Atomizing and Inertial Separation for Heat-Free Sterilizing Vapor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating sterilizing vapors, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, often require heating, which can cause decomposition of the sterilizing agent and result in inefficient evaporation due to the presence of large droplets that can re-condense and cause corrosion or bleaching.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that separate large droplets from the sterilizing solution, allowing only small droplets to be discharged as a vapor-containing mist at ambient temperature, using an atomizing unit and inertial separation unit to ensure efficient evaporation without heat-induced decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating is used to evaporate sterilizing solution, then vapor generation efficiency is improved, but sterilizing agent decomposition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from elevated (heating) to ambient temperature, and instead uses droplet size reduction and increased surface area-to-volume ratio to achieve rapid evaporation without thermal decomposition of the sterilizing agent
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilizing solution is segmented into fine droplets through atomization, creating a mist with large total surface area that enables rapid evaporation at ambient temperature without requiring heating that would decompose the sterilizing agent
2Quantity of substance
If large droplets are present in the mist, then liquid discharge is achieved, but re-condensation and corrosion risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mist is segmented into fine droplets with small diameter, preventing re-condensation and subsequent corrosion or bleaching of surfaces while still achieving sufficient liquid discharge for sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
Large droplets are extracted or removed from the mist through atomization processes, leaving only fine droplets that will evaporate completely without causing harmful effects on surfaces
3Productivity
If heating is used for vaporization, then complete evaporation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses ambient temperature and the natural evaporation properties of fine droplets to achieve complete vaporization without requiring complex heating controls, temperature regulation systems, or energy-intensive vaporization equipment
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 enables efficient and gentle vapor generation without heat, reducing the risk of sterilizing agent decomposition and corrosion, while maintaining a simple device design and leaving no harmful chemical residues.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizing unit for forming an aerosol mist from the sterilizing solution
Implementation Method 2
an inertial separation unit arranged to separate largest droplets of the solution from the aerosol mist
Implementation Method 3
small droplets will evaporate easily... allowing only a fine mist containing small droplets to continue out from the device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device and a method for high efficiency generation and discharge of an at least partially evaporated aerosol mist from a sterilizing solution with no added heat. Particularly, the device and method are suitable for generation of hydrogen peroxide vapor.