| 摘要 |
The invention provides an apparatus (10) for measuring peroxide concentration in a gaseous sterilant. The apparatus (10) includes a condenser (20) for condensing the sterilant and a collection and testing tube (60) disposed below the condenser (20). First, second, and third valves (64, 66, 68) are spaced along the tube (60). When the first and second valves (64, 66) are in their closed position, these valves (64, 66), with the tube, define an aliquot collector (30) having a predetermined volume. When the second and third valves (66, 68) are in their closed position, these valves (66, 68), with the tube, define a reaction chamber (40) having a predetermined volume. A catalyst (45) for dissociating peroxide is carried in the reaction chamber (40) and a pressure monitor (50) detects pressure changes resulting from dissociation of peroxide as a function of time, which is correlated to the concentration of peroxide in the sterilant. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of measuring peroxide concentration in a gaseous sterilant whereby the sterilant is first condensed and a predetermined volume of the condensed sterilant is placed in a reaction chamber (40). A catalyst (45) in the reaction chamber (40) promotes dissociation of the peroxide in the sterilant and the rate of pressure change in the fixed-volume reaction chamber (40) is measured and correlated to the concentration of peroxide in the sterilant. |
