Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11992573-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-28
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 is a diffuser apparatus that generates purified hydrogen peroxide gas from humid ambient air. It comprises a porous or vented outer diffuser shell, an air distribution mechanism, an air-permeable structure coated with a metal or metal oxide catalyst, and an ultraviolet light source. Air is directed through the catalyst structure, and the resulting gas exits through the shell into the surrounding environment.
The air-permeable catalyst structure lines the interior of the outer diffuser shell, where airflow rapidly removes generated gas from the catalyst surface. This short residence time limits the reduction or photolysis of the hydrogen peroxide gas. The arrangement ensures efficient distribution into the environment while preventing degradation of the product gas.
Claims Coverage
The claims define five inventive features directed to an apparatus for generating hydrogen peroxide gas from humid ambient air.
Porous or vented outer diffuser shell
An outer diffuser shell comprises a plurality of pores or vents configured to direct hydrogen peroxide gas into the surrounding environment.
Air distribution mechanism
An air distribution mechanism is configured to provide a flow of humid ambient air into or through at least a portion of the outer diffuser shell.
Catalyst-coated air-permeable structure
An air-permeable structure is disposed within the outer diffuser shell and comprises at least one active surface at least partially coated with a metal or metal oxide catalyst.
Ultraviolet irradiation during air contact
An ultraviolet light source is positioned to irradiate at least a portion of the active surface as humid ambient air contacts the catalyst.
Perpendicular airflow and short residence time
The air distribution mechanism directs humid ambient air through the air-permeable structure perpendicular to its active surface with a residence time of less than a second, releasing formed hydrogen peroxide gas through the shell vents.
The claim coverage integrates ultraviolet catalytic oxidation across an air-permeable structure with rapid perpendicular airflow through a vented diffuser shell.
Stated Advantages
Testing reports microbial reductions at low hydrogen peroxide gas concentrations.
The apparatus reduces room volatile organic compound levels.
Testing reports no detected ozone.
Short residence time and rapid airflow remove hydrogen peroxide gas before it is reduced or photolyzed.
Documented Applications
Production and release of purified hydrogen peroxide gas into a surrounding environment from humid ambient air.
Microbial control and reduction of volatile organic compound levels within an enclosed room environment.
Interested in licensing this patent?