Pressurized Fluid Sterilization Using Heat Exchange And Valve Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sterilization methods are inefficient, costly, and ineffective in eliminating prions, require large and immobile apparatus, and often produce harmful by-products, while existing systems for medical equipment sterilization are inadequate and result in equipment damage or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A system that heats pressurized fluid above prescribed thresholds for temperature, pressure, and duration using a controlled sequence of valves and a heat exchanger to achieve sterilization without fixed temperature or pressure, utilizing a controller for operation and potentially incorporating an autoclave chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (reverse osmosis, membrane filtration, UV light) are used, then sterilization is achieved, but the systems require large apparatus, regular maintenance, and routine replacement of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sterilization function from complex multi-component systems (reverse osmosis, membrane filtration, UV systems) and concentrates it into a single heating chamber that achieves sterilization through thermal energy alone, eliminating the need for membranes, filters, and UV bulbs that require maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The heating chamber system is designed to be self-contained with no moving parts, requiring no external power sources beyond simple heating elements, and producing no harmful by-products, thereby eliminating maintenance requirements and enabling autonomous operation
2Reliability
If high temperature heating is used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but large heat-sink apparatus are required to contain and cool the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sterilization process into a dedicated heating chamber that maintains high temperature locally, separating the sterilization zone from the cooling function, thereby achieving effective sterilization without requiring large heat-sink apparatus throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The heating chamber creates a localized high-temperature zone specifically for sterilization, concentrating thermal energy where needed rather than distributing it throughout a large volume, thus achieving effective sterilization with minimal apparatus size
3Use of energy by moving object
If non-continuous flow methods are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but by-products are created requiring more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous flow through the heating chamber while maintaining thermal energy for sterilization, eliminating the need to stop the flow process and preventing the formation of harmful by-products that would require maintenance, thereby achieving both energy efficiency and operational continuity
4Reliability
If current medical equipment sterilization methods (disinfecting solutions, ultrasonic methods, high-pressure steam) are used, then sterilization is achieved, but equipment damage or disposal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization parameters from harsh chemical solutions, high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, or high-pressure steam to controlled thermal heating at moderate pressures and temperatures, achieving effective sterilization while preserving equipment integrity and preventing damage to sensitive and fragile instruments
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
Achieves effective sterilization of fluids and equipment without the need for fixed pressure or temperature maintenance, reducing maintenance and equipment damage, and effectively eliminating prions and other pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
heating apparatus to heat pressurized fluid above prescribed thresholds for temperature, pressure, and duration
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger to both (a) preheat fluid prior to entering the heating apparatus and (b) cool outflow of the heating apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A system of fluid sterilization of fluid of vessel is provided, such as sterilization of ballast water for a water vessel. The system incorporates a heating section to heat pressurized fluid above prescribed thresholds for temperature, pressure, and duration (e.g., dwell time) to achieve desired levels of sterilization, including a heat exchanger to both (a) preheat fluid prior to entering the heating section and (b) cool outflow of the heating apparatus, in which fluid travels through the apparatus by operating valves forward and aft of the heating section in a controlled sequence to facilitate flow through the system while maintaining prescribed pressure and temperature profiles. The system operates within prescribed ranges of pressure and temperature to achieve the desired level of sterilization without need of maintaining a fixed temperature or a fixed pressure within any portion of the system, including the heating section.