Method and device for hydrogen peroxide sterilization
AssigneeSteris Europe, Inc. Suomen Sivuliike
InventorsArja RULEY, Mauri SALMISUO
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to the sterilization of a load of goods with hydrogen peroxide vapor in a closed space. The method involves a sequence of creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in a sterilization chamber, introduction of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the use of a gas circulation device within the sterilization chamber, whereby the output of the gas circulation device is controlled according to the pressure in the sterilization chamber. A uniform and consistent distribution of hydrogen peroxide throughout the load is achieved.
Claims6
A method for sterilizing a load of goods, comprising the following steps:
- charging a sterilization chamber with a load of goods to be sterilized;
- evacuating the chamber to a minimum pressure determined by the characteristics of the load;
- introducing to the chamber a sterilizing atmosphere of vaporized hydrogen peroxide to a pressure determined by the desired final concentration throughout the load;
- circulating, using a gas circulation device internal to the chamber, the resulting sterilizing atmosphere within the chamber during a sterilization period at a flow rate determined by the prevailing pressure;
- and
- removing the sterilizing atmosphere.
An apparatus for sterilizing a load of goods, said apparatus comprising
- a chamber for receiving a load of goods to be sterilized, said chamber having a jacket for a heat transfer medium as well as gas inlets and gas outlets;
- a device for delivering a heat-controlled heat transfer medium to the jacket;
- within the chamber,
- a gas circulation device capable of delivering a constant volume flow at variable velocities;
- a device for producing vaporized hydrogen peroxide:
- and
- a device for producing sub-atmospheric pressures within the chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.