Atmospheric Non-Equilibrium Plasma for Package Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for biological decontamination, such as chemical and high-energy irradiation, are costly, inefficient, and pose hazards, while existing plasma technologies are limited to sealed chambers and lack practical mobility.
Innovation Solution
A system using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) to create an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) within a sealed package, generating reactive species that effectively reduce microbial contaminants without hazardous by-products or mobility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical or high-energy irradiation systems are used for decontamination, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but cost, complexity, and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical decontamination systems (chemical treatment equipment, high-energy irradiation systems) with a simplified atmospheric pressure plasma system. The plasma is generated using a straightforward dielectric barrier discharge configuration with electrodes and gas flow, eliminating the need for complex chemical handling or high-energy radiation equipment while achieving effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from extreme conditions (high energy irradiation, chemical concentrations) to atmospheric pressure plasma conditions. By operating at atmospheric pressure with controlled gas composition and electric field parameters, the system achieves effective decontamination with simpler equipment and reduced safety hazards.
2Reliability
If atmospheric plasma is used through sealed chambers and jets, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but mobility and practicality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the decontamination process into a portable atmospheric pressure plasma module that can be moved to different locations. The system uses a compact configuration with electrodes, dielectric barriers, and gas flow components that can be transported and deployed as needed, rather than requiring fixed sealed chambers or jet systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses atmospheric air or simple gas mixtures that are readily available, eliminating the need for complex sealed chambers or specialized gas delivery infrastructure. The plasma process sustains itself using ambient conditions with minimal external support, enhancing mobility and ease of deployment.
3Reliability
If conventional decontamination methods are used, then microbial reduction is achieved, but hazardous waste and toxic by-products are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high-energy plasma into a beneficial decontamination tool that produces harmless by-products. Instead of generating toxic waste like chemical methods, the atmospheric pressure plasma decomposes contaminants and generates only simple gases (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor) that are environmentally benign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an atmosphere of inert or near-inert gases (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor) as plasma by-products, creating a safe environment that eliminates hazardous waste. The plasma process operates in and produces only inert atmospheric components, avoiding toxic emissions associated with chemical decontamination methods.
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
The system achieves significant reductions in microbial populations within minutes to hours, with ozone and nitrogen oxides converting back to simple gases, allowing for safe storage and distribution, and can treat various packaging materials without heat damage.
Implementation Method 1
A system using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) to create an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) within a sealed package
Implementation Method 2
create an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) using a working gas in a closed storage volume
Implementation Method 3
The voltage gradient applied to the working gas may be greater than about 1.4 times an ionization voltage gradient of the working gas
Implementation Method 4
ozone and nitrogen oxides converting back to simple gases after treatment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of producing an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) in a sealed container having a selected working gas and an object to be treated is described. A variety of working gas mixtures including air, O2, N2, CO2, He and Ar, in combination with a range of ionization gradients, voltages and ANEP column lengths was investigated so as to establish effective ranges of the variables using the sterilization of a sample as a measure of effectiveness. Certain combinations of working gas, voltage gradient, voltage or ANEP column length were found to have greater effectiveness. The approach may be used for food products, medical equipment, or other objects where treatment with reactive gas atmospheres is effective.