EP2429594A1

EP2429594A1 - Sterilisation device and corresponding method

Info

Publication number: EP2429594A1
Application number: EP09784381A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard Jean Louis Caterini
Original assignee: Sarl Vital Energy
Current assignee: Sarl Vital Energy
Priority date: 2009-05-07
Filing date: 2009-05-07
Publication date: 2012-03-21
Also published as: WO2010128217A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for sterilising a material including a means for emitting waves, said device (1) being characterised in that the wave-emitting means is designed to cause a first increase in the temperature of said material to a first set value (T1) which is not sufficient for sterilising said product, a first reduction of said temperature of said material from the first set value (T1) to a second set value (T2), substantially lower than the first set value (T1), and a second increase in the temperature of said material from the second set value (T2), the combination of the first increase (30), the first reduction and the second increase in the temperature making it possible to sterilise said product. The invention can be used in devices for sterilising materials.

Description

STERILIZING DEVICE AND CORRESPONDING METHOD

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general technical field of product treatment devices for the destruction of germs, for example microbial, pathogenic or not, that could contain the products.

The present invention relates in particular to the technical field of the sterilization of products for the destruction, at least partially, pathogenic or non-pathogenic germs they could contain.

The present invention relates to a device for sterilizing a product comprising a wave emitting means for sterilizing the product.

The present invention also relates to a method of sterilization by wave emission.

The present invention further relates to a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of a sterilization process.

Finally, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium on which a computer program is recorded.

PRIOR ART

It is known to use sterilization to destroy microbial germs that may be present in food products, on medical or surgical equipment, or in organic waste. The main objective of the sterilization, by annihilating germs, is to avoid intoxication of humans or animals by these potentially dangerous germs, to limit the proliferation in humans. the environment of these microbial germs and reduce the risk of contamination or infection related to human or animal contact with such germs.

Among the well-known methods, sterilization by autoclave is commonly used which consists in combining a very high pressure (of the order of several bars) with a very high temperature (more than 120 ^° C.) in a closed chamber to destroy any germ. microbial potentially present in a product to be sterilized. In general, it is considered that the product has reached a sterile state when the probability of finding a viable or revivable germ in the treated product does not exceed one millionth (1/10 ⁶ ).

This autoclave process, while allowing optimal sterilization of a product, nevertheless presents a number of disadvantages.

Indeed, this process requires a significant energy input to achieve a high operating pressure and temperature of the autoclave. It is therefore a costly process that requires a device (autoclave type) particularly resistant to high pressures and high temperatures.

In addition, the rise in pressure and temperature of the autoclave is long and the complete sterilization process implementing the autoclave requires at least several hours, generally more than 3 hours.

In addition, autoclave sterilization is a complex process that uses specific skills, including pressure and temperature management for optimal sterilization. This is a potentially dangerous process that requires perfect control by the operator to avoid any danger that may arise due to the particularly high temperature and pressure.

Therefore, sterilization by autoclave is a long process, expensive energy and whose implementation does not allow widespread use, practical or domestic. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new sterilization device for rapid and simple sterilization, while being inexpensive in energy.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new sterilization device for optimal sterilization regardless of the size and composition of the products to be sterilized.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new sterilization device for effective monitoring and control of sterilization.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new sterilization device that is easy to implement and allows safe and secure sterilization for a manipulator.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new sterilization device that optimizes energy intake by allowing optimal sterilization performance regardless of the product to be sterilized.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel sterilization device implementing a conventional and easily available wave emission means.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new rapid sterilization process that is simple to implement while being inexpensive in energy.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new sterilization process that is effective and easily adaptable to any type of product to be sterilized.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new sterilization process comprising easy and rapid implementation steps to implement. The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a device for sterilizing a product comprising a wave emission means, said device being characterized in that the wave emission means is designed to ensure a first rise in the temperature within said product up to a first setpoint which does not make it possible to sterilize said product, a first decrease of said temperature within said product from the first setpoint up to a second setpoint value substantially lower than the first setpoint value, and a second rise in the temperature within said product from the second setpoint value, the combination of the first rise, the first decrease and the second rise temperature for sterilizing said product.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of sterilizing a product by emission of waves, said method comprising at least the following steps:

a first rise in the temperature within said product to a first setpoint which does not make it possible to sterilize said product,

a first decrease of said temperature within said product from the first setpoint value to a second setpoint value substantially lower than the first setpoint value,

- A second rise in the temperature within said product from the second setpoint, the combination of the first rise, the first decrease and the second rise in temperature to sterilize said product.

The objects assigned to the invention are furthermore achieved by means of a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of a sterilization process.

The objects assigned to the invention are finally achieved using a support that can be read by a computer and on which is recorded a program. DESCRIPITF SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the description which follows, as well as with the aid of the accompanying drawings, given purely by way of illustration and without limitation, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a diagrammatic front view partially cut away, a preferred embodiment of a sterilization device, in the closed position, according to the present invention.

- Figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic front view, a preferred embodiment of a portion of the sterilization device of the present invention.

- Figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic sectional view from above, a wave transmission means of the sterilization device of the present invention.

- Figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a sterilization device, in the open position, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 represents a graph of the evolution of the temperature of the product in the sterilization device during the sterilization process of the present invention.

BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sterilization device 1 of a product, that is to say a machine designed to sterile a product. The device 1 of the invention is intended to destroy, at least partially, preferably completely, germs and / or agents, pathogenic or not, likely to be present in the product. In the sense of "germs", it is preferentially to mean microbial germs, such as, for example, viruses, bacteria, fungi or yeasts, this list not being exhaustive, capable of having a detrimental effect on the product and / or on a microbe. man or animal in contact with said product. The product to be sterilized may be of a different nature, composition, shape, size or size. Advantageously, the sterilization device 1 is designed for sterilization of organic products, preferably organic waste such as for example hospital and / or medical and / or veterinary and / or food waste, said products can in particular have variable humidity. These wastes include used blood bags, dressings soiled with blood or bodily substances, compresses used, waste from agri-food industries, this list is not exhaustive.

The device 1 comprises a wave emitting means 2 designed to sterilize the product, that is to say that the wave emitting means 2 makes it possible, by wave emission, to render the product sterile. Preferably, the wave-emitting means 2 comprises at least one magnetron 3 intended to emit electromagnetic waves, preferably in a band S substantially in the band of 2 to 4 GHz, preferably microwaves. In other words, the device 1 comprises means for sending microwaves whose wavelength is preferably substantially between 7.5 and 15 cm, and some of which reach the product to contribute to its sterilization . Preferably, the entire heating of the product allowing its sterilization is carried out by subjecting the product to the microwaves emitted by the wave emitting means 2.

The use of microwaves of the S-band for sterilization has the advantage of being cheap compared to prior methods using other types of waves. However, it is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention, that the waves are energy, frequency and / or wavelength different from those mentioned above, while contributing to the sterilization of the product.

When the product is subjected to microwave radiation, emitted by the wave emitting means 2, preferably by the magnetron 3, said product absorbs part of the received waves. These absorbed waves are advantageously converted into heat energy which allows a rise in temperature within the product, the unabsorbed waves generating reflected waves. So, these are the waves produced by the magnetron 3, a portion of which is received and absorbed by the product, which contribute to raising the temperature of the latter, as part of its sterilization.

Therefore, the product, subjected to the electromagnetic radiation generated by the wave emission means 2, advantageously undergoes temperature variations as a function of the variations in the emission, reception and absorption of the electromagnetic waves, said variations of the wave emissions allowing the sterilization of the product.

Indeed, the wave emitting means 2 is designed to provide a first rise in temperature within said product to a first set value T ₁ which does not allow to sterilize said product. In other words, the first rise 30 allows the product to reach a temperature that remains compatible with the life of the seeds, that is to say a much lower temperature than that prevailing in an autoclave, for example.

During a first phase A, as shown in FIG. 5, the magnetron 3 operates and allows the product, which is initially at a temperature value T ₀ , to be heated up to a temperature value T ₁ . Preferably, the phase A corresponding to the first temperature rise has a variable duration depending on the product, for example its composition, its concentration and / or its size, this list not being exhaustive. The temperature value T ₀ corresponds to a value representative of the temperature at which the product is located just before sterilization, this value T ₀ thus being particularly variable, in particular according to the origin and the nature of the product.

In addition, the first set value T ₁ also advantageously varies according to the product to be sterilized, preferably as a function of its composition, its initial temperature and its dimensions, said first setpoint value T ₁ being preferably determined automatically by the sterilization device 1. In other words, the device 1 is in this case designed to automatically define the first set value T ₁ which preferably corresponds to a a value representative of the maximum temperature within the product, additional electromagnetic radiation received by the product having no effect of raising the temperature within said product. Thus, whatever the product, the device 1 is capable of producing a rise in temperature within the product until reaching a value T ₁ corresponding substantially to maximum molecular agitation of the seeds present within said product, the slope the right 30 being variable and adjustable depending on the product.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the first setpoint value T ₁ is substantially between 40 ^° C. and 100 ^° C., preferably substantially between 70 ° C. and 90 ^° C., preferably substantially equal to 80 ° C. vs.

Preferably, the first phase A corresponds to a cell agitation phase during which the seeds are "excited" and "awake", especially if they were previously in the cell dormancy phase. However, this phase A, even though it may cause the elimination of a few germs, does not by itself sufficient destruction of germs to sterilize the product.

After phase A, the wave emitting means 2 is designed to provide a first decrease of said temperature 31, corresponding to a phase B, within said product from the first setpoint value T ₁ to a second setpoint value T ₂ substantially lower than the first setpoint value T ₁ . During phase B, the wave emitting means 2 is stopped or slowed down so that the electromagnetic radiation to which the product is subjected is reduced or completely stopped. Preferably, the second setpoint value T _2, which corresponds to a minimum value below which the temperature of the product does not substantially drop during sterilization, is between approximately 80 and 95% of the value of the first value. setpoint T ₁ , preferably T ₂ is substantially equal to 88% of T ₁ .

During phase B, the drop in the temperature of the product preferably corresponds to a recovery phase of a cellular activity of the microbial germs of the product. For example, during phase B, these germs are going to have tendency to multiply by cell divisions, which makes them particularly fragile. Preferably, the first phase B corresponds to a phase of cellular dynamism during which the germs are weakened.

Finally, when the temperature of the product reaches a value substantially equal to the second setpoint value T ₂ , the wave emission means is designed to ensure a second rise in temperature 32, corresponding to a phase C, within said produced from the second setpoint value T ₂ . During this phase C, the product to be sterilized is again subjected to the electromagnetic radiation generated by the wave emitting means, preferably by the magnetron 3, which emits waves again. The product, absorbing part of the waves emitted by the magnetron 3 in phase C, then undergoes a new elevation of its temperature, which is substantially equivalent to an increase in the molecular agitation of the seeds it contains.

Advantageously, the wave-emitting means 2 is designed to ensure the second raising of the temperature 32 within said product from the second setpoint value T ₂ to a temperature substantially equal to the first value of setpoint T ₁ . In other words, during phase C, the temperature of the product is brought to a value substantially identical to that of T ₁ , ie at a substantially maximum temperature of said product. Preferably, phase C, corresponding to a pulse phase, is faster than phase A and has a destructive wave burst effect on the seeds of the product which are now vulnerable and particularly sensitive to said waves.

Phase C therefore preferably corresponds to a destruction phase during which any germ or pathogen contained in said product is destroyed or killed in order to render said product sterile.

Thus, the combination of the first rise 30, the first decrease 31 and the second rise 32 of the temperature makes it possible to sterilize said product. In other words, the device 1, which allows the implementation of the three phases A, B and C of modification of the temperature within the product (see numerical references 30, 31 and 32 of FIG. 5), ensures the sterilization of the product.

Preferably, the wave emitting means 2 makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the product between the first and second setpoint values (T ₁ , T ₂ ) so as to weaken and destroy the seeds. It is also conceivable that the wave emitting means 2 allow, after phase C, a second decrease in temperature 33 (phase D) and then a third rise in temperature 34 (phase E), said phases D and E being substantially identical to the phases B and C respectively, the two phases C and E acting as bursts of waves that kill the seeds. It is also possible that the emission of the waves allows a greater number of phases of first decrease and second rise, in order to advantageously guarantee an integral destruction of any seed in the product.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the device 1 comprises at least one triggering means (not shown) of the wave-emitting means 2 designed to provide a controlled emission of waves in order to obtain the first elevation 30, the first decrease 31 and the second rise 32 of the temperature within the product. Preferably, the triggering means makes it possible to reduce, stop or start the emission of waves, in particular by switching on or off the magnetron 3 which operates for example according to an "all or nothing" system.

Furthermore, advantageously, the sterilization device 1 comprises at least one detection means 5 designed on the one hand to acquire at least one value representative of the temperature within said product, and on the other hand to transmit said at least one a representative temperature value by means of tripping. In other words, according to the representative value of the temperature transmitted by the detection means 5, the triggering means maintains the operation of the wave transmission means 2, slows down, stops or starts the latter. In particular, in phase A, when the temperature of the product reaches the value T ₁ , the triggering means stops the magnetron 3 during the entire phase B until the temperature reaches the value T ₂ , a value at which the medium triggering starts the magnetron 3 again. In an advantageous embodiment, the detection means 5 comprises at least one sensor 6 disposed near the product, said sensor 6 being able on the one hand to determine at least one value representative of the temperature of the product, and on the other hand part of transmitting said at least one value representative of the temperature to said tripping means. Preferably, the sensor consists of an infrared camera 6, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 4. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the sensor is another type of sensor or sensory receiver placed at a distance from the product, preferably out of range of the electromagnetic radiation.

Thus, the sensor 6 makes it possible to monitor, preferably at a distance, the evolution of said temperature within the product and to transmit temperature data to the triggering means so that the latter can cause the magnetron 3 to stop when the temperature has reached the first setpoint value T ₁ and activation of the magnetron 3 when the temperature has reached the second setpoint value T ₂ , so as to advantageously maintain the temperature of the product between the setpoint values T ₁ and T ₂ during the entire duration of the sterilization.

Preferably, the detection and triggering means 5 are managed by a computer system (not shown) making it possible, from the data representative of the temperature and determined by the detection means 5, to calculate the evolution of the temperature at each moment. For example, when the variation of the temperature is low or even zero (the slope of the derivative of the average of the temperature is reversed), the computer system sends a signal to the triggering means so that the latter causes the stop or the slowdown of the wave emission. In addition, the computer system advantageously centralizes all the data relating to the product and the operation of the device 1.

The sterilization device 1 also advantageously comprises, on the one hand, a product receiving means 8 comprising at least one receptacle 9 intended to receive said product, and on the other hand a closure means 11 intended to be attached to said container 9 so as to form with the latter a closed chamber 14 in which the product is intended to be sterilized. Advantageously, the container 9 is consisting of a tank 10 which comprises a bottom 1 OA, at which the product is deposited, and at least one side wall 10B. The device 1 is therefore preferably constituted by a closed enclosure 14 formed from the inside of the tank 10 closed by the closing means 11, which is particularly impervious to the waves, so as to avoid the proliferation in the environment of electromagnetic waves. and to limit any risk to the manipulator.

Preferably, the tank 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape, said tank 10 having on the one hand a height H ₁ substantially between 30 and 100 cm, preferably substantially between 40 and 80 cm, preferably substantially equal to 71 cm, and on the other hand a diameter substantially between 10 and 80 cm, preferably substantially between 30 and 60 cm, preferably substantially equal to 47 cm. Alternatively, it is of course conceivable that the size and shape of the tank 10 are different according to the use that is made of the device 1, several wave emission means 2 can optionally be provided according to the dimensions of the tank 10.

Advantageously, the closing means 11 consists of a cover 12 designed to seal the tank 10 in a sealed manner. To this end, an opening 15 of the tank 10 comprises at least one seal 16, preferably made of conductive material of the electromagnetic field, designed both to obtain electrical continuity between the cover 12 and the tank 10 and to prevent any leakage of waves from the tank 10 at its junction with the cover 12. Thus, the tank 10 and the lid 12 define an interior sterilization space of the product in which the electromagnetic radiation is concentrated and can not come out. The lid 12 is advantageously maintained on the tank 10 by means of a holding means 17 which allows controlled movement of the lid 12, which advantageously comprises all the electrical and electronic circuit necessary for the operation of the device 1.

Preferably, the infrared camera constituting the sensor 6 of the sterilization device 1 is mounted in the closure means 11, that is to say it is embedded in the latter, at a zone receiving substantially no no waves, so as to preserve the integrity of said camera 6. In other words, the camera 6 designed to determine and transmit in real time the representative value of the product temperature is mounted in the cover 12 at a location substantially free of electromagnetic radiation, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4. The camera 6 is preferably connected to an electronic card 7, also mounted in the cover 12 and connected to the computer system for recording the data representative of the temperature of the product and calculating the triggering of the magnetron 3.

The magnetron 3, which comprises an antenna 3A designed to guide the waves of the magnetron 3, is advantageously positioned in a recess 13 of substantially trapezoidal shape of the side wall 1 OB of the vessel 10 at which the outcrop is exposed. antenna 3A of said magnetron 3. Preferably, the antenna 3A comprises a protection means, in particular a cover 24, for example bakelite, designed to avoid any dielectric effect. The recess 13, as illustrated in Figure 2, advantageously has a length L ₁ substantially between 5 and 10 cm, preferably substantially equal to 8.4 cm and a length L ₂ substantially between 2 and 5 cm, preferably substantially equal to 4.4 cm.

Preferably, the magnetron 3, specifically the antenna 3A, is disposed at a distance H ₂ from the opening 15 of the tank 10, H ₂ being substantially between 5 and 15 cm, preferably substantially equal to 9 cm. The shape and the particular dimensions of the recess 13 ensure an optimal emission of the waves in the chamber 14 in order to obtain a wave efficiency in the product substantially between 20 and 50%, preferably substantially between 25 and 35% .

In operation, the magnetron 3 emits waves in the chamber 14 to irradiate the product for sterilization. Preferably, the sterilization device 1, in particular the inner face of the tank 10 and the lid 12, is made of at least one material capable of reflecting at least part of the waves emitted by the wave emitting means 2 so that the product receives at least a portion of the reflected waves. Thus, the waves emitted by the magnetron 3 which do not reach the product are reflected, in particular by the inner face of the tank 10 and lid 12, which improves the efficiency of the electromagnetic radiation received and absorbed by the product.

Preferably, the product is intended to be positioned in the device 1 so as to disturb the electromagnetic field created by the wave emission means 2, here the magnetron 3, so that the latter has a substantially multimodal operation and that the sterilization efficiency is thus improved. In other words, the product has a placement in the chamber 14 which allows it to capture a maximum of electromagnetic radiation.

Thus, advantageously, the sterilization device 1 comprises a rotating means 18 designed to rotate said product within the device 1, preferably with respect to a main extension axis XX 'of the device 1, so as to to improve the quantity of waves intended to be received by said product. Preferably, the rotation means 18 is mounted at the bottom 10A of the tank 10 and comprises a plate 19, on which the product is deposited, as well as rollers 20.

This means of rotation 18 is advantageously substantially identical to the rotating plate of a domestic microwave oven, in particular the plate 19 is transparent so as to allow the transmission of waves. This rotation means 18 has on the one hand a disturbance function of the electromagnetic field, to promote the multimodal operation of the magnetron 3, and on the other hand a rotation function of the product substantially around the axis XX 'so as to improve the distribution and quantity of waves received by the product.

In addition, the sterilization device 1 advantageously comprises an elevation means (not shown) intended to vary the height of the product within the device 1, here in the tank 10, so as to improve the quantity of waves intended for to be received by said product. This elevation means makes it possible to apply to the product a movement along an axis substantially parallel to or even coincident with the axis XX '.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device 1 comprises both the rotation means 18 and the elevation means, the combination of these two means making it possible for the product to detect substantially at any moment and at any point of said product the strongest electromagnetic field emitted by the magnetron 3. Preferably, the rotating plate 19 is arranged, by means of the elevation means which is associated, at a distance d (not shown) from the bottom 1 OA of the tank 10, said distance d being substantially between one quarter and one half (or any odd multiple) of the wavelength of the wave emitted by the magnetron 3 in the enclosure 14. Preferably, the distance d is substantially equal to 9 cm. Such positioning advantageously allows both an optimal absorption of waves by the product and a disturbance of the electromagnetic field in the chamber 14 to ensure multimode operation of the magnetron 3. This positioning therefore preferably has the advantage of accelerating sterilization because the product, which receives an optimal amount of waves, becomes particularly reactive in terms of molecular agitation and representative temperature value.

Therefore, the sterilization device 1 advantageously allows sterilization of a product in a closed chamber 14 during the three phases A, B and C of temperature change within said product, the sequence of said phases being made possible by the operation combined and associated with the wave transmission means 2, the detection means 5 and the triggering means.

Moreover, the dimensions of the device 1 are advantageously suitable for mass use, on site, for example in hospital or domestic, since this device 1 is not bulky. It also has the advantage of reducing waste to incinerate by almost 50% by volume, which has an immense impact on the incineration, transport costs and storage of said waste. The presence of a displacement means consisting of wheels 21 also allows the manipulator to easily move the sterilization device 1. In addition, the presence of a control button 22 and a tracking button 23 facilitates accurate and rapid monitoring of the progress of the sterilization and operation of said device 1.

Therefore, the sterilization device 1 of the present invention is particularly suitable for a massive use of decontamination, in the place of presence of organic waste, for example in a hospital, and is implemented in a simple, functional, practical and space-saving manner.

The present invention also relates to a method for sterilizing a product by emitting waves. The method advantageously implements a sterilization device 1, which may be in accordance with that previously described. The device 1 comprises a wave emitting means 2 designed to sterilize the product.

Preferably, this sterilization process is designed for sterilization of organic products, preferably organic waste, for example hospital and / or medical and / or veterinary and / or food waste, such as those previously described.

In practice, the manipulator has a product to be sterilized in the device 1, for example on the bottom 1 OA of the tank 10, preferably on the rotating plate 19 which rests on the bottom 10A of the tank 10. The product to be sterilized is advantageously crude or contained in a container, for example a flexible bag, having the distinction of being transparent to electromagnetic waves and therefore non-destructible by the latter.

Once the product deposited in the device 1, the manipulator closes the lid 12 and the device 1 is locked, the manipulator can then launch a sterilization cycle with the control button 22. The cycle starts and implements the means of transmitting waves 2.

The method then comprises at least the following steps, set out below. The method, through the operation of the wave-emitting means 2, comprises a first rise in the temperature (phase A) within said product to a first set value T ₁ which does not permit to sterilize said product, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Preferably, the duration of the first elevation 30 and the first setpoint value T ₁ vary according to the product to be sterilized, preferably according to its composition and its dimensions. As mentioned above, phase A thus advantageously corresponds to a cell agitation phase designed for increasing the molecular agitation and "waking up" microbial germs, T ₁ corresponding to a temperature value representative of a substantially maximum molecular agitation in the product in response to electromagnetic radiation received by said product. However, T ₁ advantageously does not allow, during phase A, to destroy all the seeds of the product in order to sterilize the latter.

The wave-emitting means 2 is also designed to ensure, after phase A and preferably as soon as the first set value T ₁ has been reached, a first decrease of said temperature 31 (phase B) within said produced from the first setpoint value T ₁ to a second setpoint value T ₂ substantially lower than the first setpoint value. This phase B corresponds to a phase of cell multiplication within the germs, which therefore become fragile. The first decrease in temperature 31 is advantageously triggered when the temperature has reached the first setpoint value T ₁ substantially corresponding to a maximum temperature that can reach said product when the wave emission means 2 operates.

The wave emitting means 2 finally allows a second rise in the temperature 32 (phase C) within said product from the second setpoint value T ₂ . The second rise in temperature 32 is, in turn, preferentially triggered when the value of the temperature has reached the second setpoint value T ₂ substantially between 70 and 90% of the first setpoint value T ₁ , preferably substantially between 80 and 90% of the first setpoint value, preferably substantially equal to 88% of the first setpoint value. Phase C allows a rise in temperature to a value substantially greater than T ₂ , preferably substantially equal to T ₁ , such a rise in temperature of the product advantageously allowing destruction of all germs contained therein.

The combination of the first rise 30, the first decrease 31 and the second rise 32 of the temperature makes it possible to sterilize said product. In particular, the precise and consecutive sequence of these three stages (phases A, B and C) by respecting the two setpoints T ₁ and T ₂ eradicates any germ likely to be present in the product and thus make it sterile.

Advantageously, the first rise 30 corresponds to a wave emission operation of the transmission means 2, the first decrease 31 corresponding to a stop operation of the emission of waves of the transmission means 2 and the second elevation 32 to a wave emission operation of the emission means 2. Preferably, the waves received by the product cause an increase in the temperature of said product and the absence of wave emission causes a decrease in the temperature of said product.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the first decrease (phase B) and the second rise (phase C) of the temperature are repeated (phases D and E) at least twice each, so as to maintain the temperature of said product between the first and the second setpoint value T ₁ , T ₂ and thus obtaining the sterilization of the product. In addition, phases C and E correspond to bursts of very destructive waves germs contained in the product.

This method therefore allows the establishment of a sterilization cycle, which corresponds to the completion of all phases A, B and C (or possibly D and E if necessary) and has a variable duration depending on the product initially deposited in the tank 10A. It takes an average of between 10 minutes and one hour to perform a sterilization cycle, the steps after phase A being advantageously faster than the latter and of the order of substantially 10 to 30 minutes, preferably substantially equal to 15 minutes. Advantageously, the phases B and D each have a duration of substantially between 5 and 10 minutes, preferably substantially between 6 and 7 minutes. The sterilization process of the invention therefore has the advantage of being particularly rapid compared to previous methods of sterilization such as the autoclave for example.

After the sterilization cycle (phases A, B and C), the method comprises a cooling step, during which the temperature of the product is reduced to reach a value compatible with human manipulation. Given the the rather low maximum temperature reached by the product, generally below 80 ⁰ C, the temperature of the product decreases rapidly and the treated product is quickly available for the manipulator. Preferably, the cooling step is performed by a blower system on the product.

Once the value representative of the temperature of the product (measured by the sensor 6) is compatible with manipulation, the device 1 unlocks and the manipulator retrieves the product or the flexible bag containing the treated product, said flexible bag being preferentially compressed compared to its state at the beginning of the cycle. The treated product is then advantageously intended to be supported in a conventional circuit for destruction of waste or recycling.

This method therefore has the advantage of obtaining in a simple, fast and low energy consuming way, a decontamination of a wide variety of products likely to be infected by germs. It also has the immense advantage of being easy to implement without requiring special skills on the part of the manipulator, to be particularly safe using a sealed enclosure in which the temperature is not very high compared to prior devices, and to be easily manipulated by its dimensions suitable for mass use.

This method advantageously allows decontamination of organic waste on site and further reduces by about 50% the volume of such waste to be incinerated. It allows real savings in costs, time (process and transport), storage, transportation and energy.

The present invention finally relates to a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of a sterilization method according to the previously described method when said program is executed on a computer. The computer program of the invention is included in the above-mentioned computer system and makes it possible to manage all the steps of the sterilization process as well as the implementation of the sterilization device 1. In particular, the computer program advantageously centralizes all the temperature data measured by the sensor 6 and calculates by calculation the stopping, slowing down or starting of the wave-emitting means 2, so as to obtain the three phases A, B and C of the process necessary for the sterilization of the product.

Finally, the present invention relates to a medium that can be read by a computer and on which is recorded a program according to the foregoing.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of product sterilization devices, in particular for the treatment of organic products.

Claims

- Device for sterilization (1) of a product comprising a wave emitting means (2), said device (1) being characterized in that the wave emitting means (2) is designed to provide a first raising of the temperature (30) within said product to a first setpoint value (T ₁ ) which does not make it possible to sterilize said product, a first decrease of said temperature (31) within said product from the first setpoint value (T ₁ ) to a second setpoint value (T ₂ ) substantially lower than the first setpoint value (T ₁ ), and a second rise in temperature (32) within said setpoint product from the second setpoint value (T ₂ ), the combination of the first rise (30), the first decrease (31) and the second rise (32) of the temperature to sterilize said product. - sterilization device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the wave emitting means (2) is adapted to ensure the second elevation (32) of the temperature within said product from the second value of setpoint (T ₂ ) to a temperature substantially equal to the first setpoint value (T ₁ ).

- Sterilization device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the first set value (T ₁ ) varies depending on the product to be sterilized, preferably according to its composition and its dimensions, said first value ( T ₁ ) being determined automatically by the device (1).

- Sterilization device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that it comprises at least one triggering means of the wave emitting means (2) designed to ensure a controlled emission of waves to to obtain the first rise (30), the first decrease (31) and the second rise (32) of the temperature within the product. - Sterilization device (1) according to claim 4 characterized in that it comprises at least one detection means (5) designed on the one hand to acquire at least one value representative of the temperature within said product, and on the other hand to transmit said at least one value representative of the temperature to the triggering means. - Sterilization device (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that the detection means (5) comprises at least one sensor (6) disposed near the product, said sensor (6) being able on the one hand to determine said at least one representative value of the product temperature, and secondly to transmit said at least one value representative of the temperature to said triggering means.

- sterilization device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that it comprises firstly a receiving means (8) comprising at least one container (9) for receiving said product, and d on the other hand, a closing means (11) intended to be attached to said container (9) so as to form therewith a closed enclosure (14) in which the product is intended to be sterilized.

- Sterilization device (1) according to claims 6 and 7 characterized in that the sensor (6) consists of an infrared camera (6) mounted in the closure means (11) at a receiving area substantially no waves so as to preserve the integrity of said camera (6). - Sterilization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the product is intended to be positioned in the device (1) so as to disturb the electromagnetic field created by the wave emission means (2 ), so that the latter has a substantially multimodal operation.

- sterilization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the wave emission means (2) comprises at least one magnetron (3) for emitting electromagnetic waves, preferably in a band S substantially in the band 2 to 4 GHz, preferably microwaves.

- Sterilization device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it is made with at least one material capable of reflecting at least a portion of the waves emitted by the wave emission means (2 ), so that the product receives at least a portion of the reflected waves.

- Sterilization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a rotating means (18) adapted to rotate said product within the device (1), preferably with respect to a main extension axis (XX ') of the device (1), so as to improve the amount of waves to be received by said product.

- Sterilization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises an elevating means for varying the height of the product within the device (1), so as to improve the amount of waves intended to be received by said product.

- Sterilization device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that it is designed for sterilization of organic products, preferably organic waste such as for example hospital and / or medical waste and / or veterinary and / or food.

- Method for sterilizing a product by wave emission, said method comprising at least the following steps:

a first rise in temperature (30) within said product to a first setpoint value (T ₁ ) which does not make it possible to sterilize said product; a first decrease of said temperature (31) in said product to from the first setpoint value (T ₁ ) to a second setpoint value (T ₂ ) substantially lower than the first setpoint value (T ₁ ), a second rise in temperature (32) within said product from the second setpoint value (T ₂ ),

combining the first elevation (30), the first decrease (31) and the second elevation (32) of the temperature to sterilize said product.

16 - sterilization method according to claim 15 characterized in that the duration of the first rise (30) and the first set point (T ₁ ) vary depending on the product to be sterilized, preferably according to its composition and its dimensions.

17 - sterilization method according to claim 15 or 16 characterized in that the first elevation (30) corresponds to a wave emission operation of the wave emission means (2), the corresponding first decrease (31). to a wave emission stopping operation of the wave transmitting means (2) and the second elevation (32) to a wave transmitting operation of the wave transmitting means (2). ), the waves received by the product causing an increase in the temperature of said product and the absence of wave emission causing a decrease in the temperature of said product.

18 - sterilization method according to one of claims 15 to 17 characterized in that the first decrease (31) of the temperature is triggered when the temperature has reached the first set point (T ₁ ) corresponding substantially to a maximum temperature that can reach said product when the wave emitting means (2) is operating.

19 - sterilization method according to one of claims 15 to 18 characterized in that the second elevation (32) of the temperature is triggered when the value of the temperature has reached the second set value (T ₂ ) substantially between 70 and 90% of the first setpoint value (T-ι), preferably substantially between 80 and 90% of the first setpoint value (T ₁ ), preferably substantially equal to 88% of the first setpoint value (T ₁ ). - sterilization process according to one of claims 15 to 19 characterized in that the first decrease (31) and the second rise (32) of the temperature are repeated at least twice each, so as to maintain the temperature of said product between the first (T ₁ ) and the second (T ₂ ) setpoint and thus obtain the sterilization of the product.

- Sterilization process according to one of claims 15 to 20 characterized in that it is designed for sterilization of organic products, preferably organic waste, for example hospital waste and / or medical and / or veterinary and / or food.

A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of a sterilization method according to one of claims 15 to 21 when said program is run on a computer.

- A computer-readable medium on which is recorded a program according to claim 22.