Patents cold plasma hand disinfector

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Atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma sterilization method

Abstract
JP2001054556A
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to continuously execute sterilization within the
JP Application
processing time meeting the line speed of a high-speed filling and packaging device by
introducing gas having reactivity into an electric discharge region, guiding the formed plasma
active species in the region by blowing or the effect of an electromagnetic field and bringing Find Prior Art
the active species into contact with a work. SOLUTION: Flow rate control valves of cylinders
11 and 12 for a carrier gas and the reactive gas are opened to previously heat the gaseous Other languages: Japanese
mixture composed of the carrier gas and the reactive gas with a heater 16. The gas formed by
Inventor: Tadao Akai, Hideomi Koinuma, Toshio Naito,
vaporizing the sterilizable liquid material from a storage tank 13 with a vaporizer 14 is mixed
Hiroichi Terada, ▲寿▼夫 内藤, 博一 寺田, 忠雄 赤井, 秀臣
with the gaseous mixture and the gaseous mixture is introduced into the electric discharge
鯉沼
region where the electric discharge is induced between a central electrode 23 and an outer
electrode 24 by high-frequency energy and the plasma active species are formed from the Original Assignee: Hideomi Koinuma, Toshio Naito,
carrier gas. On the other hand, a cup-like container 51 is subjected to preliminary Shikoku Kakoki Co Ltd, ▲寿▼夫 内藤, 四国化工機株式会
sterilization, such as sterilizing liquid spraying, in a pretreatment station and is then 社, 秀臣 鯉沼
transferred to a sterilization station where the formed plasma active species are sprayed to Priority date: 1999-08-18
the inside surface of the cup-like container. The container is then transferred to a drying
station where the container is dried by dry air.
Family: JP (1)

Date App/Pub Number Status

1999-08-18 JP23201699A Pending

2001-02-27 JP2001054556A Application

Info: Cited by (14), Similar documents, Priority and

Related Applications

External links: Espacenet, Global Dossier, Discuss

Claims (20) translated from Japanese

[The claims]

1. [Claim 1] introducing a gas containing a gas reactive to the discharge region, the generated plasma active species atmospheric low-temperature
plasma region, spraying or by induction by the action of the electromagnetic field, in contact with the object to be processed atmospheric low-
temperature plasma sterilization method, characterized in that to.

2. 2. A gas having reactivity, gas vaporized bactericidal liquid substance, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method according to claim
1, characterized in that the reactive gas or their mixed gas.

3. 3. A fungicidal liquid substance is chosen hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, ethanol, sodium hypochlorite 1
Atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method according to claim 2, characterized in that the species or liquid material containing two or
more.

4. 4. A reactive gas, oxygen, carbon tetrafluoride, fluoroform, difluoromethane, methyl fluoride, acetonitrile, chlorine, characterized in that the one or
more gases selected from hydrogen claim 2 or 3 atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method as claimed.

5. 5. The object to be processed, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a treatment object subjected to pretreatment to adhere or
contact to advance liquid or gaseous antimicrobial agent or disinfectant low-temperature plasma sterilization method atmospheric pressure.

6. 6. atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, atmospheric pressure cold according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the area
caused by the atmospheric pressure cold plasma generating means and a high frequency power source and the discharge electrode plasma
sterilization method.

7. 7. The gas was vaporized bactericidal liquid substance, or a gas containing a mixed gas of fungicidal liquid substance and a gas obtained by
vaporizing the reactive gas introduced into the discharge region, the generated atmospheric low-temperature plasma region the plasma activated
species, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method which comprises bringing into contact with the object to be processed.

8. 8. A treatment object, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the
packaging material used in high-speed filling and packaging machine.

9. 9. A atmospheric pressure cold plasma generating means, and means for introducing into the discharge region of a gas containing a gas having a
reactive, means for inducing an object to be processed to the sterilization station, a large generated in the discharge area atmospheric low-
temperature plasma sterilizer, characterized in that it comprises a plasma-activated species and means for inducing the spray or object to be treated
to be treated of the pressure cold plasma region.

10. 10. atmospheric low-temperature plasma generating means, claim and having a high frequency power source discharge electrodes 9
Atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according.
 11. 11. The discharge electrode, a central electrode, an outer electrode disposed was to surround the said center electrode, that has a coaxial cylindrical
structure composed of a dielectric that is disposed in the discharge region side of the outer electrode atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer
according to claim 10, wherein.

12. 12. The discharge electrode, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to claim 10, wherein the having opposing flat electrode
structure can be blown from between the electrodes of the plasma activated species like a curtain.

13. 13. The discharge electrode, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the having the blowing holes of the
gas to at least one of the electrodes of the opposing electrode.

14. 14. The method of claim wherein the vaporizer for vaporizing bactericidal liquid substance is provided 9-13
Atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of.

15. 15. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the heater is provided on the conveying path of the conveying gas and / or reactive gases
Atmospheric low temperature plasma sterilizer according.

16. Claim 9 16. ejection nozzle vaporization gas fungicidal liquid substance produced by vaporizer for vaporizing bactericidal liquid substance,
characterized in that provided on the outside atmospheric pressure cold plasma region atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to
any one of to 14.

17. 17. means for guiding an object to be processed to the sterilization station, claim 9 to 16, characterized in that the means capable of transferring the
object to be treated to continuous sterilization treatment station atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according.

18. 18. atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a pre-processing
means capable of contacting the bactericidal substances previously liquid or gas to be treated.

19. 19. atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a post-processing
means capable of hot air drying an object to be processed after the atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization.

20. 20. A treatment object, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 19 which is a packaging material or
packaging container of the food.

Description translated from Japanese

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in addition to the packaging material and packaging containers used in the food filling and
packaging machine relates to disinfection apparatus used sterilization method and to that of such medical materials, and more particularly, plate-shaped
packaging material atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method and other medical materials of the cup-shaped packaging containers, etc.
can be continuously sterilized in a very short time and to a sterilizer.

[0002]

Conventionally, as a method of sterilizing food packaging material of milk such as paper packs are known how to mainly use the 35% of the high
concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution (JP-B-4
See JP 8-4078), but this kind of a hydrogen peroxide solution alone sterilization to mass adhesion of the hydrogen peroxide to the packaging material, or a
relatively long contact time between the aqueous hydrogen peroxide and the packaging material must be located, in order to remove the hydrogen peroxide
solution remaining on the packaging material surface, it takes a long time washing step with decomposition removal step or sterile water with hot air.

[0003] Although the ultraviolet irradiation as a method of sterilizing heretofore food packaging material is well known, sterilization by ultraviolet radiation
are surface-sterilized, non-irradiated portion is not sterilized, also UV if the energy is low, without obstacles is or layers are ultraviolet rays when thick
transmission of bacteria, sufficient sterilization effect can not be obtained. And also sterilization method used in combination with the hydrogen peroxide
solution and ultraviolet are also well known (JP 56-113530 and JP KOKOKU 5-
66142 JP, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-156) it is,
A particular problem in even UV irradiation in this sterilization method, i.e. may lower bactericidal effect due to the difference in sensitivity to ultraviolet light
of a microorganism, for example, a black mold or the like to strongly UV dose in order to increase the sterilizing effect, a longer irradiation time there must
be, but problems such as damage to the Hatsushu discoloration, such as packaging material for a long time irradiation has not yet been solved yet. Other,
sterilization method by radiation are also known, but a short period of time at a high sterilization effect can be obtained, such a device is not available on-
line becomes large, there was a radiation shielding problem.

Further, as a sterilization method using plasma, although sterilization method using a plasma gas is known (JP-A-2-279160 and JP-Kokoku 2-62261
discloses), for generating plasma under a low pressure becomes a process of batch type, it takes a long time sterilization to contain the exhaust process.
Although sterilization method using an atmospheric pressure glow discharge is also disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-156920, in order to
place the object to be processed between the counter electrodes, limited shape and size, also, not since the sterilization process only active gas, to
inactivate the 10 6 cfu of B. subtilis spores are needed 5-10 minutes.

Further, a method (JP-A-8-119236 discloses to sterilize by ionizing the hydrogen peroxide solution in an electric field, JP-A-8-143012, JP-A No. 8-168
Also in 516 JP) or the like, since the peroxide is introduced into the discharge region in a liquid state (mist), the amount to be introduced is limited to
maintain the discharge, the 10 6 cfu of B. subtilis spores in need of 10 to 60 minutes of time to inactivate. The sterilization of packaging materials using the
above sterilizing method, batch-type processing apparatus (JP-A 10-99415
JP) and, in a continuous processing apparatus (JP-A 10-1296
Although 27 No.) is known, can not be applied to high-speed filling and packaging machine in the former batch type processing apparatus, the latter
devices are sterilized in a short time because of the large processing chamber and sterilized it has a drawback that can not be. on the other hand
In a short time the packaging material and packaging containers for food for use in high-speed filling and packaging machine, and the small-sized
apparatus having a high sterilization effect was not known.
[0006]

The high-performance, high-speed filling and packaging machine of the invention Problems to be Solved], such as the recent food there is an eye-opener,
for example, high-speed filling and packaging machine to produce more than 100 Pakku per minute have already been put to practical use and which,
sterilized to meet the line speed even in the step of sterilizing the packaging material in such high-speed filling and packaging machine has been required.
However, the sterilizer using the conventional plasma discharge long sterilization time of packaging materials, not only can not be continuously sterilized at
a speed commensurate with the line speed, large-sized apparatus for the sterilizing treatment, with it there is a problem that the apparatus cost becomes
expensive.

An object of the present invention, when applying the plasma sterilizing food packaging materials, it is possible to continuously sterilize within processing
time commensurate with the line speed of the high-speed filling and packaging machine, reliable food atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization
method, such as packaging materials and to provide an atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma sterilizer miniaturized used in such sterilization
methods.

[0008]

The present inventors have SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION may, extensive studies to solve the above problems, to vaporize the hydrogen peroxide solution
was introduced into the atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma generation region, the plasma-activated species generated by spraying the
packaging material, or by inducing the packaging material by the action of the electromagnetic field, by contacting, it found that it is possible to sterilize the
packaging material quickly and continuously, thereby completing the present invention .

[0009] That is the invention of claim 1, wherein the claimed introducing a gas containing gas having a "reactive discharge region, a plasma-activated
species generated atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, spraying or electromagnetic field and induced by the action of,
An atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method, "which is characterized by contacting the object to be treated, the invention of claim 2,
wherein the gas having a" reactive gas obtained by vaporizing the bactericidal liquid substance, the reactive gas or it is atmospheric low-temperature
plasma sterilization method as claimed in claim 1, wherein "which is a mixture of these gases,
Claim third aspect of the present invention, wherein the "bactericidal liquid material is a liquid material containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid,
ethanol, one or two or more selected from sodium hypochlorite atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method of 2, wherein "
, And the invention of claim 4, wherein the "reactive gas, oxygen,
Carbon tetrafluoride, fluoroform, difluoromethane, methyl fluoride, acetonitrile, chlorine, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization according to
claim 2 or 3, wherein the is one or more gases selected from hydrogen a method ",
Invention "treatment object according to claim 5 is, claim 1, characterized in that the object to be treated which has been subjected to pre-treatment of
adhering or contacting to advance liquid or gaseous antimicrobial agent or disinfectant
To 4 of a one atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method as claimed or "region invention of claim 6, wherein the" atmospheric low-
temperature plasma region, caused by atmospheric pressure cold plasma generating means and a high frequency power source discharge electrode
wherein a term atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method according to any one of 1 to 5 ", gas invention was vaporized to" bactericidal
liquid substance according to claim 7, or bactericidal liquid substance, characterized in that it is was introduced into the discharge region of the gas
containing a mixed gas of a gas and a reactive gas vaporized, the generated plasma active species atmospheric low-temperature plasma region,
atmospheric pressure low temperature, characterized in that contacting the object to be processed a plasma sterilization method, "invention" treatment
object according to claim 8, atmospheric low-temperature plasma of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the packaging material used in high-
speed filling and packaging machine killing It is a method. "

[0010] The invention of claim 9, wherein the the "atmospheric pressure cold plasma generating means, and means for introducing into the discharge region
of a gas containing a gas having a reactive, means for inducing an object to be processed to the sterilization station There plasma active species
atmospheric low-temperature plasma region generated in the discharge region at atmospheric pressure cold plasma sterilizer ", characterized in that it
comprises a means for directing the spray or object to be treated to be treated , an invention according to claim 10, wherein "atmospheric pressure cold
plasma generating means, atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer of claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a high-frequency power source and
the discharge electrode" is,
Invention "discharge electrode according to claim 11, wherein comprises a center electrode, an outer electrode disposed was to surround the said center
electrode, a coaxial cylindrical structure composed of a dielectric that is disposed in the discharge region side of the outer electrode it is atmospheric low-
temperature plasma sterilizer "according to claim 10, wherein having, invention" discharge electrode according to claim 12 wherein is opposite plate
electrodes can be blown from between the electrodes of the plasma activated species like a curtain it is atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer
"according to claim 10, wherein having the structure, the invention of claim 13 wherein the the" discharge electrodes,
A facing atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the having the blowing holes of the gas to at least one
electrode of the electrode ", according to claim 14, wherein invention the" biocidal liquid substance a vaporizer for vaporizing the atmospheric pressure low
temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that provided ", as claimed in claim 15, wherein the invention is"
conveying gas and / or reaction a sexual gas atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to claim 14, wherein the heater is provided in the
transport path of "claim 16, wherein the invention is a vaporizer for vaporizing" bactericidal liquid substance atmospheric cold plasma according to any of
claims 9 to 14 ejection nozzles of vaporization gas fungicidal liquid substance produced, characterized in that provided on the outside atmospheric
pressure cold plasma region by A sterilizing apparatus ", and wherein the invention of claim 17 is a means capable of means for guiding the object to be
processed" sterilization station, continuously transporting the object to be processed sterilization station to a billing atmospheric low-temperature plasma
sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 16 ", the invention of claim 18 wherein is provided with a pre-processing means capable of contacting the
bactericidal substances previously liquid or gas to" object to be processed and it is atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of
claims 9 to 17, wherein "a is, the invention of claim 19, wherein the air drying an object to be processed after the" atmospheric low-temperature plasma
sterilization treatment that it comprises a post-processing means may be atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer according to any one of claims 9
to 18, wherein "a, invention" treatment object of claim 20 wherein the food packaging material or Atmospheric pressure cold plasma sterilizer "according to
any one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that the instrumentation container.

[0011]

Atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method of the embodiment of the present invention is a gas containing a gas having a reactive
introduced into the discharge region, a plasma active species generated atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, spraying or electromagnetic and
induced by the action of the field,
Wherein the contacting object to be treated. The atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer of the present invention includes means for inducing the
atmospheric low-temperature plasma generating means, and means for introducing into the discharge region of a gas containing a gas having a reactivity,
the object to be processed sterilization station, characterized in that it comprises a means for inducing plasma active species atmospheric low-temperature
plasma region generated in the discharge region spraying or object to be treated to be treated.
[0012] In the sterilization method of the present invention, a gas having a reactive, is introduced into the discharge region, at least a portion under the
discharge atmosphere can form a by-ionized plasma active species by the plasma activated species It may be any gas as long as gas can be sterilized an
object to be processed, a gas obtained by vaporizing the bactericidal liquid substance, a reactive gas or their mixed gas may be exemplified.

[0013] The gas containing a gas having a reactivity, good if it contains a gas having at least a reactive, other gases themselves having reactive, introducing
a gas having the reactive discharge region it can be mentioned conveying gas for. Such carrier gas, a rare gas (argon, helium, neon, etc.), nitrogen, may be
mentioned air, etc., they can also be used as a mixed gas of two or more, Ya that stable discharge can be obtained ,price,
Ease of handling, from the point of view of sterilization effect, argon is more preferable.

[0014] The bactericidal liquid substance, bactericidal component things or liquids, such as those bactericidal component of the solid is in the form of an
aqueous solution having a bactericidal action or antibacterial action in the liquid state, vaporized such liquid material the gas is at least partially under the
discharge atmosphere may be as any as long as it can form a plasma activated species ionized, for example, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, ethanol,
hypochlorite it can be exemplified an aqueous solution of sodium or the like specifically. These liquid substances may be used in combination of two or
more. The vaporization process for bactericidal liquid substance and a gaseous state, it is possible to use conventionally known vaporizer was added
dropwise a liquid substance, or sprayed as a mist, in contact with the heating plate (evaporant) the method of vaporizing by is preferable since it can control
the concentration of the fungicide. The vaporized gas, to be introduced into the discharge region in a gaseous state, it is preferable to convey the
conveyance path or heated by a heater or the like, with warmed carrier gas and reactive gas.

[0015] As the reactive gas, is introduced into the discharge region, at least a portion under the discharge atmosphere can form a plasma activated species
ionized, to sterilize the object to be treated by the plasma activated species not particularly limited as long as gas can, for example, oxygen, carbon
tetrafluoride,
Fluoroform, difluoromethane, methyl fluoride, may be mentioned acetonitrile, chlorine, hydrogen and the like, it may be used as a mixture of two or more
gases. And,
The reactive gas is mixed with the gas obtained by vaporizing the bactericidal liquid substance, or may be used in a mixed state.

[0016] In the present invention, the atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, when the gas reactive to the discharge region formed between front
discharge electrode plasma active species generated is introduced, relatively under atmospheric pressure low temperature (50 to 300 ° C.) refers to a region
in which the plasma active species is generated. Therefore,
Spatially the same region and the discharge region.

[0017] In the present invention, the plasma-activated species, at least a portion of a gas containing a gas having the reactive within the discharge region
and those ionized activation was produced by the atmospheric low-temperature plasma region Plasma the active species, by a gas containing a gas having
the reactive contacts outside the discharge area, at least a part refers to those ionized activated, results generated excited molecules of molecular
dissociation by plasma discharge, radicals, and a like ions.

[0018] For example, a gas having a reactivity, particularly to activate the gas obtained by vaporizing the bactericidal liquid substance, two and method of
introducing a system for introducing such gas into the discharge region outside the discharge region it can be mentioned. As a method for introducing the
discharge region, for example, a method of introducing together with a mixed gas of reactive gas and the carrier gas which is heated by a heater provided in
the transport path, the vaporization gas fungicidal liquid material of a predetermined concentration in the discharge region the can be mentioned
specifically, whereas, as a method for introducing outside the discharge region, may be provided with jet nozzles vaporization gas fungicidal liquid
substance atmospheric low-temperature plasma region outside, for example, immediately below, atmospheric pressure low temperature method of
contacting the plasma active species discharged from the plasma region can be specifically exemplified.

[0019] As the object to be processed in the present invention, polyethylene surface, a polyolefin layer is laminated packaging material and laminated to a
paper layer and / or an aluminum foil layer, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) other
packaging material made of plastic and the like, can be exemplified various pharmaceutical materials.

[0020] To shorten the sterilization time may be placed in contact with the liquid or gas with a beforehand antimicrobial or bactericidal to the object to be
treated such as the packaging material. As a method for contacting a liquid with antimicrobial or bactericidal to the object to be treated, the JP 56-113530,
JP Kokoku 5-66142 discloses, are described in JP-A 7-156 Patent Publication such, it is possible to employ methods known in the art, for example, a
method of using a device for spraying a liquid having a bactericidal action to the food packaging material, a method of using the apparatus for with a
coating liquid having a bactericidal action Ya , and a method of dipping into a liquid having a bactericidal action.

[0021] In the present invention, the gas plasma active species atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, the contacting by spraying the object to be
treated, together with closer an object to be processed in an atmospheric pressure cold plasma region, are introduced into the discharge region by utilizing
the fluid pressure and / or rectifiers and the like, it is possible to use a method of blowing a plasma activated species from atmospheric low-temperature
plasma region at a predetermined flow rate. Further, the plasma-activated species atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, the contacting to induce
the object to be treated by the action of the electromagnetic field, and a method of applying a bias voltage to the object to be treated, an electrostatic pre-
processing object it is possible to use a method for chargeable. By employing the means to induce the plasma discharge region plasma activated species
generated in the spraying or object to be treated to be treated, it is possible to sterilize in a short time. When using a vaporized bactericidal liquid substance
gas can be contacted closer an object to be processed to atmospheric pressure cold plasma region.

[0022] As the atmospheric pressure cold plasma generating means at atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma sterilizer of the present invention is
not particularly limited as long as it can generate low temperature plasma in a completely air open system, but the high-frequency power source is
preferably one and a discharge electrode and, by such atmospheric pressure cold plasma generating means, it is possible to generate plasma activated
species from a gas containing a gas having the reactivity between the discharge electrodes. Not particularly limited frequencies RF power used but are
industrially open 13.
56MHz and have been used in the ozone generator, etc. 1-2
0kHz can be used.

Further, as the structure of the discharge electrodes, coaxial cylinder-type or parallel plate, are mentioned those of the opposite plate type such as a curved
surface opposing flat or hyperboloid opposing plates, also, to prevent the transition to the arc discharge those having the discharge region side of the outer
electrode dielectric (electrical insulator) is more preferable. For example, counter that can be blown and the center electrode, an outer electrode surrounding
the center electrode, and a coaxial cylindrical electrodes made of a dielectric that is disposed in the discharge region side of the outer electrode, the plasma
activated species in a curtain shape from the electrodes and plate electrodes, at least one electrode of the opposing electrode, those having blowing holes
of a gas containing a gas having a reactive introduced into the discharge region can be specifically exemplified. Further, Examples of the dielectric may be
any as long as the discharge between the electrodes is prevented from transition to arc discharge, for example, inorganic substance such as quartz glass,
Teflon, polyimide, polyethylene, may be any one so long polyethylene terephthalate.
Examples of the introducing means to the atmospheric low-temperature plasma region of a gas containing a gas having a reactivity in atmospheric low-
temperature plasma sterilizer of the present invention, a gas containing a gas with a reactive, including the carrier gas atmospheric pressure may be any as
long as it can be conveyed to the cold plasma region and thus can be used cylinder pressure and pumps carrier gas, a fan or the like. The introduction into
atmospheric low-temperature plasma region the gas is preferably be introduced without disturbing the discharge state in the discharge area, this therefore
gas containing a gas having a reactive described above, it is possible to uniformly disperse It can be provided a rectifier such as an air knife.

Examples of the means for guiding the object to be processed sterilization station at atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma sterilizer of the present
invention, any as long as it can transport the object to be treated such as packaging material sterilization station may be such, can be mentioned, for
example, a transport roller or the like of the packaging material web. Here, the sterilizing treatment station, means a region which can be brought into
contact with the object to be treated by the action of the generated plasma active species spraying or electromagnetic field, usually,
Immediately below the region near the atmospheric low-temperature plasma region is sterilized station. The increased efficiency of contact between the
more plasma activated species closer to the object to be treated in the atmospheric low-temperature plasma region, it is possible to shorten the sterilizing
time.

[0026] Then the atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilization method of food packaging material or the like using the atmospheric low-temperature
plasma sterilizer of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1-5. Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a method for sterilizing method
of introducing a biocidal liquid material discharge region formed by a coaxial cylindrical electrodes. Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for
sterilizing method for introducing into the discharge region outside the right under the discharge region formed bactericidal liquid material by a coaxial
cylindrical electrodes. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for sterilizing method of introducing a discharge region formed bactericidal liquid
material by opposed flat (sheet) electrode. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for sterilizing method of introducing a biocidal liquid substance to
the discharge region outside the right under the discharge region formed by the sheet-type electrode. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a method for
sterilizing method of introducing a biocidal liquid material discharge region formed by the shower head electrode.

[0027] Figure 1 atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 1 shown in includes a conveying gas cylinder 11 and the reactive gas cylinder 12, a reservoir
13 of sterile liquid substance, the liquid substance vaporizer 14
When, a heater 16 provided in the conveyance path 15, the high frequency power source
21, a tuning circuit 22, the center electrode 23, outer electrode 24 surrounding the center electrode, basically consists of a coaxial cylindrical electrode 25
made of a dielectric material that is disposed inside the outer electrode, also bactericidal reservoir 31 of material with and pre-processing means composed
of a two-fluid nozzle 32 and the fan 33 and a filter 34, includes a post-processing unit consists of a fan 41 and a filter 42 and a heater 43 and a dry air blow
nozzle 44 there. Also in FIG. 1,
Transfer means of the holder plate 52 and the holder plate of the cup-shaped container 51 and the container are provided.

[0028] with reference to FIG. 1, a method of sterilizing method of introducing a biocidal liquid material discharge region formed by a coaxial cylindrical
electrode 25 below. Open the carrier gas cylinder 11 and the flow regulating valve provided in the reactive gas cylinder 12 (not shown), and heated at pre-
heater 16 a mixed gas of reactive gas and a carrier gas, to this mixed gas, bactericidal liquid the liquid substance derived from reservoir 13 material was
further mixed gas vaporized by the vaporizer 14 by introducing a gas mixture thereof to the discharge region, the radio frequency energy, the center
electrode 23 and outer electrode 24 to cause a discharge between electrodes, it is formed on the plasma activated species from the transport gas. On the
other hand, the cup-shaped container 51, after the pre-sterilized spraying such sterile liquid has been applied in the pretreatment station is transferred to
the sterilization station, after the plasma-activated species the production was blown into a cup-shaped container inner surface is transferred to a drying
processing station is dried in dry air in.

The atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 2 shown in FIG. 2, the atmospheric pressure is shown in Figure 1 the low temperature plasma sterilizer
1
And compared, it is different arrangement of the vaporized gas preparation device fungicidal liquid substance. That is, the fan 33, the ejection nozzle and
the heater 34 and the reservoir 35 of sterile liquid substance and vaporizer 36, the vaporized gas spray nozzles 37 for pre-sterilization, which is located
vaporized gas in the vicinity immediately below the atmospheric low-temperature plasma region It is equipped with a 38.

[0030] The Figure 2, illustrating a method for sterilizing method for introducing into the discharge region outside the right under the discharge region formed
bactericidal liquid material by a coaxial cylindrical electrode 25 below. Transport gas cylinder
11 and opens the flow regulating valve provided in the reactive gas cylinder 12, while introducing a mixed gas of reactive gas and the carrier gas in the
discharge region, the radio frequency energy between the electrodes of the center electrode 23 and outer electrode 24 discharge to cause a, to form a
plasma activated species from the conveyed gas. On the other hand, the cup-shaped container 51,
After vaporization gas fungicidal liquid substances in the pretreatment station is subjected to pre-sterilization of the injection or the like from the injection
nozzle 37, is transferred to the sterilization station, a plasma active species described above generated is ejected from the ejection nozzle 38 the vaporized
gas is plasma activation, freshly after spraying sterilization with the generated plasma activated species in a cup-shaped container inner surface is
transferred to a drying station and dried in a dry air, completely removing the bactericidal liquid substance It is.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in the case of introducing comprising a counter plate electrodes 26, and the antimicrobial or bactericidal liquid
material discharge region. As with the atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the gas containing a gas having a reactivity is
introduced into the discharge region, the atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 3 shown in Figure 3, rectifier 17 is provided upstream of the
discharge region. The discharge region, opposing flat plate electrodes 27,2
Consists 7, the radio frequency energy, to cause a discharge between plate electrodes, plasma-activated species are formed from the transport gas. Food
packaging material web 53 which is an object to be treated, after the pre-sterilized were immersed in sterile liquid advance in sterilization chamber 39 is
made, the plasma activity such food packaging material web 53 from between the said plate electrodes 27, 27 sterilized and blown the seeds like a curtain,
food packaging material web 53 that has been processed is connected to the compressor 46 air knife
It is dried by hot air from 45 and 45.

The atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 4 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a counter plate electrodes 26, upstream of the discharge region that
rectifier 17 is arranged, and provided with a preprocessing means and post means except not be sterilized as in the case of atmospheric pressure cold
plasma sterilizer 2 shown in FIG. That is, in the sterilization station, plate electrodes 27 and 27
By plasma activated species blown like a curtain from between vaporization gas from the ejection nozzle 38 can be sterilized newly activated food
packaging material web 53.

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates a method for sterilizing method of introducing a biocidal liquid material discharge region formed by the shower head electrode 60.
The atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 5 shown in FIG. 5, the cathode electrode 62 having a blowout hole 61 of the introduced gas, made from
the anode electrode 63 having a dielectric, by the high-frequency energy, a discharge between the electrodes to put is allowed, the introduced from the
blowing holes 61 in the discharge region gas activated to form a plasma activated species. Food packaging material web 53 is dipped in a liquid having a
pre-antimicrobial or bactericidal, are transported on the anode electrode 63, the plasma activated species blown sterilization process is performed.
Packaging material web 53 after sterilization is dried by hot air from air knife 45, 45.
[0034]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, a more detailed explanation of the present invention to Examples, the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples.
(Measurement of the bactericidal effect) Bacillus subtilis spores (B.subtilis var globi
gii spore, the IFO13721) as indicator bacteria, to prepare a spore suspension of the fungus and dried 10μl spot inoculated on the packaging material strip
spore suspension were sterilized, the initial bacteria number 10
The inoculated strip 6 cfu / strip were prepared and subjected to sterilization test. It was subjected to various sterilization processes in the inoculation strip
of glass beads containing 0.05% of the Twe
It recovered 0.1% peptone water containing En80, was determined the number of viable bacteria by dilution counting method. Bactericidal effect was
calculated by the following equation. (Bactericidal effect) = log 10 (number of viable bacteria untreated) / (number of viable bacteria after sterilization)

[0035] Using the atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer of the present invention shown in Example 1 5 was subjected to sterilization treatment to
the inoculated strips. A cathode electrode having a gas blow-off hole, connected to 13.56MHz high frequency power supply, also an experiment was
conducted by providing a system for installing the inoculated strips on the anode electrode. Argon 800sccm as a carrier gas, also supplied oxygen 3sccm
as a reactive gas is introduced into the discharge region of the low-temperature plasma mixed gas thereof at atmospheric pressure, high frequency output
70
Ionized in is W, the generated plasma active species were sterilized sprayed to inoculate the strip. The results are shown in Table 1. From Table 1, raises the
sterilization effect by mixing oxygen, it can be seen that the possible sterilization in a short time.

[0036]

[Table 1]

Figure 000003

[0037] Connect to Example 2 center electrode, an outer electrode surrounding it, a coaxial cylindrical discharge electrode made of an insulating material
arranged on the discharge side of the outer electrode, a 13.56MHz RF power supply, and introducing a mixed gas of argon 300sccm and oxygen 3sccm the
discharge region. The introduced mixed gas, high frequency output 70
W is activated by discharge conditions, the generated plasma activated species sprayed from the discharge electrode end of the coaxial cylindrical in
inoculated strips was placed in position of 3mm sterilization was performed.
The results are shown in Table 2. As shown in Table 2, similarly to Example 1, the effect of oxygen use was greater.

[0038]

[Table 2]

Figure 000004

[0039] a gas introduction pipe of the insulator surrounding the electrode a bundle of Example 3 needle electrodes, and it coaxially, the discharge electrode
consists of a ground electrode of a flat plate arranged perpendicular to the needle electrodes, 1 for the ozonizer
Connect 2kHz high-frequency power source, and applying a voltage of 8.5 kV. Concentration 250p through the gas inlet pipe in the discharge area
It was introduced respectively the vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas pm and concentration 2500ppm and transported by air heated to 190 ° C.. Mixed gas
containing the introduced hydrogen peroxide is through activating the discharge area, spraying the generated plasma activated species to the inoculated
strips was placed on the ground electrode was subjected to sterilization treatment. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0040]

[Table 3]

Figure 000005

The discharge electrodes of the coaxial cylindrical comprised Example 4 the center electrode and the outer electrode further surrounding the cylindrical
insulator surrounding it, connect 12kHz high frequency power supply for an ozonizer, 8.5
The kV of voltage was applied. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas concentration 250ppm and concentration 2500ppm the discharge region 190
Products were introduced and conveyed by air heated to ° C.. Mixed gas containing the introduced hydrogen peroxide is through activating the discharge
region, the generated plasma activated species was discharged electrode end from blowing the inoculation strip was placed in position of 3mm
sterilization. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0042] The vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas in Comparative Example Concentration 250ppm and concentration 2500ppm transported by air heated to 190 °
C., without activating the discharge, the inoculated strips were placed as it is from the blowout nozzle to the position of 3mm spraying sterilization process
was carried out. The results of these controls are shown in Table 3.

[0043] From Table 3, in order to obtain a short time at a high sterilization effect of about 5 seconds a sterilizing time of the packaging material in the actual
high-speed filling and packaging machine introduces a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas in the discharge region it can be seen that there is a
need.

[0044]

According to the present invention, a gas having a reactive, to generate plasma activated species by introducing the low-temperature plasma region, by
blowing the plasma-activated species to be treated, a very short processing than conventional it is possible to obtain a time at a high bactericidal power.
Further, the plasma active species can be reduced in size and simplification of the sterilizer can be generated in a completely air release system. from these
things,
Using the atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer of the small, the object to be processed food packaging materials can be sterilized in a processing
time commensurate with the line speed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a diagram illustrating the sterilization method of the present invention method of introducing a biocidal liquid material discharge region formed by a
coaxial cylindrical electrodes.

[2] is a diagram depicting a sterilization method of the present invention method for introducing into the discharge region outside the right under the
discharge region formed by the bactericidal liquid substance coaxial cylindrical electrodes.
[3] is a diagram depicting a sterilization method of the present invention methods to be introduced into the discharge region formed bactericidal liquid
material by opposed flat (sheet) electrode.

[4] is a diagram depicting a sterilization method of the present invention method of introducing a biocidal liquid substance to the discharge region outside
the right under the discharge region formed by the sheet-type electrode.

5 is a diagram illustrating the sterilization method of the present invention method of introducing a biocidal liquid material discharge region formed by the
shower head electrode.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

1-5 atmospheric low-temperature plasma sterilizer 11 transport gas cylinder 12 reactive gas canister 13, 35 reservoir 14, 36 vaporizer 15 conveyance path
fungicidal liquid substance 16,34,43 heater 17 rectifier 21 high-frequency power supply 22 tuned circuit 23 the center electrode 24 outside the electrode 25
a coaxial cylindrical electrode 26 opposite plate electrodes 27 reservoir 32 two-fluid nozzle 33, 41 a fan 34, 42 filter 35 vaporizer 37 vaporizes the gas
injection nozzle 38 vaporized gas ejection nozzle plate electrodes 31 bactericidal substances 39 sterilizing tank 44 dry air blow nozzle 45 holder plate 53
packaging material web 60 showerhead electrode 61 of air knife 51 a cup-shaped container 52 container outlets 62 cathode electrode 63 anode electrode

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── of the front page continued (72)

inventor Hideomi Koinuma Suginami-ku, Tokyo Ogikubo 3-47-8 (72) inventor Naito ▲ Kotobuki ▼ husband, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Miyamae-
ku, Maginu 969-1 (72) inventor Terada Hirokazu Tokushima Prefecture Itano-gun, Kitajima-cho, Tarohachizu shaped Nishinokawa # 10 areas of 1
Shikokukako machine within Co., Ltd. (72) of the invention's Tadao Akai Tokushima Prefecture Itano-gun, Kitajima-cho, Tarohachizu shaped Nishinokawa
10th place 1 Shikoku Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. in the F-term (reference) 4C058 AA12 AA25 BB06 BB07 JJ07 JJ24 KK06 KK22 KK32

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JP2006102004A * 2004-10-01 2006-04-20 Adtec Plasma Technology Co Method and apparatus for low-temperature and dry
Ltd sterilization

US7164095B2 2004-07-07 2007-01-16 Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. Microwave plasma nozzle with enhanced plume stability
and heating efficiency

WO2007023547A1 * 2005-08-25 2007-03-01 Adtec Plasma Technology Co., Method of low-temperature dry sterilization and apparatus
Ltd. therefor

US7189939B2 2004-09-01 2007-03-13 Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. Portable microwave plasma discharge unit

JP2007167160A * 2005-12-20 2007-07-05 Fujimori Kogyo Co Ltd Method of sterilization, method of aseptic filling, device of
sterilization and device of aseptic filling

US7271363B2 2004-09-01 2007-09-18 Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. Portable microwave plasma systems including a supply
line for gas and microwaves

JP2009022391A * 2007-07-17 2009-02-05 Hirayama Seisakusho:Kk Plasma sterilizer and plasma sterilization method

JP2009519799A * 2005-12-20 2009-05-21 プラズマトリート ゲゼルシャ Sterilizing method and apparatus of the article
フト ミット ベシュレンクテル
ハフツング

US7806077B2 2004-07-30 2010-10-05 Amarante Technologies, Inc. Plasma nozzle array for providing uniform scalable
microwave plasma generation

WO2013183807A1 * 2012-06-07 2013-12-12 한국식품연구원 Method for sterilizing sealed and packaged food using
atmospheric-pressure plasma, and sealed and packaged
food prepared thereby

JP2014172646A * 2013-03-11 2014-09-22 Suntory Holdings Ltd Sterilizer and sterilization method of pet-made bottle

JP2016504713A * 2012-11-19 2016-02-12 ユーティー−バッテル・エルエ Utilizing indirect exposure close proximity, atmospheric
pressure plasma treatment of polymeric materials
ルシー

WO2017065177A1 * 2015-10-13 2017-04-20 サントリーホールディングス Sterilization system

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