Sterilization apparatus and sterilization method

Abstract

The application discloses a sterilization device and a sterilization method, and relates to the technical field of moist heat sterilization. The sterilization device comprises a tank body, an exhaust valve, a control module and a monitoring module. An exhaust port is formed in the top of the tank body, and the exhaust valve is in communication with the inside of the tank body through the exhaust port when the exhaust valve is in an open state. When the inside of the tank body is in a first state, the exhaust valve is in the open state. When the inside of the tank body is in a second state, the exhaust valve is in a closed state. The control module is arranged outside the tank body. The monitoring module is arranged inside the tank body. The monitoring module and the exhaust valve are respectively coupled with the control module. The monitoring module is used for collecting state information of the inside of the tank body and sending the state information to the control module. The control module is used for controlling the exhaust valve to be opened or closed according to the state information collected by the monitoring module. The sterilization device is used for ensuring the uniformity of the temperature in the inside of a sterilization tank during a moist heat sterilization process, and thus the safety of a medicinal liquid is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of moist heat sterilization technology, and more particularly to a sterilization device and sterilization method. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of sterile pharmaceuticals, there are various methods for sterilizing the pharmaceutical solution, with moist heat sterilization being one of them. During moist heat sterilization, the pharmaceutical solution inside the tank is heated, generating gas. Some condensable gas liquefies and adheres to the inner wall of the tank, becoming integrated with the pharmaceutical solution. However, some non-condensable gas condenses at the top of the tank and cannot escape. This results in the non-condensable gas at the top of the tank not reaching the sterilization temperature once the pharmaceutical solution inside reaches sterilization, making it difficult to ensure uniform temperature distribution within the tank. Uneven temperature distribution can lead to "cold spots" inside the tank, where microorganisms may not be completely killed due to insufficient heating, thus affecting the safety of the pharmaceutical solution.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a sterilization device and method to ensure the uniformity of temperature inside the sterilization tank during moist heat sterilization, thereby improving the safety of the drug solution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sterilization device and sterilization method to ensure the uniformity of temperature inside the sterilization tank during moist heat sterilization, thereby improving the safety of the drug solution.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] On one hand, the present invention provides a sterilization device, which includes: a tank, an exhaust valve, a control module, and a monitoring module; the top of the tank has an exhaust port, and the exhaust valve is in the open state and communicates with the interior of the tank through the exhaust port; when the interior of the tank is in a first state, the exhaust valve is in the open state; when the interior of the tank is in a second state, the exhaust valve is in the closed state; the control module is located outside the tank; the monitoring module is located inside the tank; the monitoring module and the exhaust valve are respectively coupled to the control module; the monitoring module is used to collect the status information inside the tank and send it to the control module; the control module is used to control the exhaust valve to open or close according to the status information collected by the monitoring module.

[0007] In some embodiments, the status information includes pressure information and temperature information; the first status includes a first preset pressure and a first preset temperature, and the second status includes a second preset pressure and a second preset temperature; the first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure, and the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature.

[0008] In some embodiments, the control module includes an ARM microcontroller; the monitoring module includes a pressure monitor and a temperature monitor; the pressure monitor and the temperature monitor are respectively coupled to the ARM microcontroller; the pressure monitor is used to collect pressure information inside the tank and send it to the ARM microcontroller, and the temperature monitor is used to collect temperature information inside the tank and send it to the ARM microcontroller; the ARM microcontroller is used to control the exhaust valve to open or close according to the pressure information collected by the pressure monitor and the temperature information collected by the temperature monitor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the exhaust valve is an electrically operated diaphragm valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sterilization device further includes a tank jacket fitted onto the outer surface of the tank; the outer surface of the tank jacket is provided with a steam inlet and a cooling water inlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, a steam control valve is provided at the steam inlet, and a cooling water control valve is provided at the cooling water inlet; the sterilization device further includes a control module and a timing module located outside the tank; the control module is coupled to the steam control valve, the cooling water control valve, and the timing module respectively; when sterilization is performed, the control module controls the steam control valve to open; when the tank is in the second state, the timing module starts the sterilization timing; when the sterilization timing reaches a preset time, the timing module sends a cooling signal to the control module, and the control module controls the steam control valve to close and controls the cooling water control valve to open.

[0012] In some embodiments, the top of the tank is also provided with a breather connection port; the sterilization device also includes a breather, which, when in the open state, communicates with the inside of the tank through the breather connection port.

[0013] On the other hand, the present invention provides a sterilization method using the sterilization device described in any of the above embodiments; the sterilization method includes: S100, heating the tank; when the state information inside the tank collected by the monitoring module is the first state, the control module controls the exhaust valve to open; S200, when the state information inside the tank collected by the monitoring module is the second state, the control module controls the exhaust valve to close.

[0014] In some embodiments, after step S200, the method further includes: S300, starting the sterilization timer; S400, when the sterilization timer reaches a preset time, stopping the heating of the tank and simultaneously starting the cooling of the tank; S500, when the state information inside the tank collected by the monitoring module is the first state, stopping the cooling of the tank.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first state includes a first preset pressure and a first preset temperature; a breather connection port is provided on the top of the tank, and the sterilization device further includes a breather communicating with the inside of the tank through the breather connection port; step S500 includes: S510, when the pressure inside the tank collected by the monitoring module is the first preset pressure, the breather is turned on; S520, when the temperature inside the tank collected by the monitoring module is the first preset temperature, cooling of the tank is stopped.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] On one hand, this invention provides a sterilization device, which includes an exhaust valve connected to the inside of the tank via an exhaust port at the top of the tank, a monitoring module inside the tank that collects internal state information and sends it to a control module, and a control module outside the tank that receives the state information and controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valve based on this information. When sterilization is required, the tank is initially in a first state. When the monitoring module detects the presence of the first state information, it sends this information to the control module, which then opens the exhaust valve. In subsequent sterilization steps, the tank is heated, changing the internal state from the first state to a second state. When the monitoring module detects the presence of the second state information, it sends this information to the control module, which then closes the exhaust valve. During sterilization using the aforementioned sterilization device, the monitoring module can collect real-time status information of the tank's interior and feed it back to the control module. This allows the control module to adjust the opening and closing of the exhaust valve based on this information. As the tank's internal state changes from the first state to the second state, non-condensable gases generated inside can be promptly expelled through the open exhaust valve, preventing their accumulation and ensuring temperature uniformity during moist heat sterilization, thus improving the safety of the sterilizing solution. Once the tank's internal state returns to the second state, the control module promptly closes the exhaust valve to maintain the second state (sterilization state), facilitating subsequent sterilization processes.

[0018] On the other hand, this invention provides a sterilization method that uses a monitoring module to monitor the internal state of the tank. When the tank is in a first state, a control module opens the exhaust valve; when the tank is heated to a second state, the control module closes the exhaust valve. This allows the monitoring and control modules to work together to open or close the exhaust valve at different times throughout the sterilization process. This ensures that non-condensable gases generated inside the tank during heating are promptly expelled, preventing their accumulation and ensuring temperature uniformity within the tank, thus guaranteeing the safety of the disinfectant. Furthermore, the sterilization method is simple, easy to learn and operate, indirectly improving sterilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a sterilization device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a sterilization method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is another flowchart of a sterilization method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The flowchart of step S500 in the sterilization method shown.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1. Tank body; 11. Exhaust port; 12. Breather connection port; 2. Exhaust valve; 3. Control module; 31. ARM microcontroller; 4. Monitoring module; 41. Pressure monitor; 42. Temperature monitor; 5. Tank jacket; 51. Steam inlet; 52. Cooling water inlet; 6. Breather. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0026] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “connected,” “linked,” and “fixed” should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features not in direct contact but through another feature between them.

[0028] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a sterilization device, which includes: a tank body 1, an exhaust valve 2, a control module 3, and a monitoring module 4.

[0030] The aforementioned tank 1 is, for example, a cylindrical or spherical tank structure. An exhaust port 11 is provided at the top of the tank 1. The internal state information of the tank 1 includes pressure and temperature information. During the transition from the first state to the second state, the internal pressure and temperature of the tank 1 increase, and non-condensable gases are generated inside the tank 1, which accumulate at the top of the tank 1. When the tank 1 is in the first state, the exhaust valve 2 is open; when the tank 1 is in the second state, the exhaust valve 2 is closed. When the exhaust valve 2 is open, it can communicate with the interior of the tank 1 through the exhaust port 11 at the top, thereby allowing the non-condensable gases inside the tank 1 to be discharged.

[0031] The control module 3 is located outside the tank 1, and the monitoring module 4 is located inside the tank 1. Furthermore, the monitoring module 4 and the exhaust valve 2 are coupled to the control module 3, where "coupling" includes both electrical and signal connections. The monitoring module 4 collects the status information inside the tank 1 and sends it to the control module 3; the control module 3 controls the exhaust valve 2 to open or close based on the status information collected by the monitoring module 4.

[0032] The first state includes a first preset pressure and a first preset temperature, and the second state includes a second preset pressure and a second preset temperature. The second preset pressure is greater than or equal to 103.4 kPa, and the second preset temperature is greater than or equal to 121.3 °C. It is easy to understand that the pressure value of 103.4 kPa and the temperature value of 121.3 °C are the standard pressure and temperature values ​​for moist heat sterilization. To accommodate the sterilization conditions of different types of pharmaceutical solutions, both the second preset pressure and the second preset temperature can be set to be greater than the standard pressure and temperature values ​​for moist heat sterilization. For example, the second preset pressure can be 110.2 kPa or 116.9 kPa, and the second preset temperature can be 122 °C or 123 °C, etc. Those skilled in the art can flexibly set these values ​​according to actual production needs. The aforementioned first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure, for example, 101.325 kPa, and the aforementioned first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature, for example, 25 °C.

[0033] Therefore, in the above-mentioned sterilization device, an exhaust valve 2 connected to the inside of the tank 1 via an exhaust port 11 is installed at the top of the tank 1. A monitoring module 4 is installed inside the tank 1 to collect internal state information and send it to the control module 3. A control module 3 is installed outside the tank 1 to receive the state information and control the opening and closing of the exhaust valve 2 based on this information. When sterilization is required, the tank 1 is initially in a first state. When the monitoring module 4 collects information indicating the presence of the first state inside the tank 1, it sends this information to the control module 3. The control module 3 then controls the exhaust valve 2 to open. In subsequent sterilization steps, the tank 1 is heated, changing the internal state from the first state to the second state. When the monitoring module 4 collects information indicating the presence of the second state inside the tank 1, it sends this information to the control module 3, which then controls the exhaust valve 2 to close.

[0034] During the sterilization process using the aforementioned sterilization device, the monitoring module 4 can collect real-time status information of the tank 1 and feed it back to the control module 3. The control module 3 can then control the opening and closing of the exhaust valve 2 based on this information. Thus, as the internal state of the tank 1 changes from the first state to the second state, non-condensable gases generated inside the tank 1 can be promptly discharged through the open exhaust valve 2, preventing the accumulation of non-condensable gases inside the tank 1 and ensuring the uniformity of temperature inside the tank 1 during moist heat sterilization, thereby improving the safety of the disinfectant. When the internal state of the tank 1 changes to the second state, the control module 3 can promptly close the exhaust valve 2 to ensure that the tank 1 maintains the second state (i.e., the sterilization state), facilitating subsequent sterilization work.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the control module 3 includes an ARM microcontroller 31, and the monitoring module 4 includes a pressure monitor 41 and a temperature monitor 42. The pressure monitor 41 and temperature monitor 42 are coupled to the ARM microcontroller 31, where "coupled" includes both electrical and signal connections. The ARM microcontroller 31 is, for example, a 32-bit ARM microcontroller from the STM32F series. The pressure monitor 41 is, for example, a digital pressure sensor (capacitive pressure sensor, piezoresistive pressure sensor, fiber optic pressure sensor, etc.), and the temperature monitor 42 is, for example, a contact temperature sensor (thermostat temperature sensor, IC temperature sensor, etc.). It is easily understood that the temperature monitor 42 can also be a non-contact temperature sensor (infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, etc.) located outside the tank 1. Those skilled in the art can flexibly select and configure it according to actual usage requirements; no further limitations are imposed here.

[0036] The pressure monitor 41 is used to collect pressure information inside the tank 1 and send it to the ARM microcontroller 31. The temperature monitor 42 is used to collect temperature information inside the tank 1 and send it to the ARM microcontroller 31. The ARM microcontroller 31 is used to control the exhaust valve 2 to open or close based on the pressure information collected by the pressure monitor 41 and the temperature information collected by the temperature monitor 42. Specifically, when the pressure information inside the tank 1 collected by the pressure monitor 41 is less than the second preset pressure, and the temperature information inside the tank 1 collected by the temperature monitor 42 is less than the second preset temperature, the pressure monitor 41 and the temperature monitor 42 respectively send the collected pressure information and temperature information to the ARM microcontroller 31. At this time, the ARM microcontroller 31 controls the exhaust valve 2 to open. When the pressure information inside the tank 1 collected by the pressure monitor 41 is greater than or equal to the second preset pressure, and the temperature information inside the tank 1 collected by the temperature monitor 42 is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, the pressure monitor 41 and the temperature monitor 42 respectively send the collected pressure information and temperature information to the ARM microcontroller 31. At this time, the ARM controller controls the exhaust valve 2 to close.

[0037] In the above sterilization device, by setting the control module 3 as an ARM microcontroller 31 and the detection module as a pressure monitor 41 and a temperature monitor 42, the pressure and temperature information inside the tank 1 can be collected. At the same time, the ARM microcontroller 31 can control the opening and closing state of the exhaust valve 2 based on the collected pressure and temperature information, thereby realizing the discharge of non-condensable gases inside the tank 1 and maintaining the sterilization state inside the tank 1. The selection of components is easy, the cost is low, and the design of the control circuit is also convenient.

[0038] In some embodiments, the exhaust valve 2 is an electric diaphragm valve. By equipping the exhaust valve 2 with an electric diaphragm valve, precise control of the opening degree of the exhaust valve 2 (i.e., flow and pressure control) can be achieved using the electric actuator of the electric diaphragm valve. At the same time, the diaphragm structure of the electric diaphragm valve can completely cut off the communication between the inside and outside of the tank 1 when closed, ensuring that the tank 1 can maintain a sterilization state (second state), thereby improving the reliability of the sterilization device during use.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sterilization device also includes a tank jacket 5, which is fitted onto the outer surface of the tank 1. It is easy to understand that the shape of the tank jacket 5 is the same as that of the tank 1; that is, when the tank 1 is a cylindrical tank structure, the tank jacket 5 is a cylindrical shell structure, and when the tank 1 is a spherical tank structure, the tank jacket 5 is a spherical shell structure. This arrangement ensures that the overall thickness of the tank jacket 5 is uniform (i.e., the distance between the outer surface of the tank jacket 5 and the outer surface of the tank 1 is uniform), thereby ensuring the uniformity of heating or cooling. The outer surface of the tank jacket 5 is provided with a steam inlet 51 and a cooling water inlet 52. With the above configuration, when the tank 1 needs to be heated, heating steam can be introduced into the tank jacket 5 through the steam inlet 51, which results in fast heating and more uniform heating. At the same time, it is more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods (hot water, hot oil heating or electric heating). When the tank 1 needs to be cooled, cooling water can be introduced into the tank jacket 5 through the cooling water inlet 52, which results in more uniform cooling.

[0040] In some embodiments, a steam control valve is provided at the steam inlet 51, and a cooling water control valve is provided at the cooling water inlet 52. The sterilization device also includes a control module 3 and a timing module located outside the tank body 1; the control module 3 is coupled to the steam control valve, the cooling water control valve, and the timing module, respectively. The steam control valve and the cooling water control valve are both electric valves, such as electric butterfly valves, electric shut-off valves, and solenoid valves. The timing module is, for example, a general-purpose timer, a real-time clock module, or a PWM control module.

[0041] When sterilization is performed, the control module 3 controls the steam control valve to open; when the inside of tank 1 is in the second state (i.e., the pressure inside tank 1 is the second preset pressure and the temperature inside tank 1 is the second preset temperature), the timing module starts the sterilization timing; when the sterilization timing reaches the preset time (e.g., 30 minutes), the timing module sends a cooling signal to the control module 3. After receiving the cooling signal, the control module 3 controls the steam control valve to close and controls the cooling water control valve to open.

[0042] In the aforementioned sterilization device, a steam control valve is installed at the steam inlet 51, a cooling water control valve is installed at the cooling water inlet 52, and a control module 3 and a timing module are installed outside the tank body 1. The control module 3 is coupled to the steam control valve, the cooling water control valve, and the timing module, respectively. This allows for precise sterilization timing using the timing module during the sterilization process, while the control module 3 accurately and promptly controls the opening and closing states of the steam control valve and the cooling water control valve based on the sterilization timing. This improves automation and operational efficiency, reduces manpower, and eliminates the need for manual operation, thus enhancing worker safety. Furthermore, the precise automated control reduces media (heating steam and cooling water) waste, indirectly lowering energy consumption.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the top of the aforementioned tank 1 is also provided with a breather connection port 12. The aforementioned sterilization device also includes a breather 6. When the breather 6 is in the open state, it can communicate with the inside of the tank 1 through the breather connection port 12. By setting up the breather 6, the pressure balance inside and outside the tank 1 can be maintained, preventing the tank 1 from deforming. At the same time, after sterilization, it can filter microorganisms and particulate matter in the air, preventing secondary contamination of the sterilized medicine solution. In addition, opening the breather 6 after sterilization also helps to dissipate heat from the medicine solution inside the tank 1.

[0044] It is worth noting that although the respirator 6 has the function of balancing the pressure inside and outside the tank 1 during sterilization, the non-condensable gases generated inside the tank 1 during sterilization cannot be directly discharged from the respirator 6 to the outside of the tank 1. Otherwise, the internal structure of the respirator 6 would be contaminated by the non-condensable gases. Thus, after sterilization, the contaminated respirator 6 could potentially cause secondary contamination of the sterilized medicine solution inside the tank 1, reducing the safety of the medicine solution. Therefore, the present invention provides the above-mentioned sterilization device to ensure the uniformity of the internal temperature of the sterilization tank 1 during moist heat sterilization, while preventing the non-condensable gases from being discharged from the respirator 6 to the outside of the tank 1, thereby improving the safety of the medicine solution.

[0045] On the other hand, the present invention provides a sterilization method employing the sterilization apparatus described in any of the above embodiments. For example... Figure 2As shown, the sterilization method includes: S100, heating the aforementioned tank 1; when the monitoring module 4 collects the state information inside the tank 1 as a first state, the control module 3 controls the exhaust valve 2 to open. For example, when the monitoring module 4 collects the pressure inside the tank 1 as a first pressure (e.g., 101.325 kPa) and the temperature inside the tank 1 as a first temperature (e.g., 25°C), it sends this pressure and temperature information to the control module 3. After receiving the pressure and temperature information from the monitoring module 4, the control module 3 controls the exhaust valve 2 to open.

[0046] It is readily understood that when the sterilization device further includes a tank jacket 5 fitted onto the outer surface of the tank body 1, and the outer surface of the tank jacket 5 is provided with a steam inlet 51, during the above steps, heating steam can be introduced into the tank jacket 5 through the steam inlet 51 to heat the tank body 1. This heating method has high heating efficiency and saves energy. Of course, those skilled in the art can also use other methods to heat the tank body 1, such as electric heating, water bath heating, oil bath heating, etc.

[0047] S200, when the monitoring module 4 collects the state information inside the tank 1 as the second state, the control module 3 controls the exhaust valve 2 to close. For example, when the monitoring module 4 collects the pressure inside the tank 1 as the second pressure (e.g., 103.4 kPa) and the temperature inside the tank 1 as the second temperature (e.g., 121.3 °C), it sends this pressure and temperature information to the control module 3. After receiving the pressure and temperature information from the monitoring module 4, the control module 3 controls the exhaust valve 2 to open.

[0048] Therefore, in the above sterilization method, the monitoring module 4 monitors the internal state information of the tank 1. When the tank 1 is in the first state, the control module 3 opens the exhaust valve 2; when the tank 1 is heated to the second state, the control module 3 closes the exhaust valve 2. This allows the monitoring module 4 and the control module 3 to cooperate in opening or closing the exhaust valve 2 at different times throughout the sterilization process. This ensures that non-condensable gases generated inside the tank 1 during heating can be promptly discharged outside the tank 1, preventing their accumulation and ensuring the uniformity of temperature inside the tank 1, thereby ensuring the safety of the chemical solution. Furthermore, the above sterilization method is simple, easy to learn and operate, indirectly improving sterilization efficiency.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the procedure following step S200 further includes:

[0050] S300, start sterilization timing; when performing sterilization timing, the staff can manually start the sterilization timing, or a timing module can be installed on the outside of tank 1 to automatically start the sterilization timing.

[0051] S400: When the sterilization timer reaches the preset time, heating of tank 1 is stopped, and cooling of tank 1 begins simultaneously. The preset time here is, for example, 30 minutes.

[0052] It is readily understood that when the sterilization device further includes a tank jacket 5 fitted onto the outer surface of the tank body 1, and the outer surface of the tank jacket 5 has a steam inlet 51 and a cooling water inlet 52, during this step, the heating steam can be stopped from being supplied to the tank jacket 5 by closing the steam inlet 51, thereby stopping the heating of the tank body 1. Furthermore, cooling water can be supplied to the tank jacket 5 through the cooling water inlet 52 to cool the tank body 1. This cooling method provides high cooling uniformity and rapid cooling speed. Of course, those skilled in the art can also use other methods to cool the tank body 1, such as air cooling or natural cooling.

[0053] S500, when the state information inside the tank 1 collected by the monitoring module 4 is in the first state, cooling of the tank 1 is stopped.

[0054] In the above sterilization method, by timing the sterilization process and then controlling the timing of stopping heating and cooling the tank 1 according to the sterilization time, it is possible to effectively avoid insufficient sterilization effect due to short sterilization time, which would affect the safety of the medicine solution; at the same time, it can also avoid the waste of media (heating steam, cooling water) due to excessive sterilization time, which indirectly reduces energy consumption.

[0055] When the top of the aforementioned tank 1 is provided with a breather connection port 12, and the aforementioned sterilization device further includes a breather 6 that communicates with the interior of the tank 1 through the breather connection port 12, such as Figure 4As shown, step S500 includes: S510, when the pressure inside the tank 1 collected by the monitoring module 4 is a first preset pressure, the respirator 6 is turned on; S520, when the temperature inside the tank 1 collected by the monitoring module 4 is a first preset temperature, cooling of the tank 1 is stopped. For example, when the sterilization timer reaches a preset time (e.g., 30 minutes), the steam inlet 51 is closed, heating steam is stopped from being introduced into the tank jacket 5, and cooling water is introduced into the tank jacket 5 through the cooling water inlet 52 to cool the tank 1. As the tank 1 cools, the pressure inside the tank 1 gradually decreases. When the monitoring module 4 collects that the pressure inside the tank 1 has decreased to a first preset pressure (e.g., 101.325 kPa), the operator manually turns on the respirator 6. The respirator 6 allows the inside of the tank 1 to communicate with the outside world. Simultaneously, because the respirator 6 has a filtering function, it can prevent external microorganisms or particulate matter from entering the inside of the tank 1. When the monitoring module 4 detects that the temperature inside the tank 1 has dropped to a first preset temperature (e.g., 25°C), it stops supplying cooling water into the tank jacket 5, thus stopping the cooling of the tank 1 and completing the entire sterilization process. In the above steps, by opening the breather 6 after the internal pressure of the tank 1 reaches the first preset pressure, the inside of the tank 1 can be connected to the outside, maintaining pressure balance inside and outside the tank 1 and preventing deformation of the tank 1. Opening the breather 6 after sterilization also helps dissipate heat from the liquid inside the tank 1.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sterilization apparatus characterized by comprising: include: The tank body (1) has an exhaust port (11) on the top. When the exhaust valve (2) is in the open state, it is connected to the inside of the tank (1) through the exhaust port (11); When the inside of the tank (1) is in the first state, the exhaust valve (2) is in the open state; when the inside of the tank (1) is in the second state, the exhaust valve (2) is in the closed state. The control module (3) is located outside the tank body (1); The monitoring module (4) is located inside the tank (1); The monitoring module (4) and the exhaust valve (2) are respectively coupled to the control module (3); the monitoring module (4) is used to collect the status information inside the tank (1) and send it to the control module (3); the control module (3) is used to control the exhaust valve (2) to open or close according to the status information collected by the monitoring module (4), so that during the process of the state inside the tank (1) changing from the first state to the second state, the non-condensable gas generated inside the tank (1) can be discharged from the tank (1) in time through the opened exhaust valve (2), avoiding the accumulation of non-condensable gas inside the tank (1), ensuring the uniformity of the temperature inside the tank (1) during the moist heat sterilization process, and thus improving the safety of the medicine solution; The status information includes pressure information and temperature information; the first status includes a first preset pressure and a first preset temperature, and the second status includes a second preset pressure and a second preset temperature; the first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure, and the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature.

2. The sterilization device of claim 1, wherein, The control module (3) includes an ARM microcontroller (31); the monitoring module (4) includes a pressure monitor (41) and a temperature monitor (42); the pressure monitor (41) and the temperature monitor (42) are respectively coupled to the ARM microcontroller (31); The pressure monitor (41) is used to collect the pressure information inside the tank (1) and send it to the ARM microcontroller (31). The temperature monitor (42) is used to collect the temperature information inside the tank (1) and send it to the ARM microcontroller (31). The ARM microcontroller (31) is used to control the exhaust valve (2) to open or close according to the pressure information collected by the pressure monitor (41) and the temperature information collected by the temperature monitor (42).

3. The sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The exhaust valve (2) is an electric diaphragm valve.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tank jacket (5), which is fitted onto the outer surface of the tank (1); the outer surface of the tank jacket (5) is provided with a steam inlet (51) and a cooling water inlet (52).

5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, A steam control valve is provided at the steam inlet (51), and a cooling water control valve is provided at the cooling water inlet (52); The sterilization device also includes a control module (3) and a timing module located outside the tank (1); the control module (3) is coupled to the steam control valve, the cooling water control valve and the timing module respectively; When sterilization is performed, the control module (3) controls the steam control valve to open; when the tank (1) is in the second state, the timing module starts the sterilization timing; when the sterilization timing reaches the preset time, the timing module sends a cooling signal to the control module (3), and the control module (3) controls the steam control valve to close and controls the cooling water control valve to open.

6. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the tank (1) is also provided with a respirator connection port (12); the sterilization device also includes a respirator (6), which is connected to the inside of the tank (1) through the respirator connection port (12) when the respirator (6) is in the open state.

7. A sterilization method, characterized in that, The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6 is used; the sterilization method includes: S100, heating the tank (1); when the monitoring module (4) collects the state information inside the tank (1) as the first state, the control module (3) controls the exhaust valve (2) to open; S200, when the monitoring module (4) collects the state information inside the tank (1) and it is the second state, the control module (3) controls the exhaust valve (2) to close.

8. The sterilization method according to claim 7, characterized in that, After step S200, the method further includes: S300, start sterilization timing; S400, when the sterilization timer reaches the preset time, the heating of the tank (1) is stopped, and the tank (1) is cooled at the same time; S500, when the monitoring module (4) collects the state information inside the tank (1) as the first state, the cooling of the tank (1) is stopped.

9. The sterilization method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first state includes a first preset pressure and a first preset temperature; the top of the tank (1) is provided with a breather connection port (12), and the sterilization device also includes a breather (6) that communicates with the inside of the tank (1) through the breather connection port (12). Step S500 includes: S510, when the pressure inside the tank (1) collected by the monitoring module (4) is the first preset pressure, the respirator (6) is turned on. S520, when the temperature inside the tank (1) collected by the monitoring module (4) is the first preset temperature, the cooling of the tank (1) is stopped.

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