Sterile Peracetic Acid Packaging Using X-Ray Irradiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing peracetic acid packaging are costly, require specialized equipment, and may not ensure sufficient sterility or stability, especially when exposed to electromagnetic radiation or gamma radiation, and can lead to decomposition of the solution.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of X-ray radiation at an absorbed dose of 8,000 to 50,000 Gray to sterilize the packaging of peracetic acid solutions, eliminating the need for specialized gamma-ray equipment and ensuring effective sterilization without decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gamma irradiation is used to sterilize packaging, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type parameter from gamma rays to X-rays, and adjusts the radiation dose parameter to 5-50 kGray. This substitution maintains sterilization effectiveness while eliminating the need for complex radioactive source handling equipment, as X-ray generators are more commercially available and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized gamma irradiation equipment with more accessible X-ray irradiation equipment. X-ray generators are commercially available from multiple suppliers and do not require the highly specialized infrastructure needed for gamma irradiation, making the process more accessible and cost-effective.
2Device complexity
If UV irradiation is used to sterilize packaging, then equipment complexity is reduced, but sterilization effectiveness decreases due to lower energy and absorption by plastic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation energy parameter from low-energy UV to high-energy X-rays with photon energies in the range of 10-100 keV. This energy level is sufficient to penetrate plastic packaging materials without significant absorption, unlike UV radiation, while still using commercially available X-ray equipment rather than specialized gamma facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overcomes the limitation of UV radiation being absorbed by plastic materials by using X-rays which have higher penetrating power through the packaging material. This dimensional change in radiation energy allows the sterilization to effectively reach the contents through the packaging without being blocked by the material itself.
3Reliability
If gamma irradiation is used to sterilize peracetic acid solutions, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but solution stability deteriorates due to decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type from gamma rays to X-rays and optimizes the radiation dose to 5-50 kGray. This parameter optimization achieves effective sterilization while minimizing the decomposition of peracetic acid, as demonstrated by stability tests showing acceptable solution quality after irradiation compared to gamma irradiation which causes significant decomposition.
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 process achieves high-energy sterilization, maintaining solution stability and sterility over extended shelf-life without complex equipment, effectively killing microorganisms and preventing decomposition.
Implementation Method 1
the closed packaging containing said aqueous solution of peracetic acid, resulting from step b), is exposed to X-ray radiation at an adsorbed radiation dose of between 8,000 Gray and 50,000 Gray
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for preparing a sterile packaging of an aqueous solution of peracetic acid by decontamination of the surface of the packaging, the process comprising the following steps: (i) a first step during which the aqueous solution of peracetic acid is introduced into the packaging to obtain the packaging containing the aqueous solution of peracetic acid; (ii) a second step during which the packaging containing the aqueous solution of peracetic acid is closed at the end of the first step (i); and (iii) a third step during which the closed packaging containing said aqueous solution of peracetic acid, resulting from step b), is exposed to X-ray radiation at an adsorbed radiation dose of between 8,000 Gray and 50,000 Gray.