JP2007167546A - Method and device for gas-sterilizing narrow tube part - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for gas-sterilizing a narrow tube part, which enable the gas sterilization of the narrow tube part without depending on the kind of gas. <P>SOLUTION: The fine tube part 11 to be sterilized is housed in a sterilizing chamber 10; a sterilizing gas is supplied into the sterilizing chamber 10; and the fine tube part is sterilized by supplying the sterilizing gas into the fine tube part 11. In this case, the other end of the fine tube part 11 is provided by opening in the sterilizing chamber 10, and a relief valve 28, which relieves ozone to be supplied when the fine tube part 11 is closed, is connected to a line 27 for supplying the sterilizing gas to the fine tube part 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas sterilization / sterilization method and apparatus for a thin tube portion for sterilizing the inside and outside of the thin tube portion with a gas such as ozone.

  Currently used or developed gas sterilization / sterilization methods and equipment include ethylene oxide gas (EOG) sterilization, hydrogen peroxide gas (VHP) sterilization, low temperature plasma (VHP + plasma) sterilization, formaldehyde gas sterilization, ozone gas sterilization / sterilization, etc. There is.

  The gas sterilization technique is different from the sterilization technique using heat such as high-pressure steam sterilization, in which the gas which is a sterilizing agent reaches the site to be sterilized and reacts with microorganisms to sterilize. Therefore, in the case of an object to be sterilized such as a narrow tube portion such as a catheter, it is difficult for gas to reach. Therefore, it is said that sterilization is difficult only by placing the object in a sterilized gas atmosphere.

  Therefore, generally, as represented by EOG sterilization, a method of increasing the sterilization gas permeation effect into the thin tube object by repeating decompression and gas reintroduction in the sterilization chamber is adopted. However, depending on the diffusion characteristics of the gas species used as the sterilant, there is a problem that the sterilization effect cannot be obtained only by decompression and reintroduction.

  Conventionally, various attempts have been made to solve this problem.

  For example, in low temperature plasma sterilization, a small cartridge system is adopted.

  This method is effective by connecting a small cartridge of liquid hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent, to a thin tube object and then supplying VHP vaporized from the small cartridge directly to the thin tube object by repeatedly depressurizing and restoring the pressure in the chamber. Sterilization is possible (Patent Document 2).

  However, this method cannot be applied to gas types that are difficult to vaporize, liquefy, and concentrate. In addition, although this small cartridge has been considered to prevent erroneous outflow until it is connected to a thin tube object, a sterilant may remain after sterilization is completed.

  On the other hand, in ozone gas sterilization and sterilization, the self-decomposition of ozone is fast and it is difficult to condense and store it.

  Therefore, a circulation supply system has been proposed for ozone gas sterilization and sterilization. This method is a method in which ozone gas in a chamber is directly circulated and supplied to a thin tube object during the sterilization process (Patent Document 1).

JP 11-347106 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-000609

  However, in this method, it is necessary to add a dedicated gas circulation system to the apparatus. In addition, it is difficult to ensure sterility after completion of sterilization in the circulation supply system. In general, the sterilization target is called a sterilization bag, and sterilization is performed with a special packaging material that allows sterilization gas to permeate but bacteria does not. This is because, in the supply method, the gas circulation system on the apparatus side and the thin tube object are connected by piping through a dedicated port installed in the chamber, which causes interference with sterilization bag packaging.

  In addition, since human work is usually involved during preparatory work for thin tube sterilization, this can be said for both the small cartridge system and the circulation supply system. However, there is a possibility that the thin tube object will be blocked due to human error and cannot be sterilized. is there. Furthermore, in the circulation supply method, the device and the thin tube portion may be broken due to this closed state.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gas sterilization / sterilization method and apparatus for a thin tube portion that can solve the above-described problems and can sterilize and sterilize the thin tube portion without depending on the gas type.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a narrow tube portion to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber, a sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and a sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion to sterilize and sterilize. In the gas sterilization and sterilization method of the narrow tube portion, the other end of the narrow tube portion is opened in the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas supply line is branched into a line supplying the sterilization chamber and a line supplying the narrow tube portion, It is a gas sterilization / sterilization method for a thin tube part characterized in that the sterilization gas is supplied by switching between the sterilization chamber side and the thin tube part side by switching the valve.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when supplying the sterilizing gas to the narrow tube portion, when the thin tube portion is closed, the supplied sterilizing gas is relieved, and the gas sterilizing / sterilizing method for the thin tube portion according to claim 1 It is.

  The invention of claim 3 detects the pressure of the sterilizing gas supplied to the thin tube part, and when the pressure is equal to or higher than a set value, the sterilizing gas supplied to the thin tube part is relieved. Sterilization / sterilization method.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a flow meter is connected to a sterilizing gas line supplied to the narrow tube portion, and the sterilization of the narrow tube portion is passed when the flow rate at the flow meter is equal to or higher than a set value. This is a gas sterilization / sterilization method for a thin tube portion according to any one of the above.

  According to the invention of claim 5, a narrow tube portion to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber, a sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and a sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion for sterilization and sterilization. -In the sterilization method, the tubule part is housed in a sterilization bag or container through which sterilization gas can pass without allowing bacteria to pass, and after sterilizing by supplying sterilization gas to the sterilization bag or the thin tube part in the container, The thin tube portion is taken out from the sterilization chamber together with the sterilization bag and the container, and is stored as it is.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the narrow tube portion to be sterilized is housed in the sterilization chamber, the sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion for sterilization and sterilization. In the sterilization method, the vacuum buffer tank is provided with an inlet port made of an orifice and a check valve to form a vacuum cartridge, and the thin tube portion and the vacuum cartridge are connected to the vacuum buffer tank via the introduction port. Is stored in the sterilization chamber, and then the sterilization chamber is decompressed and vacuum energy is accumulated in the vacuum buffer tank via the check valve. The sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is removed. Gas sterilization and sterilization of thin tube parts, characterized by sterilizing the inside of the thin tube part by sucking into the vacuum buffer tank through the thin tube part and the introduction port It is the law.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the narrow tube portion to be sterilized is accommodated in the sterilization chamber, the sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion for sterilization and sterilization. -In the sterilization device, the other end of the narrow tube is opened in the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas supply line is branched into a line for supplying the sterilization chamber and a line for supplying to the narrow tube, A gas sterilization / sterilization apparatus for a thin tube portion, characterized in that a switching valve for switching to the thin tube portion side and supplying sterilization gas is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 8, a narrow tube part to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber, a sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and a sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube part for sterilization and sterilization. -In the sterilizer, the other end of the narrow tube is opened in the sterilization chamber, a relief valve is connected to the line for supplying the sterilization gas to the narrow tube, and the pressure of the sterilization gas supplied to the narrow tube is reduced. A gas sterilization / sterilization apparatus for a thin tube portion, wherein a sterilization gas is relieved by a relief valve when the pressure exceeds a cracking pressure of the valve.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the narrow tube portion to be sterilized is accommodated in the sterilization chamber, the sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion to perform sterilization and sterilization.・ In the sterilizer, the other end of the narrow tube is opened in the sterilization chamber, and a flow meter is connected to the line that supplies the sterilization gas to the narrow tube, and the flow rate at the flow meter exceeds the set value. This is a gas sterilization / sterilization device for a thin tube part, characterized in that the sterilization of the thin tube part is accepted.

  According to the invention of claim 10, a narrow tube portion to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber, a sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and a sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion to perform sterilization and sterilization. In a sterilization apparatus, a vacuum cartridge is formed by providing a vacuum buffer tank with an introduction port made of an orifice and a check valve, and a thin tube portion is connected to the vacuum buffer tank via the introduction port, and the thin tube portion and the vacuum cartridge Is stored in the sterilization chamber, and then the sterilization chamber is decompressed and vacuum energy is accumulated in the vacuum buffer tank via the check valve. The sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is removed. Gas sterilization and sterilization of the narrow tube part, which is sterilized by sucking into the vacuum buffer tank through the thin tube part and the introduction port It is the location.

  According to the present invention, when the sterilization gas is supplied to the narrow tube portion and sterilized, the sterilization gas can be switched and supplied to the sterilization chamber and the thin tube portion, whereby the narrow tube portion can be optimally sterilized. In addition, by relieving the sterilizing gas supplied to the thin tube portion when the thin tube portion is closed, the device and the thin tube portion can be protected. In addition, since the narrow tube part is sterilized in a state where it is stored in a sterilization bag that allows gas to pass through without passing bacteria, even after taking out after sterilization, the sterility after sterilization can be maintained. To do.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a sealed sterilization chamber that accommodates a narrow tube portion 11 such as a catheter. A sterilization gas (sterilization gas) such as ozone from the ozone supply means 12 is supplied into the sterilization chamber 10, and the narrow tube Ozone is also supplied into the part 11.

  The ozone supply means 12 adsorbs oxygen in the air, desorbs oxygen after adsorption to produce oxygen, an ozonizer 14 that uses oxygen produced by the oxygen production apparatus 13 as ozone gas, and an ozonizer 14. The ozone supply line 15 supplies ozone gas from the inside of the sterilization chamber 10 and the narrow tube portion 11.

  In the ozone supply line 15, a first three-way valve 17 is connected to an upstream main line 16 from the ozonizer 14, and the main line 16 is branched into a chamber side line 18 and a narrow tube side line 19 by the first three-way valve 17. Further, a second three-way valve 20 is connected to the chamber-side line 18, and the second three-way valve 20 includes a chamber-side first line (large resistance) 18 a and a chamber-side second line ( Branching to a small tube side line 19, and a third three-way valve 21 is connected to the thin tube side line 19. The third three-way valve 21 is connected to a thin tube side first line (high resistance) 19a having a different resistance. When branching to the thin tube side second line (small resistance) 19b, the on-off valves 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b are connected to these lines 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b. The downstream lines 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b are joined to the downstream main line 24, the fourth three-way valve 25 is connected to the main line 24, and the main line 24 is connected to the chamber side line 26 again. It is configured to be branched into a narrow tube side line 27.

  The chamber side line 26 is configured to blow ozone directly into the sterilization chamber 10, and the thin tube side line 27 is connected to the thin tube portion 11 via a relief valve 28 and a flow meter 29.

  The cracking pressure of the relief valve 28 is set to be equal to or higher than the piping resistance of the connected narrow tube portion 11 and is equal to or lower than the pressure lower limit value capable of protecting the constituent devices and the thin tube portion 11. A relief line 30 is connected to the secondary side of the relief valve 28 and is connected to the ozone killer 31 side described later. It is noted that the exhaust line 30 may be exhausted directly from the secondary side of the relief valve 28 without connecting the relief line 30.

  Connected to the sterilization chamber 10 is an exhaust line 34 for exhausting ozone in the chamber 10 through an exhaust valve 32, an ozone killer 31, and a vacuum pump 33.

  An ozone concentration monitor 37 comprising an ozone concentration meter 35 and a circulation pump 36 is connected to the sterilization chamber 10. After the ozone in the chamber 10 is sucked through the ozone concentration meter 35, the ozone is returned to the chamber 10 from the circulation pump 36. The ozone concentration can be monitored constantly.

  Connected to the sterilization chamber 10 is an external air suction line 41 to which a prefilter 38, a sterilization filter 39, and an on-off valve 40 are sequentially connected.

  The sterilization chamber 10 is provided with a temperature sensor 42 and a humidity sensor 43.

  As described above, in the present invention, the narrow tube section 11 can be sterilized regardless of the diffusion characteristics, self-decomposition characteristics, vaporization / liquefaction / concentration storage characteristics of the gas species used as a sterilizing agent such as ozone gas, and the sterilized gas is contained in the narrow tube section 11. It is possible to detect the introduction of the liquid, protect the device and the thin tube portion from a human connection error, and purge the remaining sterilant. In addition, this invention is applicable without distinction of microorganisms control levels, such as sterilization and disinfection.

  The gas sterilization / sterilization method of the present invention will be described below.

  The thin tube portion 11 is accommodated in the sterilization chamber 10, and the thin tube portion 11 is connected to the flow meter 29 of the thin tube side line 27. The connection port for the flow meter 29 and the relief valve 28 may be installed on the inlet side of the sterilization chamber 10 in consideration of workability.

  The other end of the thin tube portion 11 is opened in the sterilization chamber 10.

  Oxygen produced by the oxygen producing device 13 is converted into ozone by the ozonizer 14 and supplied from the ozone supply line 15 through the chamber side line 26 into the sterilization chamber 10 or from the narrow tube side line 27 into the narrow tube unit 11. The

  At this time, the chamber side line 26 is introduced from the first three-way valve 17 through the second three-way valve 20 through the large resistance on-off valve 22a or through the small resistance on-off valve 22b. The first three-way valve 17 is introduced through the third three-way valve 21 through the large resistance on-off valve 23a or the small resistance on-off valve 23b.

  Further, when supplying ozone into the sterilization chamber 10, the inside of the sterilization chamber 10 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 33 of the exhaust line 34, then ozone is supplied, and after sterilization and sterilization by ozone supply, outside air is inhaled. Aeration is performed by introducing outside air from the line 41.

  FIG. 2 shows normal sterilization in the sterilization chamber 10, and FIG. 3 shows a sterilization / sterilization sequence of the thin tube portion 11.

  In FIG. 2, after each device is prepared for start-up, the pressure is reduced by the vacuum pump 33, the operation of the ozonizer 14, the large open / close valve 22 a is opened, and ozone gas is allowed to flow into the sterilization chamber 10 at a small flow rate for sterilization. Next, after opening the open / close valve 22b with low resistance and performing the first exposure process for sterilizing ozone, the second exposure process is performed in the same manner, and then the pressure is reduced by the vacuum pump 33 and the outside air suction line 41 is used. After the aeration process is performed by alternately repeating the air introduction, the tidying process is performed.

  In FIG. 3, after starting preparation of each device, decompression by the vacuum pump 33, operation of the ozonizer 14, opening the on-off valve 23a, flowing ozone gas at a small flow rate through the narrow tube portion 11, and opening / closing of the large resistance Open the valve 22a, flow ozone gas into the sterilization chamber 10 at a small flow rate, then open the on-off valve 23b, flow ozone gas at a large flow rate into the narrow tube portion 11, then open the on-off valve 22b with low resistance, After the first exposure process for ozone sterilization by flowing ozone gas at a large flow rate into the sterilization chamber 10, the second exposure process is performed in the same manner, and then the pressure is reduced by the vacuum pump 33 and the air is supplied by the outside air suction line 41. The aeration process is performed by alternately repeating the introduction, and then the tidying process is performed.

  This sequence control is performed by switching between the three-way valves 17, 20, 21 and the on-off valves 22 a, 22 b, 23 a, 23 b installed in the pipe branch during ozone introduction in the decompression / ozone introduction process during normal sterilization. This is achieved by switching the sterilization system. When the pressure reduction / introduction is performed a plurality of times, the valve may be switched every time.

  The optimum values of valve switching timing, number of times, and time for normal sterilization and capillary sterilization during ozone introduction depend on the dimensional conditions and material conditions of the target capillary tube 11; The optimum conditions can be set only by setting the valve switching sequence. Although it is possible to introduce all ozone gas into the chamber through a thin tube object, ozone gas is alternately applied under optimum conditions in consideration of damage to the material constituting the thin tube object and promotion of self-decomposition by the material constituting the thin tube object. It is desirable to introduce.

  In general, the ozone gas concentration generated by the ozonizer is sufficiently higher than the sterilization conditions, but the ozone supply to the capillary object is a direct supply of high concentration ozone generated by the ozonizer. This makes it possible to satisfy the sterilization conditions (product of CT value = ozone concentration × exposure time) in consideration of the self-decomposition of ozone gas.

  Multiple systems with different automatic pressure control functions and pipe resistances are used to cancel differences in pipe resistance between normal sterilization systems and capillary sterilization systems, and to adjust pipe resistance according to changes in the degree of vacuum in the chamber during gas introduction. By adding a function for switching the line, the pressure acting on the ozonizer may be maintained in an optimum state to improve the ozone generation efficiency.

  Next, protection of the apparatus and the thin tube portion will be described.

  When the thin tube portion 11 is closed due to a human error, an excessive pressure is applied to components such as the ozonizer 14 and the device or the thin tube portion may be damaged. In order to avoid this, the relief valve 28 connected to the narrow tube side line 27 reliefs at the relief line 30 and exhausts from the ozone killer 32 with the vacuum pump 33. Thereby, components such as the ozonizer 14 and the thin tube portion can be protected.

  The cracking pressure of the relief valve 28 is set to a value equal to or lower than the lower limit of pressure at which the component device can be caught by the piping resistance of the connected narrow tube portion 11 or more. The secondary side of the relief valve 28 may be opened to the sterilization chamber 10.

  The detection of the introduction of sterilization gas into the thin tube will be described.

  There is a possibility that ozone gas may not be introduced into the thin tube sterilization system when the thin tube portion 11 is closed due to a human error. In order to detect that the ozone gas has been introduced and sterilized, a pressure switch (not shown) for detecting the cracking pressure of the relief valve 28 is installed in the capillary sterilization system.

  In order to know before the start of the sterilization operation whether or not the narrow tube portion 11 is closed due to human error, a mode for supplying only ozone source gas (oxygen gas or air) without generating ozone is prepared. Thus, the cracking pressure of the relief valve 28 may be detected.

  A confirmation means such as a flow meter 29 may be installed in the thin tube sterilization system so that a person can easily visually check whether or not the thin tube object is blocked due to a human error.

  As an occlusion state confirmation method other than the pressure switch, ozone is detected by the in-chamber ozone concentration measurement monitor 37 before starting the introduction of ozone after the first decompression into the capillary sterilization system and switching to the normal sterilization system. Accordingly, it may be confirmed that the ozone gas has been introduced into the narrow tube portion 11.

  Conversely, a second relief valve or a flow meter (not shown) is installed at the secondary side end of the narrow tube portion 11 in order to detect a state in which the thin tube object is not connected to the dedicated port due to human error. The presence or absence of connection to the thin tube object may be confirmed by a pressure switch or visual confirmation. In this case, the cracking pressure of the second relief valve is made smaller than the cracking pressure of the first relief valve.

In purging the residual sterilization gas in the narrow tube portion 11, the fact that the sterilization gas does not easily reach the narrow tube portion 11 means that the sterilization gas is difficult to remove even by aeration. In the present invention, the purge gas can be supplied from the apparatus side to the capillary sterilization system at the time of aeration after completion of sterilization, so that the sterilization gas can be sufficiently removed.
Moreover, although the thin tube part 11 is taken out from the sterilization chamber 10 after ozone sterilization, the pipe connection part of the thin tube part 11 is not sterilized because it does not contact with ozone, but the end part may be cut and discarded like tubes. In the case of a thin tube portion, the connection portion is cut immediately before use.

  The pipe connection part of the thin tube part 11 can be a machine groove that can be released from gripping by remote control or timer operation, and the connection part can be sterilized by releasing the gripping in a sterilizing gas atmosphere after completion of the thin tube sterilization. . The pipe connection part of the thin tube object can be a mechanism that can move the grip part by remote operation or timer operation, and the connection part can be sterilized by changing it several times during the thin tube sterilization.

  Furthermore, when the pipe connection portion of the thin tube portion 11 is made of metal, it can be sterilized by heat during thin tube sterilization by providing a heating means in the connection mechanism.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of sterilizing the thin tube portion 11 using a general sterilization bag 50.

  The sterilization bag 50 is formed in a back shape with a transparent film body 51 and a gas permeable body 52 that transmits gas such as ozone but does not transmit bacteria or the like. Inside the gas permeable body 52 of the sterilization bag 50, there is provided a connection port 53 connected to the narrow tube portion 11, and an inner adapter 54 for supplying ozone gas or the like is provided in the narrow tube portion 11. Is provided with a magnet 55. On the other hand, on the outside of the gas permeable body 52, an outer adapter 56 that is fitted to the inner adapter 54 with the gas permeable body 52 interposed therebetween is provided, and the outer adapter 56 is a magnet that is attracted by the inner magnet 55 and magnetic force. 57 is provided. The magnets 55 and 57 are preferably provided with ozone resistance performance by a casing or Teflon coating.

  The outer adapter 56 is formed with a connection port 58 connected to a supply source of sterilizing gas such as ozone. The inner and outer adapters 54, 56 receive sterilizing gas from the outer connection port 58 through the gas permeator 52. A flow path 59 is formed to be supplied to the thin tube portion 11 via the inner connection port 53.

  The sterilization bag 50 that accommodates the narrow tube portion 11 is accommodated in the sterilization chamber 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the connection port 58 is connected to the discharge side of the flow meter 29 of the narrow tube side line 27, as described in FIG. In this way, sterilization is performed with ozone or the like.

  At this time, since the outer adapter 56 and the inner adapter 54 are detachable by the magnets 55 and 57, the outer adapter 56 is taken out after the sterilization process while being fixed to the thin tube side line 27, and then the next sterilization bag is taken out. 50 can be easily removed by attaching the inner adapter 54 to the outer adapter 56, and the tubule 11 can be stored together with the sterilization bag 50, and then sterilized if it is opened by breaking the sterilization bag 50 during use. Sterility can be maintained.

  In addition, since the connection part of the gas permeable body 52 which is a fitting part between the inner and outer adapters 54 and 56 of the sterilization bag 50 is not sterilized, sterility can be ensured by storing the adapters 54 and 56 after sterilization. Further, after sterilization in the sterilization chamber 10, if the adapters 54 and 56 are removed by remote control or the like and ozone sterilization is performed in that state, sterility can be ensured.

  As a sterility ensuring method other than the magnet method for ensuring sterility by using a general sterilization bag as shown in FIG. 4, a method using a dedicated container that can be reused as shown in FIG. 5 or a disposable pouch as shown in FIG. Will be explained.

  In FIG. 5, the container 60 is formed by a box-shaped container 61 and a gas permeable body 62 covering the upper opening thereof, and an O-ring 63 is provided between the gas permeable body 62 and the flange portion 61 a of the container 61, The flange frame 64 is provided in the container 61, and the flange frame 64 is closed to the flange portion 61a of the container 61 by a gripping mechanism 65 such as a bolt and a nut.

  The thin tube portion 11 is accommodated in a container 61, and a pipe 66 connected to the thin tube side line 27 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the container 61. Gas is passed through the pipe 66 but bacteria are not passed through it. A non-disposable membrane filter 67 is connected, and the narrow tube portion 11 is connected to a pipe 66 on the downstream side.

  After sterilization is completed in the container 60, it is possible to prevent bacteria from entering the membrane filter 67 even if the pipe 66 is removed from the thin tube side line 27.

  In FIG. 6, a gas permeable body 72 is integrally attached to a container 71 such as polyethylene (PE) by heat sealing to form a dedicated container (disposable pouch) 70. The pipe 76 is integrally formed with the container 71. The membrane filter 77 is attached to the pipe 76, and the thin tube portion 11 is connected to the pipe 76 on the downstream side.

  In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the sterility is broken if the pipe is removed when the sterilization process is completed, but in this embodiment, a disposable membrane filter that allows gas to pass through the pipes 66 and 76 but does not pass bacteria. By disposing 67, 77, sterility can be ensured.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a vacuum cartridge 80 used for sterilization of the thin tube portion 11 independent of the gas type.

  The vacuum cartridge 80 is composed of a vacuum buffer tank 81 having a capacity necessary for capillary sterilization, a connection port 82 connected to the capillary tube portion 11, and an ozone formed of an orifice formed in the vacuum buffer tank 81 facing the connection port 82. It comprises an introduction port 83, a pressure reducing port 84, and a check valve 85 provided in the pressure reducing port 84. The check valve 85 includes a valve body 87 urged in a direction in which the pressure reducing port 84 is always closed by a spring 86.

  The vacuum cartridge 80 is accommodated in the sterilization chamber 10 shown in FIG. 1 with the connection port 82 connected to the narrow tube portion 11, and the other end is left open in the sterilization chamber 10.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 7, when the inside of the sterilization chamber 10 is depressurized, the check valve 85 is opened. At this time, the fluid resistance of the ozone introduction port 83 consisting of an orifice is large. Air escapes from the port 84 to the sterilization chamber 10 side. When the pressure reduction in the sterilization chamber 10 is completed, the vacuum buffer tank 81 reaches a vacuum level that is lower than the cracking pressure of the check function, and vacuum energy can be accumulated in the vacuum chamber 81.

  When the introduction of ozone into the sterilization chamber 10 is started from the chamber side line 26 in FIG. 1, the inside of the thin tube portion 11 is restored at a speed substantially following the pressure in the chamber 10 and after taking in ozone in proportion to the volume, Although ozone is only decomposed, the vacuum energy in the vacuum buffer tank 81 of the vacuum cartridge 80 remains in a reduced pressure state even after the completion of ozone introduction, and is gradually restored through the ozone introduction port 83. As a result, the inside of the sterilization chamber 10 It is possible to constantly introduce ozone into the narrow tube portion 11 by the volume of the vacuum buffer tank 81.

By using the vacuum cartridge 80, the thin tube portion 11 can be accommodated in the chamber 10 without connecting the thin tube portion 11 to the thin tube side line 27. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the thin tube portion 11 after sterilization treatment, and the vacuum cartridge 80 is used as it is. Or can be removed from the vacuum cartridge 80 and taken out of the chamber 10.
The sterility after the treatment can be secured by placing the vacuum cartridge and the thin tube portion in a general sterilization bag.

It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the sequence of operation | movement of each apparatus at the time of the normal sterilization in FIG. It is a figure explaining the sequence of operation | movement of each apparatus at the time of the disinfection of the thin tube part in FIG. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other form of FIG. It is a figure which similarly shows the other form of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the vacuum cartridge used when sterilizing a thin tube part in a sterilization chamber in this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Sterilization chamber 11 Narrow tube part 27 Narrow tube side line 28 Relief valve

Claims (10)

  In the gas sterilization / sterilization method of a thin tube part in which a narrow tube part to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber and sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber and sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube part for sterilization and sterilization. The other end of the sterilization chamber is opened in the sterilization chamber, the sterilization gas supply line is branched into a line for supplying the sterilization chamber and a line for supplying the thin tube, and the valve is switched to switch to the sterilization chamber side and the thin tube portion side. A gas sterilization / sterilization method for a narrow tube section characterized in that a sterilization gas is supplied.   2. The gas sterilizing / sterilizing method for a thin tube part according to claim 1, wherein when the sterilizing gas is supplied to the thin tube part, the supplied sterilizing gas is relieved when the thin tube part is closed.   The method for gas sterilization / sterilization of a narrow tube part according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure of the sterilization gas supplied to the thin tube part is detected and the sterilization gas supplied to the thin tube part is relieved when the pressure is higher than a set value.   The capillary tube part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a flow meter is connected to a line of sterilizing gas supplied to the capillary tube unit, and the sterilization of the capillary tube unit is passed when the flow rate at the flow meter is equal to or higher than a set value. Gas sterilization and sterilization method.   In the gas sterilization / sterilization method of a thin tube part in which a narrow tube part to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber and sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber and sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube part for sterilization and sterilization. Are stored in a sterilization bag or a container through which sterilization gas can pass without allowing bacteria to pass through, and sterilization treatment is performed by supplying sterilization gas to the sterilization bag or a thin tube part in the container, and then the thin tube part is A method for gas sterilization and sterilization of a thin tube part, wherein the container is taken out from the sterilization chamber and stored as it is.   In a gas sterilization / sterilization method for a thin tube portion in which a narrow tube portion to be sterilized is housed in a sterilization chamber and sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber and sterilization gas is supplied into the narrow tube portion for sterilization and sterilization. A tank is provided with an inlet port consisting of an orifice and a check valve to form a vacuum cartridge. A thin tube portion is connected to the vacuum buffer tank via the introduction port, and the thin tube portion and the vacuum cartridge are accommodated in a sterilization chamber. Then, the inside of the sterilization chamber is depressurized and vacuum energy is accumulated in the vacuum buffer tank through the check valve. The sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is passed through the narrow tube portion and the introduction port. A method for gas sterilization and sterilization of a thin tube part, characterized by sterilizing the inside of the thin tube part by suction into a vacuum buffer tank.   In the gas sterilization and sterilization apparatus of a thin tube part that houses a narrow tube part to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber and supplies a sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber and sterilizes and sterilizes by supplying a sterilization gas into the narrow tube part. The other end of the sterilization chamber is opened in the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas supply line is branched into a line for supplying the sterilization chamber and a line for supplying the narrow tube part. A gas sterilization / sterilization device for a thin tube section, characterized in that a switching valve for supplying gas is provided.   In the gas sterilization and sterilization apparatus of a thin tube part that houses a narrow tube part to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber and supplies a sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber and sterilizes and sterilizes by supplying a sterilization gas into the narrow tube part. The other end of the sterilization chamber is opened in the sterilization chamber, and a relief valve is connected to the line for supplying the sterilization gas to the narrow tube part. A gas sterilization / sterilization device for a thin tube section, wherein the sterilization gas is relieved by a relief valve when the gas is discharged.   In the gas sterilization and sterilization apparatus of a thin tube part that houses a narrow tube part to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber and supplies a sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber and sterilizes and sterilizes by supplying a sterilization gas into the narrow tube part. The other end of the tube is opened in the sterilization chamber, and a flow meter is connected to the line that supplies the sterilization gas to the narrow tube, and the sterilization of the narrow tube passes when the flow rate at the flow meter exceeds the set value. A gas sterilization / sterilization apparatus for narrow tubes characterized by   In a gas sterilization / sterilization apparatus of a thin tube section that houses a narrow tube part to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber, supplies sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber, and supplies sterilization gas into the narrow tube part to perform sterilization and sterilization. A tank is provided with an inlet port consisting of an orifice and a check valve to form a vacuum cartridge. A thin tube portion is connected to the vacuum buffer tank via the introduction port, and the thin tube portion and the vacuum cartridge are accommodated in a sterilization chamber. Then, the inside of the sterilization chamber is depressurized and vacuum energy is accumulated in the vacuum buffer tank through the check valve. The sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization gas is passed through the narrow tube portion and the introduction port. A gas sterilization / sterilization device for a thin tube part, which is sterilized by sucking it into a vacuum buffer tank.

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