CO2 Bubble Sterilization for Aqueous Solutions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inactivating microorganisms in aqueous solutions, such as heat treatment, are energy intensive and require high pressures, necessitating the development of more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternatives.

Innovation Solution

Passing bubbles of a gas comprising at least 10% CO2 by volume through the aqueous solution, with a temperature of at least 18°C, to inactivate microorganisms without the need for boiling or elevated pressures, utilizing a bubble column evaporator or similar system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat treatment is used to inactivate microorganisms, then inactivation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinactivation effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (heat treatment) to low (18°C or below), and changes the chemical parameter by introducing CO2 gas to create a new inactivation mechanism that doesn't rely on thermal energy, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining inactivation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (heat treatment) with a chemical mechanism (CO2 dissolution and carbonic acid formation), substituting one inactivation pathway with another that operates at lower energy levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high pressure treatment is used to inactivate microorganisms, then inactivation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinactivation effectivenessVSAvoidpressure system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pressure requirement from the inactivation process, demonstrating that effective microorganism inactivation can be achieved at atmospheric pressure by introducing CO2 gas, thereby eliminating the need for complex pressurization equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces CO2 gas as an intermediary substance that mediates the inactivation process through dissolution and chemical reaction, replacing the need for mechanical pressure as the inactivation mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If room temperature treatment is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but inactivation effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinactivation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by introducing CO2 gas at room temperature, which dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, creating a new inactivation mechanism that works effectively at low temperatures without requiring thermal energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively inactivates viruses and bacteria at atmospheric pressure, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining efficiency in microorganism reduction, even at room temperature, through enhanced CO2-liquid contact surfaces and potential thermal and chemical inactivation mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas dissolution: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which dissociates to release H+ ions, lowering the pH

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbonic acid formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a bubble column evaporator or similar system... through enhanced CO2-liquid contact surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentration gradient: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

the gas has a temperature of at least 18°C when the gas first contacts the aqueous solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11390543B2Sterilization method

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 NEWSOUTH INNOVATIONS PTY LTD

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a method, system and apparatus for inactivating microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method comprises passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume and has a temperature of at least 18° C. The system comprises a gas supply to supply gas comprising at least 10% CO2 and having a temperature above 18° C., a gas-delivery apparatus to receive the gas and deliver it into the aqueous solution in the form of bubbles. The apparatus comprises a gas-permeable material having a flow surface configured to enable the flow of the aqueous solution across the flow surface, a chamber arranged at an opposite side of the gas-permeable material to supply a gas that inactivates microorganisms such that the gas is able to pass through the gas-permeable material and into the aqueous solution as gas bubbles.