Dr Pattis Friedrich, Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Management
Keywords: paradigm, nanotechnology, surfactants, green cleaning, superheated steam, dry steam, steam generator, cleaning technology, PEST analysis, SWOT analysis.
Annotation:
The article outlines the basic physico-chemical, socio-economic and philosophical as well as worldview principles underlying the invention of using micro dry steam developed in the company
Paradigm (from Greek παράδειγμα – example, sample), within the framework of the article is considered not only as a narrow physico-chemical concept, but also a special view, philosophical outlook through the prism of seemingly utilitarian, down-to-earth sphere: disinfection or cleaning.
In the XXI century this question is not idle at all.
The interaction between nano- and biotechnology is mutual. On the one hand, biological systems have provided a number of tools for the construction of nanostructures, and, on the other hand, in the future it is possible to synthesise proteins that perform specific functions for manipulating matter at the nanoscale. In general, the interrelation of nano- and bio- fields of science and technology has a fundamental character.
The similarity of the structure and functions of natural biological and artificial nano-objects leads to a particularly obvious convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology.
The interaction between nanotechnology and information technology is two-way synergistic recursively mutually reinforcing.
Information technologies are used for computer simulation of nanodevices. On the other hand, nanotechnology is now being actively used to create more powerful computing and communication devices.
In addition, information technology is also being used for modelling biological systems. In general, we can say that the phenomenon of NBICS-convergence developing before our eyes represents a fundamentally new stage of scientific and technological progress.
The distinctive features of NBICS-convergence are:
- intensive interaction between scientific and technological fields;
- wide coverage of the areas considered and influenced – from the atomic level of matter to intelligent systems; and
level of matter to intelligent systems; - revealing the prospect of qualitative growth
technological possibilities for individual and social development of human beings.
Any scientific and technological system develops according to certain laws: knowledge is accumulated, then it is transformed into technologies,
which lead to new types of production,
and new challenges arise for science. At the emergence of natural science 300 years ago, in the eyes of scientists, nature was one and indivisible, the science of the surrounding world was called natural science, and the scientist who tried to study this world was called a naturalist. Gradually from this unknowable whole man began to isolate segments available for analysis. The next stage was even narrower specialisation, and today there are hundreds of different narrowly specialised areas in science.
In this regard, mankind created highly specialised fields in science, education and hygiene, which also determined the sectoral principle of economic development and human survival.
It is important to note that, advancing along the path of narrow specialisation, mankind has achieved significant results. But, on the other hand, the vision of a holistic picture of the world has disappeared. It should be understood that the creation of a highly specialised system of science determined the sectoral principle of economic development.
At first, all production consisted of sectoral technologies: wood processing, mining, metallurgy, etc. Then more complex ‘inter-sectoral integrated’ technologies emerged: microelectronics, aviation, cosmonautics, complex machine building. Then more complex ‘inter-sectoral integrated’ technologies appeared: microelectronics, aviation, astronautics, complex machine building. However, the sectoral character of the economy was preserved until in the last quarter of the last century information technologies, which have a supra-sectoral character, entered the arena, as they are applied in absolutely all branches of science and production.
Nano-information technologies were the means that united all interdisciplinary sciences. The emergence of nanotechnology, which forms the basis of a new scientific and technological revolution, will fundamentally change the world around us. Nanotechnology today represents a basic priority for all existing industries, which will change the nano-information technologies themselves. In the middle of the last century, when it became possible to manipulate atoms and molecules, scientists began to construct new substances from them.
In the middle of the twentieth century, along with the main development of science – analysis, a new line began to form – synthesis, when mankind with the hands and minds of scientists began to synthesise artificial materials and artificial technologies.
The critical function of strategic planning in disinfection and cleaning with emphasis on advanced approaches such as PEST analysis (political, economic, social and technological), SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) and complete hygiene management. The paper aims to clarify how these concepts contribute to effective decision making, enhance organisational resilience and contribute to proper disinfection. It also looks at how the World Health Organisation (WHO) shapes international disinfection policy and recommendations.
Today, the ‘green agenda’ is a global trend. Businesses are reading the trends and, at first glance, seemingly ready to readjust.
Back in early August 2015, 193 UN states adopted the sustainable development concept ‘Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. It emerged in the process of bringing together three main perspectives: economic, social and environmental. It implies taking measures to optimise the use of limited resources and the use of environmentally friendly, nature-, energy- and material-saving technologies.
Since then, the climate agenda has had a direct impact on the economic agenda. European countries are the fastest to adapt. The majority of investors there already take into account the environmental impact of a company when deciding whether to invest in it. The climate agenda as such and ecology are, after all, slightly different things. And such an eco-policy simply forces Russian entrepreneurs to adopt an eco-ethic.
Medeco Cleantec GmbH was one of the first companies to recognise the trends in the moral and psychological atmosphere in the world. The company’s position was formed in the process of combining three main points of view: economic, social and environmental. This means taking measures to optimise the use of limited resources and the use of environmentally friendly, nature-, energy- and material-saving technologies.
Nowadays, the ‘green’ agenda, which Medeco Cleantec GmbH felt in time, is really coming to the forefront. Everyone is already concerned about it. The pandemic has made us different. We all now want to be guaranteed that we breathe clean air, drink clean water, that we will not live in a landfill. Because ecology is our health, our immunity.
And then came the solution of using micro dry steam. The concept itself was known. And the principle.
As it is known, superheated steam is steam heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point at a given pressure. Superheated steam is used in the cycles of various thermal machines in order to increase their efficiency. Superheated steam is produced in special devices – superheaters.
If saturated steam continues to be heated in a separate volume without water, superheated steam will be obtained. In this case, first the moisture contained in the steam will evaporate, and then the temperature will start to rise and its specific volume will increase.
Superheated vapour has the following main properties and advantages:
- at the same pressure as saturated steam it has a much higher temperature and heat content;
- has a greater specific volume in comparison with saturated steam, i.e. the volume of 1 kg of superheated steam at the same pressure is greater than the volume of 1 kg of saturated steam. Therefore, in steam engines to obtain the required power of superheated steam by mass will require less, which gives savings in water and fuel consumption;
- superheated steam does not condense during cooling; condensation occurs only when the temperature of superheated steam falls to the temperature of saturated steam at a given pressure.
The dryness factor of steam is used to determine the proportion of water in the steam. If the steam contains 10% water, it is considered to be 90% dry, i.e. its dryness factor is 0.9.
Vapour dryness is also important because it directly affects the total amount of transferred energy contained in the vapour (usually latent heat), which in turn determines the efficiency and quality of heating.
Micro dry steam cleaning developed by Medeco Cleantec GmbH is one of the most effective treatments for any surface. Micro dry steam is produced in steam generators by heating water to a temperature of 140-180°C under high pressure of 3-10 bar. High temperature and pressure guarantee the destruction of 99.9% of bacteria, softening and removal of strong grease, soot, fungus, mould, etc.
Surface treatment with dry steam does not require the use of any chemical reagents and is very fast. The method of steam cleaning allows you to fight both with microorganisms that cause allergies and any other types of contamination. The result of dry steam disinfection is a clean surface with no traces of aggressive chemical compounds. Steam cleaning cleans steel surfaces in the best and least labour-intensive way possible.
Advantages of steam cleaning - natural and environmentally friendly method of deep cleaning without the use of penetrating and harmful chemicals
- effectively degreases (the method is widely used in machine maintenance and pre-treatment of individual metal parts)
- cleans any surface from various contaminants
- does not require dismantling of equipment or stopping the production process
- penetrates into the most inaccessible places, which makes it possible to clean equipment of any complex structure without dismantling and disassembly – conveyor belts, grids, complex machines, ventilation ducts, food equipment etc.
- does not damage electronic components of equipment, sensors, does not cause damage to plastic, rubber and other delicate elements
- disinfects, destroys mites and bacteria – the method is antibacterial and anti-allergenic.
For example, saturated steam (100% dry) at a given pressure contains 100% latent heat. There is no latent heat in saturated water with a dryness of 0%, only contact heat.
Vapour dryness = 100% – [% water retained] (by mass)
Calculation tables usually contain values such as enthalpy (h), specific volume (ν), entropy (s), etc. for saturated vapour (100% dry) and for saturated water (with 0% dryness), but not for wet vapour.
The calculations are made simply on the basis of the vapour to water ratio.
Dry steam was previously thought to be steam produced by heating water in a boiler over 120 degrees and allowing it to be pressurised. Such temperature and pressure can only be achieved in a steel boiler (and a stationary one!)
The discovery of the company consists not only in the development of a device that makes the ‘Micro Cleaner’ mobile, but also in the realisation of a completely different physico-chemical solution: to make a MIKROSUCHO vapour.
Automatic refuelling system for continuous operation (dual chamber system)
Patented stainless steel steam boiler, pressure tested to 70 bar, no O-rings required.
Patented stainless steel heating element with self-cleaning descaling function (4 times more power), robust, energy-saving
Patented ‘True Temp’ technology with self-cleaning descaling, electromechanical probe for constant high steam temperature
Pressure up to 9 bar and heating element temperatures over 180 °C
Dry steam cleaning is one of the most effective treatments for any surface. Dry steam is produced in steam generators by heating water to a temperature of 140-180°C under high pressure of 3-10 bar. High temperature and pressure guarantee the destruction of 99.9% of bacteria, softening and removal of strong grease, soot, fungus, mould, etc.
Surface treatment with dry steam does not require the use of any chemical reagents and is very fast. The method of steam cleaning allows you to fight both with microorganisms that cause allergies and any other types of contamination. The result of dry steam disinfection is a clean surface with no traces of aggressive chemical compounds. Steam cleaning cleans steel surfaces in the best and least labour-intensive way possible.
Advantages of steam cleaning
- natural and environmentally friendly method of deep cleaning without the use of penetrating and harmful chemicals
- effectively degreases (the method is widely used in machine maintenance and pre-treatment of individual metal parts)
- cleans any surface from various contaminants
- does not require dismantling of equipment or stopping the production process
- penetrates into the most inaccessible places, which makes it possible to clean equipment of any complex structure without dismantling and disassembly – conveyor belts, grids, complex machines, ventilation ducts, food equipment etc.
- does not damage electronic components of equipment, sensors, does not cause damage to plastic, rubber and other delicate elements
- disinfects, destroys mites and bacteria – the method is antibacterial and anti-allergenic.
An important advantage of using the micro dry steam cleaning method is that micro dry steam cleaning is one of the most effective types of treatment of any surface. Such steam is obtained in steam generators by heating water to a temperature of 140-180°C under high pressure of 6-10 bar. High temperature and pressure guarantee the destruction of 99.9% of bacteria, softening and removal of strong grease, soot, fungus, mould, etc.
Surface treatment with micro dry steam does not require the use of any chemical reagents and is very fast. The method of steam cleaning allows you to fight both with microorganisms causing allergies and any other types of contamination. The result of micro dry steam disinfection is a clean surface with no traces of aggressive chemical compounds. With steam, steel surfaces are cleaned in the best and least labour-intensive way possible. - In conclusion, the author considers it necessary to cite several important alarming facts, the comprehension of which makes the application of the ecological technology of micro dry steam treatment developed by Medeco Cleantec GmbH not only acutely relevant, but also vital.
- So:
- An analysis of blood from the umbilical cords of dozens of babies in the course of the Environmental Working Group study
- of blood from the umbilical cords of dozens of American babies born in 2024 found an average of two hundred industrial chemicals and toxic substances in the blood of each child.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 700 toxic substances are present in the body of every American. And it’s impossible to know how constant chemical pollution in small doses will affect people as they go through life.
- In fact, modern humanity allows hundreds of synthetic chemicals to circulate through their bodies. They are stored and accumulate in the cells of the human body. And even more: children are born with chemicals in their bodies, having received them from their mothers while still in the womb.
- In addition, chemicals from different foods mix in unpredictable ways. They can combine in the body and become something much more toxic. For example, it has been found that in some cases, triclosan (a popular antibacterial ingredient found in everything from soaps to furniture coatings) can turn into dioxin, which is one of the most dangerous poisons, when exposed to sunlight. So the sum may be greater (or more dangerous) than its summands.
- It becomes obvious that the discovery underlying the use of innovative micro-dry steam technology, made by the specialists of Medeco Cleantec GmbH, is one of the most important achievements of modern cleaning, environmentally-oriented technologies.
- Literature
- ‘The greener the cleaner. Sustainable and hygienic cleaning without chemicals’ Fritz Pattis medeco cleantec GmbH Georg-Aicher-Str. 1 D-83026 Rosenheim
2 The Joy of Green Cleaning Paperback – February 16, 2015, 110 p. - ‘Surfactants. Reference book’ / Abramzon A.A., Bocharov V.V., Gaevoy G.M. et al. Edited by A.A. Abramzon and G.M. Gaevoy. L.: Khimiya, 1979. 376 с.
- Holmberg K., Jönsson B., Kronberg B., Lindman B.. ‘Surface Active Substances and Polymers in Aqueous Solutions’ Per. from Engl. M.: BINOM. Laboratory of Knowledge, 2007. 526 с.
- Jill Shoff: Clean House without Chemistry. A detailed guide to cleaning with natural cleaning agents, ed. Bomber, 2021, 224 p.
- Frolov Y.G.. ‘Course of colloidal chemistry. Surface phenomena and disperse systems: textbook for universities’. Moscow: Alliance, 2004. 464 с.
- ‘Surface-active substances and compositions. Reference book’ / Edited by M.Y. Pletnev. M.: ‘Firma Klavel’ Ltd., 2002. 768 с.
- ‘Alkyl polyglycosides: Technology, properties and applications’ / Ed. K. Hill, W. von Rybinski, G. Stoll New York.: Weinheim, 1997. 243p