Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Exposure for In-Situ Respiratory Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air handling systems in enclosed spaces are ineffective in removing pathogens, allergens, and parasites that are too heavy to traverse, and current methods for generating purified hydrogen peroxide gas (PHPG) do not address the need for in-situ treatment of air in environments during health crises or epidemics, limiting the prevention and mitigation of respiratory infections.
Innovation Solution
Generating and maintaining a concentration of purified hydrogen peroxide gas (PHPG) at 0.01 parts per million in enclosed spaces, free of hydration and ozone, to enhance the production of hypothiocyanate ions in the respiratory system, thereby improving respiratory health and reducing infection transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current air handling systems use UV light, ozone, and other activated oxygen species to neutralize pathogens, then airborne pathogens can be killed or neutralized, but pathogens, allergens, and parasites that are too heavy to traverse the system are missed and remain untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the air treatment process into two segments: (1) HVAC systems treat airborne pathogens through filtration and UV irradiation, and (2) PHPG generators treat all pathogens including heavy particles on surfaces and in the air. This segmentation allows each system to address its optimal target population without relying on the other to handle all pathogen types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces PHPG (purified hydrogen peroxide gas) as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between HVAC air handling and direct environmental disinfection. PHPG serves as a mediator that can penetrate and treat areas and pathogen types that traditional HVAC systems cannot reach, particularly heavy particles and surface contaminants.
2Reliability
If HVAC systems pass contaminated air through enclosed systems with UV light and ozone, then airborne pathogens can be neutralized, but the systems require air to pass through them to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The PHPG generation system operates autonomously by converting ambient air into PHPG through photocatalytic reactions on the reactor surface. The system serves itself by using natural sunlight or UV lighting to drive the chemical conversion of oxygen and water vapor in the air into hydrogen peroxide gas, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex operational controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical air forcing mechanism of HVAC systems with a chemical conversion process. Instead of mechanically moving and filtering air through complex ductwork and filtration systems, the PHPG generator uses photocatalytic chemistry to transform ambient air components into disinfecting PHPG that is then released into the environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PHPG is used to treat environments during health crises and epidemics, then in-situ treatment of air and surfaces can be achieved, but current methods do not provide sufficient concentration or purity control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls PHPG concentration and purity by adjusting key parameters: (1) UV light intensity and wavelength to optimize photocatalytic efficiency, (2) ambient humidity levels to control water vapor availability for H2O2 formation, (3) reactor surface area and material composition to enhance PHPG generation rate, and (4) air flow rate through the reactor to balance conversion efficiency with output concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to maintain optimal PHPG generation: (1) UV sensors monitor the intensity and wavelength of the light source to ensure consistent photocatalytic activity, (2) humidity sensors track ambient moisture levels to adjust operational parameters, and (3) the system automatically adjusts air flow and UV power to maintain target PHPG concentrations in the released gas.
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 method effectively reduces the severity and transmission of respiratory infections, enhances lung function, and stimulates host defenses by increasing hypothiocyanate ion levels, even with intermittent exposure to PHPG environments.
Implementation Method 1
enhance the production of hypothiocyanate ions in the respiratory system
Implementation Method 2
purified hydrogen peroxide gas (PHPG) that is free of hydration and ozone
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices to improve respiratory system health, increase resistance to infection, and increase the hypothiocyanate ion in mammalian lungs. The methods generally comprise: generating a Hydrogen Peroxide Gas that is non-hydrated and free of ozone, and directing the gas comprising primarily Hydrogen Peroxide Gas into an environment and exposing a subject to the environment such that the Hydrogen Peroxide Gas acts to the increase of the hypothiocyanate ion in mammalian lungs.