Air Treatment Liquid Circulation with Electroporation Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment systems face challenges in reducing germ concentrations in liquids used for humidification and purification, leading to health risks and high costs due to the need for biocides, and inefficient energy consumption in vaporizers, as well as premature liquid exhaustion in purifiers due to germ contamination.
Innovation Solution
A circulating device with a mechanico-physical sterilization method, such as electroporation or cavitation, is used to open cell membranes irreversibly, eliminating germs without leaving residues and allowing for adjustable parameters to effectively sterilize liquids, even when cloudy or containing pigments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides are added to sterilize the liquid, then germ concentration is reduced, but health risks and environmental damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sterilization (biocides) with a physical sterilization method using a corona discharge device. The corona discharge generates reactive oxygen species and plasma that sterilize the liquid through physical and chemical effects without requiring additive biocides, thus eliminating the harmful side effects of chemical substances while maintaining effective germ control
Solution Approach 2:
The corona discharge device generates strong oxidizing agents (ozone, reactive oxygen species) in situ that effectively kill germs through oxidation. This approach uses naturally occurring oxidative processes accelerated by electrical discharge, providing sterilization without introducing harmful chemical additives into the liquid
2Reliability
If vaporizers are used to sterilize water by heating, then germ concentration is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal sterilization (heating to boiling) with electrical field-based corona discharge sterilization. The corona discharge device uses electrical energy to generate plasma and reactive species that sterilize the liquid at ambient or near-ambient temperatures, avoiding the high energy consumption associated with heating large volumes of water to boiling point
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sterilization parameter from temperature (thermal energy) to electrical field intensity and reactive species concentration. By using corona discharge, the system achieves effective sterilization through electrical and chemical effects rather than thermal effects, operating at much lower energy levels than vaporization requires
3Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid is used for extended periods in reservoirs, then operational continuity is maintained, but germ multiplication occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sterilization through the corona discharge device, which operates continuously or at regular intervals to maintain liquid sterility throughout its usage period. This continuous useful action prevents germ accumulation and allows the liquid to remain effective for extended periods without replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The corona discharge device enables the liquid to self-sterilize through the generation of reactive oxygen species and plasma in situ. The liquid benefits from its own treatment process, with the sterilization agents generated directly in the liquid medium, allowing extended operational periods without external intervention or replacement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces germ concentrations effectively and cost-efficiently, preventing resistant strains and maintaining liquid effectiveness for longer periods, while also enabling efficient air treatment and purification in surface treatment installations.
Implementation Method 1
a device for mechanico-physical opening of cell membranes is provided in the circuit
Implementation Method 2
the device for mechanical opening of cell membranes is a cavitation device which accelerates the liquid in such a way that pressure surges produced by cavitation open the cell membranes
Implementation Method 3
a circulating device is provided, by which liquid in the reservoir can be conveyed in a circuit out of the reservoir and back into the latter
Implementation Method 4
a contact device which ensures that for the treatment of air to be treated the air comes into contact with the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for air treatment includes at least one reservoir which can be filled with a liquid, an air-conveying device and a device which ensures that for the treatment of the air to be treated the air comes into contact with at least a part of the liquid. A circulating device is provided, by which liquid in the reservoir is conveyed in a circuit out of the reservoir and back into the latter. For the purpose of sterilising the liquid, a device for mechanico-physical opening of cell membranes, for instance by electroporation or cavitation, is provided in the circuit. Such an apparatus can also be used for purifying exhaust air in a surface treatment installation.