Cold Plasma Herb Disinfection Chamber for Quality Preservation

The patent applies cold plasma technology which operates at low temperatures (below 55°C) compared to conventional high-temperature sterilization methods. This parameter change in temperature allows effective disinfection while preserving the thermal-sensitive characteristics and quality of herbs. The plasma process uses controlled electrical discharge in a gas environment to create reactive species that kill microorganisms without the need for high heat that would damage herb composition.

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical disinfection methods (such as high-temperature steam sterilization or chemical disinfectants) with a plasma-based system. The plasma generator creates ionized gas with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that provide disinfection through chemical reactions rather than mechanical heat or harsh chemicals, thus maintaining herb quality while achieving effective pathogen reduction.

The patent modifies the plasma generation parameters by using alternative gas compositions (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or air) instead of hydrogen peroxide vapor. This parameter change in the plasma precursor gas eliminates the need for hydrogen peroxide while maintaining effective disinfection capability, thereby removing regulatory restrictions and improving suitability for food and herb products.

The patent introduces a gas-phase plasma as an intermediary medium to transfer disinfection activity to herbs. Instead of using hydrogen peroxide liquid or vapor that requires evaporation and contact, the plasma generates reactive species in the gas phase that can penetrate and disinfect herbs more effectively and safely, eliminating regulatory concerns associated with hydrogen peroxide residue.

The patent employs periodic or pulsed plasma discharge rather than continuous exposure. The plasma generator operates in cycles, creating bursts of reactive species that are sufficient for disinfection. This periodic action achieves thorough disinfection in shorter durations (minutes rather than extended periods), preventing quality degradation from prolonged exposure while maintaining effective pathogen reduction.

The patent optimizes plasma process parameters including power density, gas flow rate, and exposure time to achieve effective disinfection within minutes. By adjusting these parameters, the system delivers sufficient reactive species concentration for thorough disinfection without requiring extended exposure that would degrade herb quality, aromatic compounds, or nutritional content.