Plasma-jet sterilization enhanced by ion wind

This work demonstrates that a needle-ring discharge device combined with an ion-wind generator can realize a plasma-jet system of self-inlet gas, replacing huge, unportable carrier-gas systems. First, a needle-ring atmospheric-pressure plasma-jet device is designed and manufactured. The effects of a dielectric tube and the discharge voltage on the jet characteristics are analyzed. The results show that a needle-ring discharge device with a dielectric tube can produce a long, stable plasma jet under a high DC applied voltage. Second, such a device and a 10-stage ion-wind device are combined into an integrated device, and the discharge characteristics are studied. The results show that an ion wind with a speed of 2.62 m/s can be generated when a DC voltage of −13 kV is applied to the ion-wind device. The plasma jet produced by the integrated device is longer and brighter when the ion wind is included. Finally, the ion wind is found to enhance the sterilization effect of the jet and greatly increase the sterilization range.