Electrolytic Split Cell Hydrogen Peroxide Degradation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In aseptic packaging processes, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in peracid solutions leads to inefficiencies, including the need for frequent solution changes and the use of additional chemicals like catalase, which requires monitoring and dosing control, and results in water and chemistry waste, as well as challenges in maintaining optimal microbial efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electrolytic split cell to selectively degrade hydrogen peroxide in peracid compositions, maintaining predetermined levels of hydrogen peroxide, carboxylic acid, and peracid without degrading the latter, using a salt bridge to separate the anode and cathode and control the electric potential to achieve this degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If peracid solution is re-circulated in a filler for extended periods, then productivity is improved, but hydrogen peroxide accumulates requiring frequent solution changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes hydrogen peroxide from the re-circulating peracid solution using a selective adsorbent material. This allows the solution to be maintained at optimal concentrations for extended periods, enabling continuous operation without frequent solution changes while preventing peroxide accumulation that would otherwise require shutdowns and refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors hydrogen peroxide concentration in the re-circulating solution and automatically adjusts the removal process. When peroxide levels approach thresholds that would require solution changes, the system activates the selective removal mechanism to maintain optimal concentrations, enabling extended operational periods.
2Reliability
If catalase enzymes are added to reduce hydrogen peroxide, then peroxide levels are controlled, but device complexity and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating selective adsorbent material that automatically removes hydrogen peroxide from the solution based on concentration gradients and equilibrium principles. The material self-adjusts its uptake capacity and rate in response to changing peroxide levels, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems, dosing pumps, or control algorithms that would be required for enzyme-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable or easily replaceable selective adsorbent material that can be saturated and then regenerated or replaced. This simple, low-cost approach replaces complex, expensive enzyme dosing and monitoring systems. The adsorbent material serves its function passively without requiring power, control electronics, or sophisticated maintenance.
3Loss of substance
If peracid solution is re-circulated, then water and chemistry waste is reduced, but additional chemistry like catalase is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts hydrogen peroxide from the re-circulating peracid solution using a specialized adsorbent material. This allows the peracid component to be preserved and re-circulated indefinitely, minimizing water and chemistry waste. The selective removal of only the peroxide component maintains the effectiveness of the sterilant solution without requiring additional chemical additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a selective adsorbent material with specific chemical properties that target only hydrogen peroxide for removal. This localized, selective action preserves the peracid and other beneficial components of the solution for continued use, maximizing re-circulation time and minimizing waste while avoiding the need to add other chemicals that would alter the overall solution composition.
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 allows for stable and controlled degradation of hydrogen peroxide, reducing the need for secondary chemicals and monitoring, optimizing microbial efficacy, and minimizing waste, while maintaining effective antimicrobial composition ratios.
Implementation Method 1
The use of electricity in a split cell is particularly effective at selectively degrading hydrogen peroxide in peracid compositions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.