Nitrogen Dioxide Gas Sterilization Chamber with Humidified Air Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods, such as heat and radiation, can damage pharmaceutical formulations and shape memory materials, while chemical and radiation-based techniques pose risks of contamination and substrate damage, necessitating an effective and gentle sterilization method.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for delivering gaseous NO2 at low concentrations in a humidified air environment within a sterilization chamber, controlling sterilant gas concentration, humidity, temperature, and gas circulation to ensure effective sterilization without damaging the substrate, using a device with a sterilization chamber, sterilant gas remediation, and user interface control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat-based sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but damage to pharmaceutical formulations and shape memory materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sterilization parameter from thermal energy to chemical energy by using nitrogen dioxide gas. The system controls the concentration of NO2 (typically 1-10% in humidified air) and exposure time to achieve effective sterilization while avoiding the thermal damage that would occur with conventional heat sterilization methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal sterilization system with a chemical gas-phase sterilization system. Instead of using heat and pressure mechanical energy to kill contaminants, the system uses nitrogen dioxide chemical reactions to achieve sterilization without thermal damage to sensitive materials.
2Reliability
If radiation-based sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but damage to pharmaceutical and substrate materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sterilization mechanism from radiation energy to chemical energy. By using nitrogen dioxide gas at controlled concentrations with extended exposure time, the system achieves sterilization through chemical oxidation reactions rather than radiation, thereby preserving the integrity of pharmaceutical formulations and substrate materials.
3Reliability
If chemical sterilization methods are used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but risk of contamination and substrate damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses nitrogen dioxide as an intermediary sterilizing agent that delivers effective chemical sterilization while being controllable and removable. The NO2 gas acts as a mediator between the sterilization chamber environment and the objects being sterilized, providing effective contamination elimination while allowing for controlled exposure and subsequent removal to prevent residual damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control through gas concentration monitoring and automated cycle management. The controller monitors the sterilization process parameters including gas concentration, temperature, and humidity, and adjusts the nitrogen dioxide delivery and removal timing to achieve effective sterilization while minimizing the risk of contamination and substrate damage.
4Reliability
If high concentration sterilant gas is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but damage to sensitive materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by using low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (1-10%) combined with extended exposure time rather than high concentrations with short exposure. This parameter change achieves equivalent sterilization effectiveness while significantly reducing the harmful effects on sensitive pharmaceutical formulations and shape memory materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process uses periodic action by delivering nitrogen dioxide in controlled cycles with specific timing. The system introduces the gas, maintains it for a predetermined period, then removes and replaces it, repeating the cycle as needed. This periodic delivery pattern ensures effective sterilization accumulation while allowing intervals for material recovery and preventing excessive exposure damage.
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 NO2-based sterilization method effectively eliminates biological contaminants while maintaining the integrity of sensitive materials, offering a gentle and efficient process that mitigates damage from heat and radiation, ensuring thorough sterilization with controlled exposure and removal of sterilant gas.
Implementation Method 1
sterilization using oxides of nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
delivering gaseous NO2 to a sterilization chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for gas sterilization includes a sterilization chamber, a source of sterilant gas, and a sterilant gas remediation mechanism. Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivering humidified air to a sterilization chamber, systems and methods for removing gaseous NO2 from an exhaust gas stream of a sterilization chamber, systems and methods for removing and replacing a source of sterilant gas, an exhaust gas scrubber and/or supplies for a humidification system. Some embodiments relate to hardware and software for user interface in a sterilizing device and hardware and software for control of a sterilization cycle. Some embodiments relate to chamber, chassis and door configurations of a sterilizer.