Steam Quality Monitoring Probe for Real-Time Non-Condensable Gas Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring steam quality during sterilization are inadequate, as they either provide limited or delayed information, are prone to human error, or fail to accurately detect non-condensable gases (NCGs) in real time, which can compromise sterilization effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a tube with an open and closed end, a heat source, a heat sink, and thermometers to measure temperature along the tube, allowing for precise control of temperatures at both ends to accurately detect NCGs by analyzing the temperature profile and cooling power, providing real-time monitoring of steam quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional monitoring methods (biological indicators, chemical indicators, pressure-temperature monitoring) are used, then sterilization can be monitored, but the monitoring is either delayed, provides limited information, or is prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam quality detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual handling of biological and chemical indicators with an automated electronic sensing system. The sensor probe continuously measures temperature and cooling power to detect non-condensable gases, eliminating human intervention and providing immediate digital readout of steam quality parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring through automated detection of temperature profiles and cooling power within the sterilizer chamber. The sensor probe continuously samples steam conditions without requiring manual sampling or indicator handling, enabling real-time self-assessment of sterilization parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual handling of biological and chemical indicators is used, then sterilization monitoring can be performed, but human error and delayed results occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring result accuracyVSAvoidmanual handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual handling of biological and chemical indicators with an automated electronic sensing system. The sensor probe continuously measures temperature and cooling power to detect non-condensable gases, eliminating human intervention and providing immediate digital readout of steam quality parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring through automated detection of temperature profiles and cooling power within the sterilizer chamber. The sensor probe continuously samples steam conditions without requiring manual sampling or indicator handling, enabling real-time self-assessment of sterilization parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If existing air detectors are used, then some steam quality information can be obtained, but the detection is limited and does not provide real-time accurate NCG detection

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNCG detection completenessVSAvoidNCG concentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors temperature profiles and cooling power in real-time, providing ongoing feedback on steam quality. The control unit processes this feedback data to calculate non-condensable gas concentrations, enabling dynamic adjustment of sterilization parameters based on actual steam conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the monitoring parameters from simple temperature measurement to combined temperature and cooling power measurement. By analyzing the temperature profile and cooling power consumption, the system can accurately determine non-condensable gas concentrations and provide comprehensive steam quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables accurate, real-time detection of NCGs, ensuring consistent sterilization conditions and reducing reliance on manual handling, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the sterilization process.

Implementation Method 1

heating a first portion of the tube up to a specific temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink configured to extract heat from the tube at the closed end of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat extraction: Heat Sink

Implementation Method 3

the tube is configured to allow a condensed portion of the fluid to be removed from the tube by gravitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12419983B2Monitoring of steam quality during sterilization with improved temperature control

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SOLIDTOO BV

AI summary

A device for detecting a non-condensable gas including a tube having an open end and a closed end, the tube and the closed end being closed with respect to a fluid, the open end open to allow the fluid to move into and out of the tube, and the tube configured to allow a condensed portion of the fluid to be removed from the tube by gravitation. The device includes a heat sink configured to extract heat from the tube at the closed end. The device further includes a heat source configured to supply heat to the open end of the tube and at least one thermometer configured to measure a temperature at a specific portion of the device or the fluid inside the tube.