DE3340050A1 - METHOD FOR STERILIZING OBJECTS IN A STEAM PRESSURE STERILIZER AND ALTERNATIVE USE OF STEAM PRESSURE PRESSURE AND VACUUM, AND STEAM PRESSURE Sterilizer FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD - Google Patents

Description

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

The invention relates to a method for sterilizing Objects in a steam pressure sterilizer with alternating use of steam overpressure and vacuum, in the case of multiple marriages the Air is removed from the sterilization chamber, into the chamber pressurized steam is introduced to there to act during the side span necessary for sterilization, the chamber is then evacuated to dry the sterilized items and finally ir.it sterile air for an air balance is provided. The invention also relates to a steam pressure sterilizer for carrying out the process according to the invention Procedure.

Steam pressure sterilizers used today in hospitals and similar large institutions usually work alternating with vacuum and "overpressure. This steam pressure, -: - Sterilizers are large, complicated, and expensive. Also, they don't work with a closed oyste. and the condensed steam will therefore go straight to the sewage system drained.

For smaller practices such as dental practices _r: it only one or a few dentists, can Kapazzität a large Dampfdrucksterilisators are not exploited and therefore forms for this one to be great investment. Small steam pressure sterilizers with more or less thorough training are available for these purposes.

When sterilizing bandages and instruments, etc., the objects are steamed from a temperature above

BATH ORIGINAL

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

Ιν, Ο'Ο treated. In the simplest form, the sterile _; ization by viascer, which is generated by heating elements in the Ste-. rliisationski-üiner is heated. Available nowadays ^; steinende kleir.e steam pressure sterilizers only work with

Overpressure. This overpressure is achieved by a combination of, a; high-lying water container, with solenoid valves and ^: oii.en ". Heizeier, .ent generated, with steam being generated in the form of pressure ι many. With increasing hygiene requirements ^; the desire for smaller steam pressure sterilizers, weicriG r. with vacuum and a closed water circuit

worker :. ;

Large pressure sterilizers cannot do this easily
be scaled down proportionally and still economical; una work reliably. The difficulties with
the reduction in size are likely to occur
the main reason why so far no small vacuum steam pressure sterilizers are on the market. '

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for vacuum sterilization in steam pressure sterilizers
,:, u. create as well as a steam pressure sterilizer, which the
sterilization using overpressure steam and vacuum
nevertheless allows una for use in dental practices, smaller ones. Practices from general practitioners, laboratories, etc. suitable
is ur.d has a closed water system and can be lifted: can be manufactured cost-effectively.

BAD ORlGiMAi

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

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Gekennzeich.net is the method according to the invention essentially in that the water is circulated in a closed circuit, the air is sucked out of the chamber by means of a negative pressure generated by an ejector in the circuit, possibly with an ejection of steam, that then the circuit between the chamber outlet and the rest of the circuit is interrupted and at the same time the connection between a water tank in the system and a steam generator is opened to put the chamber with high pressure steam under pressure for the actual sterilizing process, that then the connection between the chamber and the rest of the circuit is restored and the chamber is made empty of air and steam again and this vacuum condition, as soon as it is reached, is maintained until the final drying of the items to be sterilized, and that finally the connection between the chamber outlet and the rest of the circuit is interrupted again and at the same time a connection to the ambient air is established via a sterile filter in order to achieve pressure equalization with the atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the invention, the air is continuously removed from the sterilization chamber and the Chamber simultaneously pressurized by means of high pressure dar.pf.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the steam leaving the sterilization chamber is by means of a cooled in a return line arranged cooler.

BATH ORIGINAL Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

A steam pressure sterilizer to carry out the erfindungsgerr.äter The method is essentially characterized by a closed water circuit with a water tank and a water pump, which feeds water and water to a steam generator that supplies the sterilization chamber with steam pumped back through an ejector and from this via a return line to the water tank, whereby a branching off from the ejector Line and a line leading from the sterilization chamber through an adjustable valve into the open air hammer the pressure can be lowered and a vacuum can be achieved.

According to a further proposal of the invention is an outlet line the chamber is connected to a three-way valve, by means of polyhedra, the outlet line with a line via a check valve and the line communicates with the ejector and also with the atmosphere, preferably via a sterile filter standing line is connectable.

It is also provided that the water pump via a line to the ejector and via this to the steam generator is connected and that in the return line from the ejector to V / ater tank a valve is arranged.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the Pump ir. With the ejector directly via a first through valve and also directly to the via a second straight-way valve Steam generator connected.

BATH ORIGINAL Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

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Furthermore, arrangements are provided which, if the all air is removed from the pressure chamber, close the external circuit. With such an arrangement it can be a thermostat actuating the three-way valve or a line bypassing the three-way valve, which contains a water separator.

According to a further special feature of the invention is between the line from the three-way valve and the line leading back to the water tank Return line a bypass line for the ejector provided with a check valve.

Finally, a cooler is expediently provided which cools the steam leaving the pressure chamber. This Cooler can be in the line immediately after the three-way valve, in the line bypassing the ejector or in the to the Line leading to the water tank can be arranged.

The steam pressure sterilizer works without a .. cooler for occasional sterilizations. If however, if it is used continuously, the water in the system can very quickly become too hot, so that the sterilizer cannot works more satisfactorily.

In the version with a straight-way valve, a check valve is preferably arranged between the pump and the ejector. As a result of the pressure drop across the check valve, which is usually around 1 hg, the tank can be positioned higher than the steam generator without the risk of water

ORIGINAL BATHROOM

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

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Zulu steam generator runs when the pump is not working. If the pump does not leak when it is not working, this check valve can be omitted. In the embodiment according to the invention, such a check valve prevents steam from entering the pump when it is at a standstill during the sterilization phase.

With the passage valves and three-way valves may be, -yes oclenoidventile or pneumatically controlled valves while the check valves are self-controlled. ^!

Further features and special features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description of some; Embodiments based on the accompanying drawing; it shows

Fifci.i an embodiment of an inventive Steam pressure sterilizer in a schematic representation;

2 shows a second embodiment of the invention Steam pressure sterilizer; and

3 shows a modified E'orm of that shown in Pig.l Steam pressure sterilizer.

The figures show all elements which are necessary for the function j of the steam pressure sterilizer according to the invention are essential. You ε according to the invention like method and the method according to the invention Darr. to ^ th oterilization process are described in which

BATH ORIGINAL

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

the air is removed and a pressure is created by means of steam a pre-vacuum is generated, a renewed U.iterpressurization and the sterilization is carried out, the pressure chamber during a post-vacuum su / n drying of the items to be sterilized evacuated and finally pressurized to atmosphere by allows sterile air to flow into the pressure or sterilization chamber. '

The method can of course be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the air can be removed directly from the pressure chamber without first creating a vapor pressure.

The steam pressure sterilizer according to the invention shown in the figures has a sterilization or pressure chamber 1 and a water tank 2.

In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig.l there is an external Circuit from water tank 2 through pump J., line 4, the ejector 5 * lines 6 and 7 and the steam generator L. Water is pumped from the tank to the steam generator, which in turn feeds steam into the pressure chamber 1. This outer circuit then continues through outlet line 9, a three-way valve 10 and a line 11, which leads via a check valve 12 to the line 6, again to the ejector 5 away. The external circuit then runs back to the water tank 2 via a passage valve 1J5 and a line 14.

BATH ORIGINAL

334UU50

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

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In the same way as this external circuit, an internal circuit also leads from the water tank 2 via the pump J5 · Here water is fed into the line k- through the ejector 5 * the solenoid; 13 and the return line l4 to tank 2 is pumped back.

The Autoclave also has a sterile filter 15> which valve 16 having conduit 17 communicates with the three-way valve 10 via a non-return * in connection. In connection with the pressure chamber 1, a safety valve li_ must also be provided.

To feed steam into the sterilization or pressure chamber 1, the uolenoid valve I3 is closed and water is pumped into the steam generator L , which blows steam into the chamber 1. The connection to the line 11 is through the three ^; Directional control valve IC closed to build up pressure. When a specified pressure is reached, the pump is stopped. In order to maintain the pressure, the pump is started again for a short moment by any suitable means in order to determine the pressure in the pressure chamber 1.

In order to lower the pressure and to empty the chamber 1, the connection between the line 9 ^and the line 11 is opened by means of the three-way valve 10. The passage valve 13 is also opened, so that the pump 3 now pumps water through the ejector j> in order to generate a negative pressure in the line 6.

BATH ORIGINAL

Andrejewski, Honice & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

For example, to sterilize wrapped items,;, is conveniently used to remove most of the air from the pressure chamber and envelopes in a · -, first; Step of the pressure chamber 1 supplied overpressure steam. To this A considerable amount of air is squeezed out and there the emptying takes place up to a partial vacuum. The earthen Packaging existing steam / air mixture is essentially sucked out completely and you reach an extreme good emptying. In the embodiment shown in Fig.l: ^ sbeispiel The steam pressure sterilizer can remove air continuously while simultaneously suppressing it but it is removed intermittently. Allerdi: ^ s are simple modifications: not possible to oLne continuous Pressurization with simultaneous evacuation of air: ^ to achieve how this will be described later.

When the sterilization and drying is completed under the following vacuum, the pressure de must: ι atmospheric pressure are equalized · The three-way valve IC sur line 17 and the sterile filter is for this purpose lj opened to so that sterile air into the chamber 1 through the Outlet pipe J flows in. The non-return valve 16 reduces air flow when the three-way valve is open to the line 17, as if there was an overpressure in the system.

2 shows a further embodiment of an inventive Steam pressure sterilizer, for the same; Parts the same reference numerals have been used as in Fig.i. in the In contrast to the design described above, there is a

BATH ORIGINAL

'J ' ό ii UUOU

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

A first port valve 19 is arranged in line k upstream of the ejector 5. In addition, the pump 3 is directly connected to the steam generator 8 via a second passage valve 20.

This embodiment allows the air to be continuously removed from the chamber 1 while the chamber is simultaneously pressurized with steam, the second port valve 20 and three-way valve 10 being opened while the first port valve 19 is kept closed. The air flows via the outlet line 9 of the chamber 1 through the three-way valve 10 and the ejector 5 into the return line 1K, and from there through the tank into the open. When virtually all of the air has been removed, the three-way valve 10 is closed to build up pressure in the system. This sequence of functions can be controlled in various ways, as will be explained in detail in connection with FIG.

as soon as a specified pressure is reached in chamber 1, the second gate valve 20 is closed, and the three-way valve 10 and the first gate valve I9 are opened. In this way, the steam is removed from the chamber 1 and the chamber is reduced by the negative pressure generated in the ejector 5 emptied. In the same way, any air remaining, for example, in the packaging is removed and an extreme good emptying result achieved. By closing the first port valve 2υ, the pressurization takes place again: chamber 1. During the actual sterilization phase, the pressure is maintained by turning the pump on for a short time.

SAD

Andrejewski, Honlce & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

is left and at the same time the second gate valve 2u is opened. The emptying is then carried out as described above carried out and the vacuum maintained long enough to dry the items to be sterilized properly. Sin pressure equalization at atmospheric pressure is also carried out in the manner described, with both gate valves 19 and 20 are closed and the three-way valve 10 to the sterile filter 15 is opened.

While therefore in the embodiment according to Pig.l the Steam pressure sterilizer is controlled by the single passage valve, the pump and the three-way valve, becomes the embodiment 2 controlled by both port valves, the pump and the three-way valve. The check valves in the system are simple, reliable, inexpensive and, above all, work completely automatically. The inventive Steam pressure sterilizer therefore gives extremely simple control with only a few controlled valves, i.e. two respectively three. In comparison to certain steam pressure sterilizers on the market, this means up to seven controlled valves require a significant technical advance.

The opposite Fig.l modified embodiment of the invention 3 uses the same reference numerals as Fig.l. for the same parts. Except for the check valve 21, which is arranged in the line behind the pump 3, the modifications described can also be used in the same way in the embodiment shown and described in FIG.

OBIGlNAL

Andrejewski, Honice & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

example. It should also be noted that I. these modifications can be carried out individually or collectively.

In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig.l is therefore between the pump j5 and the ejector 5 is a check valve 21 arranged. As a result of the pressure drop occurring over this check valve, the water tank 2 can be higher than the Steam generator can be arranged without the risk of water running into the steam generator when the pump is at a standstill.

There is also a bypass line 22 for the three-way valve 10 is provided, which has a water separator 23. By the three-way valve 10 during the evacuation of the pressure chamber 1 is kept closed, the air is forced to flow through the line 22 into the water separator 23. When practically all of the air has been squeezed out, the water separator automatically switches the outer one Circuit and thereby provides a simple reliable una expedient control.

Alternatively, a thermostat can be provided in the line 9 to close the three-way valve 10 when a certain temperature has been reached. In the designs according to Fig.l and 2, the removal of the air can either according to after a certain period of time or when a certain vacuum is reached.

BATH ORIGINAL

Andrejewslci, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

'In Figure 3 is also a second, the check valve 12, J the ejector 5 and the gate valve 13 bypassing line 24 provided. This enables continuous emptying and simultaneous pressurization with steam em, ög- ■ light. Another advantage of this measure is that • a pressure drop in the chamber is achieved much more quickly can be as if the entire air / steam mixture, the ejector 5 had to pass.

\ To enable frequent use of the steam pressure sterilizer, cooling must be provided somewhere in the system. Fig.3 shows a cooler 26 in the line 24 behind

'' the check valve 25 · The condensation water from the cooler flows: through the line 14 to the water tank 2.

! The cooler can, however, also be in the line 11 directly j can be arranged behind the three-way valve 10.

ι The advantage of having the cooler in the manner shown in Fig.3 To arrange j consists in the fact that the cow does not empty too. needs to be the pre-vacuum or the subsequent vacuum to create.

; The specified pressure is expediently close to 230 kPa : and the temperature at approx. 135 ° C. If the water or the! Steam in the system can be cooled using a relatively good vacuum

be respected in the pressure chamber, even if the steam '■ drucksterilisator often used in succession. There are no problems with maintaining a vacuum of 20-40 mm Hg.

«·. ο t "» ΛηίΛΙΟΙΙΙ W /

334UUbQ

Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen

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Of course, further modifications of the invention are possible without having to depart from the concept of the invention. For example, the heat exchange between the water in the line 7 before the steam generator 8 and the cooler 2.6 can take place. A passage valve can also be arranged in the line 7 between the line 6 and the steam generator 8 * so that the pump can be stopped during the pressure reduction phase. The three-way valve 10 could also be replaced by two gate valves.

BATH ORIGINAL

Claims (1)

Amandreevsky , Honke & Partner Patent attorneys Physicist Dr. Walter Andrejewski Graduate engineer Dr.-lng. Manfred Honke Physicist Dr. Karl Gerhard Masch tawafoakt: 60 877 / W-th 4300 EiMn 1, Ttoaterplaiz 3, Postf. 100254 October 31, I9B3 Patent and utility model auxiliary application Landstingen "Tnköpscentral LIC Svetsarvägen S-171 &> 3 SOLNA, Sweden Method of sterilizing objects in a steam pressure sterilizer and alternate Use of steam overpressure and vacuum, as well as steam pressure sterilizer to carry out the process. Patent claims: 1. A method for sterilizing objects in a steam pressure sterilizer with alternating use of steam overpressure and vacuum, in which the air is removed from the sterilization chamber in order to be necessary for sterilization there during the Time to act, the chamber is then evacuated to dry the sterilized items and finally with COPY f © AD ORIGINAL -P- sterile air is provided for an air balance, that j characterized by that the water in \ a closed circuit is brought into circulation, the I. _Aift - possibly with previous ejection by steam -! from the chamber (1) by means of an ejector (5) in the Circuit generated vacuum is sucked off, that then the j circuit between the. Chamber outlet and the rest of the circuit is interrupted -.ind at the same time the connection between. a .. water tank (2) in the system and a steam generator (δ) is opened, usr. for the actual sterilization process j to put the chamber under pressure with high pressure steam, that as- '■■ then the connection between the chamber and the rest of the circuit; running again and thereby the chamber is made empty of air and steam again and this vacuum state as soon as
it is reached, is maintained until the final drying of the sterilization goods, and that finally the connection between the chamber outlet and the rest of the circuit
interrupted again and at the same time a connection to the ambient air is established via a sterile filter (15) in order to> achieve pressure equalization with the atmosphere. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that
the air continuously from the sterilization chamber (1)
removed and at the same time the chamber with high pressure steam under
Pressure set wire. 3 · The method according to claim 1, characterized in that
the steam leaving the sterilization chamber (1) before it
Return to the water tank (2) is cooled. BATH ORIGINAL Andreiewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen 4. Steam pressure sterilizer for sterilizing objects according to claim 1, characterized by a closed Water circuit with a water tank (2) and a Viasserpump (j5), which one the sterilization chamber (1) with steam supplying steam generator (b) with water as well as water through an ejector (5) and from this via a return line (14) is pumped back to the water tank, whereby a line (6) branching off from the ejector and one from the sterilization chamber The pressure and a vacuum in the chamber can be lowered via an adjustable valve into the open air is achievable. 5. Steam pressure sterilizer according to claim 4, characterized in that that an outlet line (9) of the chamber (1) with a ·; Three-way valve (10) is connected, by means of which ;! the outlet pipe with a line (11) via a check valve (12) and the line (6) with the ejector (5) and outside :. «Dt the atmosphere is preferably connectable via a sterile filter (15) connected line (I7). 6. Steam pressure sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5 # thereby characterized in that the water pump (j5) via a line (4) to the ejector (5) and via this to the steam generator (L) is connected and that a passage valve (I3) is arranged in the return line (14) from the ejector to the water tank (2). 7- steam pressure sterilizer according to claim 6, characterized in that that in line (4) from the pump (5) to the ejector (5) a check valve (21) is arranged. BATH ORIGINAL Andrejewski, Honke & Partner, patent attorneys in Essen f ... steam pressure sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5 * thereby
characterized in that the pump (j5) with the ejector (5) directly i via a first through valve (19) and also via a
second straight-way valve (20) directly to the steam generator (8)
connected is. ■ j. ■ Steam pressure sterilizer according to one of claims 4 to 8,
characterized in that in the outlet line (9) the
Chamber (1) for controlling the three-way valve (10) a thermostat is arranged. ■ Iu. Steam pressure sterilizer according to one of claims 4 to 9 » ! characterized in that a bypass line (22) and ', a water separator (23) for bypassing the three-way valve! (1O) are provided. ! 11. Steam pressure sterilizer according to one of claims 4 to 10, \ characterized in that between the line (11) from: the three-way valve (10) and to the water tank (2) to return the return line (14) a bypass line (24 ) with return! check valve (25) is provided. I. 12. Steam pressure sterilizer according to one of claims 4 to 11, \ characterized in that in the line (11) from the three-way | Valve (10) a cooler is arranged. ^! 13. Steam pressure sterilizer according to claim 11, characterized shows that behind the check valve (25) in the bypass line (24) between the line (11) from the three-way valve til (IC) and the return line leading back to the water tank (2) (L4) a cooler (26) is provided. BATH ORIGINAL