Ionized Hydrogen Peroxide Mist for Enclosure Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for decontaminating small enclosures are inefficient due to excessive mist travel, leading to unwanted moisture accumulation and visibility issues, and require complex machinery with air compression, making them less effective in tightly enclosed environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a processing unit to determine fluid properties of a cleaning fluid based on input parameters of the enclosure, generating a very dry mist of ionized hydrogen peroxide for decontamination, which is applied using a handheld or programmable device with adjustable air pressure and fluid flow rate to optimize mist distribution and reduce moisture accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If compressed air is used to spray decontaminant mist, then the mist can travel several feet to cover the enclosure, but this results in excessive moisture accumulation and saturation of surfaces in small enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mist by ionizing the hydrogen peroxide molecules, transforming them into a dry mist state rather than a liquid aerosol. This parameter change allows the mist to travel and disperse without condensing into liquid droplets, thus covering the enclosure area without accumulating excessive moisture on surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a phase transition approach by converting liquid hydrogen peroxide into a vaporized ionized state. The hydrogen peroxide is vaporized and then ionized to create a dry mist that behaves more like a gas than a liquid aerosol, preventing condensation and moisture accumulation while maintaining coverage capability
2Length of moving object
If standard mist settings are used, then the mist applicator can reach distant surfaces, but this creates wetter and denser fog that affects visibility and breathability in small enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mist from liquid aerosol to ionized vapor, which fundamentally alters its optical properties. The ionized hydrogen peroxide molecules are much smaller and more dispersed, creating a dry mist that does not scatter light densely, thereby maintaining visibility and breathability while achieving the necessary travel distance for coverage
3Area of stationary object
If standard mist settings are used, then the mist can cover the enclosure, but this increases aeration time required to remove moisture
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning hydrogen peroxide from liquid to vaporized ionized state, the patent creates a dry mist that does not condense into liquid moisture on surfaces. Since no liquid moisture is deposited, there is no moisture to evaporate during aeration, dramatically reducing or eliminating the aeration time required while maintaining complete enclosure coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be a harmful effect (moisture accumulation requiring lengthy aeration) into a beneficial outcome by ionizing the hydrogen peroxide. The ionized state prevents condensation, transforming the potential harm of moisture buildup into the benefit of rapid drying and minimal aeration time
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 system achieves high kill rates of pathogens while minimizing moisture accumulation and complexity, ensuring effective decontamination in small enclosures with reduced aeration times and improved visibility.
Implementation Method 1
shearing a cleaning fluid into a mist comprising aerosol droplets accumulating in a top chamber portion of a substantially closed chamber comprising a funnel shaped top chamber portion, a bottom chamber portion, a side chamber portion and an interior chamber portion, wherein the cleaning fluid is sheared by ultrasonic cavitation
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the mist to a nonthermal plasma actuator to form plasma activated ionic particles
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the mist to a nonthermal plasma actuator to form plasma activated ionic particles
Implementation Method 4
contacting the article or substantially enclosed space to the plasma activated ionic particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus are described for decontaminating small enclosures, semi-enclosed and closed areas of pathogens by using a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide. The system can be controlled manually by the user, or by a remote connection, such as a wireless network connection. The method includes use of a handheld, point-and-spray device that sprays a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide under manual or automated control.