US20080005923A1 - Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080005923A1
US20080005923A1 US11/481,910 US48191006A US2008005923A1 US 20080005923 A1 US20080005923 A1 US 20080005923A1 US 48191006 A US48191006 A US 48191006A US 2008005923 A1 US2008005923 A1 US 2008005923A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
chamber
steam
instruments
exhaust
inlet port
Prior art date
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Abandoned
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US11/481,910
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English (en)
Inventor
Arthur Zwingenberger
Gabriel Gheorghe Naghi
David Bryant Snaith
Andy Kwan-Leung Sun
Michel Stanier
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Sci Can Ltd
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Individual
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Priority to US11/481,910 priority Critical patent/US20080005923A1/en
Assigned to SCICAN, DIVISION OF LUX & ZWINGENBERGER LTD. reassignment SCICAN, DIVISION OF LUX & ZWINGENBERGER LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAGHI, GABRIEL GHEORGHE, SNAITH, DAVID BRYANT, STANIER, MICHEL, SUN, ANDY KWAN-LEUNG, ZWINGENBERGER, ARTHUR
Priority to BRPI0713222-0A priority patent/BRPI0713222A2/pt
Priority to CN2007800301327A priority patent/CN101501433B/zh
Priority to EP07763860.9A priority patent/EP2038597B1/en
Priority to JP2009518691A priority patent/JP2009543019A/ja
Priority to KR1020097000782A priority patent/KR101388338B1/ko
Priority to CA2656441A priority patent/CA2656441C/en
Priority to HK09108589.1A priority patent/HK1130886B/en
Priority to PCT/CA2007/001197 priority patent/WO2008003177A1/en
Priority to US12/309,075 priority patent/US8168132B2/en
Priority to RU2009102715/06A priority patent/RU2009102715A/ru
Priority to AU2007271689A priority patent/AU2007271689B2/en
Publication of US20080005923A1 publication Critical patent/US20080005923A1/en
Priority to ZA200900021A priority patent/ZA200900021B/xx
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/06—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00—Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/005—Drying-steam generating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00—Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/004—Nozzle assemblies; Air knives; Air distributors; Blow boxes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00—Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/02—Circulating air or gases in closed cycles, e.g. wholly within the drying enclosure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B3/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat
    • F26B3/02—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air
    • F26B3/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour circulating over or surrounding the materials or objects to be dried
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/003—Small self-contained devices, e.g. portable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/06—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers
    • F26B9/066—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers the products to be dried being disposed on one or more containers, which may have at least partly gas-previous walls, e.g. trays or shelves in a stack
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • A61L2/07—Steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/18—Aseptic storing means
    • A61L2202/182—Rigid packaging means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/24—Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for drying medical or dental instruments and the like using superheated steam.
  • Superheated steam When steam is heated to a temperature above the boiling point corresponding to its pressure, it becomes superheated steam.
  • Superheated steam has a greater heat capacity than air due to its water content and is therefore capable of delivering more heat energy to an instrument to be dried, thus vaporizing moisture more efficiently. This property of superheated steam has been exploited in a number of industries including the food and paper industries.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,588 discloses a superheated vapour dryer system for the precision removal of water from parts including disk drive media, flat panel displays and the like.
  • the system boils and condenses solvents such as isopropyl alcohol to remove water and other contamination from the parts.
  • solvents such as isopropyl alcohol
  • the parts are supported by a moving tray or suspended from hooks so that they may be immersed in and removed from a supply of liquid solvent.
  • the parts are exposed to the superheated vapours by moving them through a so-called ‘vapour zone’. This type of system is not well-suited to the medical/dental sterilization industry in terms of size and speed requirements.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 1,902,625 discloses a steam sterilizer in which superheated steam is fed into a sterilization chamber via a plurality of expansion nozzles to sterilize instruments.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 1,377,725 also discloses a steam sterilizer in which steam at a temperature ‘high above the boiling point’ is fed into a sterilization chamber via a plurality of openings in the walls of the sterilization chamber. As the superheated steam cools after sterilization is complete, it will condense on instrument surfaces.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for drying medical or dental instruments and the like using superheated steam, a method for drying such instruments using superheated steam, and a system for sterilizing using saturated steam and drying such instruments using superheated steam.
  • a system for sterilizing using saturated steam and drying such instruments using superheated steam By distributing superheated steam within an instrument chamber, many different types of load, including both pouched/wrapped instruments and loose instruments, may be quickly and effectively dried.
  • the time required for drying the instruments using superheated steam is shorter than the time required for drying the instruments using air because superheated steam has a higher heat capacity than air and is therefore able to transfer a greater amount of heat to vaporize any residual moisture.
  • the drying time using superheated steam as opposed to conventional heated compressed air was found to be shortened by as much as 75%.
  • an apparatus for drying instruments using superheated steam comprising a chamber for receiving the instruments, a steam generation means, a distribution means and an exhaust means.
  • the chamber has at least one inlet port.
  • the steam generation means generates superheated steam.
  • the distributions means is connected to the at least one inlet port for distributing superheated steam from the steam generation means, through the inlet port, within the chamber.
  • the exhaust means is for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber.
  • an apparatus for drying medical or dental instruments using superheated steam in a steam sterilization system for the sterilization of the instruments using saturated steam comprises a chamber for receiving the instruments, a steam generation means, a distribution means and an exhaust means.
  • the chamber has at least one inlet port.
  • the steam generation means generates superheated steam.
  • the distributions means is connected to the at least one inlet port for distributing superheated steam from the steam generation means, through the inlet port, within the chamber.
  • the exhaust means is for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber.
  • a method of drying medical or dental instruments using superheated steam in a steam sterilization system has a chamber for receiving the instruments, at least one inlet port for connection to a steam generation means and an exhaust means for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber.
  • the method comprises the steps of sterilizing the instruments using saturated steam generated by the steam generation means and drying the instruments using superheated steam generated by the steam generation means to vaporize moisture within the chamber and purging the vaporized moisture from the chamber using the exhaust means.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic top perspective view of a tray and manifold assembly of the chamber of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic bottom perspective view of the tray and manifold assembly of FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a top manifold plate of the manifold assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a section view of the top manifold plate of FIG. 4 along the line 5 - 5 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an alternative top manifold plate
  • FIG. 7 is a bottom view of another alternative top manifold plate
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom view of yet another alternative top manifold plate
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drying rack
  • FIG. 10 perspective view of a steam sterilization and superheated steam drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the system of FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for drying medical or dental instruments and the like using superheated steam.
  • Apparatus 10 comprises a chamber 12 for receiving the instruments (not shown).
  • Chamber 12 has an inlet port 14 (or more than one inlet port) for connecting the chamber 12 to a steam generation means 16 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) to transfer superheated steam from the steam generation means 16 to the chamber 12 .
  • Apparatus 10 further comprises a distribution means 18 connected to the inlet port 14 for distributing superheated steam within the chamber 12 and exhaust means 26 for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber 12 .
  • Exhaust means 26 may comprise an exhaust port 20 , as illustrated in FIG. 1 (exhaust port 20 is shown in more detail in FIG. 11 ).
  • Chamber 12 may be a cassette, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 , but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other chamber configurations suitable for holding instruments may be used.
  • Chamber 12 shown in FIG. 1 to 3 comprises a tray 22 and a lid 24 for covering and sealing the tray 22 .
  • the temperature of any residual moisture in the chamber 12 will drop and the moisture will have a tendency to condense on the instruments.
  • the moisture which has condensed on the instruments will be re-vaporized.
  • the re-vaporized moisture may then be flushed out the exhaust port 20 .
  • the instruments that are received by the chamber 12 may be instruments that have been sterilized using a steam sterilization process, instruments that have been washed using an instrument washer, instruments that have been disinfected using an instrument disinfector or any other damp instruments.
  • Chamber 12 may also be used during a steam sterilization process, as will be described in more detail later in this description. Similarly, chamber 12 may be used during a washing process and/or during a disinfecting process.
  • Distribution means 18 may be any suitable means for distributing superheated steam within the chamber 12 such as a point source diffuser.
  • distribution means 18 may be a manifold assembly 32 which comprises a plurality of distributed steam ports 34 connected by a plurality of interconnected conduits 36 . Interconnected conduits 36 are connected to the inlet port 14 via a manifold port 38 . As shown, inlet port 14 is coupled to the manifold port 38 through an opening 40 in the chamber 12 . Exhaust port 20 is coupled to the chamber 12 though an opening 41 in the chamber 12 . A nut 42 and/or any other suitable connector parts may be used to couple the inlet port 14 and the manifold port 38 .
  • Manifold assembly 32 may be located in a bottom portion of the tray 22 or any other suitable part of the chamber 12
  • the drying time for a load of instruments can be significantly reduced.
  • the drying time has been measured to be reduced by at least 33% compared to that without using distribution means 18 .
  • the overall drying time will vary from these test results. Nevertheless, this represents a significant improvement over existing sterilizer drying systems.
  • distribution means 18 to distribute superheated steam within the chamber 12 , it is very difficult to achieve complete dryness within the chamber 12 as the vaporized moisture will recondense as the chamber 12 cools due to heat loss to the surrounding.
  • cassette-type sterilizers are not usually equipped with additional heaters around the cassette (such as a band heater) that could be used to prevent recondensation before drying is complete.
  • Interconnected conduits 36 may be a plurality of interconnected tubes. These interconnected tubes may be made up of metal, silicone, TeflonTM or other suitable materials. Alternatively, interconnected conduits 36 may be a plurality of interconnected channels, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • Manifold assembly 32 may comprise a top manifold plate 44 , a bottom manifold plate 46 and a planar gasket 48 disposed between the top manifold plate 44 and the bottom manifold plate 46 .
  • Steam ports 34 are distributed on a top surface 50 of the top manifold plate 44 and are connected to a plurality of grooves 52 on a bottom surface 54 of the top manifold plate 44 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • Planar gasket 48 also has a plurality of grooves 56 corresponding to the grooves 52 of the top manifold plate 44 .
  • Planar gasket 48 is positioned in sealing contact with the bottom surface 54 of top manifold plate 44 to form the interconnected conduits 36 by coupling together the grooves 52 on the bottom surface 54 of the top manifold plate 44 and the grooves 56 on the planar gasket 48 .
  • Interconnected conduits 36 are connected to manifold port 38 .
  • the top manifold plate 44 and the bottom manifold plate 46 may be constructed of a high temperature thermoplastic.
  • the planar gasket 48 may be made from silicone rubber. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand of course that other suitable materials may be used.
  • manifold assembly 32 may comprise a top manifold plate 44 and a bottom manifold plate 46 without a planar gasket 48 .
  • a plurality of grooves 52 may be provided in one or both of the top manifold plate 44 and the bottom manifold plate 46 .
  • the top manifold plate 44 and the bottom manifold plate 46 may be sealed together to form the interconnected conduits 36 . Sealing may be accomplished by ultrasonic spot welding between contacting surfaces of the plates and/or placement of sealing material between contacting surfaces of the plates.
  • steam ports 34 are preferably evenly distributed within the chamber 12 . It should of course be understood that chamber 12 may be configured for a specific load which is not necessarily evenly distributed within the chamber 12 by adapting the arrangement of steam ports 34 to the shape of the load.
  • thermal power is a function of both temperature and mass flow rate of the superheated steam.
  • the superheated steam will inevitably lose heat energy as it moves away from the inlet port 14 so that steam being delivered to the front portion 68 of the chamber 12 is cooler than steam being delivered to the rear portion 70 of the chamber 12 . Heat energy will also be lost through the periphery 72 of the chamber 12 .
  • These effects can be compensated for by increasing the mass flow rate through the steam ports 34 which are located in the front portion 68 of the chamber 12 and the steam ports 34 which are located close to the periphery of chamber 12 .
  • the mass flow rate can be increased by increasing the size of the conduits 36 and/or increasing the diameter of the steam ports 34 .
  • the superheated steam itself will cool down and approach a saturated state. Once the steam temperature drops below the saturated steam curve at a given chamber pressure, steam will start to condense back to liquid water. This is highly undesirable as the condensate will re-wet the instrument load and the chamber 12 .
  • thermal power must be distributed in such a way so as to maintain a minimum chamber temperature that is above the saturated steam curve for a given chamber pressure. This can be achieved by biasing the locations of some of the steam ports 34 towards the interior space of the chamber 12 and distributing the remaining steam ports 34 towards the instrument load.
  • An optional temperature sensor which is preferably located at the coldest spot inside the chamber, can be used to monitor the chamber temperature to ensure the minimum chamber temperature is attained throughout the entire drying phase of the cycle.
  • the optional temperature sensor can also be used as a dryness indicator to indicate the end of the drying phase. As the condensate in the instrument load and the chamber 12 evaporate, less heat energy is required as there is no need to overcome any latent heat of vaporization of water. This will result in an increase in chamber temperature and which can be detected by the said temperature sensor. It is understood that this optional temperature sensor can also be a chamber temperature sensor used to monitor the steam temperature during the sterilization process.
  • FIGS. 4 to 8 A number of suitable conduit and steam port arrangements have been contemplated, which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 . It should be understood that these arrangements are examples and that embodiments of the invention may comprise any suitable port and conduit arrangement.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the top manifold plate 44 of the manifold assembly 32 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • the sizes of grooves 52 are progressively smaller as they branch away from the superheated steam inlet in order to maintain a relatively constant mass flow rate throughout the entire manifold.
  • the grooves 52 are arranged in a fractal branching arrangement similar to the fractal branching arrangement of bronchial tubes in a mammalian lung. These arrangements also attempt to minimize the sharpness of steam turns in order to minimize back pressure.
  • Grooves 52 are connected to manifold port 38 , as shown.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative top manifold plate 80 in which the grooves 82 are arranged in a fractal branching arrangement which is somewhat simpler that the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 for ease of fabrication. Grooves 82 are connected to manifold port 38 , as shown.
  • Steam ports 34 can be designed such that the steam ports 34 furthest from the inlet have a larger diameter than the steam ports 34 closer to the inlet so as to allow more flow to the furthest steam ports 34 to compensate for the decrease in superheated steam temperature at those locations and hence maintain an even thermal power delivery throughout the chamber 12 .
  • FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative top manifold plate 100 in which grooves 102 are arranged in a double H-shape having eight leg portions 104 , a bridge portion 106 and an inlet portion 108 .
  • Steam ports 34 may be distributed along the eight leg portions 104 .
  • Inlet port 14 of the chamber 12 may be connected to the bridge portion 106 via the inlet portion 108 which is connected to manifold port 38 .
  • This arrangement is designed to provide better coverage across the chamber 12 .
  • the diameter of the steam ports 34 can be adjusted to balance superheated steam flow and temperature in order to obtain an even thermal power distribution anywhere in the chamber 12 . It should be noted that further multiple H-shape configurations of conduits 36 have been contemplated.
  • chamber 12 may be configured to receive a perforated drying rack 130 for supporting and arranging the instruments within the chamber 12 .
  • a perforated drying rack 130 for supporting and arranging the instruments within the chamber 12 .
  • pouches 132 containing instruments may be arranged evenly within the chamber 12 by placing them in the perforated drying rack 130 .
  • the perforated drying rack 130 is preferably made of metal such as aluminum which stores heat energy quickly during the sterilization process and releases heat quickly to the surrounding instruments after sterilization.
  • the perforations in the perforated drying rack 130 allow superheated steam from the manifold to pass through the perforated drying rack 130 in order to reach the load during drying.
  • the perforated drying rack 130 is nonetheless merely an example and it should be understood that chamber 12 could be configured to receive any suitable drying rack. Furthermore, it should be considered that the superheated steam distribution conduit or plate configuration could be integrated into the perforated drying rack so as to combine their respective functions into a single part.
  • Apparatus 10 may be used independently or integrated into a steam sterilization system for sterilizing medical or dental instruments and the like using saturated steam, such as that disclosed in Applicant's co-pending PCT application No. WO 00/59553, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • apparatus 10 may be integrated into washer systems and washer/disinfector systems such as those used in the medical and dental industries, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.
  • the washing chamber could be chamber 12 .
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a steam sterilization and superheated steam drying system 140 .
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the steam sterilization and superheated steam drying system 140 of FIG. 10 .
  • the steam sterilization and superheated steam drying system 140 will first sterilize the instruments using saturated steam and will subsequently dry the instruments using superheated steam.
  • the steam sterilization and superheated steam drying system 140 may also perform other processes such as a conditioning process, a pressurizing process, and an air removal process, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.
  • Steam generation means 16 may comprise a steam generator 142 and a superheated steam heater 144 .
  • Steam generator 142 generates saturated steam suitable for sterilization and may be a boiler, such as the boiler described in Applicant's co-pending Canadian application No. 2,481,635, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Water is supplied from a water reservoir 148 and is injected into the steam generator by a water pump 146 .
  • a drain pip 178 may also be provided in order to drain water from the system 140 , when required.
  • Superheated steam heater 144 may be any suitable heater such as a tubular or cartridge heater. It should be understood that the operating temperature of the superheated steam heater will depend upon drying requirements and temperature limitations of the load. Superheated steam heater 144 may be connected to a temperature sensor 150 , for example a thermocouple, which can be used as a control input. Superheated steam heater 144 may also be connected to a temperature sensor 152 , such as a thermocouple, which can be used as another control input.
  • saturated steam is generated by the steam generator 142 and directed via a first inlet port 160 into the chamber 12 .
  • superheated steam is generated by the superheated steam heater 144 by further heating of the saturated steam generated by the steam generator 142 and then injected via a second inlet port 14 (described previously) into the distribution means 18 in the chamber 12 .
  • a directional valve 162 may be provided to selectively direct steam from the steam generator 142 to the first inlet port 160 or steam from the steam generator 142 to the second inlet port 14 via the superheated steam heater 144 .
  • the directional valve 162 may be a three-way valve.
  • the steam generation means 16 may comprise a steam generator without a separate superheated steam generator.
  • a steam generator would selectively produce saturated steam for sterilization of the instruments and superheated steam for drying of the instruments by selectively metering a received amount of water from a reservoir. The amount of water to be metered depends upon the watt density of the steam generator. It should be understood of course that any suitable steam generation means may be used.
  • the term ‘superheated steam’ encompasses steam having any temperature above the boiling point of water
  • the superheated steam will reach the steam ports 34 at a temperature which does not exceed a maximum allowable temperature of the instruments as specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding the maximum allowable temperature of a particular material may cause thermal damage. Careful control of the superheated steam temperature may be achieved by, for example, keeping the pressure in the chamber 12 close to atmospheric pressure so that the temperature does not rise above the maximum sterilization temperature.
  • the most efficient superheated steam conditions occur when the pressure in the chamber is as low as possible so as to reduce the boiling point of water. For example, by keeping the pressure in the chamber 12 close as close to atmospheric pressure as possible, the energy required to evaporate moisture within the chamber 12 is reduced. The end result is a more efficient use of superheated steam and faster drying or equally fast drying but at a lower temperature, which is safer for the load.
  • the apparatus 10 may be operable to provide a vacuum condition in the chamber 12 , thus resulting in a lower water boiling point and therefore faster superheated steam drying for same steam temperature.
  • exhaust means 26 may further comprises a normally-closed exhaust valve 118 which is connected to exhaust port 20 and is opened when vaporized moisture is to be purged from the chamber 12 .
  • More than one exhaust port and more than one corresponding exhaust valve may be provided.
  • two exhaust ports 20 and 120 and corresponding exhaust valves 118 and 122 may be provided in order to purge at lower and higher exhaust rates by selectively opening one or both of the exhaust valves 118 and 122 .
  • the exhaust port(s) ( 20 , 120 ) may be opened when the exhaust valve(s) ( 118 , 122 ) is opened.
  • the exhaust port(s) ( 20 , 120 ) may be opened as the chamber 12 is inserted into a sterilization system.
  • the inlet port(s) may be opened as the chamber 12 is inserted into a sterilization system.
  • Exhaust means 26 may further comprise at least one moisture removal means 28 .
  • Moisture removal means 28 may be a vacuum pump or a heat exchanger operable to lower the pressure in the chamber 12 and draw evaporated moisture from the cassette. As explained previously, lowering the pressure in the chamber 12 reduces the boiling point of water for vaporization of moisture within the cassette.
  • moisture removal means 26 is not limited to vacuum pumps and heat exchangers and is intended to encompass any suitable means for removing moisture from the chamber 12 , as would be understood by those skilled in the art.
  • moisture removal means 28 is positioned between exhaust port 120 and exhaust valve 122 , it should be understood that moisture removal means 28 could be positioned between exhaust port 20 and exhaust valve 118 or in any other suitable position within system 140 .
  • more than one moisture removal means 28 could be implemented. Vaporized moisture that has been purged from chamber 12 cools and may be collected in condensers 176 .
  • Various additional temperature and pressure sensors 166 may be provided in the steam sterilization system in order to monitor and control the steam generation means 16 , exhaust valve(s) ( 118 , 122 ) and directional valve 162 . Sensors 166 are necessary where the steam sterilization system is to be compliant with industry standards. The configuration of these sensors 166 may be adapted to suit industry standards in different areas of the world. For example, the standards in Europe may differ from those in North America. It is conceivable that the same sensors required by sterilization standards could be used to control the superheated steam drying process.
  • apparatus 10 is scalable and could be adapted for both compact cassette-type steam sterilization systems and larger steam sterilization systems, such as large medical autoclaves and tunnel washers.
  • the instruments may be sterilized using saturated steam generated by the steam generation means 16 .
  • the instruments may be dried using superheated steam generated by the steam generation means 16 to vaporize moisture within the chamber 12 .
  • the vaporized moisture is purged from the chamber 12 using the exhaust means 26 .
  • the chamber 12 may be flushed with air by injecting air through inlet port 160 into the chamber 12 in order to purge any residual moisture from the chamber 12 via the exhaust port(s) ( 20 , 120 ). This air flushing may last a few minutes, depending on the size and nature of the load, among other factors.
  • the chamber 12 may also be flushed by, for example, introducing short-duration air pulses to evacuate vaporized moisture as it is formed.
  • moisture removal means may not be necessary.
  • moisture removal using air flushing and moisture removal using the moisture removal means 28 discussed previously may each be used independently or in combination.
  • this air flushing step is particularly important where the pressure in the chamber 12 is kept close to atmospheric pressure, as described previously, because there may not be enough pressure to effectively force vaporized moisture out of the chamber 12 when the exhaust port(s) ( 20 , 120 ) and valve(s) ( 118 , 122 ) are opened, resulting in some re-condensation in the chamber 12 and on the load when the chamber is opened or allowed to cool down at the end of the drying cycle.
  • Hot air may be used for flushing in order to prevent cooling of the chamber 12 , but ambient air may also be used provided the superheated steam and chamber temperatures are sufficiently above the condensation point.
  • exhaust port 20 (the first exhaust port) and corresponding exhaust valve 118 may be opened during the sterilization step.
  • a second exhaust port 120 and corresponding exhaust valve 122 may be opened during the drying and air flushing steps.
  • the exhaust valve 118 connected to the first exhaust port 20 may have a smaller orifice than the exhaust valve 122 connected to the second exhaust port 120 in order to precisely control the pressure in the chamber 12 during sterilization.
  • the exhaust valve 122 connected to the second exhaust port 120 may have a larger orifice to ensure good flow of air and vaporized moisture from the chamber 12 and the lowest possible pressure in the chamber 12 during drying and air flushing.
  • a single exhaust valve may be used to satisfy the exhaust requirements of sterilization, drying and air flushing.
  • Directional valve 162 may be operated to selectively direct steam from the steam generator 142 to a first inlet port 160 for the step of sterilizing the instruments. Similarly, directional valve 162 may be operated to selectively direct steam from the steam generator 142 to a second inlet port 14 via the superheated steam heater 144 for drying the instruments.
  • the superheated steam heater 144 may be preheated prior to the drying step and/or prior to the sterilization step in order to speed up the sterilization and drying process. This preheating step may be performed as part of a start-up procedure for the system 140 .
  • the above described apparatus, system and method are particularly suitable for the superheated steam drying of pouched/wrapped instruments or loose (un-pouched) instruments.
  • Sterilization pouches which are commonly used in the medical and dental industries are made of plastic-paper, paper-only and/or fabric sterilization wrap. Superheated steam drying is very effective where the pouch material retains moisture.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
US11/481,910 2006-07-07 2006-07-07 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam Abandoned US20080005923A1 (en)

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US11/481,910 US20080005923A1 (en) 2006-07-07 2006-07-07 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
AU2007271689A AU2007271689B2 (en) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
CA2656441A CA2656441C (en) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
PCT/CA2007/001197 WO2008003177A1 (en) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
EP07763860.9A EP2038597B1 (en) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
JP2009518691A JP2009543019A (ja) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 過熱蒸気を使用して器具を乾燥させるための装置および方法
KR1020097000782A KR101388338B1 (ko) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 과열 증기를 사용하여 기구를 건조하기 위한 장치 및 방법
BRPI0713222-0A BRPI0713222A2 (pt) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 aparelho e método para secagem de instrumentos utilizando vapor superaquecido
HK09108589.1A HK1130886B (en) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
CN2007800301327A CN101501433B (zh) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 利用过热蒸汽干燥器械的设备和方法
US12/309,075 US8168132B2 (en) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
RU2009102715/06A RU2009102715A (ru) 2006-07-07 2007-07-06 Устройство и способ сушки инструментов перегретым паром
ZA200900021A ZA200900021B (en) 2006-07-07 2009-01-05 Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam

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US20100145726A1 (en) * 2008-12-08 2010-06-10 Duke David O Method and System for Providing a Patient Therapeutic Plan
US8756830B2 (en) * 2012-10-11 2014-06-24 Eastman Kodak Company Dryer transporting moistened medium through heating liquid
US9872931B2 (en) 2012-06-14 2018-01-23 Getinge Sterilization Ab Removable sterilization rack and sterilization apparatus
WO2018210921A1 (de) * 2017-05-18 2018-11-22 Hysolena Gmbh Reinigungsgerät zur reinigung oder desinfektion von gegenständen
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USD593803S1 (en) * 2006-06-04 2009-06-09 Nobel Biocare Services Ag Tray
US20100145726A1 (en) * 2008-12-08 2010-06-10 Duke David O Method and System for Providing a Patient Therapeutic Plan
US9872931B2 (en) 2012-06-14 2018-01-23 Getinge Sterilization Ab Removable sterilization rack and sterilization apparatus
US8756830B2 (en) * 2012-10-11 2014-06-24 Eastman Kodak Company Dryer transporting moistened medium through heating liquid
WO2018210921A1 (de) * 2017-05-18 2018-11-22 Hysolena Gmbh Reinigungsgerät zur reinigung oder desinfektion von gegenständen
CN111803660A (zh) * 2020-08-11 2020-10-23 江阴滨江医疗设备有限公司 一种用于脉动真空灭菌器的闪蒸干燥方法及其控制系统
DE102023101897A1 (de) * 2023-01-25 2024-07-25 Olympus Winter & Ibe Gmbh Trocknungssystem zum Trocknen von medizinischen Instrumenten und Verfahren zu dessen Betrieb

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CN101501433B (zh) 2011-12-07
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AU2007271689A1 (en) 2008-01-10
KR20090060404A (ko) 2009-06-12
JP2009543019A (ja) 2009-12-03
US20090311135A1 (en) 2009-12-17
RU2009102715A (ru) 2010-08-10
CA2656441A1 (en) 2008-01-10
CN101501433A (zh) 2009-08-05
WO2008003177A1 (en) 2008-01-10
BRPI0713222A2 (pt) 2012-04-03
US8168132B2 (en) 2012-05-01
AU2007271689B2 (en) 2012-05-24
CA2656441C (en) 2015-06-30
EP2038597A4 (en) 2012-12-05
HK1130886A1 (en) 2010-01-08
EP2038597B1 (en) 2013-12-25
EP2038597A1 (en) 2009-03-25

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