Container Interior Plasma Sterilization for Gas Barrier Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for plasma treatment of containers do not adequately enhance the storage properties of container interiors, particularly in preventing oxygen penetration and carbon dioxide escape in CO2-containing liquids.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for plasma treatment where the container interior is exposed to a gaseous, vapor, or mist-shaped sterilization medium, such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone, after plasma treatment to create a sterilizing atmosphere, improving storage properties by ventilating the interior with the sterilization medium before filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container interior is evacuated and coated with plasma-generated silicon oxide layers, then the barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide are improved, but the storage properties and long-term preservation are still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sterilization medium (hydrogen peroxide, ozone, or other oxidizing agents) into the container interior after plasma treatment to create a controlled atmosphere that prevents oxidation and maintains storage properties. This inert/controlled atmosphere approach addresses the insufficient storage properties by eliminating harmful oxygen and creating a protective environment for packaged goods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide and ozone as sterilization media. These substances effectively eliminate organic contaminants and create a protective atmosphere that enhances storage properties. The strong oxidants react with and neutralize harmful substances, providing long-term preservation benefits that go beyond simple plasma coating
2Reliability
If a sterilization medium is introduced into the evacuated plasma chamber, then the container interior is sterilized and storage properties are enhanced, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the plasma treatment process: surface activation, coating deposition, and sterilization. By introducing the sterilization medium during or after the plasma treatment in the same chamber, the patent merges what would otherwise be separate processing steps into a single integrated operation, thereby enhancing sterilization effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma chamber is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the treatment chamber for plasma-generated coatings and the sterilization chamber for introducing oxidizing agents. This multi-functionality allows the same equipment to achieve both barrier enhancement and sterilization, reducing the need for additional dedicated sterilization equipment and simplifying the overall system
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
Enhances the storage properties of container interiors by creating a sterilizing atmosphere that prevents oxygen penetration and carbon dioxide escape, improving the long-term durability of packaged liquids.
Implementation Method 1
plasma-generated container layers made of silicon oxides
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is suitable as the sterilization medium
Implementation Method 3
A sterilization medium containing ozone, alternatively or additionally, is also according to the invention
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for the plasma processing of containers. The essential aspect according to the claimed method is that at least the interior of the container is at least partially ventilated using a sterilisation medium, i.e. is supplied with a sterilisation medium, after the plasma processing at the plasma station and before the container is filled.