Non-Thermal Plasma Air Treatment for Submicron Pathogen Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, are ineffective in removing airborne contaminants like microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria smaller than 0.3 microns, which are potentially harmful.
Innovation Solution
The development of an air treatment apparatus that generates a non-thermal plasma field from ambient air within a reaction chamber, using an anode rail assembly and a cathode rail, to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can neutralize bacteria and other pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If HEPA filters are used to filter airborne particles, then particles of 0.3 μm or larger can be removed effectively, but particles smaller than 0.3 μm (microorganisms, viruses, bacteria) cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanism from physical filtration to chemical oxidation. Instead of relying on particle size-based mechanical filtering, the system uses plasma-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) to chemically oxidize and neutralize pathogens, making the treatment effective regardless of particle size. This parameter change from physical to chemical action resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical HEPA filtration system with a plasma-based chemical treatment system. The mechanical filtering action is substituted with electrochemical plasma generation that produces ROS, which then chemically interact with and neutralize pathogens through oxidation, thereby addressing the limitation of mechanical filters against sub-0.3 μm particles.
2Reliability
If non-thermal plasma is generated to produce reactive oxygen species, then airborne contaminants smaller than 0.3 μm can be neutralized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation system is segmented into modular components: separate electrode assemblies, independent power supply units, and distinct reaction chambers. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, maintenance, and scaling while maintaining the complex plasma generation functionality needed to produce ROS for pathogen neutralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. The same system can treat different types of contaminants (bacteria, viruses, VOCs), operate in various modes (continuous/batch), and potentially serve multiple applications (air purification, surface treatment, water disinfection), thereby distributing the complexity burden across multiple useful functions.
3Quantity of substance
If plasma field is used to break down contaminants, then pathogens can be neutralized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation system employs periodic or pulsed discharge modes rather than continuous operation. By applying alternating electric fields at optimized frequencies, the system generates ROS in pulses that are sufficient for pathogen neutralization while allowing energy recovery periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous plasma generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes plasma generation parameters (voltage, frequency, pulse duration, gas composition) to maximize ROS production efficiency per unit energy consumed. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective pathogen neutralization at lower energy inputs, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and energy consumption.
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 effectively treats and removes airborne contaminants by producing ROS that break down surface membranes of pathogens, rendering them inactive, while also breaking down Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current power supply capable of delivering sufficient energy to generate a non-thermal plasma field in the space between the anode rail assembly and the cathode rail
Implementation Method 2
generate a non-thermal plasma field from ambient air within a reaction chamber
Implementation Method 3
ROS can react with particles as small as and smaller than about 0.3 microns. The antimicrobial properties of ROS in the air and on surfaces is known, and the mechanisms by which ROS inactivate bacteria has been studied... ROS attach themselves to the surfaces of contaminants and other pathogens at bond sites to create strong oxidizing radicals. These radicals draw out the hydrogen that is present in these contaminants and other pathogens, breaking down the surface membranes and rendering them inactive
Implementation Method 4
the ROS generated in the non-thermal plasma fields described herein can also breakdown Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). When carbon based VOCs (alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones) pass through the non-thermal plasma, the covalent bonds in the molecules can be broken, which can also produce carbon dioxide and/or oxygen
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for generating non-thermal plasma which can form reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as those used to neutralize bacteria and other pathogens in the air and surrounding area. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for neutralizing bacteria and other pathogens using ROS generated through the use of non-thermal plasma. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for generating ROS. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for treating air and nearby surfaces. Also disclosed herein are apparatuses for generating non-thermal plasma, and which can monitor and analyze the operational characteristics of a plasma field generated by the aforementioned devices and/or the electrical consumption characteristics of the power supply being used to generate the plasma field, which analyzed characteristics can be used to trigger an alarm to indicate that the device is not functioning optimally or as otherwise expected.