Decontamination Unit with Integrated H2O2 Mixing for Uniform Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination systems for large enclosed spaces, such as clean rooms and military facilities, face challenges in achieving uniform hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) diffusion and efficient removal, often requiring complex and costly apparatuses with limited air flow and incomplete mixing, leading to risks of condensation and material failure.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination unit with a frame divided into two air chambers, featuring a fan and H2O2 supply device integrated to directly introduce H2O2 into the air stream, allowing for uniform mixing and distribution, and a filtering chamber for capturing residual H2O2, with a decontamination cycle for sterilization and a flushing cycle for removal, simplifying the process and reducing equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate H2O2 pumps and air streams are used to spray H2O2 gas into a space, then decontamination can be achieved, but the apparatus becomes complicated and costly with limited air flow capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the H2O2 pump, air stream generation, and spray nozzle into a single integrated decontamination unit. The housing contains both the H2O2 reservoir and air intake channels, with the pump drawing H2O2 and mixing it with air from the same housing structure, eliminating the need for separate external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination unit is designed as a self-contained multi-functional device that can both generate and deliver the decontamination agent. The housing serves multiple purposes: structural support, H2O2 storage containment, air intake filtration, and spray mechanism housing, making the apparatus versatile and reducing component count.
2Device complexity
If low carrier air flow is used to evaporate H2O2, then the apparatus can operate with simpler components, but the air is insufficient to properly diffuse the mixture within the space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed pump that can adjust its operation dynamically. The pump operates at different speeds depending on the phase of decontamination: higher speeds for initial application and lower speeds for diffusion phases. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve both thorough coverage and proper diffusion without requiring permanently high-capacity components.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination process uses periodic cycles of high-speed spray followed by lower-speed diffusion phases. The controller alternates between these modes, allowing the H2O2 mixture to be deposited rapidly then distributed evenly throughout the space over time, achieving both productivity and diffusion efficiency.
3Device complexity
If H2O2 is not sufficiently mixed with carrier gas prior introduction, then the apparatus structure can be simpler, but there is a risk for H2O2 condensation on surfaces causing material failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heated air stream as an intermediary medium between the H2O2 liquid and the environment. The heating element warms the air before it contacts the H2O2, and this pre-heated air acts as a carrier that prevents condensation while transporting the decontamination agent throughout the space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the carrier air from ambient to elevated levels. By heating the air stream that carries the H2O2 vapor, the dew point is raised and condensation is prevented. The controller monitors and adjusts the heating to maintain optimal temperature throughout the decontamination process.
4Productivity
If additional fans, heating, drying, and filtering equipment are added to provide proper H2O2 diffusion, then diffusion efficiency improves, but the apparatus becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air intake, filtration, heating, and spray delivery functions into a single housing structure. The air filter is positioned within the housing to pre-filter air before it enters the mixing chamber, the heating element is embedded in the air stream path, and the spray nozzle is integrated with the pump outlet, eliminating the need for separate external equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination unit is designed as a self-contained multi-functional device that can both generate and deliver the decontamination agent. The housing serves multiple purposes: structural support, H2O2 storage containment, air intake filtration, and spray mechanism housing, making the apparatus versatile and reducing component count.
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 solution enables efficient and uniform decontamination of large spaces with direct H2O2-air mixture distribution, reducing the risk of condensation and material failure, while simplifying the system and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional air treatment and circulation arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a fan, having a fan inlet and a fan outlet, arranged to the opening of the first plate for forming an air flow from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a H2O2 supply device. The H2O2 supply device is arranged next to the fan inlet or the fan outlet for introducing H2O2 directly into the air flow for forming H2O2-air mixture
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A decontamination unit (1) for sterilizing a space, which unit has - at least two air chambers, namely an outlet chamber (4) and an inlet chamber (5); at least one inlet (6); and an outlet (7) having discharge arrangement, - a first plate (8) between the outlet chamber (4) and the inlet air chamber (5), wherein the first plate comprises an opening for discharging air from the inlet chamber into the outlet chamber, - a fan (9), having a fan inlet and a fan outlet, arranged to the opening of the first plate (8) for forming an air flow from the inlet (6) to the outlet (7), - a H2O2 supply device (10), wherein the H2O2 supply device (10) is arranged next to the fan inlet or the fan outlet for introducing H2O2 directly into the air flow for forming H2O2-air mixture.