System providing for decontamination washing and/or biocidal treatment

摘要

Methods and apparatus providing for decontamination washing and/or biocidal treatment of articles, including washing and sterilizing of surgical instruments in a single chamber, are disclosed. Air is delivered under pressure for injection at the bottom of the chamber through a plurality of inlets 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 250 DEG F. and higher.