Device and Method for Generating an Electrical Discharge in Hollow Bodies

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

This invention relates to a device and method for generating electrical discharges (plasma) inside the inner walls of long, narrow, flexible or rigid dielectric hoses, tubes, or other hollow bodies. Electrodes are integrated into the wall of the hose, allowing plasma generation along its entire length without needing separate internal or external electrodes. This plasma can clean, activate, coat, modify, or biologically decontaminate (e.g., disinfect, sterilize) both the hose’s inner surfaces and any process media present inside, including gases, liquids, aerosols, or foams.

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

• Sterilization and cleaning of medical device tubing, such as endoscope channels, without dismantling the device
• Internal surface modification and coating of narrow tubes used in medical, pharmaceutical, or food industries
• In-situ disinfection or activation of flexible and rigid tubing in industrial processing lines
• Therapeutic delivery of plasma via specialized medical hoses for specific treatments
• Decontamination of process media (e.g., liquids, aerosols) flowing through narrow tubing
• Activation of polymeric materials inside tubing for improved adhesion or further chemical processes

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables homogeneous plasma treatment along the full length of long and narrow hoses, even in built-in or complex devices
• No need for inserting extra electrodes inside or outside the tubing, preserving device integrity and avoiding damage
• Works with a wide variety of process media (gases, liquids, foams, etc.)
• Maintains the original mechanical and functional properties (flexibility, strength) of the hose
• Reduces complexity and costs of integrating plasma technology into existing production or medical devices
• Allows multiple functions (cleaning, coating, sterilization, activation, etc.) with a single system
• Can operate efficiently at atmospheric pressure, simplifying implementation and reducing operating costs
• Possible to generate both internal plasma and external plasma jets for versatile applications

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for generating a physical plasma in long and simultaneously constricted lumen, flexible or rigid dielectric hoses, tubes or other hollow bodies (hereinafter described as hoses) in the low, normal or overpressure range, which are partially or completely filled or flushed by gas or gas mixtures, one or more liquids, liquids comprising gas bubbles, liquid-gas mixtures, aerosols and/or foam (hereinafter described as process medium), for the purposes of cleaning, activating, coating, modifying and biologically decontaminating (disinfecting, sterilizing) the inner walls of said hoses or the process medium itself. The device according to the invention comprises a high voltage supply and a process medium supply, at least one electrically conductive grounded electrode and at least one electrically conductive high voltage electrode, both embedded in the wall of the hose.