In Situ H2O2-Nitrite Disinfection With Retarded Active Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection methods using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrite (NO2−) solutions face high initial reaction rates upon mixing, leading to excessive reactant consumption before the disinfection process, increasing costs and safety risks due to unintended biocidal effects, and requiring high initial concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a solvent with a boiling temperature below 100°C is used to retard the reaction rate between H2O2 and NO2−, allowing for controlled and prolonged processing times by forming active disinfectants in situ, with additives like solvents, buffers, and dyes, and a device for simultaneous delivery of H2O2 and NO2− solutions using synchronized pistons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high initial concentrations of H2O2 and NO2− are used to ensure sufficient biocidal effect during exposure time, then the disinfection efficacy is improved, but the costs for disinfectant supply increase and the risk for unintended biocidal effects during distribution period increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding the retarding solvent to the reactant mixture before the distribution step begins. This pre-prepared mixture ensures that the reaction rate is controlled from the start, preventing excessive consumption of reactants during the distribution period while maintaining sufficient concentrations for effective disinfection during exposure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing a retarding solvent that modifies the reaction kinetics. This solvent reduces the reaction rate constant, allowing the system to maintain stable reactant concentrations throughout the distribution period, thereby eliminating the need for high initial concentrations and their associated risks.
2Reliability
If high initial concentrations of H2O2 and NO2− are used to ensure sufficient biocidal effect during exposure time, then the disinfection efficacy is improved, but the costs for disinfectant supply increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction kinetics parameters by introducing a retarding solvent, which reduces the reaction rate constant. This allows the system to maintain reactant concentrations at moderate levels throughout the distribution period, ensuring that sufficient reactants remain available for the exposure phase without requiring high initial concentrations, thereby reducing overall reactant consumption and costs.
3Reliability
If the reaction rate is high directly after mixing H2O2 and NO2−, then the biocidal effect is strong, but the reactants are consumed before the disinfection process begins, reducing availability during exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the reaction rate parameter by adding a retarding solvent to the mixture. This solvent reduces the reaction rate constant, creating a balanced profile where the reaction proceeds at a moderate pace during distribution, preserving reactant availability for the exposure phase while still delivering effective biocidal action during the intended treatment period.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a retarding solvent is added to reduce the reaction rate, then the processing time is prolonged and reactant availability is improved, but the concentration of the retarding solvent must be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting a retarding solvent with specific physical properties (boiling point below 100°C) that allow for automatic concentration control through evaporation. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems, as the solvent naturally evaporates during the process, maintaining optimal concentration levels without requiring sophisticated monitoring or adjustment equipment.
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 achieves effective disinfection with reduced reactant consumption and prolonged efficacy, ensuring biocidal action on surfaces, including sporicidal effects, while minimizing environmental release of harmful substances.
Implementation Method 1
a solvent with a boiling temperature below 100°C is used to retard the reaction rate between H2O2 and NO2−, allowing for controlled and prolonged processing times
Implementation Method 2
the biocidal effect of the reaction products of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrite (NO2−) with the addition of an acid is already known in literature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for disinfecting surfaces comprising providing an active solution comprising the reactants H2O2 and NO2−, wherein the active solution comprises at least one stopping agent, wherein the stopping agent is a solvent having a boiling temperature below 100° C. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for the application of this process.