Centralized, time-shared vapor sterilization system

摘要

A system for conveying a sterilant vapor to a plurality of processing lines having articles moving therealong. The system includes a central source of a sterilant vapor. A conveying device is provided for conveying a sterilant vapor from the central source to a plurality of processing lines. A plurality of sensing devices are provided for sensing a plurality of operational parameters associated with the system and the plurality of processing lines. A controller is provided for receiving signals from the plurality of sensing devices. The controller is programmed to monitor continuously the plurality of sensing devices to determine if an event indicative of a malfunction has occurred with respect to the system or the plurality of processing lines. The controller is programmed to adjust the operation of the system in response to the event to maintain uninterrupted operation of one or more of the plurality of processing lines.