Introduction

Cold plasma is used for effective sanitisation of pathogens on the surface. The cold plasma is generated by coupling the radio frequency (RF) power to Argon gas. An RF power system, operating at 13.56 MHz with power up-to 200 W have been developed as an import substitute to generate cold plasma for a cold atmospheric plasma sanitizer system.

Operation

The SSRFPA power system consists of a low power RF (LPRF) stage, a solid-state power amplifier (SSPA), their respective dc supplies, a bi-directional power measurement unit, an interlock & protection unit and front panel controls and display, all enclosed in one single enclosure.

The LPRF stage generates a 13.56 MHz signal and boosts it for driving the SSPA. The SSPA amplifies this RF signal up-to 200 W. The bi-directional power measurement stage is used at the output of SSPA, it measures the RF power in both the forward & reflected direction and displays it on the front panel. A multi-turn potentiometer on front panel controls and sets the RF output power.

The ’L’ type IMN uses a set of variable capacitors and fixed inductances to match 50-ohm impedance of SSRFPA with dynamic plasma impedance of CAP.

1. Indigenous
2. Compact
3. Standalone
4. Import substitute
5. Rugged
6. Low cost
7. Simple design
8. Easy maintenance

1. Cold plasma-based sterilization
2. Plasma decontamination
3. RF heating

INTRODUCTION

An indigenous, standalone and low cost solid state RF power amplifier (SSRFPA) system that generates up-to 200 Watt RF power at 13.56 MHz along-with impedance matching network (IMN) is available for technology transfer. This solid-state RF power amplifier is useful for generating cold plasma (by ionizing argon gas) which is used for effective sanitisation of pathogens on the surface. Besides this, it has uses for decontamination, surface treatment, coating, sputtering, food drying / RF heating, etc. The developed device has front panel display for power measurement, indicator and controls, internal interlock and protection unit. The IMN ensures maximum power transfer through matching of impedance.

1. Indigenous
2. Compact
3. Standalone
4. Import substitute
5. Rugged
6. Low cost
7. Simple design
8. Easy maintenance

1. Cold plasma-based sterilization
2. Plasma decontamination
3. RF heating

1. while compared with imported unit, production cost goes down by more than half.
2. IMN ensures maximum power transfer to the cold plasma generating device
3. System protection features precludes temperature overshoot, high reflection and overload.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT

1. Small electronic workshop with general electronic, instruments like multi-meter, oscilloscope, RF power-meters.
2. Soldering station
3. Single phase AC power supply

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

1. Space

   A minor general facility, 300 sq. ft. unit with AC mains power

2. Manpower

   skilled and unskilled manpower one each

3. Test Equipment

   multimeter, oscilloscope and power meters.