Sterilization method and apparatus
US8871146B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2305/023
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An object of the present invention is to efficiently sterilize microorganisms present in or on a surface of a liquid. Plasma is generated in a vicinity of or in a manner to make contact with a liquid whose pH value is adjusted to become 4.8 or lower, more preferably 4.5 or lower. The plasma is generated in an atmospheric gas containing nitrogen, e.g., in the air. Superoxide anion radicals (O2−.) that are generated by the plasma react with protons (H+) in the liquid to form hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.). Further, nitrogen and oxygen included in the air are combined together by the action of plasma to form nitrogen oxide such as nitric oxide (NO.). The nitric oxide (NO.) combines with the hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.) to become peroxynitrite (ONOOH(ONOO−)) having a high microbiocidal activity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.