JPH1057453A - Sterilizing method and sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To omit or shorten drying time by preventing a material to be sterilized from being wetted with moisture at the time of performing a sterilization by using a sterilizer provided with the sterilization tank of a dual structure composed an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. SOLUTION: Pressurized steam 28 is supplied from the lower part of the sterilization tank into water 27 stored between the inner cylinder 1 and outer cylinder 2 of the sterilization tank, the purified pressurized steam 28A generated at the upper part of the sterilization tank is introduced to a cyclone device 31 and separated into dried pressurized steam 28B and condensed drain 28C and the purified and dried pressurized steam (pure steam) 28B is jetted into the inner cylinder 1 filled with a processing object 37.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sterilization method and an apparatus therefor, and more particularly, to a surgical instrument such as a scalpel or tweezers, a surgical gown, a gauze or a worn patient's clothing or linen. The present invention relates to a sterilization treatment for medical treatment of the subject.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional sterilization process of this type includes a preheating step in which an object to be treated is put into a sterilization tank and then steam is sent to a steam chamber surrounding the sterilization tank or heated air is sent into the sterilization tank to preheat. The process includes a vacuum process of discharging air from the sterilization tank, a sterilization process of feeding saturated steam for sterilization, and a drying process of feeding clean dry air to the processing target wet with the saturated steam.

Referring to the conventional sterilization apparatus (3) shown in FIG. 2, an object to be processed, for example, a surgical gown worn by a doctor at the time of surgery or clothes of a patient who has already worn, constitutes a double-structure sterilization tank. Into the inner cylinder (1). An outer cylinder (2) surrounds the inner cylinder (1) to form a steam chamber (20) therebetween. A vacuum pump (4) is connected to the inner cylinder (1) via a discharge pipe (5), and an air filter (11) is used to feed clean air into the inner cylinder (1) after sterilization. The air pipe (14) provided with is connected. The outer cylinder (2) is connected to a steam supply pipe (7) for supplying high-temperature and high-pressure saturated steam generated by the steam generator (6) to the steam chamber (20). Further, in order to feed the steam in the steam chamber (20) into the inner cylinder (1), one end of the pipe (8) with the on-off valve (18) is set to the inner cylinder (1), and the other end is set to the outer cylinder (2). Connected to each other.

[0004] The operation of the sterilization apparatus (3) constructed as described above will be explained. The steam chamber (20) is filled with high-temperature steam supplied from a steam generator (6). After heating the air (steam) and the object to be treated in (1), the air in the inner cylinder (1) is discharged by a vacuum pump (4), and then the on-off valve (18) is turned on. By maintaining the open state for a short time, the operation of feeding the high-temperature steam in the steam chamber (20) into the inner cylinder (1) is repeated. In this way, a vacuuming step for improving the familiarity between the processing object stored in the inner cylinder (1) and the high-temperature steam sent into the inner cylinder (1) is executed.

After the evacuation step is completed, the on-off valve (18) is opened, and the high-temperature and high-pressure saturated steam stored in the steam chamber (20) is sent into the inner cylinder (1). The sterilization process is performed by filling the high-temperature high-pressure steam.

When the sterilization process is completed, the on-off valve (18)
Is closed, and then the steam filled in the inner cylinder (1) is discharged. Next, the inside of the inner cylinder (1) is vacuum pumped (4).
While maintaining the vacuum state, and heating the inside of the inner cylinder (1) using the heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure steam introduced into the steam chamber (20), and purifying the clean air filtered by the air filter (11). Is repeatedly supplied into the inner cylinder (1),
The drying step of the processing object stored in the inner cylinder (1) is executed.

[0007] As described above, the high temperature and high pressure steam is supplied to the inner cylinder (1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-292164 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
Many findings are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 370.

[0008] In short, in the sterilization method using the sterilization apparatus (3) of FIG. 2, after the object to be processed is charged into the inner cylinder (1), steam or heated air is sent into the steam chamber (20). Pre-heating step, evacuation step of discharging air from the inner cylinder (1), sterilization step of feeding saturated steam to the inner cylinder (1) for sterilization, and cleaning of the processing object wet by introduction of the saturated steam. Drying air is sent in order to remove moisture, and the drying process is sequentially performed to achieve sterilization.
End the cycle.

Incidentally, the evacuation step is usually performed for 20 minutes.
The sterilization process is performed by feeding saturated steam at about 132 ° C. for about 10 minutes. Then, after the sterilization process is completed, clean dry air is fed into the inner cylinder (1) for 30 minutes to 60 minutes to remove moisture from the processing object wet by feeding saturated steam into the processing object. Perform a drying process.

[0010]

When the above-mentioned sterilization treatment is performed, an object to be treated accommodated in the inner cylinder (1) is wetted by sending saturated steam. Therefore, before removing the sterilized processing objects from the inner cylinder (1) to the outside of the system, these processing objects are sprayed with clean dry air for a considerably long time, usually for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. It is necessary to remove the water. Since a long time is required for this drying step, the total required time for the sterilization treatment is long, and improvement in productivity is hindered. Further, since the high-temperature and high-pressure saturated steam generated by the steam generator (6) is blown to the processing object stored in the inner cylinder (1) in an unfiltered state, the steam generator (6) and the steam supply There is also a problem that contaminants and rust adhering to the pipe (7) are brought into the inner cylinder (1) together with the saturated water vapor and contaminate the object to be treated.

As described above, conventional pressurized steam for sterilization has a large amount of condensed drain, adheres moisture to the object to be treated, and requires a long drying step.

Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to prevent the object to be treated from being wet by spraying saturated steam.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a sterilization method using a sterilization apparatus having a sterilization tank having a double structure including an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder.
By injecting water between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder in advance, blowing high-pressure pressurized steam into the water from the bottom of the sterilization tank, heating the inside of the sterilization tank to a predetermined temperature, and simultaneously contacting the water. Then, the pressurized steam which has been heated to a predetermined sterilization temperature and which has been cleaned is converted into water, and the pressurized steam which has been heated to the predetermined sterilization temperature is guided into a cyclone device provided above the sterilization tank to obtain moisture. The sterilized pressurized steam that is cleaned and contains no water is generated, and the sterilized pressurized steam is injected into the inner cylinder of the sterilization tank to sterilize the processing object stored in the inner cylinder. It is intended to provide a sterilization treatment method adapted to perform the method (claim 1).

The present invention also provides a sterilization apparatus having a sterilization tank having a double structure consisting of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, wherein a water supply pipe for supplying water between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder is provided. An overflow pipe for overflowing the water stored between the outer cylinders, a steam blow-in pipe in which an outlet for pressurized steam from the steam generator is opened in a storage space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, A cyclone device connected to the outer cylinder via a supply pipe, a pure steam introduction pipe extending from the upper end of the cyclone device toward the inside of the inner cylinder, and a condensation drain pipe for discharging condensation drain from the bottom of the inner cylinder are provided. It is intended to provide a sterilized processing apparatus which has been made (claim 2).

[0015] A clean and dried pressurized steam (pure water) is placed in a sterilization tank (inner cylinder) enclosing the object to be treated.
By carrying out the sterilization process by sending steam), the object to be treated is not wetted by the saturated steam. Therefore, there is no contamination of the processing object due to the wetting, and the drying step is unnecessary.

Further, since the inner cylinder is heated by blowing high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the water in the storage space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, no dew condensation occurs on the inner surface of the inner cylinder when the steam is introduced. Furthermore, even if condensed drain is generated, it can be forcibly discharged to the outside through the drain pipe.
Therefore, the inside of the inner cylinder is always kept in a dry state.

The high-temperature and high-pressure steam supplied from the steam generator is purified by passing water before being sent into the inner cylinder. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a filter for preventing contamination as in the related art.

When the condensed drain pipe is connected to the steam generator and the condensed drain is used as makeup water for the steam generator (claim 3), not only energy can be saved but also various germs adhere. There is also an advantage that various bacteria can be completely sterilized by a steam generator (boiler) even when sterilizing a surgical gown or the like.

A cyclodrain can be used as makeup water for the steam generator by connecting the bottom end of the cyclone device to the steam generator (claim 4).

Examples of the processing object suitable for applying the present invention include a surgical instrument, a gauze, a surgical gown, and a worn clothing of a patient (claim 5).

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 showing a specific example of a sterilization apparatus. In addition,
In the following description, the same elements as those of the conventional device already described with reference to FIG. 2 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0022] The sterilization apparatus (40) is provided with a processing object (3).
7) a double-layer sterilization tank comprising an inner cylinder (1) for enclosing the inner cylinder (1) and an outer cylinder (2) surrounding the inner cylinder (1) and forming a water storage space (21). ing. In addition, doors (not shown) for inserting and removing the processing object (37) are provided on the inner and outer walls of the inner cylinder (1) (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing).

In order to supply water to the storage space (21), a water supply pipe (26) having an opening for water supply is provided on the wall of the outer cylinder (2). Water supply pipe (26) is an on-off valve (25)
Is provided. A steam generator (boiler) with an overflow pipe (23) for water level adjustment attached to the side wall of the outer cylinder (2)
Connect to (6). An overflow valve (24) is provided to regulate the flow rate from the overflow pipe (23) to the steam generator (6). A drain pipe (5) equipped with a drain valve (34) is attached to the bottom of the outer cylinder (2). A steam injection pipe (7) for supplying pressurized steam (28) generated by the steam generator (6) to the storage space (21) is provided in the storage space (21) below the sterilization tank. It is arranged so that it is located. The steam injection pipe (7) is provided with an on-off valve (22) as a means for adjusting the steam supply amount. At the bottom of the inner cylinder (1), a drain pipe (35) for extracting condensed drain is attached. The drain pipe (35) extends to the outside of the outer cylinder (2) across the storage space (21),
A drain valve (36) is provided.

A cyclone separator (hereinafter, referred to as a cyclone device) (31) is installed above the sterilization tank, and is connected to the top of the outer cylinder (2) via a steam introduction pipe (29). One end of a pure steam supply pipe (32) is connected to the upper end of the cyclone device (31), and the other end is located inside the inner cylinder (1). The pure steam supply pipe (32) is provided with an on-off valve (33) for adjusting the flow rate of the pure steam. At the bottom end of the cyclone device (31), a cyclodrain tube (38) with an on-off valve (30) is provided. Pure cyclone device (31)
The cyclodrain (28C) separated from the steam (28B) is released into the atmosphere using the pressure difference and the opening / closing operation of the on-off valve (30), or sent to the steam generator (6) through a pipe (not shown). Sent.

The method of sterilization by the sterilization apparatus (40) will be described below.

An input door (not shown) is opened, and a processing object (37), for example, a surgical gown or a worn patient's clothes, is inserted into the inner cylinder (1). After the processing object (37) is sealed in the inner tube (1) from the pure steam supply pipe (32), the pure steam (28) is introduced into the inner cylinder (1).
B) is sprayed to perform a sterilization process. This pure steam (28B) is clean and dry because it is made by the operations described below, and therefore does not require a drying step after the sterilization step.

Prior to the introduction of the object to be treated, an on-off valve (2
5) Open to introduce water (27) from the water supply pipe (26) into the storage space (21) between the inner cylinder (1) and the outer cylinder (2).
Subsequently, the open / close valve (22) is opened, and high-temperature pressurized steam (28) is blown into the water (27) in the storage space (21) through the steam blow pipe (7). Thereby, the inner cylinder (1) and the inside thereof are heated (preheated) to a predetermined temperature.

The high-pressure pressurized steam (28) blown into the storage space (21) is cleaned by contact with the water (27), and is heated to a predetermined temperature according to the sterilization process. It floats on the overflow surface as 28A). This purified pressurized steam (28A)
Pressurized steam supply pipe (29) from the top of the storage space (21)
Through the cyclone device (31).

When flowing into the cyclone unit (31), the pressurized steam (28A) forms a spiral swirling flow, in which water is separated and removed to become dry pressurized steam, that is, pure steam (28B). When the on-off valve (33) is opened, the pure steam (28B) is injected from the introduction pipe (32) into the inner cylinder (1).

Therefore, the processing object (3) is placed in the inner cylinder (1).
When the on-off valve (33) is opened in a state in which 7) is enclosed, pure steam (28B) is injected into the inner cylinder (1), and the processing object (37) is sterilized.

The water (28C) separated from the pure steam (28B) in the cyclone unit (31) accumulates as a cyclodrain at the bottom of the cyclone unit (31). This cyclo drain (28C) is an on-off valve (30)
The cyclodrain pipe (38) may be discharged to the atmosphere by opening the cyclodrain pipe (38).
Is connected to the steam generator (6), it can be effectively used as makeup water for the steam generator (6).

[0032]

EXAMPLE Gauze was put into a sterile bag as an object to be treated (37), put into the inner cylinder (1), sterilized at 132 ° C. for 10 minutes, taken out without a drying step, and weighed. The measured weight was 215.
9 g, but the weight immediately after removal was 21
9.8 g, and the weight after standing for 15 minutes is 21
It was 6.0 g. From this result, it is understood that the sterilization process is performed in a short time without providing a drying step. In order to confirm the sterilization effect, a bacterial culture test was performed on the sterilized gauze by Attest, and the test results confirmed complete sterilization.

[0033]

According to the present invention, the use of purified and dried pressurized steam (pure steam) eliminates the wetting by saturated steam, which has been a problem in the prior art, and therefore also reduces the wetting. The processing object becomes dirty and the drying process for a long time becomes unnecessary.
Processing capacity is greatly improved.

Since the inner cylinder is heated by blowing high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the water in the storage space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, dew condensation which tends to occur on the inner surface of the inner cylinder when steam is introduced is prevented. Further, since the condensed drain generated in the inner cylinder can be forcibly discharged to the outside through the drain pipe, the inside of the inner cylinder is always kept in a dry state, which greatly contributes to the prevention of the above-mentioned wetting. When condensed drain is used as make-up water for the steam generator, not only energy can be saved, but also various bacteria can be completely sterilized by the steam generator (steam boiler) even when sterilizing surgical gowns with various bacteria attached. It also has the advantage of being sterilized.

Further, since the high-temperature and high-pressure steam supplied from the steam generator is purified with water before being sent into the inner cylinder, it is not necessary to install a filter means for preventing contamination, and the sterilization apparatus is not required. Significant effects are also exhibited in simplifying the structure and reducing maintenance man-hours.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a sterilization apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a conventional example of a sterilization apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inner cylinder (sterilization tank) 2 Outer cylinder (sterilization tank) 6 Steam generator (boiler) 21 Water storage space 27 Water 28 Pressurized steam 28A Cleaned pressurized steam 28B Clean and dried pressurized steam (pure steam) 31 Cyclone device 37 Object to be treated 40 Sterilization device

Claims (5)

[Claims] In a sterilization method using a sterilization apparatus having a sterilization tank having a double structure composed of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, water is injected between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder in advance, and A high-temperature pressurized steam is blown from the bottom of the sterilization tank to heat the inside of the sterilization tank to a predetermined temperature, and at the same time, is brought into contact with the water to be converted into a purified pressurized steam heated to a predetermined sterilization processing temperature. Further, the pressurized steam heated to the predetermined sterilization treatment temperature is guided into a cyclone device provided above the sterilization tank to separate moisture, and purified, and sterilized pressurized steam containing no moisture is supplied. A sterilization method comprising: generating and injecting the pressurized steam for sterilization into an inner cylinder of a sterilization tank to sterilize a processing object stored in the inner cylinder. 2. A sterilization apparatus having a sterilization tank having a double structure including an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, wherein a water supply pipe for supplying water between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and a water supply pipe between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. Through an overflow pipe for overflowing the water stored in the tank, a steam blow-in pipe in which an outlet for pressurized steam from the steam generator is opened in the storage space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and a steam supply pipe. A sterilization apparatus comprising: a cyclone device connected to the outer cylinder through a pipe; a pure steam introduction pipe extending from the upper end of the cyclone device into the inner cylinder; and a condensation drain pipe for discharging condensation drain from the bottom of the inner cylinder. . 3. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the condensation drain pipe is connected to the steam generator, and the condensation drain is used as makeup water for the steam generator. 4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a bottom end of the cyclone device is connected to the steam generator, and a cyclodrain is used as makeup water for the steam generator. 5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the object to be processed is a surgical instrument, a gauze, a surgical gown, or a worn clothing of a patient.