Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8685329-B2
Publication Date
2014-04-01
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 describes a diffuser apparatus and a photocatalytic reactor for producing non-hydrated purified hydrogen peroxide gas (PHPG) from humid ambient air. Each uses ultraviolet light and a metal or metal oxide catalyst on a thin, air-permeable substrate structure, with airflow through the substrate. The claims specify a short residence time and limit ozone in the PHPG directed into an environment.
The partial content states that rapid removal of hydrogen peroxide from the catalyst structure produces PHPG while limiting subsequent reduction, UV photolysis, and ozone formation. It also describes humidity-dependent PHPG output and reports VOC and microbial reductions. The problem being solved as described in the background section is not explicitly described in the partial content provided.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover two inventive features: a diffuser apparatus and a photocatalytic reactor for producing non-hydrated purified hydrogen peroxide gas from humid ambient air.
Diffuser apparatus for producing PHPG
Claim 1 covers a diffuser apparatus comprising an air distribution mechanism, a source of ultraviolet light, and a metal or metal oxide catalyst on a thin, air-permeable substrate structure. Air flows through the substrate surface, and the apparatus directs non-hydrated purified hydrogen peroxide gas into an environment while limiting ozone content.
Photocatalytic reactor for producing PHPG
Claim 14 covers a photocatalytic reactor comprising a housing, an air distribution mechanism, an intake filter, a source of ultraviolet light, and a metal or metal oxide catalyst on a thin, air-permeable substrate structure. The substrate surface is perpendicular to airflow, and the reactor directs non-hydrated purified hydrogen peroxide gas into an environment while limiting ozone content.
The independent claims cover a diffuser apparatus and a photocatalytic reactor that use ultraviolet light, a catalyst, and an air-permeable substrate to produce non-hydrated purified hydrogen peroxide gas from humid ambient air.
Stated Advantages
Rapid removal of hydrogen peroxide from the catalyst structure limits subsequent reduction, UV photolysis, and ozone formation.
The described tests report VOC reduction and microbial reductions at low PHPG concentrations.
Documented Applications
The documented uses include VOC reduction and microbial control, as reported in tests described in the partial content.
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