METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING OR FOR WASHING AND STERILIZING ARTICLES

摘要

Decontamination washing or washing and biocidal treatment of articles, including washing and sterilizing of surgical instruments is effected in a single chamber (10). Air is delivered under pressure for injection at the bottom of the chamber (10) through a plurality of inlets (52 to 58) positioned to provide interaction of their horizontally oriented discharges including formation of turbulent vortices. Upward movement of air creates vertically oriented cleaning turbulence. Spray means are provided to remove loose soil before washing and to remove soil separated by washing. Drainage removal of soil from the chamber is verified by a drain probe. Steam sterilization at pressures above atmospheric provides for sterilization at temperatures of 120 DEG C and higher.