Disinfection Process Using an Active Disinfecting Substance Formed in Situ by Reacting H2o2 and No2-

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

This patent describes a surface disinfection process in which an active disinfectant is formed on-site (in situ) by mixing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with nitrite ions (NO2–) under controlled conditions. The process involves mixing and distributing the components directly on the surface to be disinfected, followed by a short exposure time during which the generated active species act to kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, spores, and viruses. The process parameters—such as reactant concentrations, pH, and timing—are optimized to ensure rapid, efficient, and thorough disinfection while limiting the emission of potentially harmful by-products.

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

• Hand and skin disinfection in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics).
• Wound disinfection for medical procedures and first aid.
• Decontamination of medical instruments, especially heat-sensitive devices (e.g., endoscope tubing).
• Disinfection of food products, packaging, and beverage containers in the food industry.
• Sanitization of agricultural products (e.g., seeds and plants).
• Surface sterilization in public or high-traffic environments (e.g., public restrooms, transportation).
• Integration into automated or touchless dispensing devices for hygiene applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Rapid and efficient disinfection—kills bacteria, spores, and viruses (including those resistant to alcohol-based products) within seconds to minutes.
• In situ generation of disinfectant minimizes the need for storing or handling stable hazardous chemicals.
• Adaptable to various surfaces, including skin, wounds, equipment, and food items.
• Reduced residual toxicity and environmental impact, as the active species rapidly decompose into harmless products.
• Lower risk of skin irritation or dryness compared to alcohol-based disinfectants.
• Process can be automated or incorporated into smart dispensing systems with safety monitoring.
• Limits emission of harmful gases (NOx) to safe levels, enhancing workplace safety.
• Optimized efficiency means less chemical waste and cost-effective operation.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a disinfection process comprising the feed materials H2O2 and NO2 - and a mixing step and a distribution step, wherein the mixing step and the distribution step (during which each point on the surface being disinfected is wetted with a solution of active substance) are implemented during a processing period ZA. An exposure step follows, in which the distributed solution of active substance acts upon the surface in contact with the solution of active substance during an exposure period ZE. In this process, the maximum NO2 - concentration during the mixing step is of 300 mM, and the time-integrated reaction rate W is represented during the exposure period ZE by the integral formula (I), where k1 denotes the pH-value-dependent speed constant of the reaction between H2O2 and NO2 - and the pH value of the solution of active substance before it contacts the surface being disinfected lies in the range of 2.1 ≤ pH