral direction changed at least once, as shown in Figure 4. Changing the spiral direction alters the flow of the disinfectant within the spiral metal pipe 2, and the gasification of the disinfectant is promoted as small droplets of non-gasified disinfectant come into contact with the inner surface of the spiral metal pipe 2.

[0062] The spiral metal pipe 2 is embedded with molten metal. As shown in Figure 1, the spiral metal pipe 2 is embedded with a molten metal solidification layer 3 that covers the outer circumference of the spiral-shaped pipe. Molten metal is poured in a cylindrical shape around the entire inner circumference of the spiral metal pipe 2, with the outermost part being 5 mm to 30 mm from the outer end of the spiral-shaped pipe, leaving the two ends of the spiral metal pipe 2 exposed. The spiral portion is then embedded with molten metal, and after the molten metal solidifies, it becomes the molten metal solidification layer 3.

[0063] The volume ratio of the spiral metal pipe 2 to the molten metal solidification layer 3 affects the vaporization efficiency. A volume ratio of 1:3 to 1:30 is preferable, and more preferably 1:5 to 1:15. If the volume ratio is less than 1:3, the heat transfer effect from the heating element 4 decreases, and the amount of gasification decreases. On the other hand, if the volume ratio exceeds 1:30, the proportion of the molten metal solidification layer becomes excessive, making it difficult to make the device compact and lightweight.

[0064] The molten metal solidification layer 3 is suitable for metals with relatively low melting points, such as brass, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum alloys. In particular, brass, aluminum, and aluminum alloys are suitable due to their strength and thermal conductivity. The melting point of aluminum is approximately 660°C, and aluminum alloys have even lower melting points. The molten metal solidification layer 3 is obtained by melting aluminum and aluminum alloys, pouring them into a mold that holds the spiral metal pipe 2, and allowing them to cool and solidify.

[0065] There are two methods for melting aluminum or aluminum alloy and pouring it into a mold: casting and die casting. Casting methods include sand casting, die casting, and low-pressure casting. Die casting methods include ordinary die casting, squeeze casting, and vacuum die casting. Any method is acceptable, but since strict dimensional accuracy is not required, the inexpensive sand casting method is also acceptable.

[0066] A nozzle 5 for spraying a disinfectant into the spiral metal pipe 2 is provided at one end of the spiral metal pipe 2. The nozzle 5 can be anything as long as it can spray the disinfectant into the spiral metal pipe 2. However, a two-fluid spray nozzle 5 is preferred. If the nozzle 5 is a two-fluid spray, the disinfectant is supplied to the nozzle 5 from the disinfectant supply port and compressed air is supplied from the compressed air supply port. The disinfectant is sprayed as a mist from the nozzle 5 onto the inner surface of the spiral metal pipe 2. The sprayed disinfectant gasifies upon contact with the inner surface of the spiral metal pipe 2, which is heated by the heat conducted from the heating element 4 through the molten metal solidification layer 3. The gasified disinfectant is ejected as gas from the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The ejection is due to the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the nozzle 5 and the volume expansion when the disinfectant gasifies.

[0067] In Figure 1, the nozzle 5 and the disinfectant gas outlet 6 are located in the center of the spiral portion of the spiral-shaped metal pipe 2, but they may also be located along the spiral shape.

[0068] The disinfectant gas ejected from the disinfectant gas outlet 6 may be sprayed directly onto a container passing beneath the disinfectant gas outlet 6. However, as shown in Figure 1, a gasification device tip nozzle 10 for guiding the ejected disinfectant gas may be provided at the tip of the disinfectant gas outlet 6, and the disinfectant gas may be sprayed from the tip of the gasification device tip nozzle 10 onto a container passing beneath the gasification device tip nozzle 10.

[0069] The gasification device tip nozzle 10, like the spiral metal pipe 2, is made of a metal such as iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, or titanium, but aluminum may also be used. Stainless steel is preferred because it has good durability against cleaning solutions containing disinfectants and chemicals. As stainless steel, alloys of iron with added chromium and nickel, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum and copper, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum and nitrogen, or duplex stainless steel alloys having two structures of the aforementioned stainless steel alloy and ferrite can be used.

[0070] The diameter of the tip of the gasification device nozzle 10 is preferably equal to or 30% of the diameter of the disinfectant gas outlet 6 of the spiral metal pipe 2. If it is narrowed by more than 30%, the spraying range of the disinfectant gas will be reduced, and disinfection may not be performed sufficiently. The distance between the tip of the gasification device nozzle 10 and the target container is preferably 20 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less.

[0071] A drop in temperature at the tip nozzle 10 of the gasifier may cause condensation of the disinfectant gas at that location, potentially leading to dripping. To prevent this, the tip nozzle 10 of the gasifier may be heated by bringing it into contact with at least one of the molten metal solidification layer 3 or the heating element 4. Alternatively, the heating element may be brought into contact with the tip nozzle 10 of the gasifier. When bringing them into contact, a sealing material such as a gasket or O-ring may be provided to prevent leakage of the disinfectant gas. Fluororubber is preferred as the material for the sealing material.

[0072] The operating conditions for nozzle 5 include, for example, adjusting the compressed air pressure to a range of 0.05 MPa to 0.8 MPa, and the air flow rate to 10 L / min to 500 L / min, preferably 30 L / min to 300 L / min. At less than 10 L / min, when the disinfectant is blown into the container from the opening of the container that passes below the disinfectant gas outlet 6, it becomes difficult to ensure that the disinfectant adheres to the bottom of the container. In addition, the distribution of disinfectant adhesion within the container is poor, resulting in variability in the disinfecting effect. To avoid this, one option is to insert the gasification device tip nozzle 10, which is installed at the end of the disinfectant gas outlet 6, into the container, but this makes the device complex and costly. On the other hand, if the air flow rate exceeds 500 L / min, the concentration of the disinfectant becomes diluted, and in order to compensate for this, an excessive supply of disinfectant is required, resulting in poor efficiency. The disinfectant can be supplied by gravity, by applying pressure with a pump, or by pressurized air. The supply rate of the disinfectant can be freely set, for example, within a range of 1 g / min to 200 g / min.

[0073] The flow rate of the disinfectant gas should be appropriately adjusted according to the container transport speed. Specifically, for containers with a total length of 100 mm to 400 mm and an inner diameter of φ15 mm to φ40 mm, when the transport speed is 500 mm / sec to 800 mm / sec, the flow rate of the disinfectant gas at the tip of the disinfectant gas outlet 6 or the gasification device tip nozzle 10 is preferably 10 m / sec to 100 m / sec. For containers with a total length of 30 mm to 300 mm and an inner diameter of φ15 mm to 40 mm, when the transport speed is 800 mm / sec to 2500 mm / sec, a flow rate of 30 m / sec to 600 m / sec is preferable. Below this range, sufficient disinfectant cannot adhere to the bottom of the container, reducing the disinfecting effect. Above this range, the gasification efficiency of the disinfectant decreases, requiring a larger gasification device, which worsens costs.

[0074] The disinfectant preferably contains at least hydrogen peroxide. The appropriate content is between 0.5% by mass and 65% by mass. Below 0.5% by mass, the disinfectant may be insufficient, while above 65% by mass, it becomes difficult to handle for safety reasons. Even more preferable is a content between 0.5% by mass and 40% by mass; below 40% by mass, it is easier to handle, and the low concentration reduces the amount of hydrogen peroxide remaining on the packaging material after disinfection.

[0075] Furthermore, disinfectants contain stabilizers to prevent the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The stabilizers in disinfectants preferably include sodium pyrophosphate or orthophosphate, which are designated food additives by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare for sterilizing food packaging materials. However, phosphorus-containing inorganic compounds such as sodium hydrogen pyrophosphate, or phosphonic acid chelating agents such as aminotrimethylphosphonic acid alkylidene diphosphonate may also be used. The stabilizer content is usually 40 ppm or less, but some products have a low content of 10 ppm or less.

[0076] Furthermore, while disinfectants contain water, they may also contain one or more alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetylacetone, and glycol ethers.

[0077] Furthermore, the disinfectant may contain additives such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, chlorine compounds, ozone, and other compounds with bactericidal effects, as well as cationic surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

[0078] The nozzle 5 may be connected directly to the spiral metal pipe 2, but an extension pipe may also be provided between the spiral metal pipe 2 and the nozzle 5. The extension pipe is provided to prevent heat from the spiral metal pipe 2 from being conducted to the nozzle 5 and causing the temperature of the nozzle 5 body to rise.

[0079] The disinfectant gas ejected from the disinfectant gas outlet 6 may be sprayed directly onto the container or other packaging material to be disinfected. Alternatively, the disinfectant gas may be gasified in a spiral metal pipe 2 and ejected from the disinfectant gas outlet 6. This gas may be mixed with heated air, which is produced by heating air from a blower using a heating device, in a conduit, and the mixed disinfectant gas may be sprayed onto the container or other packaging material to be disinfected. Multiple disinfectant gasification devices may be connected to the conduit, rather than just one. The air is heated to a temperature of 130°C to 300°C by the heating device.

[0080] Furthermore, a filter may be installed at the disinfectant gas outlet 6 to capture the precipitated stabilizer. Although the stabilizer used is hygienically sound, there is a risk that it may adhere to the disinfectant gas outlet 6 and clog it. Any filter that has heat resistance up to 300°C and can capture the precipitated stabilizer is acceptable, such as a ceramic filter made of alumina, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, etc., with an average narrow diameter of 0.1 μm to 20 μm, or a nonwoven fabric made of inorganic material, cellulose, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, a branch pipe may be installed at the disinfectant gas outlet 6 to connect to a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter, thermometer, or conductivity meter. By installing a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter and thermometer, it becomes possible to continuously or intermittently measure the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration and disinfectant gas temperature necessary for disinfection. Since hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meters generally lack heat resistance, it is preferable to lower the gas temperature to below 100°C and the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration to 20 mg / L (preferably 10 mg / L) for measurement. Another advantage of installing a conductivity meter is that it allows confirmation that there is no residue of the disinfectant after cleaning the inside of the disinfectant gasification device 1 with a cleaning solution containing the disinfectant and then rinsing with water.

[0082] A heating element 4 is provided on the outside of the molten metal solidification layer 3 to heat the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer 3. Preferably, the heating element 4 is a cast-in heater processed to contact the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer 3. Alternatively, any method that can heat to the desired temperature is acceptable, such as a plate-shaped heater, heating the heating element 4 itself by passing an electric current through it, or heating by an induction heating device. The heating element 4 is heated to a temperature between 130°C and 500°C. An outer casing may be provided on the outside of the heating element 4 for insulation.

[0083] When using a cast-in heater, it is preferable to make the distance between the cast-in heater and the inner circumference of the heating element 4 shorter than the distance between the cast-in heater and the outer circumference of the heating element 4 in order to improve heat conductivity. In other words, the position of the cast-in heater may be moved closer to the inside of the heating element 4.

[0084] The heating element 4 may be divided into at least two or more sections, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the disinfectant gasification device 1. This is because dividing the heating element 4 reduces its weight and thus the burden on the workers. Furthermore, independent temperature settings become possible, allowing for appropriate temperatures to be set at each location in the disinfectant gasification device 1. For example, the temperature near the disinfectant inlet may be set low to promote a smooth temperature rise of the disinfectant. The temperature near the disinfectant outlet may be set high to make the disinfectant hotter and less prone to condensation.

[0085] The material for the heating element 4 should be a metal with a relatively low melting point, such as brass, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, or aluminum alloy. In particular, brass, aluminum, and aluminum alloy are suitable due to their strength and thermal conductivity. The melting point of aluminum is approximately 660°C, and aluminum alloys have a lower melting point. The heating element 4 is obtained by melting aluminum or aluminum alloy, pouring it into a mold that holds the heater wire, and allowing it to cool and solidify.

[0086] When the heating element 4 is heated to 130°C or higher, aluminum and other metals also undergo adiabatic expansion. Therefore, it is preferable to use the same material for the heating element 4 and the molten metal solidification layer 3, which makes it possible to reduce the gap between the heating element 4 and the molten metal solidification layer 3 even when heated.

[0087] By heating the heating element 4 to between 130°C and 500°C, the inner surface of the spiral metal pipe 2 can maintain a temperature between 130°C and 500°C when the disinfectant is sprayed. When the disinfectant contains 35% by mass of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant gas will be between 200 mg / L and 500 mg / L.

[0088] The spiral metal pipe 2 is heated by the heating element 4, ensuring that the disinfectant gas outlet 6 is reliably heated. Compared to conventional cylindrical gasification devices, the disinfectant gasified within the spiral metal pipe 2 does not liquefy near the disinfectant gas outlet 6, and can be sprayed onto the object to be disinfected while maintaining its gaseous state.

[0089] In the disinfectant gasification device 1, prolonged use may cause stabilizers contained in hydrogen peroxide to precipitate and accumulate inside the spiral metal pipe 2 or in the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The accumulated stabilizers hinder heat conduction to the surface of the spiral metal pipe 2, reducing the gasification efficiency of the disinfectant. Furthermore, excessive accumulation may corrode the stainless steel piping or clog the inside of the spiral metal pipe 2 or the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The spiral metal pipe 2 and molten metal solidification layer 3 of this embodiment are relatively inexpensive, and by replacing them after a certain period of use and reusing the nozzle 5 and heating element 4, operation can be carried out at a low cost. In addition, there is no need to spend time cleaning the gasification device as in the conventional method, and the sterile filling machine can be restarted in a short time.

[0090] Furthermore, in order to extend the replacement period for the portion consisting of the spiral metal pipe 2 and the molten metal solidification layer 3, it is preferable to clean the inside of the spiral metal pipe 2.

[0091] The disinfectant gasification device 1 according to this embodiment has a spiral metal pipe 2 for vaporizing the disinfectant, and therefore offers superior cleaning effectiveness and rinsing compared to conventional cylindrical gasification devices. In other words, it allows for efficient removal of precipitated stabilizers in a short time and rinsing of the chemicals used in the cleaning solution. After the operation of the gasification device 1 is complete, a cleaning solution containing an alkaline or acidic chemical is supplied to the nozzle 5 that sprays the disinfectant, and the stabilizer is removed by spraying the cleaning solution into the spiral metal pipe 2. Next, water is supplied to wash away the chemicals. Water may be supplied before supplying the cleaning solution containing the alkaline or acidic chemical.

[0092] As a cleaning solution containing an alkaline agent, a solution containing 0.5% to 5% by mass of sodium hydroxide and 0.1% to 5% by mass of a chelating agent is preferred. Since the temperature inside the disinfectant gasifier 1 is high (50°C to 300°C) immediately after the operation of the disinfectant gasifier 1 has finished, it is preferable to use water that has been ion-exchanged, reverse osmosis filtered, or distilled to prevent the precipitation of calcium, magnesium, etc. After rinsing with water, air is supplied from the nozzle 5 or the cleaning solution inlet device 7 to air-blow the inside of the disinfectant gasifier 1 and remove any remaining water. Since the remaining water that is air-blown out is blown into the sterile filling machine, it is preferable to use sterile air that has passed through a filter.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a cleaning fluid inlet device 7 that flows the cleaning fluid into the spiral metal pipe 2 may be provided downstream of the nozzle 5. The cleaning fluid inlet device 7 allows the cleaning fluid to flow into the spiral metal pipe 2 from the cleaning fluid storage tank 9 by opening and closing the cleaning fluid inlet valve 8. The cleaning fluid is an aqueous solution containing an alkaline or acidic agent or water. Using water that has been obtained by ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration, or distillation is preferable as it prevents the precipitation of calcium, magnesium, etc. The spiral metal pipe 2 is preferably made of a material that is resistant to the above-mentioned chemicals, such as stainless steel or titanium. As for stainless steel, alloys of iron with added chromium and nickel, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum and copper, alloys of iron with added chromium, nickel and molybdenum and nitrogen, or duplex stainless steel alloys having two structures, the aforementioned stainless steel alloy and ferrite, can be used. Specifically, these are SUS316L, SUS821L, SUS329J1, SUS323L, SUS329J3L, SUS329J4L, and SUS327L1.

[0094] The cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage tank 9 flows into the spiral metal pipe 2 by gravity, a pump, or compressed air pressure. After the disinfectant spraying is complete, the cleaning solution flows into the spiral metal pipe 2 by opening the cleaning solution inlet valve 8. Alternatively, a nozzle may be provided at the tip of the cleaning solution inlet device 7 to spray the cleaning solution into the spiral metal pipe 2.

[0095] The gasification apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is lighter in weight than conventional gasification apparatuses, and even when the temperature of the surface in contact with the disinfectant and the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied are the same, it generates a larger amount of hydrogen peroxide than conventional gasification apparatuses, resulting in better gasification efficiency.

[0096] (Embodiment 2) Figure 5 shows the gasification apparatus 1 for disinfectant according to Embodiment 2. The molten metal solidification layer 3 is cylindrical and covers the outer and inner circumference of a spiral metal pipe 2. In Embodiment 1, the molten metal solidification layer 3 is cylindrical, but in Embodiment 2, the molten metal solidification layer 3 is cylindrical, and heating elements 4 are provided to heat the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer 3 on the outside and inside of the cylinder. In this case, the radius of the spiral of the spiral metal pipe 2 is appropriately 50 mm to 300 mm, based on the central axis of the spiral shape of the spiral metal pipe 2. That is, the diameter of the spiral is increased to create space inside the spiral metal pipe 2. By providing heating elements 4 not only on the outside but also on the inside of the cylinder, the spiral metal pipe 2 can be heated efficiently. By increasing the amount of heat used to heat the spiral metal pipe 2, it becomes possible to increase the amount of disinfectant supplied to the metal pipe 2, and thus increase the amount of disinfectant gas used to sterilize the container.

[0097] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the disinfectant gasification apparatus 1 of Embodiment 2. A molten metal solidification layer 3 covers the outer and inner circumference of a helical metal pipe 2, and heating elements 4 are provided on the outer and inner circumference of the molten metal solidification layer 3. By providing heating elements 4 on the outer and inner circumference of the molten metal solidification layer 3, the helical metal pipe 2 can be heated from both the inner and outer surfaces.

[0098] While the embodiments of this disclosure are configured as described above, they are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1…Gasification device for disinfectants 2… A spiral metal pipe 3…Molten metal solidification layer 4...Heating element 5… Nozzle 6…Fungicide gas nozzle 7. Cleaning fluid inlet device 10…Gasification device tip nozzle

Claims

1. A spiral metal pipe in which the spacing between spiral pipes is 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, or the angle of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and 30 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the spiral, A molten metal solidification layer is created by casting, leaving two ends of the aforementioned spiral metal pipe intact and embedding the spiral portion with molten metal. A heating element for heating the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer, A nozzle for spraying disinfectant into the spiral metal pipe is attached to one end of the spiral metal pipe, A gasification device tip nozzle is provided at the disinfectant gas outlet at the other end of the aforementioned spiral metal pipe, from which the disinfectant gas is ejected, to guide the ejected disinfectant gas. The tip nozzle of the gasification device is brought into contact with the molten metal solidification layer. A gasification apparatus for disinfectants, characterized in that the volume ratio of the helical metal pipe to the molten metal solidification layer is in the range of 1:3 to 1:

30.

2. In the gasification apparatus for disinfectant according to claim 1, A gasification apparatus for disinfectants, characterized in that the aforementioned spiral metal pipe is made of stainless steel.

3. In the gasification apparatus for disinfectant according to claim 1 or claim 2, A gasification device for disinfectants, characterized in that the nozzle at the tip of the gasification device is made of stainless steel or aluminum.

4. In the gasification apparatus for disinfectants according to claims 1 to 3, A gasification apparatus for a disinfectant, characterized in that the spiral direction of the helical metal pipe is changed at least once.

5. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A gasification apparatus for a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer is brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

6. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A gasification apparatus for a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer and the heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer are made of the same material.

7. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A gasification apparatus for disinfectants, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer circumference and inside of the helical metal pipe and is provided in a cylindrical shape.

8. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A gasification apparatus for a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer and inner circumference of the helical metal pipe and is provided in a cylindrical shape.

9. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A gasification apparatus for a disinfectant, characterized in that the nozzle is a two-fluid spray.

10. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A gasification apparatus for disinfectants, characterized by providing a cleaning liquid inlet device for flowing cleaning liquid into the aforementioned spiral metal pipe.

11. In a gasification apparatus for a disinfectant according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A disinfectant gasification apparatus characterized by having branch piping provided at the disinfectant gas outlet from which the gas of the disinfectant gasified in the helical metal pipe is ejected, and being equipped with one or more of a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter, a thermometer, and a conductivity meter.

12. A helical metal pipe having a spacing between helical pipes of 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, or a helical angle greater than 0 degrees and 30 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the helix, a molten metal solidification layer in which the helical portion is embedded with molten metal, leaving two ends of the helical metal pipe intact by a casting method, and a heating element provided to heat the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer. The volume ratio of the helical metal pipe to the molten metal solidification layer is in the range of 1:3 to 1:

30. A disinfectant is sprayed into the spiral metal pipe from one end of the spiral metal pipe. A nozzle at the tip of a gasification device is provided at the disinfectant gas outlet at the other end of the aforementioned spiral metal pipe, from which the disinfectant gas is ejected, and the ejected disinfectant gas is guided. A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized by bringing the tip nozzle of the gasification device into contact with the molten metal solidification layer and heating it.

13. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to claim 12, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the aforementioned spiral metal pipe is made of stainless steel.

14. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to claim 12 or claim 13, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the nozzle at the tip of the gasification device is made of stainless steel or aluminum.

15. A method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 14, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized by changing the spiral direction of the helical metal pipe at least once.

16. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 15, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer is made of brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

17. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 16, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer and the heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer are made of the same material.

18. A method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 17, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer circumference and inside of the helical metal pipe, forming a cylindrical shape.

19. A method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 18, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer and inner circumference of the helical metal pipe, forming a cylindrical shape.

20. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 19, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized by spraying the disinfectant into the spiral metal pipe using a two-fluid sprayer.

21. A method for gasifying a disinfectant according to any one of claims 12 to 20, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized by flowing a cleaning solution through the aforementioned spiral metal pipe.

22. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to claim 21, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized in that the water used in the washing solution is obtained by ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration, or distillation.

23. In the method for gasifying a disinfectant according to claim 21 or claim 22, A method for gasifying a disinfectant, characterized by flowing the cleaning solution through the spiral metal pipe, rinsing the cleaning solution with water, and then blowing air through the spiral metal pipe to remove any remaining water.

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