KR20180014809A - Sterilization Apparatus Utilizing Sealing Pouch and Vacuum Container - Google Patents

Abstract

A sterilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: loading a vacuum pouch where an object to be sealed is stored and sealed into a vacuum container; discharging air from the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch; injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum pouch placed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state; and venting the vacuum container to atmospheric pressure. An objective of the present invention is to solve limited permeation of a sterilizing agent and a slow sterilization process in existing sterile packaging using a selective permeable film.

Description

Description Sterilization Apparatus Utilizing Sealing Pouch and Vacuum Container

The present invention relates to a sterilizing apparatus, and more particularly, to a sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing a material to be processed in a vacuum packaging sheet.

A chemical sterilizer is a device that performs a desiccation process at a relatively low temperature using a gas such as hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) or chlorine dioxide (ClO ₂ ) as a sterilant.

In a conventional chemical sterilizer using hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent, a base vacuum pressure of 10 Torr or less is formed in a sterilization process chamber and the sterilizing agent is supplied. In such a vacuum state, the sterilizing agent can be supplied and vaporized at a temperature as low as 60 degrees Celsius or less. The amount of sterilizing agent that is supplied is controlled so that the pressure maintained through diffusion of the sterilizing agent into the sterilization chamber will generally be at a level of about 30 Torr. Keeping the vacuum in this way allows the hydrogen peroxide to remain in the gaseous state at the main pressure and temperature, and the gaseous sterilizing agent permeates the packaging film inside the sterilization chamber and is transferred to the sterilization article, To carry out.

In a conventional chemical sterilizer, the temperature of the sterilization chamber is raised to the process temperature (for example, 60 degrees Celsius) to raise the temperature of the sterilization target object to the process temperature, and the vacuum formation and the heated air injection are repeated, , Which has a low heat transfer efficiency. The process temperature must be controlled to ensure reliability as the most important process variable in the sterilization process. Thus, a heating process that is long enough to allow the sterilization chamber and the sterilizing target to reach thermal equilibrium is required.

In order to prevent secondary infections and cross-infections after the sterilization process, the conventional sterilizer performs a sterilization process with the sterilization target packaged in the pouch. For effective sterilization processes, TIVEK ^® , which has selective permeability on one side of the film of the pouch, is commonly used and the other side is a transparent film (for example, PE, PET or PE-PET film) Lt; / RTI > Here, the selective permeability permits permeation of the sterilizing agent through the film to perform the sterilization process and to maintain the sterility after the sterilization process due to the impermeability of the bacteria. However, the sterilizing agent is partially absorbed into the TIVEK ^占 film during the sterilization process, resulting in the loss of the sterilizing agent and the sterilization process becomes inefficient. In addition, the sterilizing agent is absorbed into the packaging pouch film after the sterilization process or remains on the surface thereof. A sufficient purification process is required to prevent such residual sterilant from being exposed to the user.

The purification step is a step after the sterilization step is forming a vacuum in the further sterilization chamber, the aeration (aeration), plasma (plasma) inside the packaging pouch using a sterilization chamber inner surface and conventional TIVEK ^® via the discharge or the like, film, and remains on the film surface The sterilizing agent is removed. Thus, the purification process provides user safety. However, such an indirect purification process is not efficient in removing the sterilizing agent remaining on the sterilization target object, and a long time purification process is required to secure user safety.

A technique for ensuring user safety while enabling quick sterilization is required. To this end, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent directly injects the sterilizing agent into the interior of the sealed pouch using the impermeable film. The vacuum chamber surrounding the encapsulated pouch utilizes pressure differentials to provide volume within the pouch. As a result, a fast and efficient sterilization process is possible. In addition, there is no sterilizing agent that can remain on the outer surface of the pouch that is in contact with the user through direct sterilant entry into the sealed packaging pouch. Therefore, an additional purification process is not required and user safety is ensured.

A technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to solve the selectively transmitting slow transmission of the sterilization process-limiting sterilant in conventional sterilization pouch (sterile packaging) and accordingly to use the film as TIVEK ^®.

A technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to resolve the safety issues due to user sterilant absorbing and remains on the surface for selectively transmitting film such as TIVEK ^®.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for vacuum sealing using a non-permeable film without using a selective permeable film, thereby improving sterility after the sterilization process, A vacuum container is formed outside to secure the volume of the pouch and achieve an effective sterilization process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a pouch which can be vacuum-sealed while injecting a sterilizing agent directly into a pouch by forming a nozzle in the pouch.

The present invention provides a pouch capable of plasma discharge at the inner surface of the pouch to remove the sterilant remaining in the pouch after the sterilization process.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization method comprising the steps of: loading a vacuum pouch packed with a material to be processed into a vacuum container; Evacuating the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch; Injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum wrapper disposed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state; And venting the vacuum vessel to atmospheric pressure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of evacuating the sterilant injected from the vacuum pouch in a state of being disposed in the vacuum container.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may be formed of a material that does not allow external gas to pass through the inside of the vacuum packaging machine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may be sealed by thermocompression while the object to be processed is accommodated.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may include a connection member for injecting the sterilizing agent and exhausting gas therein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper may be higher than the base pressure of the vacuum container in a state where the sterilizing agent is supplied to the vacuum packaging paper.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the sterilizing agent is evacuated from the vacuum pouch, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be equal to the base pressure of the vacuum pouch.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may be heated to 50 to 65 degrees Celsius by a heater installed in the vacuum container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch may be simultaneously evacuated.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the supply of the sterilizing agent to the vacuum packaging paper and the discharge of the vacuum packaging paper may be performed using a connection member provided on the vacuum packaging paper.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent may be hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 50 weight percent or more.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization method comprising the steps of: loading a vacuum pouch packed with a material to be processed into a vacuum container; Evacuating the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch; Generating a plasma in the vacuum wrapper disposed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state; And venting the vacuum vessel to atmospheric pressure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of injecting sterilizing agent into the vacuum pouch placed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the plasma may be performed by dielectric barrier discharge.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of evacuating the sterilant injected from the vacuum packaging paper disposed in the vacuum container.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may be formed of a material that does not allow external gas to pass through the inside of the vacuum packaging machine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may be sealed by thermocompression while the object to be processed is accommodated.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may include a connection member for injecting the sterilizing agent and exhausting gas therein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper may be higher than the base pressure of the vacuum container in a state where the sterilizing agent is supplied to the vacuum packaging paper.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the sterilizing agent is evacuated from the vacuum pouch, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be equal to the base pressure of the vacuum pouch.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may be heated to 50 to 65 degrees Celsius by a heater installed in the vacuum container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch may be simultaneously evacuated.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the supply of the sterilizing agent to the vacuum packaging paper and the discharge of the vacuum packaging paper may be performed using a connection member provided on the vacuum packaging paper.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent may be hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 50 weight percent or more.

A sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum container; A vacuum packaging sheet loaded in the vacuum container and containing and sealing the object to be processed; A vacuum pump for exhausting the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch; A sterilizing agent supply unit for injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum pouch; And an air injection unit for injecting air into the vacuum container. After the sterilizing agent is injected into the vacuum pouch, the vacuum container is maintained at a vacuum pressure of the vacuum environment, and the pressure of the vacuum pouch is higher than the base pressure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may include a conductive layer of a ground layer, a dielectric layer, and a hole array pattern sequentially stacked. The ground layer may be disposed outside the vacuum pouch, and the conductive layer may be disposed inside the vacuum pouch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may further include an AC power source disposed outside the vacuum container and supplying AC power between the ground layer and the conductive layer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent supply unit includes a vaporizer for heating and vaporizing a sterilizing agent supplied from the outside; A first valve disposed between an output end of the vaporizer and a connection portion of the vacuum pouch; And a second valve disposed between an output end of the carburetor and an input end of the vacuum pump.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air injection unit may include an air filter that receives external air and filters the air; A third valve disposed between an input / output end of the vacuum chamber and an input end of the vacuum pump; And a fourth valve disposed between the air filter and the input and output ends of the vacuum container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum container includes a door for loading the vacuum pouch; A lower heater disposed in the vacuum container and for mounting and heating the vacuum package; And an upper heater for heating the vacuum vessel; As shown in FIG.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may include a connection member for receiving the sterilizing agent from the outside and discharging the gas inside the vacuum pouch. The connection member may be thermocompression-bonded to the vacuum pouch and provided with a through hole, and the periphery of the connection member may be thermocompression-bonded after the exhaust process of the sterilizing agent is completed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum pouch may include a lower film and an upper film that provide an internal space by thermocompression bonding. Wherein the conductive layer includes a discharge region in which a hole array pattern is formed and a pad region extending in the discharge region, the upper film including an opening formed at a position facing the pad region, And a part of the adhesive film is sealed in contact with the upper film around the opening, and another part of the adhesive film can be sealed in contact with the pad area.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a power supply electrode connection part that electrically contacts the pad area through the adhesive film in the vacuum container; And a pressing portion for pressing the adhesive film around the power electrode connection portion.

The vacuum pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connection member provided by thermocompression bonding to the vacuum pouch. Wherein the connection member is supplied with a sterilizing agent through an engaging member that engages with the connecting member in the vacuum container and provides a passage for evacuating the sterilizing agent, And the periphery of the connecting member has a thermocompression bonding portion which is thermocompression-bonded in the vacuum container after the sterilizing agent is evacuated.

A vacuum pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper film and a lower film. Wherein the lower film comprises a conductive layer of a ground layer, a dielectric layer, and a hole array pattern which are stacked in order, wherein the ground layer is disposed outside the vacuum packaging paper, the conductive layer is disposed inside the vacuum packaging paper, And a connection member provided on the vacuum pouch by thermocompression bonding, wherein the connection member receives a sterilizing agent through a joining member engaging with the connecting member in the vacuum vessel, and provides a passage for exhausting the sterilizing agent, The connecting member is engaged with the engaging member in the vacuum container, and the periphery of the connecting member has a thermocompression bonding portion that is thermocompression-bonded in the vacuum container after the evacuation process of the sterilizing agent.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive layer includes a discharge region formed with a hole array pattern and a pad region extending from the discharge region, and the upper film includes an opening formed at a position facing the pad region , An adhesive film is disposed in alignment with the opening, a part of the adhesive film is sealed in contact with the upper film around the opening, and another part of the adhesive film is in contact with the pad area to seal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, sterilizing efficiency can be improved by directly injecting a sterilizing agent into a packaging pouch which can be sealed using a non-permeable film, and a user safety problem caused by absorption of the sterilizing agent into the pouch film or remaining on the outer surface Can be solved.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the packaging pouch can be vacuum-sealed after the sterilization process by using a non-permeable film as compared to a packaging pouch using a conventional semi-permeable film, thereby greatly improving the aseptic preservability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, plasma can be generated inside the pouch, and the sterilizing object can be effectively heated by using the plasma. The plasma can purify the sterilizing agent remaining in the pouch after the sterilization process, User safety can be secured.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sterilizer capable of maximizing the efficiency of the entire sterilization process including a temperature raising and purifying process through a plasma discharge in a vacuum container and a pouch, have.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum container is used to secure the volume of the vacuum pouch, not the conventional sterilization chamber, and the vacuum pouch can be sterilized in a small space, thereby reducing the amount of sterilizing agent used.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sterilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view for explaining the sterilization process of the sterilization apparatus of FIG.
3A to 3C are plan views illustrating an upper film, a lower film, and a vacuum packaging sheet of a vacuum packaging sheet.
FIG. 3D is a sectional view taken along line I-I 'of FIG. 3C. FIG.
4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sterilizing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view for explaining the sterilization process of the sterilization apparatus of FIG.
6A to 6C are plan views illustrating an upper film, a lower film, and a vacuum packaging sheet of a vacuum packaging sheet.
6D is a sectional view taken along line A-A 'of FIG. 6C.
FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B 'of FIG. 6C. FIG.

Chemical sterilization using a sterilizing agent should place the wrapping paper comprising a selectively transmitting film such as TIVEK ^® can typically sterile I transmitted through the object to be treated inside the sterilization chamber. When the sterilizing agent is injected into the sterilization chamber, the sterilizing agent permeates the packaging paper to sterilize the object to be processed in the packaging paper. The sterilization efficiency of this type of sterilization is drastically reduced by a separate wrapping paper. In addition, the wrapper requires an additional long period of cleaning process to remove the sterilant adsorbed in the sterilization process. As the sterilant is injected into the sterilization chamber, a large amount of sterilant is used. The sterilizing agent may cause environmental pollution. Further, the sterilizing agent is usually subjected to an exhaust purification process before being exhausted to the outside. This exhaust purification process deteriorates the performance of the vacuum pump. Therefore, a new sterilization method using a small amount of sterilant is required.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum wrapper is used in place of the sterilization chamber to carry out the sterilization process. After completion of the sterilization process, the vacuum pouch can be immediately delivered by the user or stored for a long time. When the sterilizing agent is injected into the vacuum pouch, the volume defined by the vacuum pouch is significantly smaller than the conventional sterilizing chamber. Therefore, the amount of the sterilizing agent used can be significantly reduced.

The vacuum pouch may be evacuated to a vacuum state below atmospheric pressure by a vacuum pump, and then the sterilizing agent may be injected into the vacuum pouch. When the vacuum pouch is in an atmospheric pressure environment, the vacuum pouch shrinks due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside, and a space for diffusion of the sterilizing agent is difficult to be secured. In order to provide the diffusion space of the sterilizing agent, the vacuum pouch may be disposed in a vacuum container maintained at a pressure lower than the pressure of the vacuum pouch. Accordingly, the vacuum pouch expands due to a low external pressure to secure a space for diffusion. Thus, the secured space can provide a path through which the sterilizing agent can diffuse, thereby stably sterilizing the object such as a lumen. The vacuum container is for controlling the external pressure of the vacuum pouch, and the sterilizing agent is not exposed to the inner wall of the vacuum container. Accordingly, the air exhausted from the vacuum container may be separately purified and not exhausted. Therefore, only the sterilant injected into the vacuum pouch can be selectively purified and exhausted.

When the sterilizing agent is discharged from the vacuum pouch after the sterilizing process is completed in the vacuum pouch, the sterilizing agent may remain in the vacuum pouch. In order to effectively remove the residual sterilizing agent, the vacuum pouch may have a dielectric barrier film including a conductive layer of a ground layer / dielectric layer / hole array pattern capable of performing dielectric barrier discharge therein. When a high voltage is applied between the ground layer and the conductive layer, a dielectric barrier discharge may occur in the vacuum package. The dielectric barrier discharge can perform a purifying process for decomposing the bactericide into harmless gas. That is, the purification process using the dielectric barrier discharge can be exhausted while proceeding in real time after the sterilization process.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric barrier discharge can heat the object to be treated in a state in which the sterilizing agent is injected or in the absence of the sterilizing agent. That is, when the vacuum pouch is in a vacuum state, heat transfer due to convection is difficult. Therefore, in order to heat the object to a specific temperature required for an optimal sterilization process, the dielectric barrier discharge may be used. The dielectric barrier discharge decomposes the gas to produce heated neutral particles, electrons, and ions. The heated neutral particles or the ions may enter the material to be treated or the inner wall of the vacuum pouch to transfer energy to the material to be processed and the vacuum pouch. In addition, heating of the object to be treated can evaporate water present in the object to be treated. The water remaining in the object hinders the maintenance of a stable vacuum state at a constant pressure to reduce the sterilization efficiency.

According to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric barrier discharge may be performed by supplying a sterilizing agent such as oxygen or ozone to activate the sterilizing agent.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the package may be increased through the plasma discharge, and the package may be shrunk by forming a relatively low vacuum relative to the external pressure on the package for a predetermined time. It is possible to effectively raise the temperature of the object to be processed through the direct heat conduction of the object.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent is directly injected into the vacuum pouch capable of vacuum sealing using the impermeable film, and the sterilizing efficiency is improved by the limited sterilizing agent diffusion space. Also, a user safety problem that occurs when the sterilizing agent is absorbed by the vacuum pouch or remains on the outer surface of the vacuum pouch can be solved. In addition, the vacuum pouch can be packaged in a vacuum to provide long-term storage in a sterilized state. The vacuum pouch can maintain a sterilized state in a contaminated environment, a high temperature environment, and a high humidity environment. The sterilization inlet (or connection site) of the vacuum pouch can be sealed in real time by thermocompression in the vacuum container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the vacuum pouch is secured by using a vacuum container outside the vacuum pouch without forming a flow path such as an emboss pattern, thereby providing a diffusion space for the sterilizing agent.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is necessary to secure the volume of the vacuum pouch for effective diffusion of the sterilizing agent inside the vacuum pouch and supply of the sterilizing agent to the sterilizing object after supplying the sterilizing agent directly to the vacuum pouch. An effective sterilization process was made possible by using a vacuum container outside the vacuum package.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum packaging sheet is sealed using a PE (polyethylene) film in a state in which an article to be processed is contained, and vacuum formation of a vacuum packaging sheet and direct sterilization The supply is made possible.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrode for generating a plasma may be formed on a vacuum packaging paper film, and a plasma may be generated inside the vacuum packaging paper by applying external power. The plasma can raise the temperature of the object to be treated effectively, and the sterilizing agent remaining in the vacuum packaging paper after the sterilization process can be purified to ensure the efficiency of the sterilization process and the safety of the user.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a metal electrode patterned electrode is laminated on a dielectric barrier layer, and on the opposite side, a ground electrode, A power supply was applied to a vacuum packaging sheet made of a film to enable the temperature raising and purifying process with a dielectric barrier discharge plasma.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but may be embodied in different forms. Rather, the embodiments disclosed herein are provided so that the disclosure can be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Accordingly, although the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in the drawings, they may be described with reference to other drawings. Further, even if the reference numerals are not shown, they can be described with reference to other drawings.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sterilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view for explaining the sterilization process of the sterilization apparatus of FIG.

3A to 3C are plan views illustrating an upper film, a lower film, and a vacuum packaging sheet of a vacuum packaging sheet.

FIG. 3D is a sectional view taken along line I-I 'of FIG. 3C. FIG.

1 to 3, the sterilizing apparatus 100 includes a vacuum container 110; A vacuum packaging sheet 10 loaded in the vacuum container 110 and containing and sealing the object to be processed; A vacuum pump 140 for discharging the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum packaging paper 10; A sterilization dispenser 120 for injecting a sterilant into the vacuum pouch 10; And an air injection unit 130 for injecting air into the vacuum chamber 110. After the sterilizing agent is injected into the vacuum packaging paper 10, the vacuum container 110 is kept at a base pressure P1 of the vacuum environment, and the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper 10 is higher than the base pressure have.

The vacuum container 110 may be a metal chamber having a fixed shape. The vacuum container 110 includes a door (not shown) for loading the vacuum pouch; A lower heater (114) disposed in the vacuum container and for mounting and heating the vacuum pouch; And an upper heater 112 for heating the vacuum container.

The door may be formed to open the upper surface of the vacuum container or may be disposed on the side surface of the vacuum container. The lower heater 112 may mount the vacuum pouch 10. The lower heater 114 may heat the vacuum pouch to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. The upper heater 112 may be disposed on the upper surface of the vacuum container to heat the vacuum container to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

The sterilization control unit 120 includes a vaporizer 122 for heating and vaporizing a sterilizing agent supplied from the outside; A first valve (126) disposed between an output end of the vaporizer (122) and a connection portion (116) of the vacuum pouch (10); And a second valve (128) disposed between an output line of the vaporizer and an input end of the vacuum pump (140).

The vaporizer 122 may be supplied with a liquid sterilant from the dosing device (not shown) into the interior of the vaporizer 122. When the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide, the vaporizer 122 may be heated to a level of 70 degrees centigrade to 100 degrees centigrade. The liquid sterilant may be vaporized. The sterilant vaporized through the output end of the vaporizer 122 may be injected into the vacuum pouch 10 through the first valve 126. The vacuum pouch 10 may include a connecting member 17 for receiving the sterilizing agent from the outside and discharging the gas inside the vacuum pouch. A coupling member 116 that engages with the coupling member 17 is disposed in the vacuum container 110. [ The coupling member 116 can be engaged with the coupling member 17 by a one-touch fitting method.

A second valve 128 may be disposed between the output of the vaporizer 122 and the input of the vacuum pump 140. When the second valve 128 is opened and the first valve 126 is closed, part of the sterilizing agent in the vaporizer may be exhausted through the vacuum pump 140. [ This process can be used in a concentration process in which liquid hydrogen peroxide sterilant is fed to the vaporizer to remove vaporized water to increase the concentration of the sterilant.

The air injection unit 130 includes an air filter 136 for receiving and filtering external air. A third valve 132 disposed between an input / output terminal of the vacuum container 110 and an input terminal of the vacuum pump 140; And a fourth valve (134) disposed between the air filter (136) and the input and output ends of the vacuum container.

The air filter 136 may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) capable of removing dust and bacteria from the outside air. The fourth valve 134 may increase the pressure of the vacuum container by injecting air through the input / output end of the vacuum container. The third valve 132 may be disposed between the input / output terminal of the vacuum container 110 and the input terminal of the vacuum pump 140. When the third valve 132 is opened and the other valves are closed, the vacuum pump can exhaust the vacuum container to the base pressure P1 through the input and output ends of the vacuum container. The base pressure can be up to tens of Torr.

The vacuum pump 140 may exhaust the vacuum container through the third valve 132 and exhaust the vacuum package through the first valve 126 and the second valve 128. The vacuum pump may include a rotary pump 142 and a mist trap 141.

The vacuum pouch 10 may include a connection member 17 for receiving the sterilizing agent from the outside and discharging the gas inside the vacuum pouch 10. The connecting member 17 may be thermocompression bonded to the vacuum pouch 10 and may have a through hole 17b. The periphery 102 of the connecting member 17 may be thermocompression-bonded after the sterilization agent is exhausted. The material of the vacuum pouch may be a polyethylene material that can be easily sealed by thermocompression bonding. The material of the vacuum pouch can be modified into various plastic materials as long as it can be sealed by thermocompression bonding.

The vacuum pouch 10 may be vacuum-sealed by thermocompression after receiving the material to be processed. The vacuum pouch is made of a non-permeable material, so that the external gas can not pass through the vacuum pouch. The vacuum pouch may be made of polyethylene. The vacuum wrapping paper 10 may include a lower film 11 and an upper film 15 that provide an internal space by compression bonding 19.

The vacuum wrapping paper 10 may include a connecting member 17 provided on the vacuum wrapping paper by thermocompression bonding. The connection member 17 may be provided with a sterilizing agent through a coupling member 116 which is coupled to the connection member in the vacuum container, and may provide a passage for exhausting the sterilizing agent. The connection member 17 is coupled to the coupling member 116 in the vacuum container and the periphery of the connection member is thermally compressed in the vacuum container after the sterilization process Lt; / RTI > The thermally pressed portion 102 may be formed by a thermocompression means 101 provided in the vacuum container.

The vacuum wrapping paper 10 forms a vacuum through the connecting member 17 and receives sterilant from the outside. The connecting member 17 may be inserted into an opening formed in one side of the vacuum pouch and thermocompressed to be fixed. The connecting member 17 may be combined with a coupling member inside the vacuum container to provide an exhaust passage and a sterilizing agent supply passage. The upper film and the lower film around the connecting member can be sealed by thermocompression, with the sterilization process being completed and maintained in a vacuum state. Accordingly, the vacuum pouch can be vacuum packaged.

According to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member 17 can be separated into a connecting member for vacuum forming and a connecting member for supplying sterilizing agent.

Hereinafter, the process of the present sterilization apparatus will be described.

The sterilization method includes: (S1) loading the object to be processed and loading the sealed vacuum package 10 into the vacuum container 110; A step S2 of exhausting the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum pouch 10; (S5) injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum packaging paper (10) placed in the vacuum container (110) and held in a vacuum state; And venting the vacuum vessel to atmospheric pressure (S8). The vacuum pouch 10 is formed of a material that does not allow external gas to pass through the inside of the vacuum packaging machine.

First, the object to be treated may be a medical device. After the object to be processed is stored in the vacuum packaging paper 10, the edge 19 of the vacuum packaging paper is sealed by thermocompression bonding. The sealed vacuum package paper 10 is loaded into the vacuum container 110, and the vacuum container 110 is sealed (S1). In this case, the vacuum wrapping paper 10 does not have a pressure difference between the inside and the outside, and a certain volume can be secured. The vacuum packaging paper 110 may be heated to a temperature of 50 to 65 degrees Celsius by a heater installed inside the vacuum container 110. [

Subsequently, the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum pouch 10 are evacuated (S2). The vacuum container 110 is evacuated to a base pressure, and the vacuum package 10 can be evacuated to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The fourth valve 134 is closed, and the first to third valves 126, 128 and 132 are opened. The vacuum pouch has a connecting member 17 for injecting the sterilizing agent and exhausting gas therein. The vacuum container 110 and the vacuum pouch 10 may be simultaneously evacuated. The pressure of the vacuum container may be substantially equal to the pressure of the vacuum package, or the pressure of the vacuum packaging may be slightly higher than the pressure of the vacuum container. In this case, the vacuum wrapping paper can secure a constant volume with almost no pressure difference between the inside and the outside. When the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch have reached desired pressures, the first to third valves 126, 128 and 132 may be closed.

Subsequently, the liquid sterilant is supplied to the vaporizer 122 (S3). The sterilizing agent may be hydrogen peroxide. The vaporizer may be heated to a level of from 70 degrees centigrade to 100 degrees centigrade. Thus, water can first be evaporated from the supplied sterilizing agent.

According to the modified embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum container 110 is maintained at a higher pressure than the vacuum packaging paper 10, and the heat transfer efficiency of the article to be processed can be increased from the heated packaging material. In this case, the third valve 132 connected to the vacuum container 110 is closed, the fourth valve 134 is opened, and external air is injected into the vacuum container 110 to increase the pressure.

Then, the vaporizer condensation process proceeds (S4). The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in the liquid supplied from the outside may be 50 mass percent or less. The vaporizer condensation process proceeds to increase the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Specifically, the second valve 128 is opened to vaporize water vapor first evaporated in the vaporizer 122 through the vacuum pump 140 to the outside. By the condensation process, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide can be increased to 70 mass percent or more. The higher the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the more the sterilization time can be reduced. The concentration of the sterilizing agent may be at least 50 weight percent hydrogen peroxide.

The condensed sterilant may then be injected into the vacuum pouch 10. When the second valve 128 is closed and the first valve 126 is opened, the vaporized sterilant in the vaporizer is injected into the vacuum pouch (S5). In the state that the sterilizing agent is supplied to the vacuum pouch, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be higher than the base pressure of the vacuum pouch. Accordingly, the pressure P2 of the vacuum pouch can rise to the level of several tons to several tens of degrees. In this case, the vacuum wrapping paper 10 expands due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside, and a sufficient volume for diffusion of the sterilizing agent can be secured. The vaporized sterilizing agent can sterilize the object to be treated. The pressure of the vacuum pouch after the sterilant has been supplied may be at a level of tens of Torr. After a predetermined amount of sterilant is supplied to the vacuum pouch, the first valve 126 may be closed.

Then, the sterilizing agent of the vacuum pouch 10 is evacuated (S6). When the sterilizing agent is evacuated from the vacuum pouch 10, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be equal to the base pressure of the vacuum container. For this, the first valve 126 and the second valve 128 are opened. The sterilant in the vacuum pouch is exhausted to the outside through the vacuum pump 140. In this case, the pressure of the vacuum pouch can be lowered to the base pressure level of the vacuum container. Accordingly, the vacuum wrapping paper can be shrunk because there is little pressure difference between the inside and the outside. After the sterilization agent of the vacuum pouch is evacuated, the first valve 126 and the second valve 128 may be closed.

Then, the periphery 102 of the connection portion of the vacuum pouch 10 may be sealed by thermocompression in the vacuum container (S7). The vacuum pouch is sealed by thermocompression while the object to be processed is housed. The sterilization agent and the air inside the vacuum pouch can be completely sealed in a state of being evacuated.

Subsequently, external air may be injected into the vacuum container to reach an atmospheric pressure state (S8). The first to third valves 126, 128 and 132 are closed and the fourth valve 134 is opened. Thus, outside air flows into the inside of the vacuum container. As the pressure of the vacuum container reaches the atmospheric pressure, the vacuum wrapping paper 10 is squeezed by the pressure difference.

According to the modified embodiment of the present invention, external air is injected into the vacuum container and external air can be simultaneously supplied to the vacuum package. Accordingly, there is no pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the vacuum pouch, so that the vacuum pouch can maintain a constant volume under atmospheric pressure. If the internal pressure of the vacuum pouch is low and it is shaken in the atmospheric pressure environment, the object to be processed stored in the vacuum pouch may be damaged by the pressure difference. In order to prevent this, the vacuum container may be vented at atmospheric pressure while simultaneously venting the vacuum container.

Then, the vacuum pouch is unloaded from the vacuum container (S9).

According to the sterilization method according to the embodiment of the present invention, in order to secure a sterilizing agent diffusion space of a vacuum packaging paper, the vacuum packaging paper is exhausted in a vacuum container, the vacuum packaging paper is supplied with a sterilizing agent, Is exhausted from the vacuum pouch. Further, in the state that the sterilizing agent is supplied, the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper is set to be higher than the pressure of the vacuum container. Accordingly, the sterilization efficiency is increased by the small sterilization space, and the amount of the sterilizing agent used is reduced. In addition, the envelope of the vacuum pouch can not be contaminated by the sterilizing agent and can provide stability. In addition, the vacuum pouch can be stored for a long time in comparison with conventional transparent pouches.

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sterilizing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view for explaining the sterilization process of the sterilization apparatus of FIG.

6A to 6C are plan views illustrating an upper film, a lower film, and a vacuum packaging sheet of a vacuum packaging sheet.

6D is a sectional view taken along line A-A 'of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B 'of FIG. 6C. FIG.

4 to 6, the sterilizing apparatus 200 includes a vacuum container 110; A vacuum packaging sheet 10a loaded in the vacuum container 110 and containing and sealing the object to be processed; A vacuum pump 140 for discharging the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum packaging paper 10a; A sterilizing agent supply unit 120 for injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum pouch 10a; And an air injection unit 130 for injecting air into the vacuum container. After the sterilizing agent is injected into the vacuum pouch, the vacuum pouch 110 may be maintained at a vacuum pressure, and the pressure of the vacuum pouch 10a may be equal to or more than the base pressure.

The vacuum container 110 may be a metal chamber having a fixed shape. The vacuum container 110 includes a door (not shown) for loading the vacuum pouch; A lower heater (114) disposed in the vacuum container and for mounting and heating the vacuum pouch; And an upper heater 112 for heating the vacuum container.

The door may be formed to open the upper surface of the vacuum container or may be disposed on the side surface of the vacuum container. The lower heater 112 may mount the vacuum pouch 10a. The lower heater 114 may heat the vacuum pouch to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. The upper heater 112 may be disposed on the upper surface of the vacuum container to heat the vacuum container to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

The sterilization control unit 120 includes a vaporizer 122 for heating and vaporizing a sterilizing agent supplied from the outside; A first valve (126) disposed between an output end of the vaporizer (122) and a connection portion (17) of the vacuum pouch (10a); And a second valve (128) disposed between an output line of the vaporizer and an input end of the vacuum pump (140).

The vaporizer 122 may be supplied with a liquid sterilant from the dosing device (not shown) into the interior of the vaporizer 122. When the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide, the vaporizer 122 may be heated to a level of 70 degrees centigrade to 100 degrees centigrade. The liquid sterilant may be vaporized. The sterilant vaporized through the output end of the vaporizer 122 may be injected into the vacuum pouch 10a through the first valve 126. [ The vacuum pouch 10a may include a connecting member 17 for receiving the sterilizing agent from the outside and discharging the gas inside the vacuum pouch. A coupling member 116 that engages with the coupling member 17 is disposed in the vacuum container 110. [ The coupling member 116 can be engaged with the coupling member 116 by a one-touch fitting method.

A second valve 128 may be disposed between the output of the vaporizer 122 and the input of the vacuum pump 140. When the second valve 128 is opened and the first valve 126 is closed, part of the sterilizing agent in the vaporizer may be exhausted through the vacuum pump 140. [ This process can be used in a concentration process in which liquid hydrogen peroxide sterilant is fed to the vaporizer to remove vaporized water to increase the concentration of the sterilant.

The air injection unit 130 includes an air filter 136 for receiving and filtering external air. A third valve 132 disposed between an input / output terminal of the vacuum container 110 and an input terminal of the vacuum pump 140; And a fourth valve (134) disposed between the air filter (136) and the input and output ends of the vacuum container.

The air filter 136 may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) capable of removing dust and bacteria from the outside air. The fourth valve 134 may increase the pressure of the vacuum container by injecting air through the input / output end of the vacuum container. The third valve 132 may be disposed between the input / output terminal of the vacuum container 110 and the input terminal of the vacuum pump 140. When the third valve 132 is opened and the other valves are closed, the vacuum pump can exhaust the vacuum container to the base pressure P1 through the input and output ends of the vacuum container. The base pressure can be up to tens of Torr.

The vacuum pump 140 may exhaust the vacuum container through the third valve 132 and exhaust the vacuum package through the first valve 126 and the second valve 128. The vacuum pump may include a rotary pump 142 and a mist trap 141.

The vacuum pouch 10a may include a connecting member 17 for receiving the sterilizing agent from the outside and discharging the gas inside the vacuum pouch 10a. The connecting member 17 may be thermocompression-bonded to the vacuum pouch 10a and may have a through hole 17b. The periphery 102 of the connecting member 17 may be thermocompression-bonded after the sterilization agent is exhausted. The thermally pressed portion 102 may be formed by a thermocompression means 101 provided in the vacuum container. The thermocompression means 101 may be lowered to perform thermocompression in the vacuum container. The material of the vacuum pouch may be a polyethylene material that can be easily sealed by thermocompression bonding. The material of the vacuum pouch can be modified into various plastic materials as long as it can be sealed by thermocompression bonding.

The vacuum pouch 10a may be vacuum-sealed by thermocompression after receiving the article to be processed. The vacuum pouch is made of a non-permeable material, so that the external gas can not pass through the vacuum pouch. The vacuum pouch may be made of polyethylene. The vacuum pouch 10a may include a lower film 11a and an upper film 15 that provide an inner space by the compression bonding 19.

The lower film 11a of the vacuum pouch includes a ground layer 12, a dielectric layer 13, and a conductive layer 14 of a hole array pattern which are stacked in order. The ground layer 12 may be disposed outside the vacuum pouch and the conductive layer 14 may be disposed inside the vacuum pouch. The conductive layer 14 may include a discharge region 14a having a hole array pattern formed therein and a pad region 14b extending from the discharge region.

The upper film 15 may include an opening formed at a position facing the pad region 14b. The adhesive film 16 may be disposed in alignment with the opening. The adhesive film 16 may include an adhesive layer 16b. The adhesive film 16 may be in the form of a washer to expose the pad region 14b. A part of the adhesive film 16 can be sealed in contact with the upper film 15 around the opening. Another portion of the adhesive film 16 can be sealed in contact with the pad region 14b.

An AC power source 150 is disposed outside the vacuum container 110 and supplies AC power between the ground layer 12 and the conductive layer 14. [ The AC power source is electrically connected to the pad region 14b through the power electrode connection portion 118a. The power supply electrode connection portion 118a penetrates the adhesive film 16 in the vacuum container and electrically contacts the pad region 14b.

The pressing portion 118b presses the adhesive film 16 around the power supply electrode connecting portion 118a. Accordingly, even when the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper is higher than the pressure of the vacuum container and the vacuum packaging paper expands, the pressing portion 118b can provide stable sealing and electrical contact.

The vacuum pouch 10a includes an upper film 15 and a lower film 11a. The lower film 11a includes a ground layer 12, a dielectric layer 13, and a conductive layer 14 of a hole array pattern sequentially stacked. The upper film 15 and the dielectric layer 13 may be films made of polyethylene. The ground layer 12 is made of aluminum and disposed outside the vacuum pouch, and the conductive layer 14 is made of aluminum and disposed inside the vacuum pouch. The vacuum pouch includes a connecting member 17 provided by thermocompression bonding. The connection member 17 receives the sterilizing agent through the coupling member 116 coupled to the connection member in the vacuum container, and provides the passage for exhausting the sterilizing agent. The connecting member 17 engages with the engaging member 116 in the vacuum container. The periphery of the connecting member has a thermally pressed portion (102) thermally compressed in the vacuum container after the sterilization process of the sterilant.

The conductive layer 14 may include a discharge region 14a having a hole array pattern formed therein and a pad region 14b extending from the discharge region. The upper film 15 includes an opening formed at a position facing the pad region. A part of the adhesive film (16) is sealed in contact with the upper film (15) around the opening, and another part of the adhesive film (16) And is sealed in contact with the region 14b.

The vacuum packaging sheet 10a may include a connection member 17 formed by thermocompression bonding to the vacuum packaging sheet. The connection member 17 may be provided with a sterilizing agent through a coupling member 116 which is coupled to the connection member in the vacuum container, and may provide a passage for exhausting the sterilizing agent. The connection member 17 is coupled to the coupling member 116 in the vacuum container and the periphery of the connection member is thermally compressed in the vacuum container after the sterilization process Lt; / RTI >

The vacuum pouch 10a forms a vacuum inside the vacuum pouch 10a through the connecting member 17 and can receive the sterilizing agent from the outside. The connecting member 17 may be inserted into an opening formed in one side of the vacuum pouch and thermocompressed to be fixed. The connecting member may be combined with the engaging member inside the vacuum container to provide the exhaust passage and the sterilizer supply passage. The upper film and the lower film around the connecting member can be sealed by thermocompression, with the sterilization process being completed and maintained in a vacuum state. Accordingly, the vacuum pouch can be vacuum packaged.

The plasma purification unit 144 may be disposed at the output end of the second valve 128. The plasma purifier 144 may decompose and purify the sterilizing agent discharged through the second valve. The plasma purifier 144 may use dielectric barrier discharge, inductively coupled plasma, or capacitive coupled plasma. The plasma purifier 144 may receive AC power or RF power from the auxiliary AC power source 146. The gas decomposed through the plasma purifier is discharged to the outside through the vacuum pump 140.

The controller 160 may control the first to fourth valves and may control the AC power source 150 and the auxiliary AC power source 146. The controller 160 may control the pressure inside the vacuum container and the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper through a pressure gauge.

Hereinafter, the process of the present sterilization apparatus will be described.

The method of sterilizing comprises the steps of: (SS1) loading the object to be processed and loading the sealed vacuum packaged paper 10a into the vacuum container 110; Exhausting the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum pouch 10a (SS2); (SS5) injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum packaging paper 10a placed in the vacuum container 110 and kept in a vacuum state; And venting the vacuum vessel to atmospheric pressure (SS10). The vacuum pouch 10a is formed of a material that does not allow external gas to pass through the inside of the vacuum packaging machine.

The object to be treated may be a medical device. After the object to be processed is stored in the vacuum packaging paper 10a, the edge 19 of the vacuum packaging paper is sealed by thermocompression bonding. The sealed vacuum package paper 10a is loaded into the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum container 110 is sealed (SS1). In this case, the vacuum wrapping paper 10a has no pressure difference between the inside and the outside, and a certain volume can be secured. The vacuum pouch 10a may be heated to 50 to 65 degrees Celsius by a heater installed inside the vacuum container 110. [

Subsequently, the vacuum container 110 and the vacuum pouch 10a are evacuated (SS2). The vacuum container 110 is evacuated to a base pressure, and the vacuum pouch 10a can be evacuated to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The fourth valve 134 is closed, and the first to third valves 126, 128 and 132 are opened. The vacuum pouch has a connecting member 17 for injecting the sterilizing agent and exhausting gas therein. The vacuum container 110 and the vacuum pouch 10a may be simultaneously evacuated. The pressure of the vacuum container may be substantially equal to the pressure of the vacuum package, or the pressure of the vacuum packaging may be slightly higher than the pressure of the vacuum container. In this case, the vacuum wrapping paper can secure a constant volume with almost no pressure difference between the inside and the outside. When the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch have reached desired pressures, the first to third valves 126, 128 and 132 may be closed.

Then, the liquid sterilant is supplied to the vaporizer 122 (SS3). The sterilizing agent may be hydrogen peroxide. The vaporizer may be heated to a level of from 70 degrees centigrade to 100 degrees centigrade. Thus, water can first be evaporated from the supplied sterilizing agent.

According to the modified embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum container 110 is maintained at a higher pressure than the vacuum packaging paper 10, and the heat transfer efficiency of the article to be processed can be increased from the heated packaging material. In this case, the third valve 132 connected to the vacuum container 110 is closed and the fourth valve 134 is opened to inject external air into the vacuum container 110 to increase the pressure. At the same time, AC power or lyophile power may be supplied from the power source 150 to form plasma in the vacuum pouch 10. The plasma is performed by dielectric barrier discharge, and the plasma can activate the gas inside the vacuum packaging paper 10 to perform a sterilization process. At the same time, the plasma is heated using the heat generated from the plasma .

Subsequently, the vaporizer condensation process proceeds (SS4). The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in the liquid supplied from the outside may be 50 mass percent or less. The vaporizer condensation process proceeds to increase the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Specifically, the second valve 128 is opened to vaporize water vapor first evaporated in the vaporizer 122 through the vacuum pump 140 to the outside. By the condensation process, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide can be increased to 70 mass percent or more. The higher the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the more the sterilization time can be reduced. The concentration of the sterilizing agent may be at least 50 weight percent hydrogen peroxide.

Subsequently, the condensed sterilant may be injected into the vacuum pouch 10a (SS5). When the second valve 128 is closed and the first valve 126 is opened, the sterilant vaporized in the vaporizer is injected into the vacuum pouch SS5. In the state that the sterilizing agent is supplied to the vacuum pouch, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be higher than the base pressure of the vacuum pouch. Accordingly, the pressure of the vacuum pouch can be raised to a level of several tons to several tens of degrees. In this case, the vacuum wrapping paper 10a expands due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside, and a sufficient volume for diffusion of the sterilizing agent can be secured. The vaporized sterilizing agent can sterilize the object to be treated. The pressure of the vacuum pouch after the sterilant has been supplied may be at a level of tens of Torr. After a predetermined amount of sterilant is supplied to the vacuum pouch, the first valve 126 may be closed.

Then, air is injected into the vacuum container so that the pressure of the vacuum container can be maintained higher than the pressure of the vacuum pouch (SS6). As the pressure of the vacuum container increases beyond the pressure of the vacuum pouch, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be changed by the pressure difference. Accordingly, the sterilizing agent can diffuse deeper into the object to be treated by higher pressure, thereby increasing the sterilization efficiency. Injection of air into the vacuum container may be performed by opening the fourth valve.

Subsequently, the air injected into the vacuum container may be evacuated (SS7). Exhaust of air injected into the vacuum container may be performed by opening the third valve.

Subsequently, the sterilizing agent of the vacuum papermaking sheet 10a may be discharged while simultaneously forming a plasma (SS8). The plasma is conducted by dielectric barrier discharge, and the plasma can decompose the sterilizing agent into a noxious gas. Accordingly, the removal and purification process of the sterilizing agent can be performed simultaneously. When the sterilizing agent is evacuated from the vacuum pouch 10a, the pressure of the vacuum pouch may be equal to the base pressure of the vacuum container. For this, the first valve 126 and the second valve 128 are opened. The sterilant in the vacuum pouch is exhausted to the outside through the vacuum pump 140. In this case, the pressure of the vacuum pouch can be lowered to the base pressure level of the vacuum container. Accordingly, the vacuum wrapping paper can be shrunk because there is little pressure difference between the inside and the outside. After the sterilization agent of the vacuum pouch is evacuated, the first valve 126 and the second valve 128 may be closed.

The periphery 102 of the connection part of the vacuum pouch 10a may then be sealed by thermocompression in the vacuum container SS9. The vacuum pouch is sealed by thermocompression while the object to be processed is housed. The sterilization agent and the air inside the vacuum pouch can be completely sealed when the vacuum pouch is exhausted.

External air may then be injected into the vacuum vessel to reach atmospheric pressure (SS10). The first to third valves 126, 128 and 132 are closed and the fourth valve 134 is opened. Thus, outside air flows into the inside of the vacuum container. As the pressure of the vacuum container reaches the atmospheric pressure, the vacuum wrapping paper 10a is squeezed by the pressure difference.

According to the modified embodiment of the present invention, external air is injected into the vacuum container and external air can be simultaneously supplied to the vacuum package. Accordingly, there is no pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the vacuum pouch, so that the vacuum pouch can maintain a constant volume under atmospheric pressure. If the internal pressure of the vacuum pouch is low and it is shaken in the atmospheric pressure environment, the object to be processed stored in the vacuum pouch may be damaged by the pressure difference. In order to prevent this, the vacuum container may be vented at atmospheric pressure while simultaneously venting the vacuum container.

Then, the vacuum pouch is unloaded from the vacuum container (SS11).

According to the sterilization method according to the embodiment of the present invention, in order to secure a sterilizing agent diffusion space of a vacuum packaging paper, the vacuum packaging paper is exhausted in a vacuum container, the vacuum packaging paper is supplied with a sterilizing agent, Is exhausted from the vacuum pouch. Further, in the state that the sterilizing agent is supplied, the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper is set to be higher than the pressure of the vacuum container. Accordingly, the sterilization efficiency is increased by the small sterilization space, and the amount of the sterilizing agent used is reduced. In addition, the envelope of the vacuum pouch can not be contaminated by the sterilizing agent and can provide stability. In addition, the vacuum pouch can be stored for a long time in comparison with conventional transparent pouches.

A sterilization method according to another embodiment of the present invention is described.

The method of sterilizing according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (SS1) loading a vacuum pouch 10a containing a material to be processed and sealing it into a vacuum container; (SS2) of evacuating the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch 10a; (SS9) generating a plasma in the vacuum wrapper placed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state; And venting the vacuum vessel to atmospheric pressure (SS10). The sterilization method may further include the step (SS5) of injecting sterilizing agent into the vacuum pouch placed in the vacuum container and kept in a vacuum state.

The step of generating plasma in the vacuum packaging paper 10a disposed in the vacuum container and kept in a vacuum state may be performed in a state in which a sterilizing agent such as oxygen or ozone is supplied or in a state in which the sterilizing agent is not supplied . The oxygen and nitrogen remaining in the vacuum pouch can be activated by the plasma to sterilize the object to be treated. The plasma may be performed without the supply of sterilizing agent by dielectric barrier discharge, or even after the sterilizing agent is supplied.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect.

10: Vacuum wrapping paper
100: sterilization device
110: Vacuum container
120: sterilization agent preparation
130:
140: Vacuum pump

Claims (13)

Loading the sealed object and the vacuum pouch into a vacuum container;
Evacuating the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch;
Generating a plasma in the vacuum wrapper disposed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state; And
And venting the vacuum vessel to atmospheric pressure. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising the step of injecting a sterilizing agent into the vacuum packaging paper placed in the vacuum container and held in a vacuum state. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plasma is performed by dielectric barrier discharge. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising the step of evacuating the sterilant injected from the vacuum packaging paper disposed in the vacuum container. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vacuum pouch is formed of a material that does not allow the external gas to permeate into the inside of the vacuum packaging machine. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vacuum pouch is sealed by thermocompression while the object to be processed is accommodated. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the vacuum pouch comprises a connecting member for injecting the sterilizing agent and discharging gas therein. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the pressure of the vacuum packaging paper is higher than the base pressure of the vacuum container when the sterilant is supplied to the vacuum packaging paper. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein when the sterilizing agent is evacuated from the vacuum pouch, the pressure of the vacuum pouch is equal to the base pressure of the vacuum vessel. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vacuum pouch is heated by a heater provided inside the vacuum container at a temperature of 50 to 65 degrees Celsius. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vacuum container and the vacuum pouch are simultaneously evacuated. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the supply of the sterilizing agent to the vacuum pouch and the discharge of the vacuum pouch use a connection member provided on the vacuum pouch. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 50 weight percent or more.

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