DE102009013662B4 - Steam condenser for the exhaust air of a cleaning device and method for establishing a vapor barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

Steam condenser for the exhaust air of a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning and disinfection device, which is connected to the inside of the cleaning device, with at least one inlet opening (1) for the inlet of the water vapor from the inside of the cleaning device and at least one nozzle (2) for spraying of cold water for condensing the water vapor entering the condenser from the interior of the cleaning device, the at least one inlet opening (1) and the at least one nozzle (2) being arranged in cross-flow with one another, characterized in that a bypass (6) is located inside the steam condenser is arranged.

Description

The present invention relates to a steam condenser according to claim 1, its use according to claim 11 and a method using the steam condenser according to claim 12.

The use of cleaning equipment in the commercial field is increasing. In particular, in medical practices and in small chemical or analytical laboratories as well as in central sterilization facilities in hospitals increasingly cleaning and disinfection equipment are used.

In the currently used washer-disinfectors, the exhaust air is discharged mainly through the back of these devices. Since the cleaning and disinfecting devices are arranged in built-in wardrobes, especially in medical practices, there is therefore an impairment of the quality of the built-in cabinets, which can lead to the formation of mold.

A particularly heavy load occurs when, after instrument disinfection, an active drying of the interior of the device takes place by means of a fan and this exhaust air is carried to the rear.

To avoid this problem, a device has been developed in which the exhaust air is discharged through the front of the device in the practice or laboratory space, with visible vapors are visible during active drying by means of blower. Also, with such a design, even during the heating phase up to 90 ° C. in the disinfection phase in a very powerful device, visible steam waves may occur due to the high vapor pressure.

From the DE 101 14 946 A1 For example, there is known a method of disinfecting waste in which autoclave steam is condensed in a steam condenser designed as a unitary space without barriers. Due to this configuration as a uniform space, no bypass within the steam condenser is provided according to the teaching of this patent application.

From the DE 42 37 253 A1 a condenser for a household laundry drier is known, in which - similar to the previously discussed patent application - a uniform barrier-free steam condenser is provided.

From the US 2006/0251540 A1 For example, a sterilizer is known in which condensation of steam within a cooling coil occurs. Thus, this US patent application relates to a different condensation principle than the present invention.

The invention is based on the problem to provide a cleaning device available, in which a visible Wrasenaustritt is avoided, the steam condenser ensures a safe venting and an overpressure during heating in a wash chamber is avoided.

This object is achieved by a steam condenser for the exhaust air of a cleaning device having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the steam condenser for the exhaust air of a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning and disinfecting device, which communicates with the interior of the cleaning device, at least one inlet for the inlet of water vapor from the interior of the cleaning device and at least one nozzle for spraying cold water for condensation of the water vapor entering the condenser from the interior of the cleaning appliance.

The cooling water passes through a spray nozzle in the steam condenser and is also used for effective spray condensation. The sprayed cooling water causes the condensation of the incoming steam and thus the formation of a vapor barrier, so that the visible Wrasenaustritt is prevented in the environment. The free path of vapor from the inlet to the outlet of the condenser is blocked.

The at least one inlet opening for the inlet of the water vapor and the at least one nozzle for spraying cold water are arranged in cross flow to each other.

As a result of this arrangement, the spray stream emerging from the nozzle and the vapor stream emerging from the inlet opening intersect. In this case, the cold water spray stream preferably flows directly over the inlet opening, so that steam is drawn in from the inlet opening due to the spray direction of the nozzle due to the resulting negative pressure. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the spray stream emerging from the at least one nozzle is directed downwards.

The claimed steam condenser is characterized in that a bypass for safe venting and to avoid overpressure during heating in the wash chamber is disposed within the steam condenser.

The bypass is preferably formed in the form of a hose and / or tube, and thus enables effective steam condensation. The cross section of the bypass is preferably smaller by a multiple, in particular by 1/20 times smaller than the inlet and outlet cross-section.

In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet openings of the bypass are arranged as close as possible above the water surface of the cooling water accumulating in the lower section of the steam condenser. Due to the length of the bypass and the dense arrangement of the openings above the cooling water, a very effective condensation effect of the escaping vapor is achieved.

Also, the steam condenser advantageously has at least one cooling water outlet in its lower section, wherein a cooling water pump with a check valve is preferably connected to the at least one cooling water outlet. The check valve is in particular necessary for the construction of the vapor barrier.

Furthermore, the steam condenser may have a level switch for regulating the level of the cooling water, in particular a float or pressure switch, in the steam condenser.

Also, an overflow pipe with float is advantageously arranged in the steam condenser. The overflow pipe with float serves to avoid a high water level and the concomitant increase in pressure in the wash chamber in the event of a defective float switch.

The steam condenser can also have a free outlet, which serves for the safe separation of water between the drinking water connection and the wash liquor in the washer-disinfector.

Preferably, the nozzle of the steam condenser is designed as a hollow cone nozzle.

The steam condenser according to the invention can be used in a cleaning and / or disinfection device (RGD) or in household electrical appliances (white goods).

The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method having the features of claim 12.

• – Einsprühen des Kühlwassers durch mindestens eine Düse in den Dampfkondensator während des Aufheizens, insbesondere während der Desinfektionsphase und/oder Schlussspülung, bei gleichzeitigem Einleiten des Wasserdampfes aus dem Inneren des Reinigungsgerätes in den Dampfkondensator über mindestens einen Dampfeinlass bis zum vollständigen Aufbau der Dampfsperre, und
• – nach Beendigung des Aufheizens, insbesondere nach Beendigung der Desinfektionsphase, Abpumpen des Kühlwassers aus dem Dampfkondensator über mindestens einen Kühlwasserablauf mittels mindestens einer Kühlwasserpumpe.

Thereafter, the method for establishing a vapor barrier in the steam condenser according to the invention, in particular in a cleaning device and very particularly in a washer-disinfector, comprises the following steps:

• - Spraying the cooling water through at least one nozzle in the steam condenser during heating, in particular during the disinfection phase and / or final rinsing, while simultaneously introducing the steam from the interior of the cleaning device in the steam condenser via at least one steam inlet to complete construction of the vapor barrier, and
• - After completion of the heating, in particular after completion of the disinfection phase, pumping the cooling water from the steam condenser via at least one cooling water drain by means of at least one cooling water pump.

The vapor barrier is completely built up if there is no visible vapor or vapor escape into the environment.

During the process, the pressure inside the cleaning device, such. B. in the wash chamber during disinfecting and rinsing, less than 5 mbar. The temperature is between 60 to 120 ° C, preferably between 70 to 100 ° C, particularly preferably at 90 ° C. The cooling water used to build up the vapor barrier in the steam condenser is sprayed at a flow rate of ≤ 1 l / min.

During the process, a level of water sufficient for the vapor barrier is detected by the float switch. This water level is reached when the steam or vapor can not flow unhindered through the steam condenser, but it comes to a condensation of the water vapor within the steam condenser.

The degradation of the vapor barrier is preferably carried out by a complete pumping out of the cooling water. Subsequently, an active drying of the load in the washing chamber of the cleaning device by means of a blower.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description of an embodiment with reference to the figures.

Show it:

1 a schematic side view of the construction of a steam condenser, and

2 another schematic side view of the construction of a steam condenser.

1 and 2 illustrate the structure and operation of a steam condenser, which is attached to the rear wall of a washer-disinfector.

In 1 the way of the water vapor from the inside of the washer-disinfector is shown without built-up vapor barrier. The steam or vapor escapes from the interior of the washer-disinfector via the inlet opening 1 into the steam condenser, leaving essentially unchanged the steam condenser via the steam outlet 11 ,

2 shows the operation of the steam condenser with built-up vapor barrier.

About the spray nozzle 2 is during the heating up to 90 ° C in the course of the disinfection phase or final rinse cooling water to build up the vapor barrier in the steam condenser in the form of a spray 5 sprayed. The water level sufficient for the vapor barrier is achieved with the float switch 8th recognized. Too high a water level 12 is by the swimmer 7 connected to the overflow pipe 9 balanced.

To divert the water vapor from the interior of the washer-disinfector this is via the inlet opening 1 introduced into the steam condenser. At the same time, the cooling water is sprayed into the steam condenser via the spray nozzle 2 , Steam and cooling water are introduced in crossflow into the steam condenser. The sprayed cooling water causes condensation of the water vapor, so that the escape of vapors from the washer-disinfector is avoided by the steam condenser.

The overpressure formed during the heating up of the washing chamber of the washer-disinfector when the vapor barrier is built up is passed through the bypass 6 reduced. Due to the length of the bypass and the dense arrangement of the openings above the cooling water, this results in an effective condensation effect of the escaping vapor.

After completion of the disinfection phase and / or final rinse and after complete discharge of the water vapor from the interior of the washer-disinfector, the accumulated in the lower part of the steam condenser cooling water 12 by means of a cooling water pump through the cooling water drain 11 completely pumped out, so that a degradation of the vapor barrier takes place. Subsequently, the existing inside the washer-disinfector load is dried by means of a blower.

The free outlet 3 The steam condenser is used for a safe separation of water between the drinking water connection and the wash liquor in the washer-disinfector.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Inlet opening / steam inlet

2

spray nozzle

3

free outlet

4

to the water inlet in the washer-disinfector

5

spray

6

bypass

7

swimmer

8th

float switch

9

Overflow pipe

10

Cooling water outlet

11

Outlet opening / steam outlet

12

Water level after construction of the vapor barrier

Claims (13)

Steam condenser for the exhaust air of a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning and disinfecting device, which is in communication with the interior of the cleaning device, with at least one inlet opening ( 1 ) for the inlet of the water vapor from the interior of the cleaning device and at least one nozzle ( 2 ) for spraying cold water to condense the water vapor entering the condenser from the interior of the cleaning appliance, the at least one inlet opening ( 1 ) and the at least one nozzle ( 2 ) are arranged in cross-flow to each other, characterized in that a bypass ( 6 ) is disposed within the steam condenser. Steam condenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one nozzle ( 2 ) exiting spray stream is directed downward. Steam condenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bypass ( 6 ) is formed in the form of a hose and / or tube. Steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet and outlet openings of the bypass ( 6 ) as close as possible above the water surface of the lower part of the steam condenser ( 1 ) are arranged collecting cooling water. Steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lower section of the steam condenser ( 1 ) at least one cooling water outlet ( 10 ) is arranged. Steam condenser according to claim 5, characterized in that on the at least one cooling water drain ( 10 ) a cooling water pump with check valve is connected. Steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a level switch ( 8th ) for regulating the state of the cooling water, in particular a float or pressure switch, is arranged in the steam condenser. Steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam condenser has a free outlet ( 3 ) having. Steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an overflow pipe ( 9 ) with floats ( 7 ) is arranged in the steam condenser. Steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spray nozzle ( 2 ) is designed as a hollow cone nozzle. Use of a steam condenser according to one of the preceding claims in a cleaning and / or disinfecting appliance (RGD) or in household electrical appliances (white goods). A method for establishing a vapor barrier using a steam condenser according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a) spraying the cooling water through at least one nozzle ( 2 ) in the steam condenser during the heating, in particular during the disinfection phase and / or final rinse, and b) introducing the steam from the interior of the cleaning device into the steam condenser via at least one inlet opening ( 1 ) and simultaneously further spraying the cooling water into the steam condenser via the at least one nozzle ( 2 ) until the vapor barrier is completely built up. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that after completion of the heating, the cooling water from the steam condenser via at least one cooling water drain ( 10 ) is pumped off by means of at least one cooling water pump.

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