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.

主权项

1. A system for conveying a sterilant vapor to a plurality of processing lines having articles moving therealong, said system comprised of:
a single vaporizer unit for supplying a sterilant vapor; conveying means for conveying said sterilant vapor from said single vaporizer unit to a plurality of processing lines; sensing means for sensing a plurality of operational parameters associated with said system and said plurality of processing lines; and a controller for receiving signals from said sensing means, said controller programmed to operate in a first mode, wherein said controller monitors continuously said sensing means to determine if an event indicative of a malfunction has occurred with respect to said system or said plurality of processing lines, and said controller programmed to operate in a second mode in response to said event, wherein said controller adjusts the operation of said system to maintain uninterrupted operation of one or more of said plurality of processing lines.