Plasma-generated Gas Sterilization Method and Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and device for sterilizing heat-sensitive items using a plasma-generated gas. The process air is turned into plasma, producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is then humidified and used to effectively decontaminate or sterilize objects at relatively low temperatures.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sterilizing medical instruments that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as endoscopes or plastic syringes
• Decontaminating food packaging or containers without using heat
• Sterilizing laboratory equipment and tools made of thermolabile materials
• Quickly disinfecting consumer or personal care products that cannot withstand traditional sterilization methods
• Sterilization processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows effective sterilization of heat-sensitive materials that would be damaged by conventional methods
• Reduces risk of material degradation by keeping sterilization temperatures below 400°C
• Achieves rapid decontamination and sterilization, saving time
• Uses air as the process gas, reducing need for special or hazardous chemicals
• Enables sterilization in both medical and non-medical fields due to versatility of the process

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a device for quickly decontaminating and sterilizing preferably thermolabile goods using a plasma gas that is preferably generated from air as a process gas, with the subsequent humidification of said plasma gas with water. The method comprises the following steps: generating a plasma from air as the process gas, which forms reactive nitrogen and oxygen species; oxidizing NO to form NO2 at temperatures below 400° C. so that a plasma-activated gas mixture forms having an NO2 content of at least 0.3%; bringing said plasma-activated gas mixture in contact with water in one or more of the states of aggregation thereof; bringing the latter gas mixture in contact with the objects to be decontaminated or sterilized.