Gas Filter Sterilization Using Hot Air and Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing gas filtration means, particularly for high-pressure blow-air filtration in thermoplastic container manufacturing, are inadequate due to inconsistent steam quality, degradation of filtration means, and increased frequency of equipment change, leading to economic losses and microbiological contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A method using hydrogen peroxide vapor combined with hot air for sequential sterilization, where hydrogen peroxide is deposited on filtration means and thermally activated by hot air to evaporate condensates, reducing the amount of energy needed and preserving filtration integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is used to sterilize gas filtration means, then sterilization is achieved, but the filtration means are degraded and their lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from steam (water vapor) to hydrogen peroxide vapor. This chemical substitution allows effective sterilization without the thermal degradation and structural damage caused by steam, thereby extending the lifespan of the filtration means while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical sterilization method (steam) with a chemical sterilization method (hydrogen peroxide vapor). This substitution eliminates the mechanical and thermal stress on the filtration media that causes degradation, preserving the integrity and extending the service life of the filtration means
2Reliability
If steam sterilization is performed, then sterilization is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to large amounts of air required for drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilizing agent from steam to hydrogen peroxide vapor, which eliminates the need for extensive drying operations. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen that evaporate completely, removing the energy-intensive drying step and significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the drying step from the sterilization process by using hydrogen peroxide instead of steam. Since hydrogen peroxide decomposes completely without leaving residual water that requires removal, the energy-consuming drying operation is taken out of the process, reducing total energy consumption
3Reliability
If steam sterilization is used, then sterilization is achieved, but water condensate accumulates in the filtration means causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilizing agent from water-based steam to hydrogen peroxide vapor. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas that completely evaporate, preventing water condensate accumulation and clogging of the filtration media while maintaining effective sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of liquid residue into a benefit by using hydrogen peroxide, which decomposes into gases (water vapor and oxygen) that completely evaporate. This eliminates the harmful water condensate accumulation problem while the decomposition products provide no negative effects on the filtration 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
The method effectively sterilizes gas filtration means while maintaining their performance and extending their lifespan, reducing energy consumption and preventing microbiological contamination in manufactured containers.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilization process consisting of: a) applying a gaseous mixture comprising hot air and a determined quantity of hydrogen peroxide vapor to said filtration means, wherein said determined quantity of hydrogen peroxide vapor results from sequential injection, with a given time interval (t) between two successive injections, of a given dose of hydrogen peroxide in liquid form into said hot air
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization step consisting, for at least said time interval (t), of circulating hot air through said filtration means to remove by evaporation all or part of the hydrogen peroxide deposited on said filtration means during said application step
Implementation Method 3
a preheating step of the air used in the sterilization process consisting of heating the air delivered by the compressed air supply source until it reaches at least a determined setpoint temperature Tc
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process and a device for sterilizing gas filtration means, characterized in that said sterilization process comprises at least: - an application step consisting in circulating, through the gas filtration means, a gas mixture comprising hot air and a determined amount of hydrogen peroxide vapor, in which said determined amount of hydrogen peroxide vapor is obtained by sequentially injecting, with a given time interval (t) between two successive injections, a given dose of hydrogen peroxide in the liquid state into the hot air; and - a sterilization step consisting, during said time interval (t), in circulating hot air through said filtration means in order to eliminate, by evaporation, all or some of the hydrogen peroxide deposited on said filtration means during said application step.