Sterilising and/or disinfecting clinical waste - by placing in sealed container into which steam is introduced and filtering air driven out

摘要

Saturated steam is introduced into a sealed container contg. waste the air in the container is filtered as it is driven out, and the steam remains in the container for a required reaction period. Also claimed is a device for carrying out the procedure, consisting of a container (10) with a domed floor (12), an inlet (14) for steam or air, a condensate drain (16), and a cover (20) with an air vent (18). Pref. the air outlet valve is closed after the air has been removed from the container, and further steam is introduced in order to raise the pressure in the container to about 3 bar. After the required reaction time, fresh air is introduced into the container and the exhaust steam is filtered. The waste material is then cooled and any condensate removed. The sterilised waste is disposed of in the usual way and the container is cleaned and prepared for re-use. Ozone may be introduced into the container before or at the same time as the steam. The introduction of steam and/or ozone and/or fresh air may be repeated alternatingly a number of times. USE/ADVANTAGE - For sterilising or disinfecting clinical waste. The waste is reliably and economically sterilised and/or disinfected.