Vacuum Peracetic Acid Sterilization for Internal Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disinfecting and sterilizing objects, particularly those with internal surfaces, are inefficient and costly, failing to effectively eliminate pathogens and often requiring extensive time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a vacuum process using peracetic acid (PES) in a controlled environment, where objects are evacuated, treated with PES, and then subjected to pressure changes to ensure thorough disinfection or sterilization of both internal and external surfaces, utilizing a device with a control system to manage process parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods are used on objects with internal surfaces, then pathogen elimination is insufficient, but treatment time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of peracetic acid from liquid to gas phase through controlled heating and vacuum conditions. The treatment medium is introduced in liquid form, then the chamber is evacuated and heated to generate peracetic acid vapor that penetrates internal surfaces effectively, achieving thorough disinfection without extending treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere) in the treatment chamber before introducing the peracetic acid vapor. This vacuum condition enhances the penetration and distribution of the treatment medium throughout the object, including internal surfaces, improving pathogen elimination effectiveness while maintaining efficient treatment cycles
2Reliability
If high concentrations of treatment medium are used to ensure thorough disinfection, then pathogen elimination improves, but residual contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous process where peracetic acid vapor is generated and maintained throughout the treatment chamber during the entire disinfection cycle. This continuous exposure ensures thorough pathogen elimination while the controlled duration and subsequent venting prevent excessive residue accumulation on treated objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts treatment parameters including temperature, pressure, and vapor concentration throughout the disinfection process. By optimizing these parameters and controlling the treatment duration, the system achieves effective pathogen elimination while minimizing residual contamination through precise parameter management
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 method achieves rapid and thorough disinfection or sterilization with a germ reduction of 84% to 99.9% on internal surfaces and a sterilization assurance level of 10^-6, ensuring objects are safe from infection risks while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
evacuating the process chamber
Implementation Method 2
the PES passes into the gas phase already at a low temperature in vacuo
Implementation Method 3
the PES passes into the gas phase already at a low temperature in vacuo
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for disinfecting and/or sterilizing objects, said method comprising the method steps of: placing an object in a process chamber that can be evacuated; evacuating the process chamber; introducing a treatment medium; carrying out the disinfection and/or sterilization process; and increasing the pressure in the process chamber. The invention also relates to: a software program for carrying out the method for disinfecting and/or sterilizing objects; and a device for disinfecting and/or sterilizing objects. The invention also relates to: a disinfected object comprising residues of the treatment medium and/or reaction products of the treatment medium and fewer than 2000 germs per m2 on the surface of the disinfected object; and a sterilized object comprising residues of the treatment medium and/or reaction products of the treatment medium and a germ-free surface.