Hydrogen Peroxide Dispensing With In-Line Vapor Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing vaporised hydrogen peroxide for container decontamination lack effective control mechanisms to ensure the state transition from liquid to vapor occurs correctly and do not provide continuous monitoring near the dispensing point, leading to potential errors in decontamination processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a control system with temperature sensors to detect temperature variations in a conduit, ensuring the state transition from liquid to vapor is verified by comparing detected temperatures against predefined ranges, thereby confirming the correct generation of vaporised hydrogen peroxide for decontamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sample monitoring is performed to verify state transition, then some control capability is provided, but control in proximity to dispensing is not achieved and total absence of errors is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from remote sample monitoring to in-line detection at the dispensing point, effectively moving the verification location to a new spatial dimension closer to the process output. This allows direct verification of vapor quality at the point of use, eliminating the information loss associated with remote sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection device (such as a temperature sensor or spectroscopic detector) positioned at the dispensing point to verify state transition. This intermediary provides real-time feedback on vapor generation without requiring direct human intervention or complex sampling systems.
2Reliability
If remote sample monitoring is used, then some verification is possible, but continuous control near dispensing point is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions detection means at the dispensing point to perform verification in advance or in real-time before the vapor leaves the system. This preliminary action at the critical point ensures that any deviations from proper state transition are detected immediately, eliminating delays associated with remote sampling and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring at the dispensing point rather than periodic remote sampling. This continuous verification ensures that the state transition is consistently maintained throughout the dispensing process, providing uninterrupted feedback for process control and eliminating time losses between sampling intervals.
3Device complexity
If no in-line detection is implemented, then the system is simpler, but errors in decontamination cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detection means at the dispensing point continuously monitor the vapor stream and provide real-time information about state transition completeness. This feedback loop enables immediate detection of errors in decontamination and allows for rapid corrective action, significantly improving reliability without requiring complex system restructuring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling and analysis systems with simpler detection means such as temperature sensors, infrared detectors, or other non-intrusive sensing devices positioned at the dispensing point. This substitution maintains high reliability for error detection while minimizing the addition of mechanical complexity to 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
Ensures continuous and accurate verification of the state transition from liquid to vapor, allowing for real-time detection of errors and ensuring effective decontamination of containers, with rapid response times and the ability to calculate liquid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
introducing atomised liquid hydrogen peroxide into a flow of hot air, resulting in its vaporisation
Implementation Method 2
The atomised liquid injected into the conduit 3 is hit by the hot gaseous fluid and consequently vaporises
Implementation Method 3
detection means 7 for detecting a temperature variation in the conduit 3 at or downstream of the atomising nozzle 5
Implementation Method 4
The control system 6 comprises comparison means 8 for comparing at least a part of the values acquired by the detection means 7 with a range of values
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Apparatus (1) for dispensing a flow of a substance, comprising: - at least one dispensing nozzle (2); - a conduit (3) communicating downstream with the dispensing nozzle (2); - an atomising nozzle (5) for a liquid, arranged along the conduit (3) to pulse inject the atomised liquid into the conduit (3) to generate said substance; a control system (6) for an occurred state transition to vapour of the atomised liquid, said control system (6) comprising detection means (7) for detecting a temperature variation at or downstream of the atomising nozzle (5).