Microwave-plasma disinfector (origreen)
A microwave-plasma disinfector (Origreen) with a microwave source with multi-feed points and variable output power. It also has a low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma source. This versatile microwave-plasma disinfector has the ability to decontaminate heat-sensitive materials by subjecting them to a microwave-assisted plasma with controlled microwave power. This dual-action, at suitable non-destructive microwave and plasma doses, sterilizes the equipment at a lower temperature with higher effectiveness than either plasma or microwaves alone
1 . A microwave-plasma disinfector system comprising:
An exciter comprised of a microwave source and an atmospheric-pressure plasma source; and
a choke that is equal in length to said exciter, is short-circuited, and generates a redirected signal that is shifted by a phase of 180 degrees.
2 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 wherein the microwave source has multi-feed points.
3 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 wherein the microwave source has variable output power.
4 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 wherein the microwave source has multi-feed points and variable output power.
5 . The microwave-plasma disinfector of claim 1 having the ability to enable an alternating use of the microwave and plasma sources in pulsed operation, by activating one source at a time for short intervals.
6 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 having the ability to enable a synchronized operating mode where both the microwave and plasma sources are operating simultaneously to enhance the effectiveness of the decontamination process.
7 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 having a dynamic matching network and a microwave power control system to ensure that each source delivers a predetermined amount of power despite any changes in the object composition.
8 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 having the ability to control a duty cycle in a stop-flow operating mode to maintain a uniform temperature distribution.
9 . The microwave-plasma disinfector of claim 8 wherein the duty cycle is either a continuous-or pulsed-flow operating mode or a combination thereof and is selected according to the required power level for disinfection/sterilization.
10 . A microwave-plasma disinfector system comprising:
A cavity adapted to receive an object to be disinfected;
An exciter comprised of a microwave source and an atmospheric-pressure plasma source; and
A choke that is equal in length to said exciter, is short-circuited, and generates a redirected signal that is shifted by a phase of 180 degrees; and
Wherein said microwave source uses two or more horn antennas to achieve uniform energy distribution over the object located in said cavity; and
an array of infrared sensor located inside said cavity to monitor the energy distribution in said cavity during the disinfection process.
11 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 10 wherein the plasma concentration of the plasma source is adjustable.
12 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 10 wherein the plasma of the plasma source is steerable in order to cover the entire surface area of the object to be sterilized.
13 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 10 wherein the energy density in the microwave beam is controlled to avoid reaching temperature levels that may compromise the structural integrity of the specimen.
14 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 10 wherein the temperature levels are controlled to suit the type of specimen being disinfected.
15 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 further including passive conductive elements configured to reflect or direct electromagnetic radiation.
16 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 wherein the length of said choke is shorter than λ/2.
17 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 1 wherein said choke is a ring around a circular waveguide.
18 . The microwave-plasma disinfector system of claim 17 wherein said choke ring is mechanically supported with a depth of λ/4 which converts said short circuit to an open circuit.