Microwave Plasma Sterilization Using Hydrogen Peroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical sterilization methods using ETO gas are toxic and costly, while ozone and water methods are time-consuming, and hot steam methods are unsuitable for heat-sensitive materials, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective sterilization solution.
Innovation Solution
A plasma sterilization apparatus using hydrogen peroxide and microwaves, which includes a sterilization reactor, vacuum forming unit, hydrogen peroxide supply unit, and microwave plasma generation unit to generate plasma and OH radicals for effective sterilization, suitable for heat-sensitive materials and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ETO gas sterilization method is used, then sterilization effect is excellent, but toxicity harms user health and treatment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by replacing ETO gas with hydrogen peroxide as the sterilizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen, eliminating toxicity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through plasma activation and OH radical generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful toxicity of traditional sterilization gases into a benefit by using hydrogen peroxide, which is non-toxic when decomposed. The decomposition products (water and oxygen) are harmless, transforming a potentially harmful process into a safe one while achieving excellent sterilization results.
2Reliability
If ozone and water sterilization method is used, then sterilization is achieved, but treatment time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed microwave irradiation to generate plasma in intermittent bursts rather than continuous operation. This periodic plasma generation creates concentrated OH radicals that rapidly sterilize objects, significantly reducing treatment time compared to continuous ozone-water methods while maintaining effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of hydrogen peroxide from liquid to gas phase through vaporization, then activates it via plasma to generate highly reactive OH radicals. This phase transition approach creates a more aggressive and faster-acting sterilizing agent compared to ozone-water solutions, thereby reducing treatment duration.
3Productivity
If hot steam sterilization method is used, then sterilization time is short and sterilization effect is excellent, but it cannot be used for heat-sensitive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal mechanism of hot steam sterilization with a plasma-based chemical mechanism. Microwave-generated plasma produces OH radicals that sterilize through chemical oxidation rather than thermal effects, enabling rapid sterilization of heat-sensitive materials without exposing them to high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the sterilization mechanism parameter from thermal (hot steam) to chemical plasma activation. By using microwave energy to generate plasma and OH radicals at ambient or low temperatures, the system achieves fast sterilization speeds comparable to hot steam while being compatible with heat-sensitive materials.
4Reliability
If plasma sterilization device using high-priced power supply is used, then satisfactory sterilization performance is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple waveguide structure that can be manufactured at low cost using conventional materials and techniques. The waveguide serves as a disposable or easily replaceable component that directs microwave energy to generate plasma, eliminating the need for expensive specialized power supplies while maintaining effective sterilization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple waveguide as an intermediary component between the microwave source and the sterilization chamber. This waveguide efficiently couples microwave energy to generate plasma and OH radicals from hydrogen peroxide, achieving satisfactory sterilization performance through a low-cost intermediary structure rather than requiring expensive direct plasma generation 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 apparatus provides a reusable, cost-effective, and efficient sterilization method with a short treatment time, capable of sterilizing heat-sensitive materials and operating at outdoor temperatures below 30°C, with plasma generation focused on the object rather than the periphery, ensuring effective contact with sterilizing radicals.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave plasma generation unit to generate plasma using microwaves
Implementation Method 2
generate plasma and OH radicals which are effective in sterilization
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum pump connected to the sterilization reactor and vacuumizes the inside of the sterilization reactor
Implementation Method 4
a hydrogen peroxide supply unit which provides gaseous hydrogen peroxide supplied into the sterilization reactor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization which may be applied to a medical dry sterilizer, and more particularly, to an apparatus which injects hydrogen peroxide so as to generate plasma and OH radicals which are effective in sterilization, so as to achieve the sterilization of a treated object. According to the present invention, the apparatus for sterilization comprises: a sterilizing reactor in which sterilization is performed on a treated object; a vacuuming unit which is equipped with a vacuum pump connected to the sterilizing reactor and which vacuumizes the interior of the sterilizing reactor; a hydrogen-peroxide supply unit which supplies hydrogen peroxide in a gas state to the interior of the sterilizing reactor; and a microwave-plasma generating unit which generates plasma using microwaves. The microwave-plasma generating unit is provided with an electromagnetic-wave generating source which generates microwaves; a plasma-generating unit which interconnects the hydrogen-peroxide supply unit and the sterilizing reactor such that hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the sterilizing reactor, and which generates plasma using microwaves; and a microwave guide which delivers the microwaves generated from the electromagnetic-wave generating source to the plasma-generating unit.