Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10940223-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air.
Core Innovation
The invention describes producing purified, substantially non-hydrated hydrogen peroxide gas (PHPG) by UV-activated photocatalysis. Humid ambient air is supplied to a photocatalytic cell containing titanium dioxide, and irradiation generates PHPG with low ozone. A thin, air-permeable catalyst morphology rapidly removes PHPG before further reduction or photolysis. The method directs the gas into an environment for microbial control.
A diffuser using a UV source, titanium dioxide catalyst, and air distribution mechanism generates PHPG for use in occupied environments, including hospitals. The described uses also include microbial control and removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone. The partial content does not include the background section, so the problem identified there is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include three independent claims: claims 1, 16, and 23. They cover photocatalytic PHPG generation and delivery for microbial control, PHPG delivery in a hospital environment, and continuous microbial control by directing PHPG into an environment.
Photocatalytic generation and delivery of PHPG for microbial control
Independent claim 1 provides humid ambient air to a photocatalytic cell comprising a titanium dioxide catalyst, irradiates the catalyst with UV light to generate hydration-free PHPG with low ozone, and directs the PHPG into an environment to control microbes.
PHPG delivery for microbial control in a hospital
Independent claim 16 generates hydration-free PHPG with low ozone and directs it into a hospital environment to control microbes.
Continuous microbial control using PHPG
Independent claim 23 provides hydration-free PHPG with low ozone and directs it into an environment to maintain a PHPG concentration for continuous microbial control.
The three independent claims cover photocatalytic PHPG generation and environmental delivery, hospital microbial control using PHPG, and continuous microbial control by maintaining PHPG in an environment.
Stated Advantages
The diffuser generates low-ozone PHPG for microbial control in occupied environments.
The described testing reports reductions in viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
The described testing reports rapid reduction of room VOC levels.
Documented Applications
Microbial control in occupied environments, including hospitals.
Control of microbes on surfaces and airborne pathogens.
Removal of volatile organic compounds and ozone.
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