Radio-Frequency Liquid Sterilization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods for liquids in rigid or flexible medical containers rely on external heating, which is inefficient and can lead to temperature gradients and energy wastage, as they heat the container surfaces rather than the liquid directly.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency sterilization system that uses high-frequency power to directly heat the liquid within the container through capacitive means, generating heat internally and transferring it externally, allowing for uniform heating and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If external heating (steam or overheated water) is used to sterilize liquids in containers, then the sterilization process is simple and reliable, but energy consumption is high and temperature gradients occur between exterior and interior
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating from the outside (conventional autoclave method), the invention inverts the approach by heating from the inside. Radio frequency energy is introduced through the liquid itself, which acts as a conductive medium, generating heat internally through ohmic heating. This eliminates the temperature gradient between exterior and interior while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal convection system (steam circulation, water heating) with an electromagnetic field-based system. Radio frequency energy directly heats the conductive liquid through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for external steam or water circulation systems and significantly reducing energy loss.
2Productivity
If external heating is used, then the equipment structure is simple, but heating speed is slow and energy is wasted heating container surfaces rather than liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid itself serves as the heating medium through its electrical conductivity. The conductive liquid acts as both the object to be heated and the medium through which radio frequency energy is transmitted, generating heat internally through ohmic heating. This self-heating mechanism eliminates energy waste on container surfaces and achieves rapid heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state utilized for heating by exploiting the electrical conductivity parameter of the liquid. By introducing radio frequency energy that interacts with the liquid's conductive properties, the system achieves rapid internal heating without relying on external thermal conduction, thereby increasing productivity and reducing energy waste.
3Temperature
If radio-frequency power is supplied through the liquid, then heating is rapid and uniform, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive liquid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is the object to be sterilized, the medium for transmitting radio frequency energy, and the source of internal heat generation through ohmic heating. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate heating elements while achieving uniform temperature distribution.
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 rapid, uniform heating with reduced energy consumption and minimal temperature gradients, enabling precise control and monitoring, while allowing for direct integration into production lines and flexible power adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is generated within the conductive liquid solution to be sterilized, and is convectively and conductively transferred towards the exterior. This means that the electrolytic solution under treatment becomes the conductive liquid mass in which heat is generated according to a ohmic type process and, hence, ohmic conduction
Implementation Method 2
Heat is generated within the conductive liquid solution to be sterilized, and is convectively and conductively transferred towards the exterior
Implementation Method 3
Heat is generated within the conductive liquid solution to be sterilized, and is convectively and conductively transferred towards the exterior
Data Source
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AI summary
Process, and system thereof, for sterilization of a product constituted by a non-distilled or demineralized liquid solution (3) contained in a rigid and/or flexible container (2). The process provides for at least one step of heating by means of capacitive supply of high- frequency current, with electrodes with facing surface of a closed-circuit electrode system (1) on said product, followed by a step of cooling with interruption of the supplied current; during at least part of said heating step, a counter-pressure pressure (P2) is supplied and acts inside the system (1) and on the product being treated.