PET Container Sterilization via Low-Energy Electron Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods are ineffective for elaborate-shaped containers like PET containers, as they often result in poorly sterilized shadow areas due to penetrating radiation, and can cause deterioration from heat or chemical exposure.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and computerized system using low-energy electrons with programmable magnetic fields and APS technology for synergistic effects, including ozone production, plasma, and X-ray generation, to achieve uniform sterilization without penetrating the PET substrate, utilizing a scanning electron beam and rotating container design to ensure complete surface exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high energy ionizing radiation is used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the radiation penetrates and deteriorates the PET material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the electron beam from high energy (penetrating) to low energy (non-penetrating, approximately 200 keV). This parameter change allows the radiation to sterilize the container surface and contents without penetrating deep enough to deteriorate the PET material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using low-energy electrons that only treat the surface and near-surface regions of the container and its contents. The electron beam is configured to provide sufficient sterilization dose to the critical areas (container interior and product surface) without excessive penetration into the bulk material that would cause deterioration.
2Reliability
If penetrating radiation is used to sterilize elaborate-shaped containers, then sterilization coverage is improved, but shadow areas remain poorly sterilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotation of the container around its vertical axis during electron beam irradiation. This dimensional change from static to dynamic treatment allows the electron beam to illuminate all surfaces of the elaborate-shaped container, including shadow areas that would be inaccessible in a fixed position, achieving uniform sterilization coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic irradiation by rotating the container during electron beam exposure. This dynamic approach ensures that all surfaces, including recesses and shadow areas of elaborate-shaped containers, receive adequate sterilization dose, overcoming the limitation of static beam irradiation.
3Reliability
If heat or chemical sterilizing agents are used, then sterilization is achieved, but the PET container melts or deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal and chemical sterilization methods with low-energy electron beam irradiation. This substitution uses electromagnetic radiation instead of heat or chemicals, achieving sterilization through ionization and excitation of microorganisms without causing thermal melting or chemical degradation of the PET container.
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
This system ensures effective sterilization of PET containers with uniform dose distribution, avoiding material deterioration, and is more efficient and cost-effective than previous methods by leveraging the synergy of electron beams, ozone, and X-rays, while maintaining the integrity of the PET material.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization is carried out by means of the irradiation of an electronic beam produced by a generator ( 1 ) integrated by an accelerator machine
Implementation Method 2
said electronic beam being appropriately directed by means of magnetic fields ( 3 ) generated by magnetic field generators ( 3 )
Implementation Method 3
A flexible and computerized system using low-energy electrons with programmable magnetic fields and APS technology for synergistic effects, including ozone production, plasma
Implementation Method 4
A flexible and computerized system using low-energy electrons with programmable magnetic fields and APS technology for synergistic effects, including ozone production, plasma
Implementation Method 5
A flexible and computerized system using low-energy electrons with programmable magnetic fields and APS technology for synergistic effects, including ozone production, plasma, and X-ray generation
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system for PET containers and bottles including at least one electron flow generator 1, a scan gun 2 and at least one target 4 preferably made of heavy metal, so that when a part of the electron radiation hits said target a reflected X ray radiation is generated, which contributes to the sterilization of the containers. A certain amount of liquid or gaseous oxygen which upon collision with the electron radiation is converted to ozone is also exposed to the radiation, thus further contributing to the sterilization.