MX2013012958A

MX2013012958A - A sterilizer using hydrogen peroxide with a system integral with filters based on uv light and a compound selected from potassium permanganate in combination with activated coal and/or manganese dioxide amongst others, and a sterilization process.

Info

Publication number: MX2013012958A
Application number: MX2013012958A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Nicole Pla Mobarak
Original assignee: Especialistas En Esterilización Y Envase S A De C V
Priority date: 2013-11-06
Filing date: 2013-11-06
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: MX342828B

Abstract

The present invention refers to a sterilizer integral with a combined dual dissociation system that warrantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent for preventing the user form being in direct contact with it or being released to the environment, this being used in hospitals and clinics that do not require special installation; it is affordable, requiring low temperature and the duration of the cycles being quite short. The dual dissociation sterilizer of the present invention comprises: a) a pulsed DC plasma generator for dissociating the sterilizing agent contained in the chamber and impregnated in the grids, in the instruments and in the sterilization bags; b) a catalytic filter of UV light or manganese dioxide, activated coal with potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, organic and inorganic salts of transition metals, silver, platinum, catalyzed resin, sodium hypochlorite or chromium salts for dissociating the agent while passing through the sterilizer pipe so as to avoid the agent to be released to the environment when opening the door of the chamber and through the outlet of the vacuum pump, this may extend the useful life of the pump, electro valves and oil collection filter.

Description

A STERILIZER USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE WITH A SYSTEM INTEGRATED WITH FILTERS BASED ON ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND A SELECTED COMPOSITE OF POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE IN COMBINATION WITH ACTIVATED CARBON AND / OR MANGANESE DIOXIDE AMONG OTHERS AND A STERILIZATION PROCESS Field of the invention The present invention relates to a sterilizer with an integrated dual dissociation system that guarantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent injected into the sterilizer chamber to prevent the user from being in direct contact with the sterilizer or to be released into the environment for use. in hospitals and offices that do not require special installation, low .cpsto, low temperature and the duration of the cycles is? tiug short so it is possible to carry out sterilization cycles continuously.

And due to the integrated dissociation and evacuation system coupled to the equipment, the cycles do not require aeration time and do not present residues of any kind harmful to the user or the environment. The combined dual dissociation system used two · - collinear methods and with this guarantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent in the sterilizer Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a sterilizer with an integrated combined dual dissociation system which guarantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent injected into the sterilizer chamber to prevent the user from being in direct contact with it or being released into the environment for use. in hospitals and offices that do not require special installation, low cost, low temperature and the duration of the cycles is very short so it is possible to carry out sterilization cycles continuously.

The current knowledge of the epidemiological chain of infections and, mainly, of their transmission mechanisms, indicate the need to design new processes for the prevention and fight against infection and its transmissions. The Center for Sterilization and Equipment (CEyE) contributes to the general process of asepsis and antisepsis of hospital equipment, including instruments, this process is integrated by the functions of: cleaning, disinfection and sterilization. Sterilization consists of the destruction or elimination of any type of microbial life, including the sporulated forms of fungi and bacteria of objects, in this case medical instruments and other supplies for the health sector.

It means the highest level of safety and, therefore, of biocidal efficacy. It is considered as the ideal sterilizing agent that achieves: a bactericidal, sporicidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal and virucidal action, which acts in the shortest time possible and possesses high penetration power both inside the sterilization packages and in medical devices . It must present a minimum of risks for the worker, the patient or the environment. Currently there are a wide variety of sterilization processes on the market, the most common being steam sterilizers, formaldehyde and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma, each having different difficulties to ensure proper sterilization due to the use of sterilizing agents. non-degradable that result in a risk, both for the staff of the CEyE and for the environment. It is also a reality in the country that sterilization processes are very expensive for hospitals and that this can affect the fi: from the institutions, both public and private.

Nowadays sterilizers are known, many of them use different sterilization processes and integrate different devices for this purpose, however they present a serious problem and many deficiencies because they do not guarantee the complete sterilization of the material to be sterilized, they do not guarantee that the waste is completely eliminated and therefore thrown into the environment contaminating enormously, they are expensive and impractical to transport and install.

The sterilizer with an integrated dual dissociation system that guarantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent of the present invention solves all these problems and drawbacks.

The document AU2013201197 (Al) describes a hydrogen peroxide administration system for a sterilizer having a hydrogen peroxide injection unit and a housing. The system includes a cradle to support a tank of hydrogen peroxide solution, a drainage arrangement for the aspiration of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the container, and a delivery arrangement for the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution aspirated to the unit of injection of hydrogen peroxide. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual inbegrado system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the source of UV light and / or the chemical compounds placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter to the The oil filter outlet ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic residues such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

WO2012165921 (Al) refers to an apparatus for sterilization that can be applied to a medical dry sterilizer, and more particularly, to an apparatus that injects hydrogen peroxide in order to generate plasma OH radicals and which are effective in sterilization , in order to achieve sterilization of a treated object. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is used simultaneously in the interior of the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemicals placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so it does not affect the novelty or the inventive step of the present invention.

Document KR20120065503 (A) (Summary) describes a sterilization apparatus comprising an airtight space, and a sterilizer. The hermetic space is a place like a clean room, an operating room, or incubator. The sterilizer injects sterilization gas generated from the inside through an injection tube into the hermetic space, and sucks the air into the hermetic space once more, thereby realizing the sterilization through the circulation. The sterilizer comprises a hydrogen peroxide container, a steam generator, a first filter, a catalytic converter, a moisture removal part, a circulation pump, a heating part, and a second filter. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is used simultaneously in the interior of the chamber, a catalytic filter with the source of UV light and / or the chemical compounds placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter to the The oil filter outlet ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic residues such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

Document CN201768189 (U) (Summary) refers to a device of a low temperature vaporization plasma sterilizer, and comprises a high temperature main body vaporization chamber and a main body vaporization chamber of: low temperature. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter to the exit of the oil filter ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic residues such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention .

The document KR20120135129 (A) (Summary) refers to a medical plasma sterilization apparatus, the use of microwaves is provided to effectively sterilize the treatment of an object by the generation of OH radicals. The vacuum forming unit comprises a vacuum pump which is connected to the sterilization reactor and forms inside the sterilization reactor in a vacuum state. The hydrogen peroxide supply part supplies hydrogen peroxide in a state of gas that can be supplied in a sterilization reactor. The microwave plasma generation part generates the plasma through the use of microwaves. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the Chemical placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, according to the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

The document KR20120135128 (A) (Summary) relates to a medical plasma sterilization apparatus is provided to generate the plasma mainly in a region that is not a periphery, thus being able to carry the generated radicals in contact with a treatment object. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with. the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the oil filter outlet ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, according to the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

Document KR20120028413 (A) (Summary) relates to a sterilization apparatus comprising: a sterilization chamber into which an object is inserted, a reservoir for the storage of hydrogen peroxide; a steam generator for the conversion of liquid hydrogen peroxide to gas, a low-temperature plasma generator generating low plasma gas, mixing it with the hydrogen peroxide gas from the steam generator, and placing it in the sterilization chamber with separate-ionizing radicals-OH and O radical, and an ozone generator, a vacuum pump , a humidity filter and an ozone decomposition device. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent to be in contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter is guaranteed the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic residues such as water and oxygen, among others, according to the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

JP2006204889 (A) (Summary) refers to a method of sterilization comprising: a step of depressurizing the reduction of pressure within a chamber to receive a subject sterilization; a supply step of hydrogen peroxide from the hydrogen peroxide feed in the chamber; one ozone supply step of the ozone feed in the chamber; a phase of sterilization of hydrogen diffusion peroxide and ozone fed into the chamber to thereby effect sterilization of the subject sterilization; a gaside discharge step, the removal of gases from the chamber, and a plasma generation step of generating plasma in the chamber so that any hydrogen peroxide and the remaining ozone are decomposed in the vicinity of the sterilization subject in radicals, these radicals promote sterilization. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compounds placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation , and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so it does not affect the novelty nor the inventive step of the present invention.

US2008233002 (Al) discloses a harmless sterilization method and sterilization apparatus that provide adequate sterilization effects without waste gas. The method comprises: a sterilization step in which a chamber containing an object to be sterilized is depressurized; a supply step of hydrogen peroxide in which hydrogen peroxide is supplied in the chamber; an ozone supply step in which the ozone is supplied inside the chamber; a stage sterilization in which hydrogen peroxide and ozone supplied within the chamber are dispersed to sterilize the object to be sterilized; an exhaust passage in which gas has been depleted inside the chamber, and a stage of generation of plasma in which the plasma is generated inside the chamber to break down hydrogen peroxide and the remaining ozone near the object to be sterilized, and the radicals that promote sterilization are generated. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the oil filter outlet guarantees the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

US2004120869 (Al) describes a sterilization apparatus equipped with a plasma treatment module that can be easily sterilized, long and thin lumens without the aid of propellers. The sterilization apparatus comprises a sterilization chamber for receiving the sterilization objects therein. Interconnected with the sterilization chamber, a sterilization agent supply line is provided, comprising a solution of hydrogen peroxide which acts as a sterilizing agent, an injection heater for vaporizing the sterilizing agent by heating, and a mass flow controller for control the injection amount of vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A vacuum pump, connected to the sterilization chamber through an exhaust line, which is installed to extract air from the sterilization chamber to form a vacuum state. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent to be in contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter is guaranteed the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic residues such as water and oxygen, among others, according to the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention.

W003090796 (Al) discloses a plasma sterilization apparatus capable of preventing color change or hardening of materials, for example, polymers, by generating plasma in a separate plasma generation chamber and supplying in a chamber of sterilization containing an article to be sterilized in order to expose the article to the plasma. The plasma sterilization apparatus includes a plasma generation chamber containing two electrodes for the generation of plasma, an injection heater for the evaporation of a solution of aqueous hydrogen peroxide to be used as a microbicide agent and injecting the vapor resulting together with the air in the plasma generation chamber; a sterilization chamber communicates with the plasma generation chamber in a remote position, and a vacuum pump connected to the sterilization chamber. However, this document does not mention or suggest a sterilizer of the present invention in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and in addition the catalytic complementary filter to the exit of the oil filter ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic residues such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, so that it does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention .

None of the aforementioned documents solves all these problems and drawbacks, which is why the sterilizer of the present invention is considered in which it uses a dual integrated system in which the plasma is simultaneously used inside the chamber, a catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compounds placed between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation, and also the complementary filter At the outlet of the oil filter, the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, is guaranteed, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used, it is new and has activity / because this sterilizer does solve all these problems and disadvantages, in addition that has advantages over other systems of esteri lization.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sterilizer with an integrated combined dual dissociation system which guarantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent injected into the sterilizer chamber to prevent the user from being in direct contact with it or being released to the environment for use in hospitals and offices that do not require special installation, low cost, low temperature and the duration of the cycles is very short so it is possible to perform sterilization cycles continuously.

The present invention also has the purpose of developing and integrating, nationally and internationally, a sterilizer whose principle of operation is mainly hydrogen peroxide; which has a much lower cost than those already existing in the market and which guarantees the complete degradation of the sterilizing agent by means of the use of an integrated system with methods for its dissociation, in this way, it will be possible to fulfill two objectives and needs. Give customers (hospitals) with proper sterilization, totally harmless waste for personnel for the environment and finally a cost that allows to expand access to these equipment.

In a first embodiment of the present invention the sterilizer comprises: a) A sterilization chamber; b) Two electrodes to generate pulsed DC plasma; c) A catalytic filter; d) A first solenoid valve; e) A second solenoid valve; f) A pulsed DC plasma generator that serves for the dissociation of the agent inside the chamber by the potential difference between the electrodes; g) A vacuum pump; h) An oil filter, which prevents the oil particles from reaching the environment; and optionally i) A catalytic complementary filter. ! Sterilizer can have the following dimensions: Table 1 The Pulsed DC plasma generator has two electrodes located inside the chamber. The plasma is generated at the end of the cycle, before the door can be opened to remove the instruments. The plasma is DC Pulsed and is performed inside the sterilization chamber.

The electrodes can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, etc., they are two plates that can be located anywhere in the chamber, but preferably on the sides of the chamber.

The Pulsed DC plasma generator generates the plasma by applying a voltage of 1200V, at a maximum power of 500W, so the plasma is DC Pulsed and is made inside the chamber, by means of the electrodes.

The catalytic filter is located along the pipe of the sterilizer, it can be formed by an ultraviolet light source and / or by a compound selected from potassium permanganate, activated carbon, activated carbon-potassium permanganate, dioxide of manganese, potassium iodide, organic and / or inorganic salts of transition metals, silver, platinum, catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite, chromium salts, etc., alone or in combination.

Optionally it can be formed by the catalytic filter and the complementary filter, or only the catalytic filter or only the complementary filter.

Optionally an electronic system can be integrated for manual and digital control by integrating a touch screen widely known in the art.

In the case that the catalytic filter is formed by a source of ultraviolet light will be located in the pipe of the sterilizer and will be lit throughout the sterilization process to force the sterilizing agent is dissociated with the light passing through it , to avoid being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of using this filter is that it does not reduce the speed at which the desired vacuum levels are obtained.

Also in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by potassium permanganate will be located in the sterilizer pipe to force the sterilizing agent is dissociated to be in contact with the potassium permanganate to prevent it from being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of using potassium permanganate is its high efficiency to dissociate the sterilizing agent, however it is very unstable and of a high cost.

Also in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by the activated carbon will be located in the sterilizer pipe to force the sterilizing agent to be dissociated when in contact with the activated carbon to avoid being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of activated carbon is its low cost, but in contrast it is much less efficient.

And finally in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by activated carbon in combination with potassium permanganate will be located in the sterilizer pipe to force the sterilizing agent is dissociated to be in contact with activated carbon in combination with permanganate of potassium to avoid :: that is sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of activated carbon in combination with potassium permanganate is its high dissociation efficiency, chemical stability and cost.

The solenoid valves allow control with greater vacuum accuracy inside the chamber, may have One, two, three or more valves according to the needs of the user.

A vacuum pump, is used to make vacuum in the sterilization chamber.

The oil filter is used to prevent oil particles from reaching the environment.

The oil trapped in the oil filter is returned to the vacuum pump automatically to maintain the level of the same. The advantage of this configuration is that it prevents the sterilizing agent from reaching the vacuum pump in order to lengthen its useful life.

The source of the UV light is placed in the pipe between the chamber and the vacuum pump next to the solenoid valve system.

The complementary filter is placed at the outlet of the oil filter and can be formed by: a compound selected from manganese dioxide, activated carbon, potassium permanganate, activated charcoal-potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, organic salts and / or inorganic transition metals, silver, platinum, catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite and / or chromium salts, alone or in combination. This complementary filter is surprisingly useful for dissociating the remaining hydrogen peroxide with excellent efficiency.

The complementary filter comprises three cylinders; the outer cylinder is machined in aluminum and has, at both ends, ports compatible with those of the pump filter to guarantee the hermetic seal; the other two cylinders are made of high density polyethylene, they are lined with stainless steel mesh to prevent the catalyst, contained between its walls, from leaving or migrating to the outside or inside.

In a second embodiment, the sterilization process of the present invention comprises: a) Color the material to be sterilized inside the chamber, then inject the sterilizing agent; b) To generate a vacuum inside the sterilization chamber, the sterilizing agent will be vaporized inside it and subsequently it will be re-pressurized so that the sterilization agent condenses and the material to be sterilized is impregnated; b) Once the time of exposure of the material to the sterilizing agent has been completed, a pulsed DC plasma will be irradiated by means of the electrodes that are placed inside the chamber in order to dissociate the remaining sterilizing agent and produce free radicals, electrons, ions to a lesser degree that also have sterilizing action; c) During steps a) and b) an active catalytic filter, which may be formed by an ultraviolet light source and / or by a compound selected from potassium permanganate, activated carbon, activated carbon-potassium permanganate, dioxide manganese, potassium iodide, organic and / or inorganic salts of transition metals, silver, platinum, catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite, chromium salts, alone and / or in combination, in order to guarantee the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water, and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used; Y d) Subsequently, the chamber will be re-pressurized in such a way that the completely sterilized material can be removed from the sterilizer without any risk. for the user and / or operating personnel, during all steps a) to d) it is guaranteed that both the user and the environment are not in contact with the residual precursor.

The sterilizing agent can be selected from hydrogen peroxide, ozone, argon, helium, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, glutaraldehyde, freon and nitrous oxide, alone and / or in combination and / or mixed with oxygen or with ozone, preferably hydrogen peroxide is used.

Surprisingly when simultaneously using the plasma inside the chamber, the catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compounds between the vacuum pump and the chamber to force the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter ensures the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent in non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used. .

Both the plasma and the ultraviolet light, and the catalytic filter compounds serve to dissociate the sterilizing agent and the catalytic complementary filter guaranteeing the only totally effective method for not emitting residues into the atmosphere.

The exposure time of the material to the sterilizing agent is between 10 to 40 minutes.

The processing time varies with the nature of the objects that are being sterilized and can be between 45 to 90 minutes, preferably from 54 to 74 minutes, in a temperature range between 35 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 55 ° C to 65 ° C, this is a very low temperature compared with other processes of sterilization.

Preferably the dissociation of the sterilizing agent in the sterilizer of the present invention whose standard cycle lasts approximately 60 minutes, does not require aeration time or presents waste and / or waste harmful to the user or the environment, thanks to the dissociation system used .

The use of a DC Pulsed plasma generator will act directly on the sterilizing agent concentrated in the chamber, on the material to be sterilized (instruments, sterilization bags, grids, etc.) and only when the cycle is nearing completion so that the Open the camera, everything inside, be free of the substance.

On the contrary, the use of the catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound, in addition to the complementary filter, will act throughout the cycle directly in the pipe to force the sterilizing agent that is dislodged from the The chamber is disconnected before reaching the vacuum pump so that it is released in the form of harmless waste.

In this way, it is guaranteed that throughout the process and when opening the chamber and removing the material, the user will not inhale toxic vapors or touch any condensate.

At present sterility tests have already been carried out with the sterilizer of the present invention and the results have all been satisfactory; The vires of the physical-chemical indicators show a complete distribution of hydrogen peroxide throughout the chamber and the biological controls do not show growth. The main advantages of the sterilizer of the present invention over other competing equipment is mainly the homogeneity of the sterilizing agent within the sterilization chamber and the total elimination of hydrogen peroxide residues both in the chamber and in the sterilization bags and in the instruments to be sterilized as in the outlet of the vacuum pump. The other equipment that exists in the market, due to the fact that they do not have a system as complete as the present one for the dissociation of hydrogen peroxide, leave toxic residues in the sterilized articles and constitute risks for the health of the user, safety and for the environment. The results are shown in the following table.

Table 2 Finally, the manufacturing processes of the sterilizer are widely known in the industry, so it is not necessary to mention manufacturing details.

Advantage - The sterilizing agent used can be selected from hydrogen peroxide, ozone, argon, helium, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, glutaraldehyde, freon and nitrous oxide, alone and / or in combination and / or mixed with oxygen or with ozone, preferably hydrogen peroxide is used.

- Both the plasma and ultraviolet light, and the catalytic filter compounds serve to dissociate the sterilizing agent and the catalytic complementary filter guarantee the only totally effective method for not emitting waste into the atmosphere.

The processing time may vary with the nature of the objects being sterilized and may be between 45 to 90 minutes, preferably 54 to 74 minutes, in a temperature range between 35 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 55 ° C to 65 ° C, this is a very low temperature compared with other sterilization processes.

Preferably, in the dissociation of the sterilizing agent in the sterilizer of the present invention whose standard cycle lasts approximately 60 minutes, it does not require aeration time nor does it present waste and / or waste harmful to the user or to the environment, thanks to the dissociation system used.

- The use of a pulsed DC plasma generator will act directly on the sterilizing agent concentrated in the chamber, on the material to be sterilized (instruments, sterilization bags, grids, etc.) and only when the cycle is nearing completion so that when you open the camera, everything inside, is free of the substance.; - On the contrary, the use of the catalytic filter: with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound, in addition to the complementary filter, it will act throughout the entire cycle directly in the pipe to force the sterilizing agent that is dislodged from the the chamber is disconnected before reaching the vacuum pump so that: it is released in the form of harmless waste.

- It is guaranteed that throughout the process and when opening the camera and removing the material, the user will not inhale toxic vapors or touch any condensate. the sterilizer with the integral system of the present invention solves different problems and has the following advantages; i) Both the consumables used and the sterilization equipment itself represent an investment and very low operating costs so it will be easier for hospitals and clinics to have facilities to acquire this equipment and be confident that the instruments are sterilized with the most efficient technology in terms of effectiveness, time, cost and protection of the useful life of the instruments. In this way, the cost of sterilization processes will be reduced, significantly in public institutions11 and private. ii) The sterilizer with the integrated system guarantees dissociation of the sterilizing agent, in addition to low temperature of execution and its low cost, guarantees the sterility of the instruments that are introduced regardless of the quantity or the characteristics thereof without the need of special accessories to ensure the diffusion of the agent in lumens and cavities. : The user is certain that there are no residues that are released into the environment at the outlet of the vacuum pump and that the sterilizing agent remains inside the chamber or impregnated in the sterilization bags or in the instruments. In this way it is guaranteed that the user will not inhale harmful gases corresponding to the sterilizing agent nor will he be in contact with the substance at any time since otherwise it would be harmful to his health.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention, not to limit it, any variation thereof is considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Example 1 A sterilizer of the present invention is provided using as a sterilizing agent hydrogen peroxide, controlled by the user by means of a touch screen whose sterilization cycle is less than one hour and does not require aeration time, the maximum temperature of the process is lower at 65 ° C, does not degrade the sterilization bags or the instruments either metal or plastic and does not release or leave residues harmful to the health or the environment due to the dissociation of the sterilizing agent both in the chamber at the end of the process and in the pipeline along the same. The dissociation throughout the process of hydrogen peroxide is carried out due to the presence of a catalytic filter with a source that radiates ultraviolet light and / or that contains the chemical compounds and that is placed between the chamber and the solenoid valve main forcing the gasified agent to become water and oxygen so that these residues are released into the environment through the oil filter of the pump. The final dissociation of hydrogen peroxide inside the chamber and in the instruments is achieved through the use of a pulsed DC plasma generator that, by means of a high voltage in contact with the hydrogen peroxide gas, creates a plasma of said substance dissociating it in water and oxygen so that the user, when opening the chamber, breathe only water vapor and oxygen.

Example 2 Following the process of the previous example, a sterilizer of the present invention is provided using as selected sterilizing agent, "ozone, argon, helium, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, glutaraldehyde, Freon and nitrous oxide, alone and / or in combination and / or mixed with oxygen or with ozone, preferably hydrogen peroxide controlled by the user is used by means of a touch screen whose sterilization cycle is less than one hour and not it requires aeration time, the maximum temperature of the process is lower than 65 ° C. And at the end when opening the door of the chamber no harmful residues are observed for the user.

Example 3 A sterilizer of the present invention is provided using as a sterilizing agent hydrogen peroxide according to example 1, but now using a catalytic complementary filter which is placed at the outlet of the oil recovery filter of the vacuum pump which works in conjunction with the dual system described above to have a double certainty that any remnant would be caught at the exit from it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 represents a front view of the sterilizer with the integrated dual system, indicating the parts that comprise it, (1) represents the chamber where the instruments ready to be sterilized are introduced, (2) represents the two electrodes to generate the Pulsed DC plasma, (3) represents the catalytic filter with the ultraviolet light source and / or chemical compounds, (4) and (5) represent the two electrovalves that allow the precise control of the vacuum level inside the chamber, (6) represents the pulsed DC plasma generator that serves for the dissociation of the agent inside the chamber by the potential difference between the electrodes, (7) represents the vacuum pump and (8) the oil filter that prevents the oil particles from reaching the environment; The oil trapped in the filter is returned to the vacuum pump automatically to maintain the level of the same. The advantage of this configuration is that it prevents the sterilizing agent from reaching the vacuum pump in order to lengthen its useful life.

Figure 2 represents a front view of the sterilizer with the integrated dual system, indicating the parts that comprise it, (1) represents the chamber where the instruments ready to be sterilized is introduced, (2) represents the two electrodes to generate the Pulsed DC plasma, (3) and (4) represent the two solenoid valves that allow precise control of the vacuum level inside the chamber, (5) represents the Pulsed DC plasma generator that serves for the dissociation of the agent inside the chamber by the potential difference between the electrodes, (6) represents the vacuum pump, (7) represents the catalytic filter of ultraviolet light and / or chemical compounds, (8) is the oil filter that prevents the oil particles from reaching the environment, the disadvantage of this configuration is that the sterilizing agent passes through the vacuum pump thus shortening its useful life in addition to the oil spent by the pump could not be recovered automatically.

Figure 3 represents a front view of the sterilizer with the integrated dual system, indicating the parts that comprise it, (1) represents the chamber where the instruments ready to be sterilized are introduced, (2) represent the two electrodes to generate the Pulsed DC plasma, (3) and (4) represent the two solenoid valves that allow precise control of the vacuum level inside the chamber, (5) represents the pulsed DC plasma generator that serves for the dissociation of the agent inside the chamber by the potential difference between the electrodes, (6) represents the vacuum pump and (7) the oil filter that prevents the oil particles from reaching the top; the oil trapped in the filter is returned to the vacuum pump automatically to maintain the level of the same, (8) represents the catalytic filter of ultraviolet light and / or chemical compounds, the disadvantage of this configuration is that the sterilizing agent passes through the vacuum pump thus shortening its useful life.

Figure 4 represents a front view of the sterilizer with the dual system incorporated, indicating the parts that comprise it, (1) represents the chamber where the instruments ready to be sterilized are introduced, (2) represent the two electrodes to generate Pulsed DC plasma, (3) represents the catalytic filter with a source of ultraviolet light and / or chemical compounds, (4) and (5) represent the two solenoid valves that allow precise control of the vacuum level inside the camera. (6) represents the pulsed DC plasma generator that serves for the dissociation of the agent inside the chamber by the potential difference between the electrodes, (7) represents the vacuum pump and (8) the oil filter that prevents oil particles from reaching the environment; The oil trapped in the filter is returned to the vacuum pump automatically to maintain the level of the same. The advantage of this configuration is that it prevents the sterilizing agent from reaching the vacuum pump in order to lengthen its useful life, (9) represents the catalytic complementary filter placed at the outlet of the vacuum pump oil collection filter. ensure that any remnant would be trapped at the output of the same, because this complement is placed at the output of the equipment, this can be incorporated into the equipment regardless of the location of the catalytic filter corresponding to the dual system located in the pipeline, thereby ensuring the total elimination of the remaining sterilizing agent.

Figure 5 represents a front view of the catalytic complementary filter in which (10) represents the aluminum cylinder, (11) represents air with the sterilizing agent, (12) represents the two HDPE cylinders (12) represents oxygen and the water, (13) represents the catalyst based on the chemical compound and (14) represents the stainless steel maya.

Figure 6 represents a front view of the catalytic complementary filter in which the flow of waste through it is observed by means of the arrows, in which (17) represents the air inlet with the sterilizing agent y ( 18) represents the outlet of the dissociated residues of the sterilizing agent form of water vapor and oxygen.

It is noted that in relation to this date, that the best method known to the applicant to carry the

Claims

practice said invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Claims "Having described the invention as above, the content is claimed as property, in the following claims."

1. - A sterilizer with a combined dual dissociation integrated system that guarantees a complete elimination of the sterilizing agent injected into the sterilizer chamber to prevent the user from being in direct contact with it or being released into the environment characterized because it comprises: a) A sterilization chamber; b) Two electrodes to generate pulsed DC plasma; c) A catalytic filter; d) A first solenoid valve; e) A second solenoid valve; f) A pulsed DC plasma generator that serves for the dissociation of the agent inside the chamber by the potential difference between the electrodes; g) A vacuum pump h) An oil filter, which prevents the oil particles from reaching the environment; and optionally i) A catalytic complementary filter.

2. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber has the following dimensions:

3. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulsed DC plasma generator has two electrodes located inside the chamber, the plasma is generated at the end of the cycle > before the door can be opened to remove the instruments, the plasma is DC Pulsed and is performed inside the sterilization chamber.

4. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, are two plates that can be located anywhere in the chamber, but preferably on the sides of the camera.

5. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulsed DC plasma generator generates the plasma by applying a voltage of 1200V, at a maximum power of 500W, the plasma is DC Pulsed and performed inside the chamber, by means of electrodes.

6. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the catalytic filter is located along the sterilizer pipe, it can be formed by an ultraviolet light source and / or by a compound selected from potassium permanganate, activated carbon, activated carbon-potassium permanganate, manganese dioxide, potassium iodide, organic and / or inorganic salts of transition metals, silver, platinum, catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite, chromium salts, alone or in combination.

7. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that optionally the sterilizer can be formed by the catalytic filter and by the complementary filter, and / or only the catalytic filter and / or only the complementary filter.

8. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that optionally the sterilizer can integrate an electronic system for manual and digital control by integrating a touch screen.

9. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by a source of ultraviolet light: it will be located in the pipe of the sterilizer and will be It will be lit throughout the sterilization process to force the sterilizing agent to be dissociated with the light passing through it, to prevent it from being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of using this filter is that it does not reduce the speed at which the desired vacuum levels are obtained.

10. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by potassium permanganate will be located in the sterilizer pipe to force the sterilizing agent to be dissociated to be in contact with the potassium permanganate to prevent it from being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of using potassium permanganate is its high efficiency to dissociate the sterilizing agent, however it is very unstable and of a high cost.

11. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by the activated carbon will be located in the sterilizer pipe to force the sterilizing agent to be dissociated to be in contact with the activated carbon to avoid being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of Activated carbon is its low cost, but in contrast it is much less efficient.

12. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case that the catalytic filter is formed by activated carbon in combination with potassium permanganate will be located in the sterilizer pipe to force the agent Sterilizer is dissociated by being in contact with the activated carbon in combination with potassium permanganate to prevent it from being sent to the environment through the outlet of the vacuum pump. The advantage of activated carbon in combination with potassium permanganate is its high dissociation efficiency, chemical stability and cost.;

13. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the solenoid valves, allow more precise vacuum control in the interior of the chamber, can have one, two, three or more valves according to the user's needs

14. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vacuum pump is used to make a vacuum in the sterilization chamber.

15. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the oil filter is used to prevent the oil particles from reaching the environment.

16. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the oil that is trapped in the oil filter is returned to the vacuum pump automatically to maintain the level thereof, this configuration prevents the Sterilizing agent reaches the vacuum pump and thus lengthens its life.

17. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the source of the UV light is placed in the pipe between the chamber and the vacuum pump next to the solenoid valve system.

18. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the complementary filter is placed at the outlet of the oil filter and can be formed by: a compound selected from manganese dioxide, activated carbon, permanganate potassium, activated carbon-potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, organic and / or inorganic salts of transition metals, silver, platinum, catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite and / or chromium salts, alone or in combination, this complementary filter is useful for dissociating the remaining hydrogen peroxide with excellent efficiency.

19. - A sterilizer with an integrated dissociation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the complementary filter comprises three cylinders; the outer cylinder is machined in aluminum and has, at both ends, ports compatible with those of the pump filter to guarantee the hermetic seal; the other two cylinders are made of high density polyethylene, they are lined with stainless steel mesh to prevent the catalyst, contained between its walls, from leaving or migrating to the outside or inside.

20. - A sterilization process with an integrated combined dual dissociation system characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) Color the material to be sterilized inside the chamber, then inject the sterilizing agent; b) To generate a vacuum inside the sterilization chamber, the sterilizing agent will be vaporized inside it and subsequently re-pressurized so that the sterilization agent condenses and the material to be sterilized is impregnated; b) Once the time of exposure of the material to the sterilizing agent has been completed, a pulsed DC plasma will be irradiated by means of the electrodes that are placed inside the chamber in order to dissociate the remaining sterilizing agent and produce free radicals, electrons, ions to a lesser degree that also have sterilizing action; c) During steps a) and b) an active catalytic filter may be formed which may be formed by an ultraviolet light source and / or by a compound selected from potassium permanganate, activated carbon, activated carbon-potassium permanganate, dioxide manganese, potassium iodide, organic and / or inorganic salts of metals transition, silver, platinum, catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite, chromium salts, alone and / or in combination, in order to guarantee the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-toxic waste such as water and oxygen, among others, according to the nature of the sterilizing agent used; Y d) Subsequently the chamber will be re-pressurized in such a way that the completely sterilized material can be removed from the sterilizer without any risk to the user and / or operating personnel, during all steps a) to d) it is guaranteed that both the user and the environment is not in contact with the residual precursor.

21. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that the sterilizing agent can be selected from hydrogen peroxide, ozone, argon, helium, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen, glutaraldehyde, freon and nitrous oxide, alone and / or in combination and / or mixed with oxygen or with ozone, preferably hydrogen peroxide is used.

22. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that when simultaneously using the plasma inside the chamber, the catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compounds between the vacuum pump and the chamber for forcing the sterilizing agent into contact with the ultraviolet light and / or with the compounds producing a dissociation and in addition the catalytic complementary filter at the outlet of the oil filter, the complete dissociation of the sterilizing agent into non-waste is guaranteed. toxic substances such as water and oxygen, among others, depending on the nature of the sterilizing agent used.

23. - A sterilization process with a. integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that both the plasma and the ultraviolet light, and the catalytic filter compounds serve to dissociate the sterilizing agent and the catalytic complementary filter guarantee not to emit waste into the atmosphere.

24. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that the time of exposure of the material to the sterilizing agent is between 10 to 40 minutes.

25. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that the processing time varies with the nature of the objects that are being sterilized and can be between 45 to 90 minutes, preferably 54 to 74 minutes, in a temperature range between 35 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 55 ° C to 65 ° C, this is a very low temperature compared to other sterilization processes.

26. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that the dissociation of the ::: sterilizing agent in the sterilizer whose standard cycle lasts approximately 60 minutes, does not require aeration time or presents waste and / or waste notions for the user or the environment, thanks to the dissociation system used.

27. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that the Pulsed DC plasma generator will act directly on the sterilizing agent concentrated in the chamber, on the material to be sterilized (instruments, sterilization bags, grids) and only when the cycle is nearing completion so that when you open the camera, everything inside it is free of the substance.

28. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that the use of the catalytic filter with the UV light source and / or the chemical compound, in addition to the complementary filter, will act throughout the cycle directly in the pipe to force the sterilizing agent that is dislodged from the chamber to dissociate before reaching the vacuum pump so that it is released in the form of harmless waste. '

29. - A sterilization process with an integrated system according to claim 20, characterized in that when the chamber is opened and the material, the user will not inhale toxic vapors or touch any condensate.

30. -A catalytic complementary filter characterized in that it comprises: a) aluminum cylinder; b) two HDPE cylinders; c) a catalyst based on the chemical compound and d) a stainless steel maya. 31 a compliance filter characterized in that the chemical compound is selected from manganese dioxide, activated carbon, potassium permanganate, activated carbon-potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, organic and / or inorganic salts of transition metals, silver, platinum , catalyzed enzyme, sodium hypochlorite and / or chromium salts, alone or in combination. !