KR20030025940A - Sterilizer using high voltage and method for sterilizing object to be sterilized such as grain or seed by using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Sterilization apparatus and sterilization method which can sterilize easily and efficiently under normal temperature and commercial pressure without impairing the quality of sterilization targets such as grains and seeds.

A discharge-side electrode composed of a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes disposed therebetween, a ground-side electrode composed of a plate-shaped electrode spaced from the discharge-side electrode and covered with an insulating plate, and a dielectric material surrounding the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode; And a power source for applying a high voltage between the electrodes, and interposing sterilization objects such as grains and seeds between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the sterilization apparatus, and between the electrodes. Sterilization by generating a pulse streamer discharge.

Description

Sterilization apparatus using high voltage and sterilization method of sterilization targets such as grains and seeds using the same {STERILIZER USING HIGH VOLTAGE AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING OBJECT TO BE STERILIZED SUCH AS GRAIN OR SEED BY USING THE SAME}

Conventionally, heat sterilization is generally performed as a food sterilization method. However, in heat sterilization, there is a problem of degrading the quality of foods, accompanied by alteration of ingredients, aromas, tastes, colors, decomposition of active ingredients, and the like.

The sterilization and insecticide of the rice could not be treated with superheated steam, and fumigation with methyl bromide was performed. However, methyl bromide is not only designated as a dangerous substance that is easy to ignite, but also designated as a polar substance, which causes safety problems such as blistering when it comes into contact with the skin, and is released into the atmosphere due to its high ozone depletion potential. When it reaches the ozone layer above the earth, there exists a problem of destroying an ozone layer.

On the other hand, sterilization by ozone is also performed, but there is a problem that the sterilization effect is unsatisfactory, and low temperature storage (for example, 15 ° C., 70 to 75% RH) is performed in order to suppress the increase of mold. In cold storage, mold growth is concerned.

In addition, sterilization by radiation using cobalt 60 is recognized in adzuki beans, corn, and spices, but there is a problem that a large amount of equipment is required, and the cost of equipment is high, and shielding is required to prevent radiation from leaking to the outside. There is.

The inventors of the present invention first interpose a brown rice between a discharge side electrode and a ground side electrode to which a high alternating current voltage or a high voltage is applied pulsed, and generate a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes under normal temperature and a commercial pressure to produce brown rice spores. A high voltage sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method for sterilizing various bacteria including bacteria are proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-267183 (267183/1999), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-105235 (105235/1999) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-105240 (105240/1999) specification).

However, the high-voltage sterilizer (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-267183 (267183/1999)) was sterilized by pulse streamer discharge in the air whose humidity was adjusted, but the heat treatment was performed immediately after sterilization such as brown rice. Is effective in any sterilization method, but in the case of storage without high temperature sterilization after high voltage sterilization such as cereals, seeds and spices, which are stored for a long period of time after high voltage sterilization, the microorganism or germs may be stored without being completely killed. There was a risk that microorganisms, bacteria, and the like would multiply, decay during cultivation and distribution, or spread and affect other crops.

The present invention solves the above problems, the first object of the present invention is sterilization using high voltage that can be easily and efficiently sterilized under normal temperature and commercial pressure without impairing the quality of sterilization targets such as cereals and seeds. It is a second object of the present invention to provide a method for sterilizing easily and efficiently under normal temperature and commercial pressure without impairing the quality of sterilization targets such as cereals and seeds using the sterilization apparatus. will be.

The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus using high voltage and a method for sterilizing a sterilization target such as cereals and seeds using the same, and more particularly, to solids such as cereals and seeds, foods, medicines, herbal medicines, cosmetics, feeds, fertilizers, etc. (Hereinafter, referred to as sterilization targets such as grains and seeds), sterilization apparatuses using high voltage and grains and seeds using them that are optimally applicable to grains, seeds and foods that are not suitable for heating. It relates to a sterilization method.

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a discharge side electrode of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a groundable electrode, and an openable shutter provided under the sterilization processing apparatus; FIG.

3 is a side view showing a partial cross section of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

4 is an explanatory view for explaining a state in which a sterilized brown rice is discharged by opening and closing a shutter capable of being installed in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a discharge side electrode and a ground side electrode of the sterilizing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a power supply used in the present invention;

7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of an openable and closed shutter provided at a lower part of the sterilization apparatus;

FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the shutter shown in FIG. 7 is closed, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the same shutter is opened;

FIG. 9 (A) is an explanatory view showing a state in which the shutter of the lower part of the sterilization apparatus is closed, the shutter of the lower part of the hopper portion is opened, and the grains and seeds of the hopper portion are transferred to the sterilization apparatus, and FIG. 9 (B) is Explanatory drawing which shows the state which discharges the sterilization object sterilized by opening the shutter of the lower part of a sterilization apparatus, and is discharged | emitted,

10 is a perspective view showing another example of the sterilization apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a sterilization treatment apparatus for conveying and sterilizing grains, seeds and the like of the present invention by a conveyor; FIG.

12 is a plan explanatory diagram of needle-shaped electrodes arranged in a zigzag shape at predetermined intervals;

13 is a plan explanatory diagram showing a location where pulse streamer discharge is performed on a ground-side electrode and a location where pulse streamer discharge is not performed;

14 is a plan explanatory diagram showing a region where sterilization is performed on the ground-side electrode;

15 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram of a needle-shaped electrode and a plate-shaped electrode;

16 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the sterilizing apparatus of the present invention;

17 (A) is a block diagram showing the outline of the main part seen from the side of another sterilization device of the present invention, and FIG. 17 (B) is a block diagram showing the outline of the main part seen from the front of the same sterilization device;

18 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of main parts of another sterilization apparatus of the present invention;

19 is a plan explanatory view of a conventional needle-shaped electrode arranged in a plurality of grid patterns, such as a scale of the checkerboard;

20 is a plan explanatory diagram showing a location where pulse streamer discharge is performed on a conventional ground-side electrode and a location where pulse streamer discharge is not performed;

21 is a plan explanatory view showing a region where sterilization is performed and a region where sterilization is not performed on a conventional ground-side electrode.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 1 is a discharge side electrode which consists of needle-like electrodes arrange | positioned in multiple numbers, and the flat electrode which the surface is covered by the insulating plate apart from this discharge side electrode. And a sterilization apparatus formed of a dielectric formed around the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode, and a power source for applying a high voltage between the electrodes, the discharge side electrode and the ground side in the sterilization apparatus. A sterilization object such as grains and seeds is interposed between the electrodes and sterilized by generating a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes.

In the present invention, by generating pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes, various germs of sterilization targets such as cereals and seeds are sterilized under normal temperature and commercial pressure.

In the corona discharge at the time of applying the DC voltage, only a very close vicinity of the discharge side electrode emits light, but in the pulse streamer discharge, a much wider area can be made plasma. In the pulse streamer discharge, a voltage higher than the spark voltage in the direct current corona discharge can be instantaneously applied to widen the high electric field region, and in the direct current corona ion ion charge near the discharge side electrode due to the ion space charge. Although discharge is suppressed because the electric field strength of the electric field decreases, it is considered that the pulse suppressor discharge causes a slight increase in voltage, so that the suppression of discharge by the space charge electric field is slight.

The insulating plate is disposed on the surface of the ground-side electrode that faces the discharge-side electrode so that the discharge from the needle-shaped electrode does not short-circuit the junction portion in the pulse streamer discharge. By disposing the insulating plate, a safe and uniform discharge is performed, and the sterilization object can be sterilized uniformly and efficiently.

In the pulse streamer discharge, a part of the oxygen in the sterilization apparatus is converted into ozone, and the ozone generates OH ⁻ from moisture in the air in the sterilization apparatus, and the cell membrane is ruptured by the potential difference due to the high voltage discharge. By sterilizing synergistically by pulse streamer discharge, microorganisms, bacteria, and the like adhering to the surfaces of sterilizing objects such as cereals and seeds can be efficiently sterilized.

A sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of claim 2 of the present invention includes a supply means for supplying a sterilization target such as cereals and seeds, a hopper section for storing the sterilization target object supplied by the supply means, and the above-mentioned stored in the hopper section. A discharge side electrode composed of a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes arranged to transfer and sterilize a sterilization object, and a dielectric formed to surround a ground side electrode composed of a plate-shaped electrode spaced from the discharge side electrode and covered by an insulating plate A sterilization apparatus, a power source for applying a high voltage between the electrodes, and discharge means for discharging the sterilization object sterilized by the sterilization apparatus to the outside, the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the sterilization apparatus; A pulse streamer is interposed between the electrodes with sterilization objects such as grains and seeds in between. It is characterized by sterilization by generating a discharge.

A portion of the oxygen in the sterilization apparatus is converted to ozone by pulse streamer discharge, and the ozone generates OH ⁻ from moisture in the air in the sterilization apparatus, and the cell membrane is ruptured by the potential difference due to the high voltage discharge. By synergistically performing sterilization by pulse streamer discharge, it is possible to efficiently sterilize microorganisms, bacteria, etc. adhering to the surface of sterilized objects such as cereals and seeds automatically and continuously.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 3 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus of Claim 2 WHEREIN: Cereals, seeds, etc. which were sterilized by the said sterilization apparatus by opening and closing the shutter which can be opened below the sterilization apparatus. It is characterized in that the sterilization target of the discharge to the outside of the sterilization treatment apparatus.

By opening the openable shutter provided in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus, sterilization objects such as grains and seeds sterilized by the sterilization apparatus are discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus, and the sterilized grains in the sterilization apparatus and Sterilization objects such as seeds can be stored without touching human hands.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 4 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus of Claim 2 or Claim 3 WHEREIN: The grain and the seed temporarily stored in the said hopper part by opening the opening-closing shutter provided in the lower part of the said hopper part It is characterized in that the sterilization object such as the transfer to the sterilization apparatus.

By opening and closing the shutter which is installed in the lower part of the hopper part, the sterilization object such as grains and seeds temporarily stored in the hopper part is transferred to the sterilization apparatus, and a large amount of the sterilization object such as grains and seeds is not spaced apart. The sterilization treatment can be performed without.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 5 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge side electrodes are composed of needle-shaped electrodes arranged in plural at predetermined intervals. do.

When the plate-shaped electrode is used as either the discharge side electrode or the ground side electrode, the surface area of the electrode is increased, so the capacity of the power supply unit generating high voltage needs to be increased, and the plate-shaped electrode needs to be absolutely parallel and parallel. If this is not maintained, there is a problem that the discharge is partially concentrated.

On the other hand, when one needle-shaped electrode is used as the discharge side electrode and a flat electrode is used as the ground-side electrode (for example, FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-187872 (187872/1999) In this case, there is a problem that sterilization stains are not possible over a wide range of sterilization targets interposed between the electrodes and appear in this case.

By using the needle-shaped electrodes arranged in large numbers at predetermined intervals, uniform discharge is performed and uniform sterilization over a wide range of sterilization targets interposed between the electrodes is possible, and no sterilization stains appear.

The needle-shaped electrode is preferably made of a material such as a stainless steel material or a platinum metal material in order to suppress the occurrence of rust and to provide durability. It is preferable that the tip of the stainless needle-shaped electrode is, for example, about 0.1 to 1 mm, and more preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

Since the applied voltage, frequency, input energy (cal / cm 3), electric field strength, etc. vary depending on the type, form, type of bacteria, and type of the sterilization target, the spacing of the needle-shaped electrodes is not particularly limited, and the flavor originally possessed by the sterilization target It is preferable to select and determine appropriately so that it can be sterilized sufficiently uniformly in the range which does not impair the quality of flavor, flavor, etc.

However, it is preferable that the said gap is usually selected from the range of 5 mm-less than 80 mm.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 6 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the discharge-side electrodes are composed of needle-shaped electrodes arranged in zigzag form at a predetermined interval.

By using the needle-shaped electrodes arranged in zigzag form at predetermined intervals, sterilization objects interposed between the electrodes can be sterilized over a wide range and more uniformly.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 7 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sterilization object is moved between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode to be sterilized continuously. do.

In the present invention, the sterilization object is once filled and sterilized in the sterilization apparatus, and then the sterilization object that has been sterilized may be taken out from the sterilization apparatus, but the sterilization object is disposed between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the sterilization apparatus. It can be sterilized continuously by moving and sterilizing, and it can take out continuously from a sterilization apparatus after sterilization. By doing in this way, sterilization speed and sterilization efficiency can be improved, and since a large amount of sterilization objects can be sterilized easily, it is excellent in economy.

In the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 8 of this invention, in the sterilization apparatus of Claim 7, the ground side electrode is provided in the lower surface of the said sterilization apparatus, the sterilization object is put on the conveyor, and the said discharge side electrode and the ground side It is characterized in that the sterilization by moving between the electrodes continuously.

When the sterilization object is placed on the conveyor and moved between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode to sterilize continuously, the movement of the sterilization object between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode becomes easy, and after sterilization continuously, sterilization continuously Since one sterilization object is taken out from the sterilization apparatus, sterilization speed and sterilization efficiency can be improved more and it becomes more economical.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 9 of this invention WHEREIN: The sterilization apparatus of Claim 7 put the said ground side electrode on the conveyor, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

By placing the ground electrode on the conveyor, the sterilization object can be easily moved and sterilization is performed when the sterilization object has moved to a position opposite to the discharge side electrode. Since taking out from a sterilization processing apparatus, sterilization speed and sterilization efficiency can be improved and it becomes economical.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 10 of this invention is a sterilization apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9, The said insulating plate is a ceramic plate, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

As the insulating plate used for this purpose, an acrylic plate and a glass plate are generally used because they are inexpensive. However, since there are problems in durability and strength, when increasing the applied voltage, a ceramic plate having high durability, strength and insulation is preferable. The single ceramic plate may be a large single plate, or a small thin ceramic plate of, for example, 1 cm square and 1 mm thick. Since a small ceramic plate is mass-produced, it is inexpensive and can be used as a large ceramic plate by joining together many small ceramic plates.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 11 of this invention is a sterilization apparatus of Claim 10 WHEREIN: The said ceramic plate is a ceramic plate with high withstand voltage, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The ceramic plate with a high withstand voltage can be preferably used because the applied voltage can be increased. As such a ceramic plate with a high withstand voltage, specifically, for example, an alumina plate is preferable, and a high purity alumina plate can be used more preferably.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 12 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dielectric is formed of a material having a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁰ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more. It is characterized by being.

The sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the sterilization object is preferably formed of a highly insulating material having a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁰ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more in order to safely sterilize the sterilization object. As such a material, electrical insulating materials, such as polyolefin resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, various engineering plastics, FRP, are mentioned specifically ,.

Claim 13 of this invention uses the sterilization apparatus in any one of Claims 1-12, and interposes sterilization objects, such as a grain and a seed, between a discharge side electrode and a ground side electrode, and has an electric field strength of 20KV / cm-60KV / Cm, a frequency of 100pps to 1000pps, a pulse streamer discharge generated by a pulsed high voltage within the range of 0.05kHz to 0.5kHz, sterilization method of sterilization targets such as grains and seeds.

By sterilizing by the above pulse streamer discharge, various bacteria including spores and the like can be sterilized easily, efficiently and economically.

Claim 14 of this invention is the sterilization method of Claim 13 WHEREIN: It is characterized by applying a bipolar pulse high voltage to the said discharge side electrode.

Stable discharge can be achieved by applying a bipolar pulsed high voltage to the discharge side electrode.

Instead of applying a positive pulsed high voltage to the discharge side electrode, inversely applying a negative pulsed high voltage to the discharge side electrode may cause dust and dirt to adhere to the discharge side electrode, making it impossible to achieve a uniform and stable discharge. There is.

Claim 15 of this invention is a sterilization method of Claim 13 or 14 WHEREIN: The pulse high voltage of 10 microseconds or more of rise time of 10 microseconds or more and the duration of 1 microsecond or less of microseconds is applied to the said discharge side electrode, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. It is done.

When a pulse high voltage of about 10 ms (nanoseconds) or more and about 1 ms (microseconds) or more of rise time is applied to the discharge-side electrode composed of needle-shaped electrodes arranged at a predetermined interval, Streamer discharges extending in the shape are generated, and a wide range between the electrodes can be made plasma, and sterilization objects such as grains and seeds interposed between the electrodes can be sterilized uniformly without staining.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a shutter capable of opening and closing the discharge side electrode, the ground side electrode, and the sterilization apparatus of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a side view showing a partial cross section of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a sterilization process by opening and closing a shutter capable of being installed in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus of the sterilization apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. Explanatory drawing explaining the state which discharges sterilized objects, such as a grain and seed, and FIG. 5 is explanatory drawing explaining the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the sterilization apparatus 1 of this invention provides the supply means 2 which prepares the sterilization object (a), such as a grain and a seed, and supplies this sterilization object previously, A hopper portion 3 temporarily storing the sterilization object a supplied by the supply means, a sterilization apparatus 4 for transferring and sterilizing the sterilization object a stored in the hopper portion, and the sterilization treatment Discharge means 5 which discharges the sterilization object a sterilized by the processing apparatus to the outside of the sterilization processing apparatus 4 is provided. The sterilization apparatus 4 is formed in a container shape with an electrically insulating material (preferably a material having a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁰ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more) of a dielectric such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and FRP. have.

In the sterilization apparatus 4, a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 (preferably formed of a stainless-based material in order to suppress generation of rust and to have durability) are preferably arranged at predetermined intervals d1. A discharge side electrode 7 composed of a stainless needle needle electrode having a very fine tip of 0.5 mm? And an insulating plate 8 (ceramic plate) can be preferably used as a specific example of the ceramic plate. The ground-side electrode 10 which consists of the flat electrode 9 whose surface is covered by the high purity alumina plate of high purity alumina with a high withstand voltage of 90% or more of purity) is provided.

The plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 are connected to the conductor 11 (preferably made of a stainless steel material in the same manner as the needle-shaped electrodes 6), as shown in FIG. Discharging side electrode 7 configured to be firmly fixed by a stainless material), such that the needle-shaped electrode 6 protrudes into the inside of the sterilizing apparatus 4, and is sterilized. It is fixedly mounted to the front wall 12 of the device 4.

The ground-side electrode 10 is a flat electrode 9 whose surface is covered with an insulating plate 8 on the inner side of the sterilization processing apparatus 4 so as to face the discharge-side electrode 7 so as to face the discharge-side electrode 7. It is fixed to and mounted on the rear wall 13 of the sterilization apparatus 4 so as to maintain the spacing (the spacing is not particularly limited, but is usually about 10 mm to 50 mm). 14 is an openable / closeable door for safety installed on the front of the sterilization apparatus 4.

In the present invention, it is preferable to arrange the plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 at a predetermined constant interval d1. When one needle-shaped electrode is used instead of a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes, the sterilization object (a) interposed between the electrodes cannot be sterilized over a wide range and sterilization stains appear.

The electric field strength for generating pulse streamer discharge is 20KV / cm to 6KV / cm, and the desired sterilization rate cannot be obtained below 20KV / cm, and if it exceeds 60KV / cm, cracking or burning is caused to stick to the sterilization object after sterilization. There may be a problem in the quality, such as. In the case of a frequency of 100pps indicating how many pulses have occurred in one second, at 50pps of pulse generation times of less than 100pps, the sterilization rate is lower than that of 100pps, and if it exceeds 1000pps, the insulating plate 8 will be damaged. There is a risk, and there is a fear that the high-voltage generator becomes large, so that the cost of the equipment becomes excessive and the profitability cannot be met.

The pulse width is in the range of 0.05 kV to 0.5 kV, and when the pulse width is less than 0.05 kV, a high voltage cannot be applied, and even if it can be applied, voltage stability is insufficient, a variation occurs in the sterilization rate, and the pulse If the width is more than 0.5 GPa, short circuit occurs during the discharge, and there is a fear that problems such as burning, pressing, cracking and the like occur after sterilization.

The spacing d1 of the plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 is usually selected from the range of 5 mm to less than 80 mm, preferably 10 mm to 60 mm, particularly preferably 25 mm to 30 mm. . If the interval d1 is less than 5 mm, sterilization of the sterilization object can be performed, but the capacity of the power supply 40 to be described later must be increased, which may be uneconomical. On the other hand, if the interval d1 exceeds 80 mm, the sterilization object a interposed between the electrodes cannot be sterilized uniformly over a wide range, and there is a fear that sterilization stains may appear.

The supply means 2, the hopper part 3, the sterilization apparatus 4, the discharge means 5, etc. are integrally connected, and the sterilization object a supplied by the supply means 2 The electrodes 7 to 10 of the sterilization apparatus 4 are temporarily stored in the hopper part 3 and naturally dropped and transported a predetermined amount of the sterilization object a stored in the hopper part 3 by gravity. Interposed therebetween, a high voltage generated by the power supply 40 described later is applied between the electrodes 7 to 10 to generate and sterilize a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes.

The supply means 2 transfers the supply port 15 of the sterilization object a, the conveyor 16, the motor 17 driving the conveyor, and the sterilization object a transferred to the conveyor 16 to the hopper unit ( 3) the sterilization target a, which is made up of a discharge port 18 and the like discharged into the supply port 15 from the direction indicated by the white arrow as shown in FIG. 3, is driven by the motor 17. It is conveyed upward by the conveyor 16 and is supplied to the hopper part 3 via the discharge port 18.

The sterilization object (a) such as cereals and seeds sterilized in the sterilization apparatus 4 is naturally outside the sterilization apparatus 4 by opening the openable shutter 19 provided in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus. Dropped and discharged.

The discharge means 5 may include a shutter 19, a drive device 20 for opening and closing the shutter (which may be an electric drive device or a pneumatic drive device including a solenoid ball), a discharge duct 21, or the like. Consists of 22 is a support device which supports and fixes the processing apparatus 1 for sterilizing the sterilization object of the present invention. 23 is a discharge container for containing a sterilized sterilized object (a).

When sterilizing the sterilization target object a using the sterilization apparatus 1 of the present invention, sufficient management such as performing in a clean room so as to prevent the sterilization sterilization target target a from being contaminated again is necessary.

Oxygen in the air between the electrodes is sterilized by a pulse streamer discharge between the discharge-side electrode 7 and the ground-side electrode 10 in the sterilization object a such as grains and seeds in the sterilization apparatus 4. the ozone gas is generated, and the ozone gas reacts with moisture in the air, O ₂ ^-, OH ^-, generate radicals of three kinds of H ₂ O _2, and is of, OH ^- a (hydroxy radical) Sterilization of microorganisms and bacteria is performed. Since OH ⁻ has a redox potential higher than that of ozone, the effect of sterilizing bacteria and the like is excellent.

6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the power source 40 used in the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the power supply 40 includes a power supply unit 41 (AC 200V, 50 kV), a slideac 42, a high voltage transformer 43, a full-wave rectifying bridge ( 44, a circuit including the resistor 45, the capacitor 46, the spark gap 47, the resistor 48, the grounding means 49, and the like.

The voltage input from the power supply 40 (AC 200V, 50 kV) is boosted by the slide 42 and the high voltage transformer 43, and rectified by the full wave rectification bridge 44. Thereafter, the current value is lowered by the resistor 45 to charge the capacitor 46. The electric energy charged in the condenser 46 is instantaneously discharged through the spark gap 47, and becomes a pulse voltage (for example, generates an energy wave about 100 times in 1 second), thereby disinfecting the sterilization object a. It is applied between the discharge side electrode 7 and the ground side electrode 10 of the processing apparatus 4 to sterilize, and generates a pulse streamer discharge between these electrodes, so that the electrode 7-10 under normal temperature and commercial pressure. Sterilization of the sterilization object (a), such as grains and seeds, which are interposed between the layers) is performed.

In the present invention, the insulating plate 8 may be one sheet, but may be a plate formed by bonding the ends of small ceramic plates (for example, Al ₂ O ₃ ) to each other by bonding them together.

In the case of using the insulating plate 8 formed by bonding the ends of many small ceramic plates (for example, Al ₂ O ₃ ) to each other as the insulating plate 8, a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 and a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 are used. It is preferable to make the mutual positional relationship of the junction part of the edge part of the ceramic plate of a specific positional relationship.

That is, the combination of any of the above points and any junction may be a point where a straight line extending from each needle-shaped electrode 6 at right angles to the plate-shaped electrode 9 reaches the ceramic plate, and the distance between the junctions of the ends of the ceramic plate. It is preferable to make it 10 mm or more. When this distance is less than 5 mm, discharge will necessarily short-circuit from the needle-shaped electrode 6 to the junction part. If this distance is about 7-8 mm, discharge will short-circuit from the needle-shaped electrode 6 to the junction part by an applied voltage.

Moreover, since the sterilization conditions in the sterilization apparatus 4, the sterilization conditions such as the throughput of grains and seeds, the humidity, and the like also vary depending on the type, form, type of bacteria, etc. of the sterilization targets (a) such as grains and seeds, It is preferable to select and define, and it is not specifically limited. However, in sterilization targets such as cereals and seeds, pulse streamer discharges of about 15 to 30 minutes are usually performed to ensure sterilization.

The sterilization object 1 of the present invention is operated, the sterilization object a supplied by the supply means 2 is temporarily stored in the hopper part 3, and the sterilization object a stored in the hopper part 3. ), A predetermined amount is interposed between the electrodes 7-10 of the sterilization apparatus 4 with the shutter 19 closed, and a high voltage generated by the power supply 40 is applied between the electrodes 7-10. Pulse streamer discharge is generated between the electrodes, and can be easily sterilized by being placed under sterilization conditions. The sterilization object a sterilized in the sterilization apparatus 4 is discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus 4 by opening the shutter 19. By repeating the above operation, it is possible to easily and efficiently sterilize under normal temperature and commercial pressure uniformly without impairing the quality of the sterilization target (a) such as grains and seeds.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the shutter which can be opened and closed at the lower part of the sterilization apparatus, and FIG. 8 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the shutter shown in FIG. 7 is closed; FIG. 8 (B) Is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the same shutter is opened. 7-8, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the same name that the structure is common with FIGS.

In FIG. 7, FIG. 8, the shutter 19A is provided in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus 4, and it is driven by the switchgear 24, such as a motor connected to the shutter 19A, and can rotate and open and close. . As shown in FIG. 8 (A), a sterilization target (a) such as grains and seeds of a predetermined amount is interposed between the electrodes 7-10 of the sterilization apparatus 4 having the shutter 19A closed. As described above, the high voltage generated from the power supply 40 is applied between the electrodes 7-10 to generate a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes, and after sterilization by placing them under sterilization conditions, the sterilized target a is sterilized. As shown in Fig. 8B, the shutter 19A is opened by the opening and closing device 24, and discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus 4 as shown by the white arrows.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory view of a processing device for sterilizing a sterilization object (a) such as cereals and seeds provided with shutters that can be opened and closed at the lower part of the hopper and the lower part of the sterilization apparatus. Is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the sterilization object of the hopper portion is transferred to the sterilization apparatus by opening the shutter of the lower portion of the hopper portion, and (B) shows the state of discharging the sterilization target sterilization object by opening the shutter of the sterilization treatment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state. In addition, in FIG. 9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the same name that the structure is common with FIGS.

In FIG. 9, the shutter 19 opened and closed by the drive device 20 is provided at the lower part of the hopper 3 and the sterilization apparatus 4. As shown in FIG. 9 (A), the shutter 19 of the lower portion of the hopper portion 3 of the sterilization processing apparatus 4 in which the shutter 19 of the lower portion of the sterilization processing apparatus 4 is closed is opened and the hopper portion 3 is opened. A predetermined amount of the sterilization target a is transferred from the sterilization target a temporarily stored in the above and interposed between the electrodes 7-10, and the high voltage generated by the power supply 40 as described above is transferred to the electrode 7-. 10) and a pulse streamer discharge is generated between these electrodes and sterilized by being placed under sterilization conditions, and then the sterilized object (a) that has been sterilized is sterilized by the drive device 20. The shutter 19 at the bottom of the opening is opened and discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus 4 as indicated by the white arrows.

10 is a perspective view showing another example of a sterilizing apparatus using the high voltage of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 10, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the thing of the same name that a structure is common with FIGS.

The sterilization apparatus 1A of this invention shown in FIG. 10 shows the example which enlarged the sterilization apparatus 1 of this invention shown in FIGS. 1-6.

The two separators 25 (separator 25) in the sterilization processing apparatus 4 (acryl-based resin and polycarbonate resin having a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁰ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more in the same manner as the sterilization processing apparatus 4 itself). And three cells 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 divided by an electrically insulating material such as FRP, and each cell 4-1, 4-2, 4 A plurality of discharge side electrodes 7 and a ground side electrode 10 are respectively provided in correspondence with -3), and the lower part of the sterilization apparatus 4 is driven and rotated by an opening and closing device 24 such as a motor. An opening / closing shutter 19A is provided to transfer sterilized objects a such as grains and seeds of a predetermined amount from each of the cells 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3 from the hopper unit 3, respectively. 1 to 6, except that the supply means 2 is driven by a driving device (not shown) and is movable in parallel along the hopper portion 3. It is the same as the sterilization apparatus 1 of this invention shown.

The sterilization device 1A of the present invention is operated, and the sterilization object a supplied by the supply means 2 is moved to the hopper part 3 while moving the supply means 2 in parallel along the hopper part 3. Each cell 4-1, 4-2, 4- of the sterilization apparatus 4 which temporarily stored | stored and conveyed the predetermined amount sterilization object a stored in the hopper part 3, and closed the shutter 19A. A predetermined amount is interposed between the electrodes 7-10 of 3), and a high voltage generated from the power supply 40 is applied between the electrodes 7-10 as described above to generate pulse streamer discharges between the electrodes. By placing under sterilization conditions, sterilization targets (a) such as a large amount of grains and seeds can be easily sterilized. The sterilization object a sterilized in the sterilization apparatus 4 is discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus 4 by opening the shutter 19A. By repeating the above operation, it can be sterilized easily and efficiently under normal temperature and a commercial pressure uniformly, without impairing the quality of the sterilization object (a) of a large amount of grains and seeds.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view of a sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of the present invention in which the sterilization apparatus provided below the hopper is horizontal, and the ground-side electrode of the sterilization apparatus is formed to be conveyed and conveyed. In FIG. 11, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the thing of the same name that a structure is common with FIGS. The sterilization apparatus formed of the dielectric is formed to surround the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode.

In FIG. 11, the ground side electrode 10 can be driven by the conveyor 24 in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus 4. The conveyor 24 conveys sterilization objects a such as grains and seeds from left to right. The sterilization object a is supplied from the hopper part 3 on the conveyor 24 on the left side of the sterilization apparatus 4, and while moving on the conveyor, the high voltage generated in the power supply 40 as described above is electroded. (7-10) is applied to generate pulse streamer discharges between these electrodes, and sterilize by placing them under sterilization conditions, and into the discharging container 23 as indicated by the white arrows on the right side of the sterilization apparatus 4. Discharged.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the discharge side electrode 7 in which a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 are arranged in a grid pattern similar to the scale of a checkerboard is used, a high voltage is applied to each needle-shaped electrode 6 to discharge it. Pulse streamer discharges having the same potential are emitted from each needle-shaped electrode 6 to the ground-side electrode 10 to cause interference with each other, and as shown in FIG. 20, the pulse streamer discharge on the ground-side electrode 10 is shown. The rectangular location A to be performed and the location B where no pulse streamer discharge is performed appear, resulting in a problem that no uniform discharge can occur.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, even if the sterilization object is moved and sterilized as shown by the arrow between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the ground-side electrode 10, pulse streamer discharge is performed. Since the sterilization object c passing through the point A is sterilized, but the sterilization object d passing through the point B where no pulse streamer discharge is performed is not sufficiently sterilized, a sterilization stain is generated and uniform sterilization occurs. There was a problem that I can not.

Therefore, this problem can be solved by using the needle-shaped electrodes arranged in zigzag form at predetermined intervals as the discharge side electrodes.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the needle-shaped electrodes 6 arranged in zigzag form at regular intervals d.

As shown in Fig. 12, the needle-shaped electrodes 6 in the first row are arranged in plural at regular intervals d1 in the horizontal direction, and the needle-shaped electrodes 6 in the second row are arranged in the first row. One needle-shaped electrode 6 in the second row is disposed between two needle-shaped electrodes adjacent to each other of the needle-shaped electrode 6 in the first row at a constant distance d2 from the needle-shaped electrode 6. A plurality of electrodes are arranged so as to be different from each other and at a constant interval d1 in the horizontal direction, and the needle-shaped electrode 6 in the third row is disposed at a constant distance d2 from the needle-shaped electrode 6 in the second row. In addition, it arrange | positions so that it may become the same position in the longitudinal direction with the needle-shaped electrode 6 of the 1st row | line | column, and many needle-shaped electrodes 6 are arrange | positioned in the zigzag form below likewise.

Although the size of d1 and d2 is not specifically limited, Usually, it is d2 * 1 / 2d1-2d1, For example, d1 and d2 are determined so that Formula: d2 = ((√3 / 2) d1), and needle-shaped electrode ( 6 are arranged in a zigzag shape, and the needle electrode 6-1 of the second row is the needle electrode 6-2 and 6-3 of the first row, and the needle electrode 6- of the second row. 4 and 6-5) and the third row of needle-shaped electrodes 6-6 and 6-7 are preferably equally spaced apart from each other.

In this case, when a high voltage is applied to each needle-shaped electrode and discharged, pulse streamer discharges having the same potential are emitted from each needle-shaped electrode 6 to the ground-side electrode 10, but discharge interference occurs in different places. As shown in Fig. 13, a circular shape A where pulse streamer discharge is performed on the ground-side electrode 10 and a location B where pulse streamer discharge are not performed are shown.

However, as shown in FIG. 14, when the sterilization object is moved between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the ground-side electrode 10 as indicated by an arrow, the needle-shaped electrode 6 is zigzag as shown in FIG. Since many are arranged in a shape, for example, the sterilization object that has passed through the point B where no pulse streamer discharge is performed in the first row is not sterilized in the first row, but the pulse streamer discharge is discharged in the second row. Since it passes through the location A to be performed, sterilization is performed. Since the sterilization is performed in the same manner after the third row, the sterilization target can be sterilized sufficiently uniformly without sterilization stain as shown in the sterilization range (e) in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the ground-side electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. An insulating plate (ceramic plate (Al ₂ O ₃ )) 8 is disposed on the plate-shaped electrode 9, and the ceramic plate on the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the plate-shaped electrode 9 which are arranged in a zigzag form in large numbers ( 8) A sterilization is carried out by interposing and moving a sterilization object (eg, grains such as brown rice) between. Although the space | interval of the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the plate-shaped electrode 9 is not specifically limited, Usually, it is a predetermined space | interval usually chosen from 10 mm-50 mm. By setting the interval between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the plate-shaped electrode 9 at a predetermined interval, the discharge is not partially concentrated and the pulse streamer discharge can be uniformly performed.

The high voltage generated by the power supply unit 40 (not shown) becomes a pulse voltage (for example, generates an energy wave about 100 times in one second) and is applied between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the plate-shaped electrode 9. The pulse streamer discharge can be generated between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the plate-shaped electrode 9 under normal temperature, commercial pressure, and sterilization of the sterilization object interposed and moved between both electrodes is performed.

The applied voltage, frequency, input energy (cal / cm 3), electric field strength, size of the interval d, and how it is zigzag-shaped, i.e., to some extent different from each other, are not particularly limited, but the flavor, flavor, It is preferable to select and determine suitably so that it may be sterilized sufficiently uniformly in the range which does not impair the quality of drug efficacy, performance, dispersibility, etc.

However, also in the case where a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes are arranged in a zigzag shape, the interval d of the needle-shaped electrodes is usually preferably selected from the range of 5 mm to less than 30 mm, preferably 8 mm to 30 mm. If the spacing d of the needle-shaped electrode is less than 5 mm, sterilization of the sterilization object is possible, but if the capacity of the power supply unit 40 is not increased, it may become uneconomical. On the other hand, if the space | interval d of needle-shaped electrode exceeds 30 mm, the sterilization object interposed between the needle-shaped electrode 3 and the flat electrode 9 may not be able to be sterilized uniformly, and there exists a possibility that a disinfection stain may appear.

In general, the one with a higher applied voltage, frequency, input energy, and electric field strength is effective for sterilization, the one with higher applied voltage than frequency is effective, and the one with higher electric field strength is effective at the same input energy.

In addition, sterilization conditions such as the moving speed of the sterilization target to be moved between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the flat electrode 9, the sterilization treatment time, the throughput of the sterilization target, the humidity, and the like, types, forms, and bacteria of the sterilization target Since it differs according to a kind, a form, etc., it is preferable to select suitably and it is not specifically limited.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage in another embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 16, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the thing of the same name that a structure is common with FIGS. The power supply 40 is not shown in detail but is identical to that shown in FIG.

In FIG. 16, the sterilization apparatus 4A of the sterilization apparatus 1B of the present invention uses a power source 40 for generating a high voltage and a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes (not shown) for applying the generated high voltage at predetermined intervals d. The electrode part 30 provided with the needle-shaped electrode 6 arrange | positioned in the zigzag shape and the ground-side electrode 10 which consists of the ceramic plate 8 and the plate-shaped electrode 9 which are not shown in figure is provided. . The flat electrode 9 which is not shown in figure is grounded by the grounding means 49. 41 is a power supply unit (AC 200V, 50 kV).

When the sterilization apparatus 1B described above is operated, and the sterilization object (brown rice) (a) is supplied from the inlet 51 at the upper part of the sterilization apparatus 4A to the inside, the sterilization object (brown rice) (a) is the electrode portion. At 30, sterilization is performed by pulse streamer discharge between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the plate-shaped electrode 9 (not shown). The sterilized sterilized object (brown rice) a is discharged from the outlet 52 at the lower part of the sterilization apparatus 4A to the outside and enters the discharge container 23. In this way, the sterilization target (brown rice) (a) can be sterilized continuously and uniformly under normal temperature and commercial pressure.

17 (A) and 17 (B) are diagrams showing the outlines of main parts of a sterilizing apparatus using a high voltage in another embodiment of the present invention.

The sterilization apparatus 4 installed below the hopper 32 is horizontal, and the ground electrode 10 and the plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 of the sterilization apparatus 4 are zigzag at a predetermined interval. The belt conveyor 31 is arrange | positioned between the discharge side electrodes arrange | positioned at the shape, and the sterilization object (a), such as a grain and a seed, can be conveyed between both electrodes so that the sterilization object a can be conveyed by the belt conveyor 31. Sterilize). The sterilization apparatus 4 formed of the dielectric is formed to surround the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode 10. In FIG. 17, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the same name that the structure is common with FIGS. The power source 40 and the like are not shown, but are the same as those shown in FIG.

The belt conveyor 31 is preferably formed of a material having a volume resistivity of about 10 ¹⁰ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more, such as resin or synthetic rubber.

When the above-described sterilization apparatus 1C is operated and the sterilization object (brown rice) a is supplied from the hopper 32 onto the belt conveyor 31, the sterilization object (brown rice) a is continuously moved in the direction of the arrow. Sterilization is continuously performed by the pulse streamer discharge between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the ground-side electrode 10. The sterilized sterilized object (brown rice) a is discharged from the belt conveyor 31 and enters the discharge container 23. In this way, the sterilization target (brown rice) (a) can be sterilized continuously and uniformly under normal temperature and commercial pressure. 33 is a motor that drives the belt conveyor 31.

Using the sterilizing apparatus 1C (the distance 13mm between the needle-shaped electrode 6 and the flat-shaped electrode 9) shown in FIG. 17, the sterilization target object (brown rice) a was supplied to the belt conveyor 31. Was sterilized under conditions of a frequency of 100 Hertz, a pulse width of 100 to 500 nm, an electric field intensity of 5 to 4 KV / cm, a voltage of 30 KV / cm, and a pulse streamer discharge time of 30 minutes, and the sterilization rate was measured. As a result, sterilization was performed uniformly and the sterilization rate was 99%.

For comparison, similar to the embodiment using the sterilization apparatus 1C, except that a sterilization apparatus having needle-shaped electrodes 6 arranged in a plurality of grid patterns such as a scale of a checkerboard is used as shown in FIG. The sterilization target (brown rice) (a) was sterilized and the sterilization rate was measured. As a result, sterilization was uneven and the sterilization rate was 95%.

It is a block diagram which shows the summary of the principal parts of the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage in another embodiment of this invention.

The sterilization apparatus 4 installed below the hopper 32 is horizontal, and the sterilization targets such as grains and seeds are disposed on the ground-side electrode 10 formed in a structure similar to the belt conveyor of the sterilization treatment apparatus 4 ( The sterilization object a is sterilized between the discharge side electrodes in which a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes 6 are arranged in a zigzag form at a predetermined interval so that the a) can be transported. The sterilization apparatus 4 formed of the dielectric is formed to surround the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode 10. In FIG. 18, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part and the thing of the same name that a structure is common with FIGS. The power source 40 and the like are not shown, but are the same as those shown in FIG.

In Fig. 18, when the sterilization apparatus 1D of the present invention is operated, and the sterilization target (brown rice) a is supplied on the ground-side electrode 10, the sterilization target (brown rice) a is continuously in the direction of the arrow. Sterilization is continuously performed by pulse streamer discharge between the needle-shaped electrodes 6 which are moved and arranged in a zigzag shape and the ground-side electrodes 10 at positions corresponding to the needle-shaped electrodes 6. The sterilized sterilized object (brown rice) a is discharged from the ground-side electrode 10. In this way, the sterilization target (brown rice) (a) can be sterilized continuously and uniformly under constant temperature and constant pressure.

In addition, since this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning described in the claim.

In the above description, the humidity at the time of sterilization is not particularly controlled, but as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-267183 (267183/1999), grains are formed between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode. And paste sterilization objects such as seeds, and generating pulse streamer discharges between the electrodes, when sterilizing at normal temperature and commercial pressure, the humidity can be adjusted and sterilized in an atmosphere controlled by high humidity, for example. By controlling at high humidity, the sterilization rate can be improved.

Effects of the Invention:

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of claim 1 of the present invention converts a part of oxygen in the sterilization apparatus into ozone by pulse streamer discharge, and generates OH- from moisture in the air in the sterilization apparatus by the ozone, In addition, the cell membrane is ruptured and sterilized by a potential difference caused by a high voltage discharge, and the sterilization can be carried out synergistically by a pulse streamer discharge, so that microorganisms or bacteria adhered to the surface of sterilized objects such as grains and seeds can be efficiently removed. A significant effect is that it can be sterilized.

The sterilizing apparatus using the high voltage of claim 2 of the present invention achieves the same effect as the sterilizing apparatus of claim 1 and efficiently sterilizes microorganisms and bacteria that are automatically and continuously adhered to the surfaces of sterilizing objects such as grains and seeds. A remarkable effect is achieved.

Sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of claim 3 of the present invention, in the sterilization apparatus of claim 2, sterilization of grains and seeds sterilized by the sterilization apparatus by opening and closing a shutter which is installed under the sterilization apparatus. The object is discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus, and the sterilization target such as grains and seeds sterilized in the sterilization apparatus can be stored without touching the human hand.

Sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of claim 4 of the present invention, the sterilization apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, grains and seeds temporarily stored in the hopper portion by opening and closing the shutter capable of being installed in the lower portion of the hopper portion, etc. The sterilization object of the present invention is transferred to the sterilization apparatus, and the sterilization treatment can be performed without spacing a large amount of grains and seeds.

In the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of claim 5 of the present invention, in the sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, uniform discharge is performed by using needle-shaped electrodes arranged in a plurality at predetermined intervals. It is possible to achieve uniform sterilization over a wide range of sterilization objects interposed between the electrodes, and to achieve a remarkable effect that no sterilization stains appear.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 6 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sterilization targets interposed between the electrodes are widely used by using needle-shaped electrodes arranged in zigzag form at predetermined intervals. A significant effect is that it can be sterilized more uniformly.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 7 of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sterilization object is moved between the discharge side electrodes and the ground side electrodes in the sterilization apparatus and sterilized continuously. Since sterilization and sterilization can be carried out continuously, sterilization speed and sterilization efficiency can be improved, and a significant effect of being economical is achieved.

In the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage according to claim 8 of the present invention, in the sterilization apparatus according to claim 7, the discharging side electrode and the ground side are sterilized by placing the sterilization object on the conveyor to move between the discharging side electrode and the ground side electrode. Since the movement of the sterilization object between the electrodes becomes easy, and sterilization is carried out continuously and continuously taken out, the sterilization speed and sterilization efficiency can be further improved, and the economical effect is achieved.

In the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of claim 9 of the present invention, in the sterilization apparatus according to claim 7, by placing the ground-side electrode on the conveyor, the sterilization object is easily moved and sterilized, and the sterilization is carried out continuously and continuously taken out. Therefore, the sterilization speed and sterilization efficiency can be further improved, and a significant effect of becoming more economical is achieved.

In the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 10 of this invention, in the sterilization apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9, by using a ceramic plate as an insulating plate, since it is excellent in durability and strength, it can raise an applied voltage. A remarkable effect can be achieved.

The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 11 of this invention has the remarkable effect that an applied voltage can be made higher by using the ceramic plate with a high withstand voltage as an insulation plate in the sterilization apparatus of Claim 10.

In the sterilization apparatus using the high voltage of Claim 12 of this invention, in the sterilization apparatus in any one of Claims 1-11, since the said dielectric material is a material which has a volume specific resistance of 10 <10> ^{-10 < 14> (} ohm) * cm, The remarkable effect is that safety is improved.

Claim 13 of this invention uses the sterilization apparatus in any one of Claims 1-12, and interposes sterilization objects, such as a grain and a seed, between a discharge side electrode and a ground side electrode, and has an electric field intensity of 20KV / cm- By sterilizing with pulse streamer discharge in the range of 60 KV / cm, frequency 100pps-1000pps, pulse width 0.05kHz to 0.5kHz, the remarkable effect that various bacteria including spores etc. can be easily and efficiently and economically sterilized Achieve.

According to claim 14 of the present invention, in the sterilization method according to claim 13, since a positive pulse high voltage is applied to the discharge side electrode, dust and dirt do not adhere to the discharge side electrode, and uniform and stable discharge is possible. A significant effect is achieved.

Claim 15 of this invention is a disinfection method of Claim 13 or Claim 14 WHEREIN: When a pulse high voltage with a rise time of 10 microseconds (nanosecond) or more and a duration of 1 microsecond (microseconds) or less is applied to the said discharge side electrode, it discharges, A remarkable effect is that a streamer discharge that extends linearly from the side electrode is generated, and a wide range between the electrodes can be made plasma, and sterilization objects such as grains and seeds interposed between the electrodes can be sterilized uniformly without staining. To achieve.

Industrial Applicability The present invention is useful for providing a sterilization apparatus and method using a high voltage which sterilizes easily and efficiently under normal temperature and commercial pressure without impairing the quality of sterilization objects such as grains and seeds.

Claims (15)

A discharge-side electrode composed of a plurality of needle-shaped electrodes disposed therebetween, a ground-side electrode composed of a plate-shaped electrode spaced from the discharge-side electrode and covered with an insulating plate, and a dielectric material surrounding the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode; And a power source for applying a high voltage between the electrodes, and interposing sterilization objects such as grains and seeds between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the sterilization apparatus, and between the electrodes. A sterilization apparatus using high voltage, characterized in that sterilization by generating a pulse streamer discharge. Supply means for supplying sterilization objects such as cereals and seeds, a hopper portion for storing the sterilization objects supplied by the supply means, and a plurality of needles arranged to transfer and sterilize the sterilization objects stored in the hopper portion Applying a high voltage between the disinfection processing device formed of a dielectric comprising a discharge side electrode formed of a shape electrode and a ground side electrode formed of a plate-shaped electrode covered with an insulating plate and spaced apart from the discharge side electrode; And a discharge means for discharging the sterilization object sterilized by the sterilization apparatus to the outside, and interposing sterilization targets such as grains and seeds between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the sterilization apparatus. Sterilizing by generating a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes. Sterilizer with voltage. The sterilization object such as grains and seeds sterilized by the sterilization apparatus is discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus by opening the openable shutter provided in the lower part of the sterilization apparatus. Sterilization apparatus using high voltage. The sterilizing object according to claim 2 or 3, wherein sterilization targets such as grains and seeds temporarily stored in the hopper portion are transferred to the sterilization treatment device by opening and closing a shutter that is provided under the hopper portion. Sterilization apparatus using high voltage. The sterilization apparatus using high voltage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge-side electrodes are made of needle-shaped electrodes arranged in plural at predetermined intervals. The sterilizing apparatus using high voltage according to claim 5, wherein the discharge-side electrodes are made of needle-shaped electrodes arranged in zigzag form at predetermined intervals. The sterilization apparatus using high voltage according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein sterilization objects are moved between the discharge side electrodes and the ground side electrodes to be sterilized continuously. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein a ground side electrode is disposed on a lower surface of the sterilization apparatus, and a sterilization object is placed on a conveyor to move between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode to sterilize continuously. Sterilization device. 8. The sterilizing apparatus using high voltage according to claim 7, wherein the ground electrode is placed on a conveyor. The sterilizing apparatus using high voltage according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insulating plate is a ceramic plate. The sterilizing apparatus using high voltage according to claim 10, wherein the ceramic plate is a ceramic plate having a high breakdown voltage. The sterilizing apparatus using high voltage according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dielectric is a material having a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁰ to 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more. Using the sterilizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a sterilizing object such as cereals and seeds is interposed between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode, and the electric field strength is 20 KV / cm to 60 KV / cm, frequency. A sterilization method for sterilizing objects such as cereals and seeds, characterized in that the sterilization is performed by pulse streamer discharge generated by pulse high voltage within the range of 100pps to 1000pps and a pulse width of 0.05 Pa to 0.5 Pa. The sterilization method according to claim 13, wherein a bipolar pulse high voltage is applied to the discharge side electrode. 15. The sterilization method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a pulse high voltage having a rise time of 10 s (nanoseconds) or more and a duration of 1 s (microseconds) or less is applied to the discharge side electrode.