WO2003063914A2 - Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter - Google Patents
Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter Download PDFInfo
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- WO2003063914A2 WO2003063914A2 PCT/US2002/035299 US0235299W WO03063914A2 WO 2003063914 A2 WO2003063914 A2 WO 2003063914A2 US 0235299 W US0235299 W US 0235299W WO 03063914 A2 WO03063914 A2 WO 03063914A2
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- Prior art keywords
- accordance
- sterilization
- plasma
- plasma discharge
- discharge device
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/14—Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
- H05H1/24—Generating plasma
- H05H1/2406—Generating plasma using dielectric barrier discharges, i.e. with a dielectric interposed between the electrodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
- A61L9/22—Ionisation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
- H05H1/24—Generating plasma
- H05H1/2406—Generating plasma using dielectric barrier discharges, i.e. with a dielectric interposed between the electrodes
- H05H1/2443—Generating plasma using dielectric barrier discharges, i.e. with a dielectric interposed between the electrodes the plasma fluid flowing through a dielectric tube
- H05H1/246—Generating plasma using dielectric barrier discharges, i.e. with a dielectric interposed between the electrodes the plasma fluid flowing through a dielectric tube the plasma being activated using external electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
- H05H1/24—Generating plasma
- H05H1/47—Generating plasma using corona discharges
- H05H1/477—Segmented electrodes
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a method and system for sterilization of air streams and decontamination of objects/surfaces and, in particular, to such a method and system using a non-thermal plasma discharge device or generator.
- Suspension media e.g., filters, carbon beds, electrostatic precipitators
- Suspension media used in air handling equipment for ventilation purposes capture various airborne contaminants, including but not limited to spores, viruses, biological material, particulate matter and bacteria. Over a period of use, undesirable contaminants become trapped and collect in the suspension media thereby degrading its performance and becoming a concentrated source of bio- hazards for a ventilation system.
- two conventional methods were employed to remove the contaminants from the suspension media, namely, replacing the suspension media or in situ periodic cleaning of contaminated material from the suspension media. Either of these conventional methods for disposal of the contaminants involve a high potential that some of the captured spores, pathogens, and other undesirable particulate matter may be released into the atmosphere.
- the contaminated suspension media must be properly disposed. This is particularly important in hazardous areas such as hospitals, laboratories, operating rooms that are exposed to extremely hazardous pathogens (e.g., tuberculosis, small pox, anthrax) or other contaminants in which minimal concentrations can generate considerable deleterious health consequences if released through a ventilation system.
- extremely hazardous pathogens e.g., tuberculosis, small pox, anthrax
- the present inventive process and system for sterilization and decontamination in accordance with the present invention enhances sterilization efficiency while reducing health and environmental hazards by employing biologically active yet relatively short living sterilizing species produced as a byproduct during the generation of non-thermal plasma, preferably in the presence of organics and oxygen.
- the present invention is directed to a method of sterilization of fluids and decontamination of objects such as suspension media, food products, ventilation ducts and medical instruments.
- Active sterilizing species of living byproducts of non-thermal plasma-chemical reactions having a relatively short life (e.g, milliseconds or seconds) are generated. Due to the relatively short lifetime of the active sterilizing species their sterilization capabilities are greatest while in the vicinity of the non- thermal plasma discharge device. At the same time, due to its short lifetime the active sterilization species decompose rapidly into benign non-hazardous byproducts. This decomposition characteristic is particularly useful in situations where sterilization must be realized with minimal health and environmental hazards.
- an additive, carrier or free fluid such as various organic compounds (typically air) may be injected through the electrodes (or directly) into the plasma discharge apparatus.
- an additive, carrier or free liquid into the plasma discharge apparatus increases production of active sterilizing species that are carried with the fluid flow and thus is able to be directed, as desired, to particular regions or areas of an object to be sterilized or decontaminated.
- an air filter is installed downstream of the non-thermal plasma discharge device. Contaminated air to be treated is passed first through the non-thermal plasma discharge device and then through a filter. Some spores and bacteria are captured on the filter while others have already been inactivated upstream by direct interaction with active sterilizing species generated by the non-thermal plasma discharge device.
- the filter may be continuously or periodically exposed to the active sterilizing species generated upstream in order to significantly if not totally deactivate pathogens captured downstream on the filter.
- active sterilizing species are decomposed within or downstream of the filter so that air expelled or passing through the filter into the room contains de minimis, if any, sterilizing agent. Additional filtration and catalyst media (e.g., ozone catalyst) may be added downstream to further reduce any remaining traces of undesirable contaminants and/or byproducts from the airflow.
- Circulation of a carrier gas advantageously provides efficient transport of the active sterilizing species to the desired contaminated regions or areas of the suspension media to be treated. As soon as power to the plasma discharge device is turned off, the active sterilizing species ceases to be generated and the objects may be immediately removed from the chamber without further delay.
- a carrier gas typically air
- the plasma generating system has a dielectric capillary or dielectric slit configuration capable of producing non- thermal plasma gas discharge in ambient air or other gas by applying RF, DC or AC high voltage to the electrodes.
- the byproducts of the plasma-chemical reactions (such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, organic acids, aldehydes) that are always present in the discharge afterglows in trace amounts are captured in the off-gas treatment system based on adsorption, catalysis or other processes typically used for removal of these byproducts from air.
- One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a sterilization and decontamination system including a plasma discharge device, preferably a non-thermal plasma discharge device, having a primary dielectric with at least one aperture defined therethrough that allows the passage of the plasma discharge.
- the system further includes a suspension media disposed downstream of the plasma discharge device.
- the invention relates to a method of sterilization and decontamination using the system described above.
- Plasma generated active sterilizing species is produced by applying a voltage differential to the primary electrode and receiving electrode to emit a plasma discharge through the at least one aperture.
- the contaminated fluid to be treated is then exposed to the generated active sterilizing species.
- Particulate matter is collected from the exposed fluid to be treated in the suspension media. Thereafter, some or all of the collected particulate matter is cleansed from the filter by exposing, spraying or bombardment of the filter with the generated active sterilizing species.
- Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination system in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 2a is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary non- thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination system having a capillary dielectric discharge configuration in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 2b is an exemplary single representative pin segmented electrode and associated capillary in the capillary dielectric configuration plasma discharge device of Figure 2a;
- Figure 3a is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination system having a non-thermal plasma slit dielectric discharge configuration in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 3b is an exemplary slit dielectric R13 rod configuration plasma discharge device of Figure 3a;
- Figure 4 details a system whereby the suspension media is wound and travels along a path along which it is exposed to non-thermal plasma generated by a non-thermal plasma discharge device whereafter the treated suspension media is wound up about a receiving roller;
- Figure 5a is a bottom view of an exemplary non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination system in the accordance with the present invention that is displaceable in at least one direction;
- Figure 5b is a side view of the sterilization and decontamination system of Figure 5a.
- the method described utilizes organic vapors (by way of example, alcohols) in a non-thermal plasma discharge to accelerate and improve overall sterilization rates on surfaces and in air streams.
- organic vapors by way of example, alcohols
- This can be applied to a variety of thermal and non-thermal plasma reactor devices. These reactors can operate using DC, AC or RF power supplies, and with a continuous or periodic supply of power.
- the segmented electrode capillary discharge, non-thermal plasma reactor in accordance with the present invention is designed so that a solid or a fluid (e.g., a liquid, vapor, gas or any combination thereof) to be treated containing undesirable chemical agents, for example, an atomic element or a compound, is exposed to a relatively high density plasma in which various processes, such as oxidation, reduction, ion induced composition, and/or electron induced composition, efficiently allow for chemical reactions to take place.
- oxidation, reduction, ion induced composition, and/or electron induced composition efficiently allow for chemical reactions to take place.
- the ability to vary the energy density allows for tailored chemical reactions to take place by using enough energy to effectively initiate or promote desired chemical reactions without heating up the bulk gas.
- the present invention will be described with respect to the application of using the plasma reactor to purify or sterilize contaminated objects or fluid streams. It is, however, within the intended scope of the invention to use this method and associated devices for other applications.
- the dimensions of the reaction chamber may be selected, as desired, such that the residence time of the pollutants within the plasma regions is sufficient to ensure destruction of the contaminant to a desired level, for example, deactivation of the contaminants down to the molecular level.
- the rate of injection and location of injection of the additive fluid may be varied, as desired, to deliver the additive fluid through the region where the plasma originates (e.g., the capillary or slit) or through an auxiliary feed port that intersects with the aperture in which the plasma discharge is emitted.
- the reactor may be sized to such residence time, that the pollutants and biological contaminants may be deactivated, but not destroyed, effectively sterilizing the treated surface, media or fluid.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic flow diagram of the plasma sterilization and decontamination system in accordance with the present invention.
- a source of contaminated fluid 155 e.g., a liquid and/or a gas, to be treated may contain pathogens (e.g., viruses, spores) and/or undesirable chemical compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene).
- pathogens e.g., viruses, spores
- undesirable chemical compounds e.g., benzene, toluene.
- the contaminated fluid 155 passes through a decontamination or sterilization device 165 that includes a non-thermal plasma discharge device 105 and a suspension media 115.
- Non-thermal plasma discharge device 105 may be one of many different configurations, for example, a corona discharge, a barrier discharge, a capillary dielectric discharge (U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/738,923, filed December 15, 2000) or a slit dielectric discharge (U.S. Patent Application
- Non-Thermal Plasma Slit Discharge Apparatus filed on November 4, 2002 (Attorney Docket No. 2790/1 J670-US1 ), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/336,866, filed on November 2, 2001 ).
- a thermal plasma discharge device may be employed but will yield a less efficient rate of sterilization.
- Energy is supplied to the non- thermal plasma discharge device 105 by a high voltage power supply, for example, a direct current, alternating current, high frequency, radio frequency, microwave, pulsed power supply, depending on the desired plasma discharge configuration.
- the contaminated fluid 155 While passing through the non-thermal plasma discharge device 105 the contaminated fluid 155 is exposed to the plasma as well as to the active sterilizing species such as organic radicals and/or ion clusters created as a byproduct during the generation of the plasma. Exposure of the contaminated fluid to the plasma generated active sterilizing species substantially deactivates the pathogens and reduces concentrations of undesirable chemicals into more benign compounds.
- the active sterilizing species such as organic radicals and/or ion clusters created as a byproduct during the generation of the plasma.
- reaction mechanisms that contribute to the plasma enhanced chemistry responsible for formation of the active sterilizing species will now be described. Common to all four reaction mechanisms is that of electron impact dissociation and ionization to form reactive radicals.
- the four reaction mechanisms include:
- Oxidation e.g., conversion of CH 4 to CO 2 and H 2 O
- Electron induced decomposition e.g., electron attachment to CCI 4
- an additive, free or carrier fluid 145 e.g., an alcohol such as ethanol or methanol
- an additive, free or carrier fluid 145 may be injected into the non-thermal plasma discharge device 105 to enhance the sterilization effect or overall plasma chemistry.
- the additive, free or carrier fluid increases the concentration of plasma generated active sterilizing species while reducing the generation of undesirable byproducts (e.g., ozone pollutants). Accordingly, employing an additive, free or carrier fluid can advantageously be used to tailor the chemistry of the plasma generated active ste ⁇ lizing species.
- Hydronium ion clusters can protonate ethyl alcohol when present in the feed gas, as shown by the following illustrative example:
- Ion clusters such as EtOH 2 + (H 2 O) b increase sterilization efficiency as a result of their reasonably long life time. Accordingly, ion clusters are able to survive the transport to the targeted object to be sterilized and provide an Et group for replacement of a hydrogen atom in bacterial DNAs which will lead to deactivation of the targeted micro-organisms.
- Organic ions such as C 2 H 4 OH ⁇ C 2 H 3 OH + , CH 2 OH ⁇ CHOH ⁇ CH 3 OH + , C 2 H 5 + are also formed when an additive, free or carrier fluid is employed and may improve sterilization depending on their lifetime and chemical activity.
- Presence of organics and oxygen in plasma will also promote the formation of other organic radicals such as peroxy RO 2 , alkoxy RO, acyl peroxyacyl RC(O)OO and byproducts, such as hydroperoxides (ROOH), peroxynitrates (RO 2 NO 2 ), organic nitrates (RONO 2 ), peroxyacids ( RC(O)OOH), carboxylic acids (RC(O)OH) and peroxyacyl nitrates RC(O)O 2 NO 2 .
- ROOH hydroperoxides
- RO 2 NO 2 peroxynitrates
- RONO 2 organic nitrates
- RC(O)OOH peroxyacids
- carboxylic acids RC(O)OH
- peroxyacyl nitrates RC(O)O 2 NO 2 peroxyacyl nitrates
- the contaminated fluid 155 after being exposed to the generated plasma passes through a suspension media 115 (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed or any other conventional device used to remove particulate material from fluid streams) disposed downstream of the plasma discharge device 105.
- a suspension media 115 e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed or any other conventional device used to remove particulate material from fluid streams
- Residual pathogens that have not been entirely neutralized or deactivated when exposed to the plasma discharge in the plasma discharge device are collected in the suspension media 115.
- These collected contaminants are treated upon contact with the suspension media 115 by the radicals and ions created by the generated plasma as part of the fluid stream.
- Compounds such as carbon beds and microorganisms that collect in the suspension media 115 have the beneficial effect of reacting with the plasma generated active sterilizing species upon contact with the suspension media.
- organic byproducts and radicals along with other active species interact with the DNA and other building blocks of microorganisms deposited on the suspension media device 115.
- replacement of a hydrogen atom in bacterial DNA by an alkyl group (C n H 2n + ⁇ ) due to exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species leads to inactivation of microorganisms.
- Alkylation is believed to be but one mechanism responsible for sterilization in the described method, other mechanisms and active sterilizing species may also be present.
- the plasma treated fluid may be exposed to a catalyst media 125 (e.g., an ozone catalyst) or additional suspension media disposed downstream of the suspension media f15 to further reduce concentrations of residual undesirable compounds such as ozone and/or pathogens.
- a catalyst media 125 e.g., an ozone catalyst
- additional suspension media disposed downstream of the suspension media f15 to further reduce concentrations of residual undesirable compounds such as ozone and/or pathogens.
- Figure 2a is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary first embodiment of the sterilization and decontamination unit 165 of Figure 1 having a non-thermal plasma capillary dielectric segmented electrode discharge configuration 235 (as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/738,923, filed December 15, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) and a filter 245.
- This combination plasma-filter device simultaneously captures and destroys biological particulate matter such as spores and bacteria. Contaminated fluid to be treated is received through the inlet port 255 of the sterilization and decontamination unit 165.
- the capillary dielectric segment electrode 235 has a primary dielectric with at least on capillary defined therethrough and a segmented electrode containing a plurality of electrode segments disposed proximate and in fluid communication with respective capillaries.
- Figure 2b is a partial cross- sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a single segmented electrode and an associated capillary of the capillary dielectric segmented electrode 235 shown in Figure 2a.
- the electrode segment is in the shape of a blunt end pin 270 disposed proximate and partially inserted into the respective capillary 275 defined in the primary dielectric 280.
- An additive, carrier or free fluid 285 may be injected into the capillary either through the segmented pin electrode 270 if it is hollow (as shown in Figure 2b) or alternatively if the segmented electrode is solid the additive may be injected through an auxiliary channel defined in the primary dielectric that intersects with the capillary 275.
- Numerous other configurations of the segmented electrode are contemplated as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/738,923, for example, as a ring or washer disposed proximate the capillary.
- the contaminated fluid to be treated passes through a plasma region or channel 225 disposed between the capillary dielectric segmented electrode 235 and a receiving electrode 205 having a plurality of holes or apertures defined therein to permit the passage of plasma discharge therethrough.
- a filter 245 is disposed between the receiving electrode 205 and a perforated support plate 225.
- plasma is generated in the plasma region 215 upon the application of a voltage differential between the capillary dielectric segmented electrode 235 and receiving electrode 205.
- Contaminated fluid to be treated that is laden with undesirable particulate matter passes into and is exposed to the generated plasma active sterilizing species in the plasma region 215.
- the contaminated fluid after being exposed to the generated plasma passes through the filter 245 in which a substantial amount of the undesirable particulate matter is collected.
- Filter 245 is subject to continuous or periodic bombardment, spraying or exposure to plasma discharge from the capillary dielectric segmented electrode 235.
- Plasma generated active sterilizing species upon contacting with the filter 245 further deactivate the collected undesirable particulate matter and the treated fluid passes through the perforations in the support plate 205 and out from the outlet port 265 of the sterilization and decontamination unit 165.
- the capillary dielectric segmented electrode configuration 235 provides relatively large residence times of the spores on the surface of the filter ensuring a relatively high rate of decontamination without reducing the air flow rate.
- the filter 245 is a HEPA filter having a capture efficiency of approximately 99.97% down to a particle size of approximately 0.3 microns.
- Anthrax spores have a diameter approximately 3 micron.
- Weaponized anthrax particulates are only of the order of 1-3 microns.
- either type of anthrax spore may be captured using a HEPA filter and then decontaminated by the organic vapor plasma chemistry in accordance with the present invention.
- the contaminated filter or other suspension media is exposed or subject to bombardment of plasma generated active sterilizing species in the presence of an additive, carrier or free gas, such as organic or water vapors.
- Figure 2 shows a non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination using having a capillary dielectric configuration.
- Figure 3a shows an alternative exemplary plasma sterilization and decontamination system having a slit dielectric discharge configuration, as described in the non-provisional U.S. Patent Application No. , entitled "Non-Thermal
- Plasma Slit Discharge Apparatus filed on November 4, 2002 (Attorney Docket No. 2790/1 J670-US1 ), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/336,866, filed on November 2, 2001 , each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- Additives to enhance plasma chemistry are delivered or injected through the slit dielectric discharge electrode 305 and the resulting plasma chemistry is formed in the plasma region created between the slit dielectric discharge electrode 305 and a grounding or receiving electrode 315.
- the slit discharge electrode has thirteen dielectric rods 605 as shown in Figure 3b, however, other electrode configurations may be used as desired.
- Adjoining dielectric rods 605 are disposed about an inner central cylinder 610 (made from a conductive or dielectric material) and separated from one another to form an open ended slit 600 therebetween.
- the inner central cylinder 610 is hollow and has perforations 625 (e.g., holes and/or slots) about its perimeter.
- An additive, carrier or free fluid 630 may be injected through the hollow center of the cylinder 610 and pass through the perforations 625 in its perimeter. This additive 630 then mixes with plasma generated in the slits 600 defined between the adjacent dielectric rods 605 upon the application of a voltage differential between the inner central cylinder 610 and a receiving electrode 615 (encased in a secondary dielectric sleeve 620).
- plasma generated active sterilizing species include radicals that are carried forth and chemically react with those biological agents collected in the suspension media 325 downstream of the plasma discharge device.
- An ozone or other catalyst media 335 is preferably employed to further reduce any residual ozone plasma generated active sterilizing species.
- a carbon filter 345 may be used to further eliminate any residual smells or odors not remediated in the plasma region. Additional filters 355, 365 may be added if desired for further particulate removal from the fluid stream being treated.
- FIG. 4 Yet another embodiment of the in situ plasma sterilization and decontamination system in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 4.
- the system in accordance with this embodiment is somewhat analogous to a conventional paper roller or conveyor belt system.
- a supply drum 405 upon which the suspension media 425 to be treated is wound is disposed at one end while a receiving drum 410 is disposed at an opposite end about which the suspension media 425 traveling in the direction indicated by the arrow after it has been treated, bombarded or exposed to the plasma 415 produced by the non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 105 is wound.
- the plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 105 may be any type of configuration such as a corona discharge, barrier discharge, capillary discharge or slit discharge configuration.
- FIG. 5a and 5b Another embodiment of the non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination system in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 5a and 5b.
- an in situ sterilization and decontamination unit 505 is movable or displaceable in at least one direction along a rack.
- the non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 505 shown in Figures 5a and 5b is a slit dielectric discharge configuration displaceable along parallel supports 500 in a single direction indicated by the arrows. It is, however, contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention to use a corona discharge, barrier discharge, or capillary dielectric discharge configuration plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 505.
- non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 505 may be displaceable in any desired direction or more than one direction.
- the non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 505 may remain stationary while the array of suspension media 515 to be treated is displaced accordingly until its entire surface has been exposed or treated by the plasma 510 emitted from the non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 505.
- a single non-thermal plasma sterilization and decontamination unit 505 is shown in Figures 5a and 5b, however, any number of one or more units may be used as desired to treat the filter array.
- Active sterilizing species based on O, H and N atoms (NO 2 , H 2 O 2 , O 3 , and correspondent radicals such as HO 2 ,OH) as employed with conventional methods and apparatus are significantly less effective sterilizers than the byproducts, radicals and ions of organic/air plasma, as in the present invention.
- an additive, free or carrier fluid such as an organic compound into the plasma will not significantly change the nature of the plasma generated active sterilizing species but do substantially increase the concentration and relative amounts of these species.
- One significant distinguishing property of the described present inventive sterilization method over that of conventional apparatus is the presence of both organics and oxygen (air) in the gas-discharge plasma.
- conventional sterilization methods relied on O/H/N based species or on direct effects of electric fields, plasma or radiation, while the present inventive sterilization method relies on organic based active species formed in the gas-discharge plasma.
- a plasma reactor placed upstream of the filter generates sufficient radicals to sterilize the face of an air filter.
- the rate of sterilization associated with this process has been determined to be dependent on several variables.
- One such variable is the selection of plasma chemistry by the introduction as an additive, free or carrier gas into the primary dielectric dry air and/or other selected additives such as alcohols or water.
- the use of an additive, free or carrier fluid results in a faster rate of sterilization, however, inactivation of particulate matter at smaller concentrations may be realized without the use of an additive.
- Another variable that has an impact on the rate of sterilization is the power expended. That is, the greater the power applied to the produce the non-thermal plasma the higher the sterilization rate.
- the distance of separation between the emission of plasma from the plasma discharge device and that of the suspension media to be treated is yet another variable that influences the rate of sterilization of particulate matter.
- Placement of the filter downstream of the plasma discharge devices serves a dual purpose of deactivation of contaminated fluid as it passes through the plasma discharge region as well as cleaning the filter media by deactivation of the collected undesirable particulate matter when the plasma generated active sterilizing species contacts the filter.
- This is distinguished from prior art, which sterilize filters by placing the filter media sandwiched between the anode and cathode, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,245,132 and 6,245,126.
- Another advantageous feature of the present inventive arrangement it that the plasma discharge devices are operable both continuously as well as intermittently.
- the plasma generated active sterilizing species in accordance with the present invention have stronger sterilizing agents than conventional sterilizing species generated on the base of oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen - such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, hydrogen peroxide and correspondent radicals and other byproducts (hydroxyl radicals etc.).
- the plasma generated active sterilizing species are relatively short living so they decompose within the sterilization chamber or immediately after deactivating the particulate matter on the filter and thus pose less environmental and health hazards as conventional chemical sterilizing agents.
Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2002365929A AU2002365929A1 (en) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-11-04 | Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter |
KR10-2004-7006655A KR20040077658A (en) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-11-04 | Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter |
EP02806692A EP1441774A2 (en) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-11-04 | Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter |
JP2003563603A JP2005515843A (en) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-11-04 | Sterilization and decontamination system using plasma discharge and filter |
CA002462614A CA2462614A1 (en) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-11-04 | Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US33686801P | 2001-11-02 | 2001-11-02 | |
US33686601P | 2001-11-02 | 2001-11-02 | |
US60/336,866 | 2001-11-02 | ||
US60/336,868 | 2001-11-02 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2003063914A2 true WO2003063914A2 (en) | 2003-08-07 |
WO2003063914A3 WO2003063914A3 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
WO2003063914A9 WO2003063914A9 (en) | 2004-05-13 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2002/035299 WO2003063914A2 (en) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-11-04 | Sterilization and decontamination system using a plasma discharge and a filter |
Country Status (7)
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EP (1) | EP1441774A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005515843A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20040077658A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1289151C (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002365929A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2462614A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003063914A2 (en) |
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WO2008057950A2 (en) * | 2006-11-01 | 2008-05-15 | Stryker Corporation | System and method for sterilizing a device with plasma-generated active species, the active species partially formed from a liquid-state additive |
WO2008097347A2 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2008-08-14 | Drexel University | Method and device for air disinfection and sterilization |
EP1968740A2 (en) * | 2005-12-17 | 2008-09-17 | Airinspace B.V. | Air purification devices |
DE102007025452A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald | Surface coating method for precipitating layers onto e.g., medical appliances, involves pre-treating surface with plasma process before applying micro- or nano-particles and then fixing |
CN101813348A (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2010-08-25 | 杨琨 | System of utilizing purifying liquid device for purifying air for local exhaust channel |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20040077658A (en) | 2004-09-06 |
WO2003063914A9 (en) | 2004-05-13 |
EP1441774A2 (en) | 2004-08-04 |
CN1578680A (en) | 2005-02-09 |
WO2003063914A3 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
AU2002365929A1 (en) | 2003-09-02 |
JP2005515843A (en) | 2005-06-02 |
CA2462614A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 |
CN1289151C (en) | 2006-12-13 |
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