Batch Oven Plenum Sterilization for Heat-Sensitive PPE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization methods for personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical instruments are costly, require multiple devices, and are ineffective for low heat-resistant materials like N95 masks due to high temperatures that degrade these materials.
Innovation Solution
A compact device using compressed gas to carry decontamination ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, through a plenum system without internal heating, creating a turbulent atmosphere for efficient disinfection and sterilization of PPE and medical instruments without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature thermal sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but low heat-resistant materials like N95 masks are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen peroxide from liquid to vapor phase, enabling sterilization at lower temperatures (below 180°F) that are effective against pathogens but safe for heat-sensitive materials like N95 masks. This phase change allows achieving sterilization effectiveness without the high temperatures that would damage the materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrogen peroxide vapor as an intermediary sterilizing agent that can penetrate materials and achieve sterilization through chemical action rather than thermal damage. The vapor acts as a mediator that transfers sterilization capability without requiring direct high-temperature contact with the materials.
2Reliability
If multiple separate decontamination devices are used for different materials, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal decontamination device that can handle multiple material types (low heat-resistant PPE, medium heat-resistant plastics, high heat-resistant metals) with a single hydrogen peroxide vapor system. The device performs multiple sterilization functions that previously required separate specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sterilization capabilities into one integrated device that uses hydrogen peroxide vapor to treat various materials. By merging the functions of separate decontamination devices into a single system, the patent reduces the number of devices needed while maintaining sterilization effectiveness across different material types.
3Strength
If hydrogen peroxide vapor is used for decontamination, then material safety is improved, but penetration capability into fiber-like materials decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic cycling of hydrogen peroxide vapor through the decontamination chamber, with multiple exposure cycles that allow progressive penetration into fiber-like materials. The repeated vapor cycles enhance penetration capability over time while maintaining the low-temperature advantage that protects material integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous hydrogen peroxide vapor exposure during the decontamination cycle, ensuring sustained penetration into materials. The continuous action of vapor generation and circulation overcomes the limited penetration capability by maintaining constant exposure, allowing the vapor to gradually penetrate deep into fiber structures while keeping materials safe from thermal damage.
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 device effectively decontaminates and sterilizes PPE and medical instruments at controlled temperatures below material degradation, reducing costs and extending their usability, with no moving parts and efficient penetration of decontamination agents.
Implementation Method 1
A source of compressed gas is provided. The compressed gas flows into a plenum
Implementation Method 2
The compressed gas creates a turbulent atmosphere within a decontamination chamber
Implementation Method 3
A source of hydrogen peroxide vapor is provided. The hydrogen peroxide vapor and the compressed gas mix together
Implementation Method 4
The hydrogen peroxide vapor and the compressed gas mix together and flow into a decontamination chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method for disinfection, sterilization, or decontamination of an object placed inside the inner chamber of a batch oven. A compressed gas is passed through a water column, thus humidifying the compressed gas to a dew point of up to 120° F. A pre-heating device heats the compressed gas up to a temperature of 700° F. and the gas is then circulated, in one direction, from the pre-heating device to a plurality of plenums of the batch oven. The plurality of plenums are communicatively connected to the inner chamber via a pre-determined number of a pre-determined size and the compressed gas is introduced into the inner chamber via the plurality of plenum openings. The object is then maintained in the inner chamber for a pre-determined period of time.