WO2006049625A1 - Apparatus and method for sterilizing waste effluent - Google Patents

Abstract

A batch sterilization system (10) for decontaminating a continuous stream of waste effluent (11), including a plurality of tanks (12) for receiving waste effluent through an entry valve (16A) and fill port (13A), each tank (12) capable of forming a respective closed reaction vessel (14). A hot water source (21) and an alkali solvent source are provided in hydraulic communication with each tank. Each tank is surrounded by a thermal jacket (30) and connected to an outlet pump (26) with a heated barrier fluid. Sensors (19, 19A, 19B)) control the liquid level within vessel (14).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CHEMICALLY REDUCING WASTE

MATERIALS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Serial No. 09/171 ,447,^;filed October 20, 1998, titled "Methods for Treatment and Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste," which claims priority on U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. .. . . 60/178,051, filed January 24, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No, 10/263043, filed October

2, 2002, titled "Apparatus and Method for Chemically Reducing Waste Materials," and U.S. Patent No. 6,437,211, issued August 20, 2002, which are also incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of waste disposal and, more particularly, to a system and method for the decontamination and neutralization of biological and/or other hazardous waste material to produce an effluent suitable for discharge into the environment.

BACKGROUND

Many facilities, such as hospitals, various health-care facilities, biomedical laboratories, medical research and teaching institutions, and the like, produce considerable amounts of highly infectious, biohazardous, and/or pathogenic waste. Such waste may include surgical and pathological tissues, animal tissues, cadavers, blood and other bodily fluids, disposable matter exposed to blood, and other potentially infectious or dangerous organic tissues and/or fluids. Such waste is classified in the United States as "regulated medical waste" (RMW) and, must be disposed of in strict compliance with the applicable governmental regulations.

Health-related organizations and governmental regulatory agencies have become increasingly concerned with the adequacy of existing cleaning and disposal methods. It has been discovered that some potentially biohazardous agents, such as prokaryotes or infective proteins (prions) do in fact survive standard autoclaving procedures. Thus, more effective sterilization techniques have been sought for treating solid infectious biomedical waste and aqueous solutions containing such waste. hi addition, biological laboratories, universities, and other research facilities likewise produce significant amounts of such waste. For example, in conducting experiments in cell lines, tissues, or animals, it is common to introduce dyes, toxic chemicals, or infectious agents into the test subject. After completion of the test and analysis, due to the introduction of infectious agents or hazardous material into the tissue, the remaining tissue or animal carcass may fall under the classification of "regulated medical waste," hazardous waste, or low-level radioactive waste ("LLRW"). In addition, animal waste, animal bedding, handling materials, and other matter exposed to any animal body fluids or excretions may also need to be treated as infectious or hazardous waste material, thus requiring disposal in accordance with the applicable governmental

regulations.

Moreover, it is common today for health care organizations to clean material, instruments, or surface areas exposed to infectious agents, including zoonotic agents, with disinfectants such as formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. Spent cleaning solution is considered hazardous liquid waste and must also be disposed of in compliance with governmental regulations. The cost of disposing of such waste, on an institutional basis, can be quite high. Further, formaldehyde, glutaradehyde, phenols and like materials, are commonly used for embalming tissues and in fixation of infectious biological materials. Thus, these tissues and the fixative agents may also have to be disposed of as "regulated medical waste," hazardous waste, or mixed waste in compliance with the applicable governmental regulations. Finally, the recent rapid increase in the number of Biosafety Level 3 and 4 (BSL 3/4) laboratories created in response to threats to Homeland Security and the consequent increased research into potential biological warfare and/or bioterrorism agents has given rise to a need for the development of improved Effluent Decontamination Systems (EDS) to sterilize all liquids leaving the containment

laboratory or containment facility prior to release into a sanitary sewer.

It is known in the art that substances containing keratin, such as hair and nails, may be dissolved by means of acid or alkaline hydrolysis. It is further known that hydrolysis of proteins containing keratin may be carried out with alkaline solvents. It is even further disclosed in U.S. Patents No. 5,332,532 and 6,437,21 I₅ which patents are commonly owned by the assignee of the present application, that such hydrolysis may be used on all animal and plant matter and on infection-causing proteins (commonly called prions), and on animal carcasses and animal and plant wastes contaminated with such

infections proteins.

Fluids containing such pathogenic and/or biohazardous waste materials must be decontaminated and sterilized prior to their introduction into the environment, such as through conventional sewage streams and treatment facilities. Typically, such contaminated liquid waste materials are heat and/or chemically treated to effect decontamination. However, known systems and methods of decontamination suffer from several drawbacks, such as incomplete or uneven decontamination arising from poor circulation of the decontaminant, contamination of connected plumbing and equipment (such as conduits, pumps, and pump fluids), and exposure to contaminated equipment in the event of unexpected system failure and repair. Thus, a need persists for means of safely and inexpensively treating and disposing of effluent waste matter containing pathogenic and/or biohazardous materials. The present invention addresses this need.

SUMMARY QF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for treating organic effluent waste material and waste water containing such material, such as from the processing of medical waste materials, by temperature and/or controlled alkaline hydrolysis. One object of the present invention is to provide an improved system, method and apparatus for decontaminating, sterilizing, and neutralizing effluent waste matter. Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment waste effluent

decontamination system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a pressure vessel according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic layout of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pressure vessel of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a first partial exterior view of a pressure vessel of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a second partial exterior view of a pressure vessel of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a third partial exterior view of a pressure vessel of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of a heated barrier fluid pump according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the barrier fluid recirculation system operating

with the pump of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a permeable container used with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the inlet valve system of FIG. 2

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of a recirculation jet of the embodiment of FIG 1. FIG. 12 B is a diagrammatic representation of the operation of the jet of FIG.

12A.

FIG. 13A is a sectional diagrammatic view of a prior art system illustrating the thermoclines formed therein during operation.

FIG. 13B is a diagrammatic illustration of the prior art system of FIG. 13A as retrofitted with the recirculation loop, jet, and barrier fluid pump assembly of the present

invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Overview

The method of the invention comprises the steps of providing a plurality of sealable vessels, selecting one of the plurality of vessels, partially filling the vessel with waste effluent, providing a highly alkaline solvent to increase the pH of the vessel contents, heating the vessel contents, and allowing the waste matter to remain at an elevated temperature and/or pH until decontaminated and/or sterilized, thereby forming a sterile aqueous solution and sterile solid waste. The extent of decontamination of the waste effluent may be increased by treating the waste under pressures above one atmosphere and/or increasing the time and or temperature of the decontamination soak, by adding catalytic agents to the solvent bath, or the like. After cooling, the liquid post- sterilization end product may then be directly disposed of through conventional disposal means, such as a sanitary sewer and solid sterile waste end products may then be sent for disposal at a landfill, or even used as a fertilizing agent in land use applications. If desired, the post-sterilization stage may also include rinsing or flushing of any resultant

solid waste product and the interior of the vessel.

In operation, when the operator is ready to decontaminate a batch of waste effluent, such as pathogenic medical waste, for example, the waste effluent is flowed into the selected vessel through a retaining or screening container positioned within the vessel interior. The effluent inlet ports are then secured. The effluent waste matter filling the vessel may then be pH and fill level adjusted. The decontamination cycle is then initiated, ultimately resulting in the effluent waste being heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time while the vessel contents are agitated, such as by a high pressure jet inlet positioned at the bottom of the vessel.

Alkaline Hydrolysis

For the purposes of this application, a "highly basic solvent" or "highly alkaline solvent" may include a 0.5-2 molar (M) aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal oxide. For example, this solvent typically has a pH of at least above 12, i.e., in the range 12 to 14, and more typically in the range 13 to 14. Aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide (NaOH - also commonly known as caustic soda or sodium hydrate) and potassium hydroxide (KOH - also commonly known as caustic potash or potassium hydrate) are two such highly alkaline solvents. Further for example, aqueous solutions containing calcium oxide (CaO - also commonly known as burnt lime, calx, or caustic lime), ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH - also commonly known as aqua ammonia), or magnesium hydroxide are also suitable for some applications. An example of a suitable highly alkaline solvent may consist of a 0.1 M to 2.5 M solution of NaOH in water, or approximately 0.4% - 10% sodium hydroxide (by weight) in water.

During the digestion process, the hydrolyzable material is be immersed in a sufficient amount of solvent such that the material may be degraded or digested. One ratio assuring excess alkalinity to carry out the digestion of the waste matter to completion, particularly animal tissue, is a 1:10 ratio of alkali metal hydroxide to wet tissue weight. A further expression of this ratio is 40 kilograms of NaOH dissolved in 900 liters of water added to 100 kilograms dry weight protein or 40 kilograms of NaOH in 500 L H₂O added to 500 kilograms fresh or frozen waste matter by weight. These ratios are given only as instruction as to how to conduct the method and operate the system stated herein and not to limit the nature or scope of the invention; one using the system and method described herein may find ratios more economical and exact as the invention is practiced, hi order to assure timely degradation of all infectious wastes, including those contaminated with prokaryotes and prions, the highly alkaline solvent should be heated to a temperature of at least about 90°C, and more advantageously to a temperature in the 110⁰C to 180⁰C range.

It is advantageous to allow the reaction to proceed in a closed reaction vessel after the waste matter has been immersed within the solvent. Reducing the amount of CO₂ available to the reaction is beneficial in order to maintain the ideal rate and stoichiometry of the reaction. This may be done by simply removing or limiting any contact that the highly alkaline solvent has with the environment.

In the event the reaction between the waste matter such as an animal carcass and the highly alkaline solvent were allowed to proceed at its natural rate, it may take an impractical amount of time. Therefore, it is advantageous to increase the reaction rate beyond its natural progression. One way to increase the speed of the reaction process is to heat the solvent, preferably to temperatures of 110°C to 18O⁰C. Conducting the reaction in a sealed vessel under greater-than-atmospheric pressure also reduces the reaction time needed to digest the animal tissue. A preferred mode includes heating the solvent to a temperature of about 15O⁰C for a duration of about three (3) hours at a pressure of about 55 PSIG (or about 3.8 atmospheres). It has been found that the basic rule of thermodynamics or the "QlO Rule" applies to this invention as well in that for every 10 degrees Celsius rise in temperature, the reaction rate for the chemical reaction taking place within the closed vessel increases two-fold, thereby resulting in the digestion time being reduced by approximately 50%. Such phenomenon is based on the Arrhenius equation.

Furthermore, detergents to a concentration of up to 1% to the solvent, examples being sodium lauryl sulfate or deoxycholate, may also be added to increase the rate of digestion, if desired. It should also be noted that addition of detergents to the solvent also has the added advantage of dispersing nonsaponifi able lipids, and, thus, aiding in the sterilization of biological materials.

Ultimately, the reaction rate will depend on specific variables such as: the temperature of the solvent, pressure in the reaction vessel, the nature and volume of the waste matter, i.e., the physical size of the carcasses or waste tissue, and the ratio of waste matter to the volume of the highly alkaline solvent. As the reaction rate will vary, the time that the waste matter must remain immersed in the solvent will also vary. However, regardless of the reaction rate, the waste matter should remain completely immersed within the solvent until solubilized and hydrolyzed. Allowing the waste matter to remain within the solvent until digestion is achieved will also help produce a more sterile solution.

Once the waste matter such as animal tissue has been digested, two types of solid debris often remain. The first type of debris consists of rubber, plastic, or cellulosic materials that a lab animal may have ingested, as well as debris remaining from experimental or surgical procedures, such as surgical clips, sutures, glass, and bits of plastic or paper. Solid items such as these almost never incorporate radioactive isotopes or hazardous chemicals. Once sterilized, such solid items are also not considered biomedical waste in most jurisdictions. This type of debris may often be simply disposed of as ordinary sterile solid waste upon being isolated from the solution and washed.

The second type of solid debris remaining undissolved includes inorganic portions of an animal's skeletal structure and teeth. Unless a radioisotope capable of incorporation into the inorganic portion of bones and teeth is used, the inorganic component of the skeletal remains will not contain the radioactive isotope and may be disposed of as solid sterile waste. The skeletal remains, when removed from the solvent and washed, are extremely friable.

After the biological waste matter has been digested within the solvent and the solid debris removed, the solution may comprise an alkaline mixture of alkai metal salts

of amino acids and peptides, sugar acids, nucleotides, small peptides, fatty acids from lipids, phosphates from lipid and nucleic acid breakdown, soluble calcium salts, pigments, sugars, sugar alcohols, hydrocarbons, and inorganic acids derived from the electrolytes normally within solution in body fluids. These by-products are identical to those released in vast amounts from cooking leftovers and waste from all commercial and household kitchens. Thus, the solution contains compounds that are non-toxic and are biodegradable by bacteria or fungi found in soil and sewage treatment systems.

Because the solution at the end of the digestion cycle contains only non-toxic

biodegradable materials and the water released from the animal tissue, further dilution of the solution may not be required for safe disposal. Further dilution to reduce the alkalinity of the solution will be accomplished, however, by the rinsing of the vessel and the inorganic remains with excess water, by the temperature regulating co-flush for the effluent, and the general daily effluent volume of the site, institution, or company. Further, carbon dioxide may be injected into the solution at this stage to adjust its pH down to between about 7.5 and 10.

This sterile, neutral, aqueous solution that contains the breakdown products of cells and tissues, and may contain remnants of radioisotopically labeled solutes may be safely disposed of utilizing methods commonly used to dispose of everyday nontoxic and biodegradable substances. It is entirely safe to dispose of this solution using disposal means such as sanitary sewage systems and other disposal means appropriate for the disposal of these simple biodegradable compounds.

Thermal Decontamination

A first embodiment decontamination system 10 of the present invention is illustrated as FIGs. 1- 12. Turning now to FIGs. 1-8, a first embodiment system 10 of the present invention is shown (schematically in FIG. 1), comprising a reaction chamber or vessel 12 capable of receiving and containing a pathogenic waste effluent (typically a contaminated liquid that may contain a solid waste component including human or animal tissue and/or carcasses and/or regulated medical waste and the like) from a waste effluent source 11, as well as containing highly alkaline solvents. A portion of vessel 12 is defined by a double- walled structure for purposes discussed below. The vessel 12 is

constructed from material capable of withstanding the high pH levels, temperatures, and pressures employed in this invention. For example, some suitable materials include certain formulations of stainless steel.

In this embodiment, the vessel 12 includes a fill or entry port 13 A and a manning port or hatch 13B. The ports 13 A, 13B are capable of being closed in an airtight fashion to prevent the spread of infections, pathogenic contaminants as well as to provide the necessary environment within the vessel interior 14 for a controlled alkaline hydrolysis cycle (to further dissolve any solid waste component of the effluent) to be carried out to completion. Thus, the entry port valve 16A and manning hatch cover 16B of the vessel 12 are capable of being closed tightly, pressure and airtight, to withstand the temperatures and pressures of the decontamination and digestion cycles and prevent the inadvertent introduction of atmosphere (particularly carbon dioxide) into the vessel interior 14 and, more importantly, to prevent the escape or inadvertent exhausting of potentially hazardous infectious and/or chemical contents of the vessel interior 14 to atmosphere. Such closure of the vessel 12 maybe achieved by conventional clamping and sealing means well known in the industry (not shown).

The system and method carried out by this invention are controlled by a conventional programmable logic controller 17 (PLC) (shown schematically) and may include a programmable multi-loop machine controller, computerized for automated operation. Such control means may further include an information screen, a disk drive for the automation program software, a disk drive or like recording means for recording process parameters and data during operation, and a keyboard for alternative manual input or operation.

System 10 further includes a fill sensor array 18 (shown schematically) coupled to the vessel interior 14 with an array of liquid level sensors 19 (such as the LIQUIP AHNT® sensors made by Mestra AG Corporation Switzerland Kagenstrasse 7 Ch-4153 Reinach Bl 1, Switzerland) each positioned at a predetermined location in the vessel 12 for determining the amount or level of the waste effluent received within the vessel 12 and for generating an output signal indicating such fill amount data. Sensor 19 A, positioned above sensors 19, is the designated high-level liquid level sensor, while sensor 19B, positioned above sensor 19 A, is the overfill liquid level sensor. The fill amount data is then inputted to the PLC 17 for, based on the fill amount output data, determining the appropriate amounts of water and solvent (if required) to introduce into the vessel interior 14, utilizing a water supply 20 (via conduit 20A), a hot water supply 21 (via conduit 21 A) for use in valve cleansing and decontamination, and solvent supply 22 (via recirculation loop conduit 24 and pump 26). Solvent, when required, may be injected into the vessel interior 14 via mixing jet 28, which is shown schematically in Figure 1. Mixing jet 28 is adapted to provide a high pressure inlet jet stream adapted to mix and agitate the contents of the vessel interior 14, so as to facilitate thermal equilibrium, remove hot or cold spots from the effluent contents, and enhance interaction between the highly alkaline solvent (if any) and the waste effluent being decontaminated and/or digested by directing the jet flow of the liquid effluent solution inwardly at or near the bottom portion 23 of the vessel 12 to keep the vessel contents moving and to prevent waste matter from accumulating at the vessel bottom 23 and thus not heating uniformly or mixing thoroughly with the solvent (if any). In addition to facilitating a more uniformly heated effluent mix (free of cold spots that my harbor unsterilized effluent or effluent still characterized as containing hazardous or pathogenic materials), the agitating mixing jet 28 also shortens the digestion cycle time.

The primary pump assembly 26, as seen in FIGs. 1-3 and in greater detail in FIGs. 9A and 9B, further includes a motor 26A, a mechanical impeller 26 B connected in fluidic communication with the recirculation loop conduit 24 to urge fluids therein, a barrier fluid chamber 26C, a pair of seals 26D formed in the barrier fluid chamber 26C, a heated barrier fluid 26E contained in the barrier fluid chamber 26C and a drive member 26F extending between the motor 26 A and the impeller 26B. The drive member 26F extends through the pair of seals 26D and through the heated barrier fluid 26E. A drive 26G is mechanically connected to the motor 26A and to the drive member 26F.

The barrier fluid 26E is typically a synthetic, food-grade oil, and is typically maintained at a temperature of at least about 80 degrees Celsius, and more typically at a temperature of at least about 83 degrees Celsius, by a heater 26H connected in thermal communication therewith. Typically, the barrier fluid temperature is maintained at a temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius. In certain instances, it maybe desirable to maintain the temperature of the barrier fluid at a temperature of at least about 125 degrees Celsius, or even to a temperature of at least about 140 degrees Celsius. Although the barrier fluid 26E is typically considered a mechanism coolant, the barrier fluid 26E is maintained at an elevated temperature such that any pathogens leaking thereinto will be sterilized and thus not inadvertently spread beyond the system 10. The temperature of the barrier fluid 26E is still sufficiently low so as to function as a coolant.

Barrier fluid 26E is stored in barrier fluid reservoir 261 and is circulated between the reservoir 261 and the chamber 26C via barrier fluid conduit 26J by secondary barrier fluid pump assembly 26K. The barrier fluid heater 26H is typically connected in thermal communication with secondary barrier fluid reservoir 261, although the heater 26H may be connected in thermal communication with barrier fluid conduit 26J. In one configuration, barrier fluid heater 26H provides heat to both barrier fluid reservoir 261 and barrier fluid conduit 26 J. Ideally, the temperature of the barrier fluid 26E may be maintained at any temperature above 80 degrees Celsius to about 160 degrees Celsius. There is positive pressure within the barrier fluid chamber 26C, i.e. the pressure within the barrier fluid chamber 26C exceeds the pressure without the barrier fluid chamber 26C. Typically, a pressure relief valve 26L is operationally connected in the barrier fluid conduit 26J. Also typically, a needle valve 26M and a solenoid valve 26N are operationally connected in the barrier fluid conduit 26J. The solenoid valve 26N is electrically connected to PLC 17. Also typically, the barrier fluid reservoir 261 includes a barrier fluid level sensor 26P, such as a float or the like. The barrier fluid level sensor 26P and the barrier fluid pump 26K are likewise typically connected to the PLC 17 for

sensor and control data exchange.

As noted above and referring back to FIGs. 1-8, heat is used to sterilize and decontaminate the pathogenic/infectious waste effluent. Further, when a highly alkaline solvent is used to aid in the decontamination of the infections or hazardous organic materials, it is more time-efficient to heat the solvent solution in order to accelerate the digestion/decontamination process to completely dissolve the pathogenic/infectious effluent, prions, animal tissue, carcasses, or medical waste. To these ends, further included in system 10 is a heating means 30. In this embodiment, the heating means 30 is a stainless steel steam jacket 30 arranged circumferentially about the vessel 12 for increasing the temperature of the vessel interior 14 to a first predetermined temperature level after the introduction of effluent, water and, if desired, solvent thereinto. Heated water or steam from a fluidically connected hot water/steam source 32 is circulated between the walls of the double walled vessel 12. Although hot water/steam source 32 may be the same as hot water source 21, they are typically separate entities, as hot water/steam source 32 typically provides steam, while hot water source 21 typically provides heated liquid water. While the steam jacket 30 defines the illustrated embodiment, any heating means commonly known and used for heating solutions could be utilized in this invention. Steam is supplied to the jacket 30 by a steam supply 32 and conduit 32A provided with a cut-off valve 32B and a regulating valve 32C. The valves 32B and 32C may be remotely actuated and are connected in electric communication

with the PLC 17.

The vessel 12 further includes a vent 34, which is disposed in the open state upon initiation of the cycle and thereafter closed by the PLC 17 when the temperature within the vessel reaches a predetermined first temperature. At least one HEPA filter 35 is fluidically connected between the vent 34 and the environment. The temperature within the vessel 12 is gauged by a vessel thermocouple 36A, while the pressure within the vessel is gauged by a PSI transducer 38. The thermal 36A, 36B and pressure sensors 38 are connected in electric communication with the PLC 17 to provide data thereto. The temperature within the recirculation loop 24 is gauged by a loop thermocouple 36B. Liquid may be recirculated from the vessel 12, through the recirculation loop conduit 24, heated by the thermal jacket 30, and back into the vessel 12.

A drain orifice 40 is formed in the vessel bottom 23 and is typically fluidically connected to the recirculation loop 24 and electrically connected to the PLC 17. The drain orifice 40 may thus be opened and closed by the PLC 17. A drain valve 41 is operationally connected to a sanitary drain 42 via drain conduit 42A. The drain valve 41 is also typically connected in electric communication to the PLC 17, such that the drain valve 41 may be remotely actuated (i.e., opened and closed) by the PLC 17. The drain valve 41 thus connects the vessel interior 14, through the drain orifice 40 and recirculation loop 24 and sanitary drain conduit to the sanitary drain 42. A drain temperature sensor 44 may be positioned in the drain conduit 42 and electrically connected to the PLC 17 to provide additional information.

The vessel 12 may include a permeable container 50 capable of holding the solid portions of the waste effluent introduced into vessel interior 14. As shown in FIG. 10, such a container 50 preferably includes a cylindrical article 50A defined by a stainless steel mesh (or the like) screen 52 having an upper rim portion 54, a lower rim portion 56, and a bottom portion 58, wherein the upper rim portion 54 is connected to the effluent inlet to capture solid matter from the effluent stream interring the vessel 12. (While the illustrated shape of the container is cylindrical, other non-cylindrical shapes are suitable and should be considered as being within the scope of this invention.) The bottom portion 58 of the container 50 is typically likewise formed from stainless steel mesh or the like. One range of appropriately sized examples of stainless steel screen mesh includes about 3 nun to about 6 nun (one-eighth (1/8) to one-quarter (1/4) inch) screen mesh. When the waste effluent has been fully decontaminated, the permeable container 50 may be removed from of the vessel 12 and the decontaminated solid waste remains

disposed of according to code.

As noted above, and referring again to FIGs. 1-8, the first embodiment vessel 12 includes a mixing jet 28 to accelerate thermal decontamination of the effluent waste material (and the reaction rate between the solvent solution and the effluent waste material, if desired) by keeping the effluent in motion while the thermal decontamination reaction is occurring. One alternate/supplementary mechanism for heating and circulating the effluent is to circulate the effluent via loop 24 and pump 26. Such an arrangement keeps the effluent moving within the vessel interior 14, as well as keeping waste matter from accumulating on the bottom portions 23, 58 of the vessel 12 and/or container 50, which can contribute to an incomplete decontamination process. As detailed herein and in the drawings, agitating mixing jet 28 is directed along the bottom portion 23 of the vessel 12.

The inflow portion 24 A of the recirculation loop 24 fluidically connects the effluent contents of the vessel 12 to mixing jet 28, which extends into the vessel 12 at or near the bottom portion 23. The outflow portion 24B of the recirculation loop 24 carries the effluent back to pump 26 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) and, when necessary, through drain valve 41 to the sanitary drain 42. It will be understood by those skilled in

the art that the points of fluidic connection are sufficiently tight so as to withstand the highly alkaline, high-temperature, and high-pressure environment. It should be further understood the mixing jet 28 may include a plurality of injector nozzles disposed in fixed arrangements about the vessel interior 14 to more efficiently recirculate effluent within the vessel 12. Such a configuration is useful in larger applications involving large vessels

12 and large-volume waste matter.

As shown in detail in FIGs. 2-4, the system 10 includes a plurality 60 of functionally similar vessels 12, each connected in fluidic communication with an effluent

source 11. The provision of a plurality 60 of vessels 12 allows for a substantially continuous flow of effluent to be treated via batch processes. Thus, the respective advantages of both continuous flow and batch processing techniques are simultaneously enjoyed.

FIG. 11 presents a flowchart depicting the cycle process of this invention. In operation, a vessel 12 is selected from the plurality 60 and effluent from the effluent source 11 is directed into the vesslel2. The fill level of effluent is monitored by the controller 17 via the sensors 18, 19, 19A, 19B. Water (box b) and/or solvent (box c) may then be introduced into the interior 14 of the vessel 12 in desired amounts based on the effluent type and composition, pH, temperature and other decontamination requirements. Alkali solvent may be added at the predetermined concentration based on the measured effluent fill level, pH and decontamination requirements. For example, it is desirable to neutralize prion contamination at a pH of 13 or higher.

The heating means 30 then heats the vessel interior 14 (box d) to the decontamination cycle temperature with the vent 34 closed (box e). System 10 then

maintains an elevated temperature for a predetermined duration (box f) as calculated by the PLC control means 17 based on the input parameters received from the sensors 18, 19 and/or operator. The system 10 typically maintains the decontamination temperature at a point in a range from a minimum of the Pasteurization temperature (180 degrees Fahrenheit or 83 degrees Celsius) to about 140 degrees Celsius (about 284 degrees Fahrenheit) for sufficient time to sterilize the contents of the vessel 12. Although complete decontamination may be accomplished at somewhat lower temperatures and/or shorter times, soak times and temperatures are typically selected to provide ample exposure of pathogens to decontamination temperatures. Further, higher temperatures allow for even the potentially relatively cold zones (if any) to be sufficiently hot so as to effect sterilization. For example, while a soak of 100 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes is considered sufficient to sterilize pathogens (and is a U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) minimum condition), a typical recommended soak profile is about 135 degrees Celsius (about 275 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 1 hour. If the soak is done at a lower temperature, it is extended for an appropriately longer time. Likewise, the system may be soaked at greater temperatures, such as 140 or 150 degrees Celsius or higher for appropriate lengths of time (higher temperatures require shorter soak times.) More preferably, an appropriate safety factor is added to the theoretical decontamination time at a given temperature to accommodate differences arising from variations in effluent type, pathogen type, load size, composition, distribution, and the like.

Next, the system 10 goes into the cooling cycle after decontamination whereupon cooling water is admitted to the thermal jacket interior 30 from water supply 20 (FIG. 1) via conduit 2OB to lower the temperature of the vessel interior (box g). This continues

until the internal temperature within the vessel decreases to a predetermined cool temperature value as measured by the temperature sensors 36A, 36B. Once the system is cooled sufficiently, the effluent is pH neutralized, such as by through injection of CO₂ from a CO₂ source 39 via a fluidic connection into the vessel 12 until the pressure within

the vessel 12 begins to increase (as absorption of CO₂ by the alkali solution decreases the solution pH until the pH decreases to about 8; further injected CO₂ is not absorbed and, thus, the pressure begins to rise.) The vessel 12 is then drained to the sewer (sanitary

drain 42) by the PLC 17 opening the vent 34 (box h) and drain valve 41 (box i) to drain the liquid contents from within the vessel interior down to a predetermined point, at which point drain valve 41 is closed (box j) while flushing water is continued to be introduced to flush the vessel interior (box k) until the interior is preferably about half full. At that point in the cycle, the vessel interior may be sprayed with rinsing liquid and/or the contents may be circulated through recirculation loop 24 for a predetermined time before the drain is again opened to outflux any residual materials remaining within the vessel interior 14 (boxes 1 and m). At this stage, the decontamination and cooling cycles are complete and the vessel 12 may be opened and the waste holding container 50 removed and emptied. The empty container 50 is then replaced within the vessel interior

14 rendering the system ready for subsequent operation.

Referring back now to FIG. 2, the configuration of one embodiment of the inlet valve 16A is demonstrated. In this embodiment, inlet valve 16A is a valve system that includes a first valve unit 66, such as an electromechanical trash valve positioned above (i.e, having a greater gravitational potential) and in fluidic communication with a second valve unit 68. The second valve unit 68 is typically a ball valve. The hot water source 21

is connected in fluidic communication to the inlet valve 16A between the first and second valve units 66, 68 via conduit 21 A. Typically, a conduit valve 70 (such as a solenoid- type valve) and a check valve 72 are fluidically connected in the conduit 21 A between the hot water source 21 and the inlet valve 16A, such as to further prevent backflow of infections or hazardous material upstream toward the hot water source 21. The second valve unit 68 is positioned below the first valve unit 66 but above the vessel 12, such that gravity urges effluent past the valve units 66, 68 and into the vessel 12.

In operation, conduit valve 70 remains closed while both valve units 66, 68 are opened to actuate flow of effluent into the vessel 12. When the vessel 12 is filled to the desired level, first valve unit 66 is closed to cease the influx of effluent into the vessel 12 and conduit valve 70 is opened to flow hot water over second valve unit 68 to remove particulate matter from the top operating surfaces of the second valve unit 68 as well as to sterilize second valve unit 68. Thus, any infectious material and/or hard particulate material is removed from the second valve unit 68 so as to not be available to spread contamination and/or abrade and degrade the second valve unit 68.

Prior to the actuation of the decontamination cycle, conduit valve 70 and second valve unit 68 are closed. Typically, conduit, first and second valve units 70, 66, 68 are connected in electric communication with PLC 17, which is adapted to synchronize and control the functions and operation of the valve units 66, 68, 70 as described above. Also typically, the hot water source 21 is maintained at a temperature of at least 85 degrees Celsius. Alternately, the hot water source 21 may be maintained at higher temperatures, such as at least 90 degrees Celsius or even adapted to provide live steam.

Similarly, the ball valve 80 and check valve 82 connected between the water supply 20 and the drain conduit 42 A are positioned above the level of the drain conduit 42A, such that any liquid traveling from the drain conduit 42A toward the water supply 20 would be prevented from ever leaving residue atop the ball valve. In other words, the water supply 20 is positioned at a higher level than the drain conduit 42A, such that the water flow is always downhill towards the drain conduit 42A; this orientation allows water washing of the top of the ball valve 80 whenever water is flowed from the water supply 20 to the drain conduit 42A and prevents the accumulation of any abrasive or chemically corrosive residue on the contact surface atop the ball valve 80.

As illustrated generally in FIGs. 1-3 and in greater detail in FIGs. 12A and 12B, another aspect of the present invention is a mixing jet assembly 28 for agitating the liquid contents of the vessel 12 to better homogenize the temperature of the liquid contents as well as to prevent sedimentary build-up on the vessel floor 23. Preferably, the agitator jet assembly includes a Venturi nozzle/pump 28A for increasing the flow rate of fluid several times that as supplied by the fluid source through loop conduit 24. Typically, the Venturi pump system will, for each liter of pressurized liquid flowed into the Venturi nozzle 28A, draw an additional 4 liters from a reservoir 28B via suction to produce a fivefold effective increase in the flow rate. By positioning the mixing jet assembly 28 near the vessel bottom 23, both thermal and sedimentary circulation benefits are gained.

The vessel 12 of this invention may also be used for digesting and neutralizing waste matter comprising organic tissue or materials containing infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive agents, by subjecting the waste matter to a controlled alkaline hydrolysis cycle and generating a sterile resultant material suitable for conventional sanitary disposal. This process may be done separately, or as part of the decontamination process.

The following is an outline of a typical method of operation of the apparatus of the present invention for this purpose: (a) providing a closed reaction vessel 12 coupled in thermal communication with a heating-cooling means;

(b) receiving the waste matter within the closed reaction vessel 12;

(c) determining the fill level of the waste matter received within said vessel 12 and generating fill level output data by way of an array of fill sensors 19 coupled to the vessel interior 14;

(d) controlling the operation of the system, including receiving and considering the fill level output data generated by the sensors 19 and determining the appropriate amounts of water and solvent to introduce into the vessel interior 14;

(e) after determining the appropriate amounts of water and solvent to introduce into the interior of the vessel, introducing water within the vessel interior 14 in an amount determined by the PLC controller via water supply 20 and conduit, and introducing the highly alkaline solvent into the vessel interior 14 in an amount determined by the PLC controller;

(f) heating the vessel interior 14 to a first predetermined temperature level by way of the heating means (thermal jacket 30) after the introduction of water and alkali solution into the interior of the vessel;

(g) mixing or agitating the contents of the vessel 12 to enhance the interaction between the solvent and the tissue by way of agitating mixing jet 28; (h) continuing to vent the interior of the vessel by way of vent 34 upon initiation of the digestion cycle and closing the vent when the temperature within the vessel reaches a first predetermined temperature; (i) heating the vessel interior to the digestion cycle temperature and maintaining that temperature for a predetermined duration; (j) cooling the interior of the vessel after the digestion cycle has run by introducing cooling water from supply 20 to heating means 30; (k) decreasing the pH of the solution in the vessel 12, such as by the introduction of gaseous CO₂ thereinto until internal vessel 12 pressure begins to rise; (1) opening drain valve 41 to at least partially drain the digested liquid portion of the vessel contents; (m) heating and recirculating any liquid remaining in the vessel 12 for a predetermined time to allow the solution to further decontaminate the solution;

(n) opening drain valve 41 to allow the solution to drain; and (o) opening the hatch 16 of the vessel 12 and removing the waste remains from the primary opening for disposal in a sanitary landfill or for usage as solid fertilizer material.

It should be noted that the fill levels discussed above may be modified as a function material load size, with larger loads requiring higher fill levels. In other words, enough liquid should be added such that the waste material is completely submerged for reduction by the alkaline solution.

In some BSL 3/4 situations, it is necessary for the vessel 12 to extend partially into a contaminated area (such as a laboratory or medical facility) where contaminated effluent may be loaded directly thereinto, and extend partially into a relatively clean area wherein decontaminated, sterile end products may be removed and disposed of. To this end, an additional feature of the closed vessel 12 is to allow the solid waste remains to be removed from a secondary opening 16B arranged on the vertical side of the vessel 12. This feature allows the vessel 12 to be positioned in such a configuration that the primary fill opening may be located within a contaminated portion of the facility, while the remaining portions of the system are located within a clean portion of the facility. This would allow contaminated materials to be processed and sterilized, then for the sterile solid waste remains to be removed from the secondary opening as sterile remains into a clean area for final disposal. Thereafter, the secondary opening 16B would be sealed prior to the opening of the primary opening for the loading of waste for another processing cycle. Such a configuration is referred to as "dirty side feed/clean side

removal."

Set forth below are examples of the system 10 of this invention and its method of operation in use.

Example 1

A vessel 12 is selected from the available vessels 12 of the plurality 60. An available vessel 12 is one that is empty and functional (such as not disabled or undergoing maintenance or repair.) Prior to rilling the vessel 12 with, for example, organic medical waste containing infectious or hazardous agents, the ports 16 A, 16B, 40

of the vessel 12 are closed to prevent contamination. The fill port 13 A is then opened and the vessel 12 filled with waste effluent to the desired fill level, as measured by the sensor array 18 and high and overfill sensors 19A, 19B. Typically, it is desired to fill the vessel 12 to the level of sensor 19A if no additional material is to be added, or to a lower level if additional water and/or solvent is to be added, such that the final level of liquid in the vessel 12 is at or below the level of the high fill sensor 19 A. If the vessel 12 is filled to the level of the overfill sensor 19B, the system 10 will not operate with maximum efficiency, the fill process is halted and the excess effluent material is ideally removed to a second vessel 12 of the plurality.

Once the vessel 12 is filled with effluent, the entry port valve 16A is closed and secured. The PLC controller 17 is activated to initiate the decontamination process by first verifying the level of effluent filling the vessel interior 14. The decontamination cycle is then initiated, whereby water and/or solvent are added, if necessary, to adjust the liquid and pH levels in the^' vessel 12 as desired. Solvent concentration is normally equivalent to a solution of IM NaOH or KOH.

The heating step is then initiated to raise the temperature of the interior 14 of the vessel 12 to the predetermined first decontamination cycle temperature for a predetermined duration to completely sterilize the effluent. In one predetermined mode,

the cycle holds the decontamination temperature to at least 100°C for 1 hour; in a second predetermined mode, to at least about 134⁰C for 1 hour; in a third predetermined mode, to at least about 145⁰C for 0.5 hours. At 150°C, the minimum decontamination cycle is

normally between about 0.5 and 1.0 hours in duration.

Once the decontamination cycle is complete, the PLC controller 17 initiates the cooling cycle, utilizing cold water flushed through the thermal jacket 30 of the vessel 12. Once the vessel 12 has cooled sufficiently, the vessel 12 is drained to the sanitary drain 42. The vessel 12 may then be partially refilled with water from either water source 20, 21 and the interior rinsed and drained. This rinse and drain step may be repeated as desired. Likewise, residual liquid in the vessel may at any time be run through the recirculation loop 24 and heated by the thermal jacket 30 until the liquid temperature is raised sufficiently and maintained for sufficient time to assure sterilization. Once the cooling cycle is complete, the system 10 shuts down while the drain orifice 40 and drain valve 41 are open to completely empty the vessel interior 14.

If the operator is present at the completion of the cooling cycle, the manning port 13B may at now be opened and the permeable container basket 50 may be removed and its contents, if any, emptied. The container basket 50 is then replaced, making the system 10 ready for a new cycle, hi the event, however, the operator is not present when the cooling cycle is complete, the operator may at a later time empty the container 50.

Example 2

FIG. 13 A illustrates thermal stratification in a cross-section of a typical prior art decontamination vessel 112 of a prior art system 110. The contents of the vessel 112 are heated by a thermal jacket 130 positioned substantially therearound. Liquid effluent 132 partially fills the vessel 112, leaving a gaseous head space 134 thereabove. The sidewalls 121 and bottom portions 123 are provided roughly equal quantities

of thermal energy input from the thermal jacket 130. However, effluent adjacent the sidewalls 121 is more readily urged into a convection cycle than liquid adjacent the bottom portion 123 of the vessel 112. As the system 110 heats, the effects of thermal insulation dominate within the vessel 112, resulting in the establishment of a number of distinct thermoclines 140. The dominant heating mechanism within the vessel 112 at this point is conduction. As water is a good (but not excellent) thermal conductor, there is a significant lag time until thermal equilibrium is achieved.

The contribution to thermal convection by the bottom portion 123 is significantly less than from the side portions 121. This is due to the much greater thermal mass of effluent heated by the bottom portion 123 by the same amount of thermal jacket 130 as compared to the side portions 121. Also, sedimentation in the vessel bottom 123 significantly hinders convection as well as provides unwanted thermal insulation. Finally, steam condensate forms in the bottom of the jacket 130, resulting in an even greater reliance on heating through the sides 121 of the vessel 112. This is particularly true when the vessel 112 contents are cold.

Once the convected liquid moves to the top, displaced liquid is forced to the middle and then must travel back down. This travel is countered by the tendency of heated (and correspondingly less dense) liquid rising from the bottom 123. Thus, thermoclines 140 are established, along with the potential of cold zones in which not all infections pathogens are destroyed. Convection occurring at the sides 123 requires a replacement of effluent traveling upwardly along the sides 123 of the vessel 12. Such replacement effluent comes from effluent traveling down the center of the vessel 112, as it is already moving and it is hotter and less dense than the effluent traveling upward from

the bottom portion 123. As the contents of the vessel 112 continue to heat, the conductive force diminishes due to the closing gap of thermal differential between the jacket 130 and the mildly circulating effluent at the top.

Further, the integrity of such systems 110 is often tested by pressurizing the system 110 with 5 or 10 psi of air, followed by measuring the pressure decay over time. The problem with this test is that larger vessels 112 may lose a significant quantity of potentially contaminated gas before pressure sensors detect a substantial change in internal pressure.

FIG. 13B illustrates a prior art system 110 retrofitted with the recirculation loop 24, pump assembly 26 and jet assembly 28 of the present invention. The recirculation loop 24 connects at two points with the interior 114 of the vessel 112, one of those points including the jet assembly 28. The recirculation loop 24 is also operationally connected to the pump assembly 26, such that fluid is withdrawn from the vessel 112, urged through the recirculation loop 24, and reintroduced into the vessel 112 near the bottom 113 and at a flow rate sufficient to agitate standing sediment and intermix any thermόclines that may have formed. Typically, such a jet stirring process will be initiated after the convective cycle is complete and while the effluent in the vessel 112 is still sufficiently hot to sterilize any pathogens that may still be present; for example, while the vessel 112 contents are still at least about 80 degrees Celsius and, further for example, at least about

100 degrees Celsius. Such "sweeping" of the bottom can help to keep the bottom clear of sediment, and will kill (in minutes) any remaining pathogens. Should the alkaline solvent injection be included in the above-detailed process, the sweeping step would be of less relevance, as the alkali solvent at a pH of 13 or greater would necessarily destroy known pathogens at the above temperatures. However, the benefit of stirring the sediment into resuspension for purging would still be enjoyed.

Moreover, the above-discussed apparatus would allow for a hydro test of the

integrity of the system 110. In such a test, the vessel 112 is filled with a fluid such as water to a predetermined pressure (for example, 60 psi). The vessel 112 is completely filled, leaving no gas-filled head space. ) The system 110 is otherwise deactuated for the decay test, and the vessel pressure is monitored over time. In this circumstance, even the loss of a few deciliters of fluid would result in a readily detectible change in monitored pressure, as water is much less compressible than gas.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and

modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

We claim:

1. A batch sterilization system for decontaminating and neutralizing a continuous stream of waste effluent, comprising: a plurality of tanks for receiving waste effluent, wherein each respective

tank is capable of forming a respective closed reaction vessel having a respective interior portion defining a bottom floor, a top ceiling and at least one wall extending therebetween; and a carbon dioxide source connected in fluidic communication with the plurality of tanks; wherein each respective tank further comprises: an effluent inlet conduit in fluidic communication with the interior portion; a first inlet valve positioned generally above the tank and in the effluent inlet conduit; a second inlet valve positioned generally above the tank and in the effluent inlet conduit; a hot water source in hydraulic communication with the second inlet valve and actuatable to flow hot water to flush the second inlet valve; a thermal jacket substantially surrounding the at least one wall; an outlet connected in fluidic communication with the interior portion;

an outlet conduit connected in fluidic communication with the outlet; an outlet pump operationally connected to the outlet conduit; a pump conduit operationally connected to the pump and extending away

therefrom; an elevated water source; a water source conduit connected between the water source and the pump

conduit; a water source valve operationally positioned in the water source conduit between the water source and the pump conduit; and a water jet inlet fluidically connected to the pump conduit and positioned

substantially adjacent the bottom floor; wherein hot water from the hot water source may be discharged onto the second inlet valve to clean and disinfect the valve; wherein the water source valve is elevated above the pump conduit; wherein the hot water source is maintained at a temperature of at least

about 83 degrees Celsius.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of liquid level sensors arrayed in the interior portion.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one pressure sensor

positioned in the interior portion.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one temperature sensor positioned in the interior portion.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the outlet pump further comprises: a motor; a mechanical impeller in fluidic communication with the outlet conduit;

a barrier fluid chamber; a pair of seals formed in the barrier fluid chamber; a heated barrier fluid contained in the barrier fluid chamber; a drive member extending between the motor and the impeller; wherein the drive member extends through the pair of seals and through the heated barrier fluid; wherein the barrier fluid is maintained at a temperature of at least about 83 degrees Celsius; and wherein the pressure within the barrier fluid chamber exceeds the pressure

without the barrier fluid chamber.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the barrier fluid is heated to at least about 100 degrees Celsius.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein the barrier fluid is heated to at least about 125 degrees Celsius.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein the barrier fluid is heated to at least about 140 degrees Celsius.

9. The system of claim 5 wherein the barrier fluid is a synthetic oil.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the barrier fluid is a food grade synthetic

oil.

11. The system of claim 5 wherein the outlet pump further comprises: a barrier fluid reservoir; a barrier fluid pump operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber; and a check valve operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber.

12. The system of claim 5 wherein the barrier fluid is sufficiently heated prior to pump maintenance to sterilize the barrier fluid and pump components such that repair personnel are not exposed to pathogens.

13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a basket positioned between the effluent inlet conduit and the interior portion; wherein the basket is adapted to retain solid waste material and pass liquid effluent into the interior portion.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising a fill sensor positioned in the

basket and adapted to send a first signal when the basket is full.

15. The system of claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief valve operationally connected, through the ceiling to the interior portion and a series of HEPA filters pneumatically connected between the pressure relief valve and the environment.

16. An apparatus for decontaminating waste effluent, comprising: a plurality of tanks for receiving waste effluent and capable of forming a

respective closed reaction vessel having an interior portion defining a bottom floor, a top ceiling and at least one wall extending therebetween; a carbon dioxide source connected in fluidic communication with the interior portion; an effluent inlet conduit in fluidic communication with the interior

portion; a first inlet valve positioned generally above the tank and in the effluent inlet conduit; a second inlet valve positioned generally above the tank and in the effluent inlet conduit; a hot water source in hydraulic communication with the second inlet valve; a hot water source valve operationally connected between the hot water source and the second inlet valve; a thermal jacket substantially surrounding the at least one wall; a tempered water inlet in fluidic communication with the thermal jacket; a tempered water valve operationally connected between the thermal jacket and the tempered water inlet; an outlet connected in fluidic communication with the interior portion; an outlet conduit connected in fluidic communication with the outlet; an outlet pump operationally connected to the outlet conduit, wherein the

outlet pump further comprises: a motor; an mechanical impeller in fluidic communication with the outlet conduit; a barrier fluid chamber; a pair of seals formed in the barrier fluid chamber; a heated barrier fluid contained in the barrier fluid chamber; a drive member connecting the motor and the impeller; wherein the drive member extends through the pair of seals and through the heated barrier fluid; wherein the barrier fluid is maintained at a temperature of at least about 80 degrees Celsius; and wherein the pressure within the barrier fluid chamber exceeds the pressure without the barrier fluid chamber; an elevated water source; a recirculation loop, further comprising: a pump conduit operationally connected to the pump and extending therefrom; and a water source conduit connected between the water source and the pump conduit;

a water source valve operationally positioned in the water source conduit between the water source and the pump conduit; a water jet inlet fluidically connected to the recirculation loop and

positioned substantially adjacent the bottom floor; a pressure relief valve operationally connected through the ceiling to the interior portion; a series of HEPA filters pneumatically connected between the pressure relief valve and the environment;

a plurality of liquid level sensors arrayed in the interior portion; at least one pressure sensor positioned in the interior portion; at least one temperature sensor positioned in the interior portion; a basket positioned between the effluent inlet conduit and the interior portion; a fill sensor positioned in the basket and adapted to send a first signal when the basket is full; a variable valve operationally connected between the pump conduit and the elevated water source; a microcontroller connected in electric communication with the liquid level, fill, temperature, and pressure sensors and operationally connected to the first and second inlet valves, the water source valve, the hot water source valve, the tempered water valve, and the variable valve; wherein the basket is adapted to retain solid waste material and pass liquid

effluent into the interior portion; wherein hot water from the hot water source may be discharged onto the second inlet valve to clean and disinfect the valve; wherein the water source valve is elevated above the pump conduit;

wherein the hot water source is maintained at a temperature of at least

about 80 degrees Celsius.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the barrier fluid is heated to at least about

100 degrees Celsius.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein the barrier fluid is heated to at least about 125 degrees Celsius.

19. The system of claim 16 further comprising: a barrier fluid reservoir; a barrier fluid pump operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber; and a check valve operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir

and the barrier fluid chamber.

20. A device for receiving, decontaminating and neutralizing waste effluent

from a waste effluent source, comprising in combination: tank means for receiving waste effluent; means for adjusting the pH of the contents of tank means; plumbing means for communicating effluent with tank means, the

plumbing means further comprising: an effluent inlet conduit connected in fluidic communication between the waste effluent source and tanks means; a first inlet valve positioned in the effluent inlet conduit and having greater gravitational potential than tank means; a second inlet valve positioned in the effluent inlet conduit and having greater gravitational potential than tank means; a hot water source in hydraulic communication with the second inlet valve; a hot water source valve operationally connected between the hot water

source and the second inlet valve; an outlet connected in fluidic communication with the interior portion; an outlet conduit connected in fluidic communication with the outlet; pump means for moving waste effluent in tank means, wherein pump

means includes barrier fluid maintained at a temperature of at least 83 degrees Celsius

and wherein the pressure of the barrier fluid within pump means exceeds the pressure without pump means; a pump conduit operationally connected to the pump and extending

therefrom; an elevated water source connected in hydraulic communication with the pump conduit; sensor means operationally connected to tank means; a variable valve operationally connected between the pump conduit and the elevated water source; electronic control means operationally connected to plumbing means; wherein the hot water source is maintained at a temperature of at least

about 83 degrees Celsius.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein tanks means further comprises a plurality of fluidically interconnected tanks, wherein each tank is capable of forming a respective closed reaction vessel.

22. The device of claim 21 wherein the plurality of tanks is three tanks.

23. The device of claim 20 further comprising tempering means for changing the temperature of tanks means.

24. The device of claim 20 further comprising a pressure relief valve operationally connected through the ceiling to the interior portion and a series of HEPA filters pneumatically connected between the pressure relief valve and the environment.

25. The device of claim 20 wherein sensor means further comprises a plurality of liquid level sensors arrayed in tanks means; at least one pressure sensor positioned in tanks means; and at least one temperature sensor positioned in tank means.

26. The device of claim 20 further comprising a basket positioned in tanks means and a fill sensor positioned in the basket and adapted to send a first signal when the basket is full and wherein the basket is adapted to retain solid waste material and pass liquid effluent into tank means.

27. The device of claim 20 further comprising means for mixing the contents of tank means to enhance the interaction between the alkali compound and the undesirable materials.

28. The device of claim 27 wherein means for mixing the contents of tanks means further comprises a water jet inlet fluidically connected to the pump means and positioned substantially adjacent the bottom floor and a jet inlet valve operationally connected between the water source and the water jet inlet.

29. The system as in claim 20 further comprising means for venting tank means, venting means being operable to be in the open state upon initiation of the cycle and to be closed by the electronic control means when the effluent within the vessel reaches a first predetermined temperature.

30. The system of claim 20 wherein pump means further comprises: a motor; a mechanical impeller in fluidic communication with the outlet conduit;

a barrier fluid chamber; a pair of seals formed in the barrier fluid chamber; a heated barrier fluid contained in the barrier fluid chamber; a drive member extending between the motor and the impeller; wherein the drive member extends through the pair of seals and through

the heated barrier fluid; and wherein the barrier fluid is maintained at a temperature of at least about 83 degrees Celsius.

31. A method for decontaminating effluent waste matter comprising the steps

of:

(a) providing a plurality of reaction vessels, each having inlet plumbing;

(b) providing a hot water source having a gravitational potential greater than the gravitational potential of the plurality of reaction vessels;

(c) selecting one of the plurality of reaction vessels;

(d) flowing effluent into the selected reaction vessel;

(e) flushing the inlet plumbing of the selected reaction vessel with hot water;

(f) heating the reaction vessel to a first predetermined temperature;

(g) maintaining the reaction vessel at the first predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, whereby a sterilized mixture comprising biodegradable liquid effluent and solid waste is produced;

(h) circulating the effluent in the reaction vessel;

(i) cooling the effluent in the reaction vessel to a second predetermined temperature;

(j) after step i, pumping substantially all effluent from the reaction vessel.

32. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of: (k) neutralizing the pH of the effluent in the reaction vessel.

33. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of:

(1) raising the pH of the effluent sufficiently to destroy substantially all prions

in the effluent.

34. The method of claim 31 further comprising a water jet operationally connected to the selected reaction vessel; wherein the water jet is actuated during step

(h).

35. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of:

(ni) after step Q), selecting another reaction vessel from the plurality of reaction vessels not selected in step (c); and (n) repeating steps (d) through (j).

36. The method of claim 31, further comprising an outlet pump, wherein the outlet pump further comprises: a motor; an mechanical impeller for urging effluent from the selected reaction

vessel; a barrier fluid chamber; a pair of seals formed in the barrier fluid chamber; a heated barrier fluid contained in the barrier fluid chamber; a drive member connected between the motor and the impeller; wherein the drive member extends through the pair of seals and through the heated barrier fluid; wherein the barrier fluid is maintained at a temperature of at least about 83 degrees Celsius; and wherein the pressure within the barrier fluid chamber exceeds the pressure without the barrier fluid chamber.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of:

(o) after step j, circulating any remaining effluent in the selected

reaction vessel to the outlet pump; and

(p) heating the remaining effluent to kill any remaining pathogens.

38. The method of claim 37 further comprising the step of:

(q) before step o, adding rinse water to the selected reaction vessel.

39. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of:

(r) providing an electronic controller for actuating steps (c) through

⁽J⁾-

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the selected tank further includes a plurality of temperature, pressure, liquid level level, and pH sensors positioned therein, wherein the plurality of temperature, pressure, liquid level level, and pH sensors is electrically connected to the electronic controller; and further comprising the step of:

(s) monitoring the temperature, pressure, liquid level level and pH in the selected tank; wherein step (s) is performed by the electronic controller.

41. A self decontaminating pump system, comprising:

a motor; means for urging a fluid; a barrier fluid chamber; at least one seal formed in the barrier fluid chamber; a heated barrier fluid contained in the barrier fluid chamber; a drive member extending between the motor and means for urging a fluid; wherein the drive member extends through the at least one seal and through the heated barrier fluid; wherein the heated barrier fluid is maintained at a first predetermined temperature sufficient to kill substantially all organic pathogens; and wherein the pressure inside the barrier fluid chamber exceeds the pressure outside the barrier fluid chamber.

42. The pump system of claim 41 wherein the means for urging a fluid

comprises a mechanical impeller.

43. The pump system of claim 41 wherein the first predetermined temperature is at least 83 degrees Celsius.

44. The pump system of claim 41 wherein the first predetermined temperature s at least 100 degrees Celsius.

45. The pump system of claim 41 wherein the first predetermined temperature

is at least 120 degrees Celsius.

46. The pump system of claim 41 further comprising: a barrier fluid reservoir; a barrier fluid pump operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber; and a check valve operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber.

47. A self decontaminating pump system, comprising:

a motor; an impeller; a coolant fluid chamber; at least one seal formed in the coolant fluid chamber; a coolant fluid contained in the coolant fluid chamber;

a drive member extending between the motor and the impeller; wherein the drive member extends through the at least one seal and through the heated coolant fluid; wherein the seals are maintained at a temperature below a first predetermined maximum temperature; wherein the heated coolant fluid is maintained at a temperature between a second predetermined temperature sufficient to kill substantially all organic pathogens and the first predetermined temperature; wherein the second predetermined temperature is less than the first-

predetermined temperature; ana wherein the pressure inside the coolant fluid chamber exceeds the pressure outside the coolant fluid chamber.

48. The pump system of claim 47 wherein the seals are maintained at a

temperature of at least 83 degrees Celsius.

49. The pump system of claim 47 wherein seals are maintained at a

temperature of at least 100 degrees Celsius.

50. The pump system of claim 47 wherein the seals are maintained at a temperature of at least 120 degrees Celsius.

51. The pump system of claim 47 further comprising: a barrier fluid reservoir; a barrier fluid pump operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber; and a check valve operationally connected between the barrier fluid reservoir and the barrier fluid chamber.

52. A method for cleaning and disinfecting a contaminated valve member in a liquid waste treatment assembly including at least one reaction vessel for decontaminating organic waste materials and inlet/outlet plumbing conduits having one or more valve members, comprising: a) providing a supply of heated water; b) directing the flow of heated water onto the contaminated valve member; wherein the heated water is characterized by a temperature exceeding 80 degrees Celsius.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein the heated water is characterized by a temperature exceeding 90 degrees Celsius.

54. The method of claim 52 wherein the supply of heated water has a greater gravitational potential than the reaction vessel.

55. A plumbing system for cleaning and disinfecting a contaminated valve member in a liquid waste treatment assembly including at least one reaction vessel for decontaminating organic waste materials and inlet/outlet plumbing conduits having one or more valve members, comprising: a water supply for providing heated water; a water heater connected in thermal communication with the supply; and conduits connected in fluidic communication with the contaminated valve member; wherein the heated water is characterized by a temperature exceeding 80

degrees Celsius.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the heated water is characterized by a temperature exceeding 90 degrees Celsius.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein the water supply- has a greater gravitational potential than the reaction vessel.

58. The method of claim 55 wherein the contaminated valve has a greater

gravitational potential than the reaction vessel.

59. A method for sterilizing the effluent contents of an effluent decontamination system having at least one reaction vessel having a fluid outlet, a fluid inlet, a drainage conduit connected in fluidic communication between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet, and a pump operationally connected to the drainage conduit, comprising the steps of: a) providing a barrier fluid between the pump motor and the drainage conduit; b) heating the barrier fluid to a predetermined temperature exceeding about 80 degrees Celsius; c) circulating the effluent into thermal communication with the water heater for a predetermined period of time; whereby performing step c raises the temperature of the effluent sufficiently to kill substantially all pathogens in the effluent.

60. A system for sterilizing the effluent contents of an effluent decontamination system having at least one reaction vessel, comprising: a fluid inlet formed in the reaction vessel; a fluid outlet formed in the reaction vessel; a drainage conduit connected in fluidic communication between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet; and a pump operationally connected to the drainage conduit, wherein the pump further comprises; a motor; an mechanical impeller in fluidic communication with the drainage conduit; a barrier fluid chamber; a heated barrier fluid contained in the barrier fluid chamber; a drive member extending between the motor and the impeller; wherein the drive member extends through the heated barrier fluid; wherein the barrier fluid is maintained at a predetermined temperature exceeding about 80 degrees Celsius; and wherein the heated barrier fluid is of sufficient temperature to kill

substantially all pathogens.

61. The system of claim 60 further comprising a connected heater in thermal communication with the barrier fluid.

62. The system of claim 60 wherein the predetermined temperature is at least 100 degrees Celsius.

63. The system of claim 60 wherein the predetermined temperature is at least 120 degrees Celsius.

64. The system of claim 60 wherein the predetermined temperature is at least 140 degrees Celsius.

65. An inlet valve system for a pressure vessel, comprising in combination: an inlet conduit; a first inlet valve positioned in fluidic communication with the inlet

conduit and generally above the pressure vessel; a second inlet valve positioned in fluidic communication with the inlet conduit and generally above the pressure vessel and below the first inlet valve; a hot water source in hydraulic communication with the second inlet valve; a hot water source valve operationally connected between the hot water source and the second inlet valve; and a hot water source check valve operationally connected between the hot water source valve and the second inlet valve; wherein closure of the hot water source valve and opening of the first and second inlet valves allows flow through the conduit and into the pressure vessel; wherein closure of the first inlet valve and opening of the second inlet valve and the hot water source valve allows flow of hot water over the second inlet valve; and wherein flow of hot water over the second inlet valve cleans and sterilizes the second inlet valve.

66. The system of claim 65 wherein the hot water source is maintained at a temperature of at least 85 degrees Celsius.

67. The system of claim 65 wherein the hot water source is maintained at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Celsius.

68. The system of claim 65 wherein the hot water source provides live steam.