Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8168122-B2
Publication Date
2012-05-01
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 provides a method and apparatus for producing purified, substantially non-hydrated hydrogen peroxide gas from humid ambient air via ultraviolet activation of a metal or metal-oxide photocatalyst. The generated gas is directed into an environment for microbial control, disinfection, or remediation on surfaces and in air. A thin, air-permeable catalyst structure combined with rapid gas removal limits peroxide reduction, photolysis, and ozone formation.
The system facilitates removal of ozone and volatile organic compounds from ambient air. An exemplary diffuser embodiment combines an ultraviolet source, a catalyst substrate, an airflow mechanism, and an optional intake filter to safely process the air stream. The process achieves targeted treatment while maintaining low unwanted byproduct formation.
Claims Coverage
The supplied relevant claims identify one independent claim with three inventive features relating to generation, delivery, and application of gas.
Generating non-hydrated hydrogen peroxide gas
The method generates non-hydrated hydrogen peroxide gas from humid ambient air by exposing a metal or metal-oxide catalyst to ultraviolet light, while limiting ozone content.
Directing the gas into an environment
The generated non-hydrated hydrogen peroxide gas is directed into the targeted environment to be treated.
Providing microbial control or disinfection
The directed gas provides microbial control, disinfection, or remediation within the environment on surfaces and in air.
The claim coverage encompasses generation of non-hydrated hydrogen peroxide gas from ambient air, delivering the gas into an environment, and utilizing the gas for microbial control and disinfection across surfaces and air.
Stated Advantages
The catalyst structure and rapid gas removal limit hydrogen peroxide reduction, photolysis, and ozone formation.
The gas is electrostatically attracted to charged structures or sites on microbes, raising efficacy compared with hydrated hydrogen peroxide or ozone.
Microbial reductions against viruses, bacteria, and fungi are achieved alongside volatile organic compound reduction and no detected ozone.
Documented Applications
Microbial control, disinfection, or remediation in environments, both on surfaces and in the air.
Removal of ozone and volatile organic compounds from ambient air.
Diffuser apparatus implementations for delivering purified hydrogen peroxide gas into an environment.
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