JPH01270870A - Gaseous formaldehyde sterilization device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the gaseous formaldehyde sterilization device which is highly safe by connecting a sterilization chamber and gaseous formaldehyde generator by a pipe to form the device in a manner as to allow circulation and introducing the sterile air in a neutralization treatment liquid water tank into the sterilization chamber. CONSTITUTION:The air in the sterilization chamber 12 is introduced from a lead out port 37 into the pipe 38 and is supplied at a prescribed temp., for example, 40-60 deg.C and about 75% humidity into a cartridge 31 by a heater 42 and a humidifier 47 when a door 13 of the sterilization chamber 12 is locked by an electronic lock 19 and an air pump 41 is operated. The formaldehyde therein is converted to the gaseous formaldehyde which is then supplied into the chamber 12. The neutralization treatment device 26 which neutralizes the concn. of the gaseous formaldehyde in the chamber 12 has the neutralization treatment liquid water tank 54. The gaseous formaldehyde discharged from the discharge port 51 of the chamber 12 is neutralized in the water tank 54 and is introduced from a sterile air discharge port 69 into the chamber 21 and is circulated until the concn. is decreased down to '0' when a vacuum pump 65 is operated.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a formaldehyde gas sterilizer, and more specifically, a formaldehyde gas supply port and a formaldehyde gas discharge port are formed in a sterilization chamber having an openable/closable door. A formaldehyde gas generator connected to the formaldehyde gas supply port is connected to supply formaldehyde gas into the sterilization chamber, and a formaldehyde gas neutralization device is connected to the formaldehyde gas discharge port. , introducing formaldehyde gas into the neutralization treatment liquid water tank of the neutralization treatment equipment,
The present invention relates to a formaldehyde gas sterilizer adapted to neutralize the gas.

[Conventional technology]

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, various types of equipment such as medical examination instruments, surgical instruments, pediatric incubators, and anesthesiology-related equipment have been sterilized using formaldehyde gas.

Since this formaldehyde gas is harmful and has an adverse effect on the human body, sterilization work must be performed in a closed sterilization room, and the toxicity of formaldehyde gas must be neutralized and disposed of in a harmless state.

For this reason, the conventional formaldehyde gas sterilizer 1, as shown in FIG. formed respectively,
A formaldehyde gas generator 6 is connected to the formaldehyde gas supply port 4, a formaldehyde gas neutralization device 7 is connected to the formaldehyde gas discharge port 5, formaldehyde gas is supplied from the formaldehyde gas supply port 4, and sterilization work is performed. After the completion of the sterilization, the formaldehyde gas in the sterilization chamber z is introduced into the neutralization processing device 7, and after being neutralized, the air in a harmful state is discharged to the outside from the outlet 8 of the neutralization processing device 7, Next, the door 3 of the sterilization room 2 can be opened and closed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional formaldehyde gas sterilization apparatus l, it is difficult to detect the formaldehyde gas concentration in the sterilization chamber, and the formaldehyde gas concentration is indirectly detected by the supply time of formaldehyde gas from the formaldehyde gas generator 6. However, it was not possible to easily obtain an accurate formaldehyde gas concentration. Furthermore, when formaldehyde gas is supplied by the formaldehyde gas generator 6, the air inside the sterilization chamber 2 must be exhausted to the outside, and even after the sterilization work is completed, the formaldehyde gas must be neutralized by the neutralization processing device 7. Since this air is then exhausted to the outside, there is a risk that formaldehyde gas will fill the examination room, processing room, etc. in which the formaldehyde gas sterilizer I is installed. Furthermore, when the door 3 of the sterilization room 2 is opened, there is a risk that dirty air from the examination room and the processing room will flow into the sterilization room 2.

Furthermore, since conventional ammonia aqueous solution is used to neutralize formaldehyde gas, formaldehyde gas and ammonia gas leak to the outside.

An object of the present invention is to be able to accurately detect the formaldehyde gas concentration in a sterilization chamber, maintain, hold, and control the concentration, and to prevent formaldehyde gas from being introduced into a neutralization processing device after sterilization work is completed. The sterile air that has been neutralized by the neutralization processing device is sent into the sterilization room without being discharged to the outside, preventing formaldehyde gas and ammonia odor in examination rooms, processing rooms, etc., and when the door of the sterilization room is opened. To provide a formaldehyde gas sterilization device that can prevent the inflow of dirty air and has excellent safety.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and includes forming a formaldehyde gas supply port and a formaldehyde gas discharge port in a sterilization chamber having an openable/closable door, and connecting a formaldehyde gas generator to the formaldehyde gas supply port. Formaldehyde gas can be supplied into the sterilization chamber, and Formua J! / In a formaldehyde gas sterilizer connected to a dehyde gas neutralization treatment device, formaldehyde gas is introduced into a neutralized liquid water tank of the neutralization treatment device for neutralization, and the formaldehyde gas generation device is connected to the sterilization chamber and formaldehyde gas generation. The device is connected to the device through a pipe so that formaldehyde gas from the formaldehyde gas generator can be circulated from the supply port into the sterilization chamber and from the sterilization chamber to the formaldehyde gas generator, and the neutralized liquid in the water tank is sterilized. It is characterized in that air is introduced into the sterilization room.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the sterilization chamber is provided with a formaldehyde gas concentration detector.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, the sterilization chamber and the formaldehyde gas generator are connected by a pipe, and formaldehyde gas from the formaldehyde gas generator can be circulated from the supply port into the sterilization chamber and from the sterilization chamber to the formaldehyde gas generator. In addition, the formaldehyde gas concentration detector installed in the sterilization room can accurately measure the formaldehyde gas concentration in the sterilization room, making it possible to maintain and maintain the concentration.
In addition, the sterile air in the neutralized liquid water tank is introduced into the sterilization room, so the sterile air can be circulated into the sterilization room, preventing formaldehyde gas odor from being discharged to the outside, and sterilization. Since the sterilization room is filled with sterile air when the door of the room is opened, it is possible to prevent the inflow of dirty air.

〔Example〕

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The formaldehyde gas generator according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 7 schematically show an embodiment of the present invention, and this formaldehyde gas sterilizer 11 has a sterilization chamber 12 that can be sealed, and the front side of this sterilization chamber 12 is A door 13 is formed which is opened and closed by a hinge 14,
A glass plate 15 is formed on the door 13 so that the inside can be seen through, and an appropriate handle 1 is provided on the front side of the door 13.
6 is formed. A plurality of shelf boards 17 are attached inside the sterilization chamber 12.

In this embodiment, a case will be explained in which instruments such as medical testing instruments and surgical instruments are stored and sterilized in the sterilization chamber 12, but the size and shape of the sterilization chamber 12 may be varied depending on the items to be sterilized. Moreover, one examination room, operating room, etc. itself can be used as the sterilization room 12, or a plurality of other sterilization rooms 12 can be provided.

An electronic lock 19 is provided on the door 13 of the sterilization chamber 12, and when the formaldehyde gas concentration in the sterilization chamber 12 is higher than a predetermined value, the door 13 is kept locked and cannot be opened. is being done.

An operation panel 21 is formed below the sterilization chamber 12, and a storage chamber 22 in which a formaldehyde gas generator 24 and a neutralization processing device 26 are housed is formed below the operation panel 21. The storage chamber 22 may be provided on the side or inside the sterilization chamber 12. A window 22b is formed in the door 22a of the storage chamber 22, and a formaldehyde cartridge 31, which will be described later, can be seen through the window 22b.

The formaldehyde gas generator 24 is granular (Efgen)
Alternatively, there is a formaldehyde cartridge 31 containing tablets (rose formaldehyde) or liquid formaldehyde solution, and this formaldehyde cartridge 31
A pipe 32 having a check valve 33 is connected to the formaldehyde gas supply side of the sterilization chamber 12.
The formaldehyde gas supply port 34 is connected to a formaldehyde gas supply port 34 formed at the rear of the bottom 12a of the sterilization chamber 12, and a supply pipe 35 having a large number of small holes extending above the sterilization chamber 12 is connected to the formaldehyde gas supply port 34. - An outlet 37 is formed in the bottom 12a of the sterilization chamber 12, and this outlet 37 is connected to a pipe 38 having a check valve 39, and an air pump 41, which will be described later, is connected between the pipe 38 and the pipe 40. A heating device 42 having a thermostat 43 is connected to a pipe 40 through which air is supplied from the air pump 41, and a pipe 45 having a check valve 46 extending from the heating device 42 is connected to the formaldehyde cartridge 31. A humidifier 47 is attached to the pipe 45.

Therefore, when the door 13 of the sterilization chamber 12 is locked with the electronic lock 19 and the air pump 41 is operated, the sterilization chamber 1
2 air is introduced into the pipe 38 from the outlet 37, and is supplied from the air pump 41 to the heating device 42 side via the pipe 40, and is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, 40° C. to 60° C. The formaldehyde gas is supplied to the formaldehyde cartridge 31 at a humidity of approximately 75%, and the formaldehyde in the formaldehyde cartridge 31 is converted into formaldehyde gas, and the formaldehyde gas is supplied to the sterilization chamber 12 from the pipe 32 through the formaldehyde gas supply port 34. Supplied. Note that the air and/or formaldehyde gas is circulated and repeated until the formaldehyde gas concentration reaches the desired concentration.

Further, a formaldehyde gas concentration detector 49 is provided at the bottom i2a of the sterilization chamber 12, and various indicator lights 85 are formed on the operation panel 21 based on the output of this concentration detector 49.
, 86.90 are controlled to light up.

In this embodiment, the concentration detector 49 adopts a catalytic combustion type, and since the formaldehyde concentration that is thought to be generated during sterilization is about 7.000 PPM, the concentration detector 49 is 0 to 70.000 PPM.
It is designed to be able to measure up to the PM concentration range.

In general, in catalytic combustion type concentration detectors, when air containing flammable gas comes into contact with a detection cell heated to a certain temperature, it combusts on the catalyst of the detection cell, even if the concentration is below the lower explosive limit. oxidation reaction) occurs. It is measured by taking advantage of the fact that the heat from combustion raises the temperature of the detection cell, increasing its resistance value.

Since the amount of heat generated during combustion is proportional to 1 degree Celsius of the same gas, gas concentration and output are generally in a proportional relationship.

Therefore, by connecting the series circuit of the detection cell and resistor R1 in parallel, and the series circuit of the comparison cell and resistor R2 to form a bridge circuit, it is possible to measure the gas concentration based on the current flowing through the meter. . Further, by providing a variable resistor, the concentration measurement range can be made variable.

A neutralization processing device 26 for neutralizing the formaldehyde gas concentration in the sterilization chamber 12 after sterilization is completed includes a discharge pipe 52 having a check valve 53 connected to a formaldehyde gas discharge port 51 formed at the bottom 12a of the sterilization chamber 12. and a neutralized liquid tank 54 into which the discharge pipe 52 is inserted, and the neutralized liquid tank 54 stores, for example, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution 55. Further, a hydrogen peroxide tank 57 is attached to the upper part of the neutralization treatment liquid tank 54.
The hydrogen peroxide solution 58 stored in the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 57 is dripped into the neutralized liquid tank 54 through a drip pipe 0 provided with an electromagnetic valve 59. A plurality of neutralization treatment liquid water tanks 54 can be provided.

By introducing high concentration formaldehyde gas into the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution 55, as shown in the following formula,
A Kanitz-Arrow reaction occurs, producing sodium formate and methyl alcohol.

N a OH+ 2 HCHO= HC00N a +
CHsO) (Also, by adding hydrogen peroxide solution 58, the alkalinity is not neutralized and it is converted to formate. When disposing of the neutralized treatment liquid, add a large amount of water to dilute it and make it a non-polluting treatment liquid. Discard.

The neutralized liquid water tank 54 has a pipro 2 equipped with a check valve 63.
is connected, and a high-speed vacuum pump 6 is connected to this pipero 2.
A pipe 66 equipped with a check valve 67 is connected through the pipe 5. The tip of this pipe 66 is connected to the bottom 1 of the sterilization chamber 12.
It is connected to a sterile air outlet 69 formed in 2a. In this embodiment, the pipe 66 is connected to the sterile air outlet 69, but the pipe 66 may be connected to the pipe 32.

Therefore, when the vacuum pump 65 is operated, the formaldehyde gas discharged from the formaldehyde gas discharge port 51 at the bottom 12a of the sterilization chamber 12 is neutralized in the neutralized liquid water tank 54 through the discharge pipe 52, and then the formaldehyde gas is neutralized in the neutralized liquid tank 54. , is introduced into the sterilization chamber 12 from the sterile air outlet 69 via the vacuum pump 65 and pipe 66. By repeating this process, the formaldehyde gas in the sterilization chamber 12 is circulated, and the formaldehyde gas concentration is
It is cycled until it reaches "0". When the formaldehyde gas concentration is "0", formaldehyde gas has been completely removed, and the inside of the sterilization chamber 12 has sterile air. When rOJ is detected by this formaldehyde gas concentration detector 49, the removable indicator light 90 on the operation panel 21 is lit,
The electronic lock 19 is turned off, and the door 13 of the sterilization room 12 is closed.
can be opened and closed.

FIG. 5 shows an air pump 41 for circulating air between the sterilization chamber 12 and the formaldehyde gas generator 24.
One embodiment is shown, and this air pump 41 includes a cylindrical casing 71 to which a suction side pipe 38 and a discharge side pipe 40 are connected, and a piston 72 that slides inside this casing 71. , and a piston rod 73 connected to a drive source 74 for reciprocating the piston 72. The casing 71 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, and the piston 72 is made of a metal coated with a corrosion-resistant fluororesin, or the piston 72 is made of a metal such as stainless steel and a fluororesin piston ring is attached to the piston 72. 76 are fitted together. Fluorine resin has excellent corrosion resistance against formaldehyde gas,
This can improve durability.

In this embodiment, the outlet 37 is formed separately from the formaldehyde gas outlet 51, but a pipe is connected to the outlet pipe 52 connected to the outlet 51 via a three-way solenoid valve, and this pipe is connected to the air pump 41. They may be connected. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air pump 41 and the vacuum pump 65 are specially formed, but the pipe 66 may be formed as necessary.
By connecting the pipe 40 and the air pump 41 or the vacuum pump 65 to the air pump 41 or the vacuum pump 65 using a three-way solenoid valve, and by connecting the pipe 66 and the pipe 32, the other pump can be omitted. Furthermore, air pump 41
A plurality of vacuum pumps 65 can be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the operation panel 21 is provided with a power switch 81 and a sterilization timer 82 for setting the sterilization time. It is set according to the type, etc. This sterilization timer 82 is configured to start when the concentration of formaldehyde gas in the sterilization chamber 12 reaches a set value, for example, 7.000 PPM. A remaining sterilization time display section 83 is formed at the bottom of the sterilization timer 82.

Insert the object to be sterilized into the sterilization chamber 12 and lock the electronic lock 1 on the door 13.
A sterilization start switch 84 is provided which turns on the formaldehyde gas generator 24 when the switch 9 is turned on, and a relatively large red display is provided when the sterilization start switch 84 is turned on. A light 85 is turned on. Furthermore, when the set sterilization time has elapsed, that is, when the remaining time display section 83 displays "0", a yellow sterilization completion indicator light 86 lights up.

Further, a take-out request timer 87 is provided for taking out the sterilized object from the sterilization chamber 12, and this take-out request timer 87 is set according to the size, shape, type of equipment, etc. of the object to be sterilized. A remaining time display section 88 is provided at the bottom of the retrieval request timer 87, and the retrieval request timer 87
After setting, by turning on the removal request switch 89, the neutralization processing device 26 is activated, and the sterilization chamber 12 is activated.
The neutralization processing device 26 operates until the concentration of formaldehyde gas becomes "0" and a predetermined set time has elapsed. When the remaining time display section 88 of the retrieval request timer 87 displays rOJ, the retrieval possible indicator light 90 consisting of a relatively large green display lights up, and the electronic lock 19
is in the off state.

Reference numeral 91 denotes a recording paper outlet from the printer, and a sterilization timer 82 and a take-out request timer 87 of the operation panel 21
The concentration of formaldehyde gas in the sterilization chamber 12, the temperature and humidity of the sterilization chamber 12, the date of work, etc. corresponding to the set time are printed on a recording paper and can be taken out from a recording paper outlet 91.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a relay circuit 93 is activated based on the output of the concentration detector 49, and 1, OO
When the concentration is less than or equal to OPPM, relay contact R1 is turned on, and 1, OOOPP
The lamp below M is lit, and at this time 1,
An alarm output M1 is obtained when the condition becomes OOOPPM. Similarly to this, 5. 5. When relay contact R2 is in the ON state for OOOPPM or more. OO
The lamp lights up at OPPM or higher. At this time, an alarm output M2 is obtained. In addition, a relay contact R3 for controlling the set concentration is provided, and for example, when the gas concentration is set to 7.0 OOPPH, this 7.
．． 000PPM or more, control relay contact R
3 is turned off, and the formaldehyde gas generator 24
is turned off, and the gas concentration is 7.000.
When the amount is below PPM, the formaldehyde gas generator 24 is turned on.

An alarm output M3 is obtained when the gas concentration becomes 7.000 PPM or more.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The above is the configuration of one embodiment of the formaldehyde gas sterilization device according to the present invention. According to this configuration, the sterilization chamber and the formaldehyde gas generator are connected by a pipe, and the formaldehyde gas from the formaldehyde gas generator is connected to the formaldehyde gas generator. can be circulated from the supply port into the sterilization chamber and from the sterilization chamber to the formaldehyde gas generator, and the formaldehyde gas concentration in the sterilization chamber can be accurately measured by the formaldehyde gas sterilization concentration detector installed in the sterilization chamber. The concentration is maintained, held, and controlled, and the sterile air in the neutralized liquid tank is introduced into the sterilization room, so sterile air can be circulated into the sterilization room, and formaldehyde gas is not discharged to the outside. Moreover, when the door of the sterilization chamber is opened, the sterilization chamber is filled with sterile air, so that the inflow of dirty air can be prevented, and a formaldehyde gas sterilization device with excellent safety can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 to 7 each schematically show an embodiment of the formaldehyde gas sterilizer according to the present invention. Figure 1 is a front view of the sterilizer, and Figure 2 shows the arrangement of the storage chamber. 3 is a side view, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bottom of the sterilization chamber, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump, FIG. 6 is a front view of the operation panel, and FIG. The figure is a time chart showing the operating state of the relay circuit based on the detection output of the concentration detector, and FIG. 8 is a front explanatory diagram showing the arrangement state of the conventional sterilizer. In the figure, 11...Sterilizer, 12...Sterilization room, 12a
...Bottom, 13...Door, 19...Electronic lock, 2
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Operation panel, 22... Storage chamber, 24... Formaldehyde gas generator, 26... Neutralization processing device, 3
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Formaldehyde cartridge, 34... Formaldehyde supply port, 35... Supply pipe, 37...
...Outlet port, 38°40...Pipe, 41...Air pump, 42...Heating device, 49...Concentration detector, 51...Formaldehyde gas discharge port, 52...
Discharge pipe, 54... Neutralized liquid tank, 62.66.
...Pipe, 65...Vacuum pump, 69...
Sterile air outlet, 82...Sterilization timer, 85...
Indicator light, 87... Removal request timer, 90... Removal possible indicator light, 91... Recording paper outlet, 93... Relay circuit. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 jl14 Fig. 6 @ Fig. 7 Time Fig. 8 Procedural leader Bo Jeongseo-ba) Director General of the Patent Office Kim 1) Moon Yi 1, Indication of the case 1988 Patent Application No. 102076 No. 2, Name of the invention Formaldehyde gas sterilizer 3, Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant name: Enda Medical Industry Co., Ltd. 4, Agent: 46101 Address: 3-22-4-7 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Contents of the amendment (1) The "Claims" in the specification will be corrected as shown in the attached sheet. (2) In the specification, page 13, lines 5 to 6, 1st
In the third line, correct the phrase "sodium hydroxide aqueous solution" to "alkali hydroxide aqueous solution." (3) Same, page 10, 3rd line from the bottom, page 11, 4th
In the first line, "humidifier 47" should be corrected to "humidity controller 47." 2. Claims (1) Forming a formaldehyde gas supply port and a formaldehyde gas discharge port in a sterilization chamber having an openable/closable door;
A formaldehyde gas generator is connected to the formaldehyde gas supply port to supply formaldehyde gas into the sterilization chamber, and a formaldehyde gas neutralization device is connected to the formaldehyde gas discharge port to neutralize the formaldehyde gas. In a formaldehyde gas sterilizer that introduces formaldehyde gas into the neutralized liquid water tank of the processing equipment for neutralization, the sterilization chamber and the formaldehyde gas generator are connected by a pipe, and the formaldehyde gas from the formaldehyde gas generator is connected by a pipe. Formed so that formaldehyde gas can be circulated from the supply port into the sterilization chamber and from the sterilization chamber to the formaldehyde gas generator,
A formaldehyde gas sterilization apparatus characterized in that sterile air in the neutralized liquid tank is introduced into a sterilization chamber. (2) The formaldehyde gas sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization chamber is provided with a formaldehyde gas concentration detector. (3) Claim (1) characterized in that an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution is stored in the neutralized liquid tank, and a hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the neutralized liquid tank.
Or the formaldehyde gas sterilizer according to claim (2). (4) A sterile air outlet is formed in the sterilization chamber, the neutralized liquid tank and the sterile air outlet are connected by a pipe equipped with a check valve, and a pump is connected in the middle of the pipe. Claim (1) characterized in that. The formaldehyde gas sterilizer according to (2) or (3).

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A formaldehyde gas supply port and a formaldehyde gas discharge port are formed in a sterilization room with a door that can be opened and closed,
A formaldehyde gas generator is connected to the formaldehyde gas supply port to supply formaldehyde gas into the sterilization chamber, and a formaldehyde gas neutralization device is connected to the formaldehyde gas discharge port to neutralize the formaldehyde gas. In a formaldehyde gas sterilizer that introduces formaldehyde gas into the neutralized liquid water tank of the processing equipment for neutralization, the sterilization chamber and the formaldehyde gas generator are connected by a pipe, and the formaldehyde gas from the formaldehyde gas generator is connected by a pipe. Formed so that formaldehyde gas can be circulated from the supply port into the sterilization chamber and from the sterilization chamber to the formaldehyde gas generator,
A formaldehyde gas sterilization apparatus characterized in that sterile air in the neutralized liquid tank is introduced into a sterilization chamber. (2) The formaldehyde gas sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization chamber is provided with a formaldehyde gas concentration detector. (3) Claim (1) characterized in that the neutralized liquid tank contains an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and a hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the neutralized liquid tank.
, or the formaldehyde gas sterilizer according to claim (2). (4) A sterile air outlet is formed in the sterilization chamber, the neutralized liquid tank and the sterile air outlet are connected by a pipe equipped with a check valve, and a pump is connected in the middle of the pipe. Claim (1), (2) or (3) characterized in that
) Formaldehyde gas sterilization equipment.