Thermoplastic Preform Neck Decontamination via Condensed H2O2 and UV Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current decontamination methods for the external surface of thermoplastic preform necks are inadequate due to superficial nature of ultraviolet radiation, which fails to penetrate deeply and is ineffective against certain microorganisms like mold, and existing hydrogen peroxide mist processes do not provide complete satisfaction in terms of decontamination efficiency and residual sterilizing agent compliance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hydrogen peroxide deposition by condensation on the external surface of the preform neck, followed by evaporation to increase concentration, and subsequent ultraviolet radiation activation to enhance decontamination, ensuring deeper penetration and uniform coverage without excessive residual sterilizing agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ultraviolet radiation is used for decontamination of the external surface of the preform neck, then the decontamination process is simple and fast, but the penetration depth is insufficient and shadow phenomena occur reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by depositing hydrogen peroxide on the preform neck surface before UV irradiation. This pre-deposition ensures that the sterilizing agent is already in place on the surface, allowing UV radiation to activate it effectively without requiring deep penetration or prolonged exposure, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen peroxide acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the limitation of UV radiation's shallow penetration. By depositing H2O2 first and then activating it with UV, the system achieves deep and uniform decontamination without increasing UV penetration depth, as the chemical agent distributes throughout the surface including shadowed areas.
2Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide mist is applied to decontaminate the preform neck, then chemical decontamination is more effective against certain microorganisms, but the residual sterilizing agent exceeds authorized thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a controlled amount of hydrogen peroxide deposition followed by UV activation. The UV irradiation activates only the deposited H2O2 on the surface, achieving effective decontamination while minimizing the total quantity of residual sterilizing agent, thus meeting regulatory thresholds while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of hydrogen peroxide concentration and activation timing. By depositing a controlled layer and activating it with UV radiation, the system achieves high decontamination effectiveness while controlling the residual amount through parameter optimization, resolving the contradiction between reliability and quantity.
3Reliability
If the preform neck is heated to activate hydrogen peroxide, then chemical decontamination is enhanced, but the neck deforms compromising subsequent container closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal activation mechanism with a photochemical mechanism. Instead of heating the neck to activate hydrogen peroxide (which would cause deformation), UV radiation is used to activate the deposited H2O2 at ambient temperature, preserving the neck shape while maintaining decontamination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from thermal (heat) to photochemical (UV radiation). This parameter change allows hydrogen peroxide activation without heating the preform neck, thus preventing shape deformation while achieving reliable decontamination.
4Reliability
If ultraviolet radiation duration is increased to improve decontamination, then more microorganisms are eliminated, but production rate decreases below facility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By depositing hydrogen peroxide before UV irradiation, the system prepares the surface in advance with the sterilizing agent. This preliminary action allows for shorter UV exposure times since the H2O2 is already positioned on the surface ready for activation, thus improving decontamination completeness without sacrificing production rate.
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 method achieves a higher degree of decontamination by ensuring hydrogen peroxide penetrates and activates microorganisms effectively, while controlling residual sterilizing agent levels, thus improving the decontamination process for packaging of agri-food products.
Implementation Method 1
a treatment step consisting of depositing hydrogen peroxide by condensation on the external surface of at least the neck of the preform
Implementation Method 2
a step of evaporating a portion of the hydrogen peroxide condensate, by forced circulation of air on at least the external surface of the neck
Implementation Method 3
an irradiation step consisting of irradiating at least the external surface of the neck of the preform with at least one ultraviolet radiation to activate the hydrogen peroxide
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of decontaminating an outer surface (30) of a preform (10) made of thermoplastic material and comprising a hollow body (12) with a neck (14), said decontamination method comprising at least the following steps in succession: - a treatment step (a) consisting in depositing, by means of condensation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) onto the outer surface (30) of at least the neck (14) of the preform (10); - a step (b) consisting in evaporating one portion of the condensate (32) of the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); and - an irradiation step (c) consisting in irradiating at least the outer surface (30) of the neck (14) of the preform (10) by means of at least one ultraviolet radiation (UV) so as to activate the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).