Drainage filter device for sterilization pots and method for replacing the filter cartridge

Abstract

A drainage filtering device of a sterilization pot is installed between a waste water outlet pipe and a drainage pipe of a sterilization pot, which comprises a Y-shaped filter and a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter comprises a seat body, a shell and a filter core. The shell is provided with a sterilization liquid injection port and a sterilization liquid discharge port. The filter core can filter particles with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 μm or above. The method for replacing the filter core is to inject sterilization liquid into the drainage filtering device, soak the filter core in the sterilization liquid for at least 30 minutes, then discharge the sterilization liquid, replace the whole drainage filtering device, and send the removed drainage filtering device to the sterilization pot for sterilization. In this way, there is no risk of bacteria or virus overflow and spread when replacing the filter core, and the filter core replacement is more secure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of a drainage filtration device for a sterilizer and a method for replacing the filter element, specifically to a drainage filtration device for a sterilizer and a method for replacing the filter element that makes filter element replacement safer. Background Technology

[0002] In general, laboratories at P2 level and above often involve recombinant gene experiments and cell culture systems, which may generate infectious viruses. Therefore, contaminants and waste from experimental biological materials need to be introduced through a door on one side of an autoclave 1, sterilized using high-pressure steam, and then removed through the other side for cleaning before reuse or disposal. The wastewater discharged from the autoclave 1 after sterilization must be filtered through a drainage filtration device 2 equipped with a HEPA filter before being discharged into the environment. Figure 1 As shown.

[0003] Please see Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the drainage filtration device 2 of the existing sterilizer mainly includes a Y-shaped filter 20 and a HEPA filter 21. Wherein:

[0004] The Y-shaped filter 20 has one end connected to a wastewater outlet pipe 10 of the sterilizer, which can first filter larger particles in the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe 10.

[0005] The HEPA filter 21 includes a base 210, a housing 211, and a filter element 212. The base 210 has a drain pipe 213 for connecting to a drain pipe 11. The housing 211 is detachably attached to the base 210 using a first clamp 214, and the housing 211 has an inlet pipe 215, which is detachably attached to the other end of the Y-shaped filter 20 using a second clamp 216, allowing wastewater filtered by the Y-shaped filter 20 to be introduced into the housing 211. The filter element 212 is disposed within the housing 211, filtering out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger from the wastewater inside the housing 211. The filtered wastewater is then introduced into the drain pipe 11 through the drain pipe 213 of the base 210 and discharged into the environment.

[0006] However, after a period of use, a large number of particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger will accumulate on the filter element 212 of the HEPA filter 21, causing blockage and severely affecting its filtration efficiency. Therefore, the filter element 212 needs to be replaced periodically. The method for replacing the filter element 212 is as follows: first, open the first clamp 214 and the second clamp 216, then open the outer casing 211, remove the old filter element 212, and replace it with a new filter element 212. After replacement, use the first clamp 214 and the second clamp 216 to lock the outer casing 211 back into place.

[0007] However, since a large number of bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger are attached to the inside of the housing 211 and the filter element 212 of the HEPA filter 21, when the housing 211 is opened to replace the filter element 212, these bacteria and viruses will be released into the air. This not only puts the person replacing the filter at risk of infection, thus endangering their health, but also allows these bacteria and viruses to spread into the environment, creating a loophole for bacterial and viral transmission.

[0008] In view of this, the inventors have deeply conceived and actively researched, improved and tested the aforementioned problems to develop and design this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The main objective of this invention is to solve the problems of existing sterilizer drainage filtration devices, such as the release of bacteria and viruses into the air when the HEPA filter element is replaced, which poses a risk of infection to the personnel involved in the replacement and allows these bacteria and viruses to spread into the environment, thus creating a loophole for bacterial and viral transmission.

[0010] The wastewater filtration device for a sterilizer according to the present invention is installed between a wastewater outlet pipe and a drain pipe of a sterilizer. The wastewater outlet pipe has a valve body A at its end, and the drain pipe has a valve body B at its front end. The wastewater filtration device includes a Y-shaped filter and a HEPA filter. The front end of the Y-shaped filter is detachably connected to valve body A, and is used to filter larger particles in the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe. The HEPA filter comprises a base, a housing, and a filter element. The base is detachably connected to the valve body B, and the housing is detachably attached to the base. The housing has an inlet tube for detachably connecting to the end of the Y-shaped filter. The housing has a sterilization liquid inlet for injecting sterilization liquid and a sterilization liquid outlet for discharging sterilization liquid. A valve body C is provided on the sterilization liquid inlet for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilization liquid inlet, and a valve body D is provided on the sterilization liquid outlet for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilization liquid outlet. The filter element is disposed within the housing and filters out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger from the wastewater inside the housing. The filtered wastewater is then discharged through the base to the drain pipe.

[0011] The method for replacing the filter element of the drainage filter device of the sterilizer according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) closing the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device; (b) injecting sterilization solution into the drainage filter device; (c) immersing the filter element of the HEPA filter in the sterilization solution for at least 30 minutes; (d) draining the sterilization solution from the drainage filter device; (e) removing the drainage filter device and placing it in the sterilizer for sterilization; (f) installing another replacement drainage filter device; and (g) opening the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device.

[0012] The sterilizer drainage filtration device and filter element replacement method provided by this invention can close valves A and B to first shut off the inlet and outlet of the drainage filtration device. Then, by opening valve C, sterilizing liquid can be injected into the drainage filtration device from the outside through the sterilizing liquid inlet and left to stand for a period of time. This sterilizing liquid can then completely eliminate bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 μm or larger in the drainage filtration device. Finally, the sterilizing liquid can be discharged by opening valve D. In this way, the entire drainage filtration device can be removed and replaced with another set of replacement drainage filtration devices. After the removed drainage filtration device is sterilized in the sterilizer, the filter element can be replaced. Therefore, when replacing the drainage filtration device or the filter element, because the bacteria and viruses in the drainage filtration device have been eliminated by the sterilizing liquid beforehand, the personnel replacing the drainage filtration device or the filter element will not be at risk of infection. Conversely, the filter element replacement operation will not cause bacteria or viruses to spill into the environment and create a breach of infection. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the usage status of the drainage filtration device in an existing sterilizer.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the drainage filtration device of an existing sterilizer.

[0015] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of replacing the filter element in the drainage filtration device of an existing sterilizer.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the usage state of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an enlarged three-dimensional combined schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure and a partial enlarged cross-section of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wastewater discharge filtration operation of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 This describes the process for replacing the filter element in this invention.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the action of injecting sterilization solution into a HEPA filter according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the action of discharging sterilization solution from the HEPA filter according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of replacing the entire drainage filter device according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the action of replacing the filter element according to the present invention.

[0027] Symbol explanation:

[0028] [Primary Technology]

[0029] 1. Sterilization pot

[0030] 10 Wastewater outlet pipe

[0031] 11 Drainage pipe

[0032] 2. Drainage filtration device

[0033] 20Y-shaped filter

[0034] 21 HEPA filter

[0035] 210 seat body

[0036] 211 Outer shell

[0037] 212 filter element

[0038] 213 Export tube

[0039] 214 First clamp joint

[0040] 215 Infusion tube

[0041] 216 Second Clamp Joint

[0042] [This invention]

[0043] 3. Sterilization pot

[0044] 30 Wastewater outlet pipe

[0045] 300 Valve Body A

[0046] 31 Drainage pipe

[0047] 310 Valve Body B

[0048] 4. Drainage filtration device

[0049] 40Y type filter

[0050] 50 HEPA filter

[0051] 51 base

[0052] 510 Export Tube

[0053] 52. Outer shell

[0054] 520 Implantation Tube

[0055] 521 Sterilization solution inlet

[0056] 522 Sterilization solution discharge port

[0057] 523 Valve Body C

[0058] 524 Valve Body D

[0059] 53 Filter Cartridge

[0060] 60 clamp connector A

[0061] 61 Clamping Joint B

[0062] 62 Clamping Joint C

[0063] 63 Clamping Joint D Detailed Implementation

[0064] Please see Figure 4 As shown, the drainage filtration device 4 of this invention is installed between a wastewater outlet pipe 30 and a drain pipe 31 of a sterilizer 3. Contaminants and waste from laboratory materials used in P2 level or higher laboratories must be introduced into the sterilizer 3 through a door on one side, sterilized using high-pressure steam, and then removed through a door on the other side for cleaning before reuse or disposal. The wastewater discharged from the sterilizer 3 after sterilization must be filtered by the drainage filtration device 4 before being released into the environment.

[0065] Please see Figures 5 to 7 The diagram shows the drainage filtration device of the sterilizer described in this invention. A valve body A300 is provided at the end of the wastewater outlet pipe 30 to control whether water flows from the wastewater outlet pipe 30. A valve body B310 is provided at the front end of the drain pipe 31 to control whether filtered wastewater enters the drain pipe 31. The drainage filtration device 4 includes a Y-shaped filter 40 and a HEPA filter 50, wherein:

[0066] The Y-shaped filter 40 is fastened to the valve body A300 by a clamp A60 at its front end, so that it can first filter larger particles in the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe 30.

[0067] The HEPA filter 50 is vertically oriented (i.e., perpendicular to the wastewater outlet pipe 30) and includes a base 51, a housing 52, and a filter element 53. The base 51 has an outlet pipe 510, which is fastened to the valve body B310 by a clamp connector B61. The outer casing 52 is fastened to the base 51 by a clamping connector C62, and the outer casing 52 has an inlet tube 520. The inlet tube 520 is fastened to the end of the Y-shaped filter 40 by a clamping connector D63. The outer casing 52 is provided with a sterilization liquid inlet 521 and a sterilization liquid outlet 522. The sterilization liquid inlet 521 allows sterilization liquid to be injected into the outer casing 52 from the outside, and the sterilization liquid outlet 522 allows sterilization liquid in the outer casing 52 to be discharged to the outside. The sterilization liquid inlet 521 is provided with a valve body C523 to control the opening and closing of the sterilization liquid inlet 521, and the sterilization liquid outlet 522 is provided with a valve body D524 to control the opening and closing of the sterilization liquid outlet 522. The filter element 53 is disposed in the housing 52 and can filter out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger in the wastewater inside the housing 52, and then the filtered wastewater is discharged through the outlet pipe 510 of the base 51.

[0068] Please refer to the following: Figure 8As shown, during sterilization, valve bodies A300 and B310 are open, while valve bodies C523 and D524 are closed. Wastewater discharged from the sterilizer 3 flows through the wastewater outlet pipe 30 into the Y-shaped filter 40, where larger particles are first filtered. The wastewater then flows into the housing 52 of the HEPA filter 50, where the filter element 53 further filters particles larger than 0.2–0.3 μm in diameter. Finally, the relatively clean and uncontaminated wastewater is discharged into the environment through the drain pipe 31.

[0069] Please see Figure 9 As shown, this is another embodiment of the drainage filtration device of the sterilizer of the present invention. Its structure is roughly the same as the above embodiment, except that in this embodiment, the HEPA filter 50 is arranged horizontally (that is, it is coaxial or parallel with the wastewater outlet pipe 30), and the sterilization liquid outlet 522 is located on the base 51.

[0070] Please see Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a method for replacing the filter element in the drainage filtration device of the sterilizer described in this invention. The steps are as follows:

[0071] (a) Close the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device 4: Please refer to the following: Figure 11 As shown, first close valve body A300 and valve body B310;

[0072] (b) Inject the sterilization solution into the drainage filter device 4: as follows Figure 11 As shown, open valve body C523 and close valve body D524, then inject sterilization liquid (such as bleach, etc.) into the drainage filter device 4 through sterilization liquid inlet 521, and make the liquid level of sterilization liquid higher than the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50.

[0073] (c) Immerse the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50 in the sterilization solution for at least 30 minutes: such as Figure 11 As shown, the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50 is immersed in the sterilization solution for at least 30 minutes, so that the sterilization solution can completely eliminate bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger in the drainage filter device 4.

[0074] (d) Drain the sterilization solution from the drainage filter device 4: Please refer to... Figure 12 As shown, the valve body D524 is opened to drain the sterilization solution from the drain filter device 4;

[0075] (e) Remove the drain filter device 4 and place it in the sterilizer 3 for sterilization: Please refer to Figure 13As shown, the clamp A60 and the clamp B61 are opened to facilitate the removal of the entire set of drainage filter devices 4, and the removed set of drainage filter devices 4 is sent to the sterilizer 3 for sterilization.

[0076] (f) Install another replacement drain filter device 4: Install another replacement drain filter device 4 and secure it using the clamp A60 and the clamp B61, as follows. Figure 12 As shown;

[0077] (g) Open the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device 4: Open valve body A300 and valve body B310 and close valve body C523 and valve body D524, so that the wastewater discharged during the sterilization operation of the sterilizer 3 can continue to be filtered. Figure 8 As shown.

[0078] In step (e), the removed drainage filter 4 is sterilized by the sterilizer 3, such as... Figure 14 As shown, open the clamp C62 and the clamp D63 to open the housing 52, take out the old filter element 53, replace it with the new filter element 53, then put the housing 52 back in place and use the clamp C62 and the clamp D63 to lock it in place, so as to serve as another set of drainage filter device 4 for future replacement.

[0079] The sterilizer drainage filtration device and its filter element replacement method provided by this invention can close valve body A300 and valve body B310 to first close the inlet and outlet of the drainage filtration device 4. Then, by opening valve body C523, sterilizing liquid can be injected into the drainage filtration device 4 from the outside through the sterilizing liquid inlet 521. The sterilizing liquid can completely eliminate bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger in the drainage filtration device 4. Then, by opening valve body D524, the sterilizing liquid in the drainage filtration device 4 can be discharged through the sterilizing liquid outlet 522. In this way, the entire set of drainage filtration devices 4 can be removed and replaced with another set of replacement drainage filtration devices 4. After the removed drainage filtration devices 4 are sterilized in the sterilizer 3, the filter element 53 can be replaced. Therefore, when replacing the drainage filter device 4 or the filter element 53, the bacteria and viruses in the drainage filter device 4 have been eliminated by the sterilizing solution beforehand, so the replacement personnel will not be at risk of infection when replacing the drainage filter device 4 or the filter element 53. Correspondingly, the replacement of the filter element 53 will not cause bacteria or viruses to spill into the environment and thus create a loophole for infection.

[0080] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drain filter assembly for a sterilizing pot, comprising: The drainage filtration device is installed between a wastewater outlet pipe and a drain pipe of a sterilizer. The wastewater outlet pipe has a valve body A at its end, and the drain pipe has a valve body B at its front end. The drainage filtration device of the sterilizer includes: A Y-shaped filter, the front end of which is detachably connected to the valve body A, is used to filter larger particles in the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe; and A HEPA filter comprises a base, a housing, and a filter element. The base is detachably connected to a valve body B, and the housing is detachably attached to the base. The housing has an inlet tube for detachably connecting to the end of the Y-shaped filter. The housing has a sterilization liquid inlet for injecting sterilization liquid and a sterilization liquid outlet for discharging sterilization liquid. A valve body C is provided on the sterilization liquid inlet for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilization liquid inlet, and a valve body D is provided on the sterilization liquid outlet for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilization liquid outlet. The filter element is disposed within the housing and filters out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger from the wastewater inside the housing. The filtered wastewater is then discharged through the base to the drain pipe.

2. The drain filter apparatus for a sterilizing pot as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The front end of the Y-shaped filter is fastened to the valve body A by a clamp A. The seat has an outlet pipe, which is fastened to the valve body B by a clamp B.

3. The drain filter apparatus for a sterilizer pot of claim 1 wherein, The housing is fastened to the base by a clamp C, and the inlet tube of the housing is fastened to the end of the Y-shaped filter by a clamp D.

4. The drain filter apparatus for a sterilizing pot as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The HEPA filter is positioned vertically.

5. The drain filter apparatus for a sterilizer pot of claim 1 wherein, The HEPA filter is positioned horizontally.

6. The drainage filtration device for the sterilizer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The outer casing does not have a sterilization liquid outlet; instead, the sterilization liquid outlet is located on the base.

7. A method for replacing the filter element in the drainage filtration device of a sterilizer, characterized in that, The drainage filtration device includes a Y-shaped filter with an inlet at the front end and a HEPA filter connected to the end of the Y-shaped filter. The HEPA filter includes a base, a housing, and a filter element. The base has an outlet, and the housing is attached to the base. The filter element is disposed within the housing and can filter particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger. The steps for replacing the filter element are as follows: (a) Close the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device; (b) Inject the sterilization solution into the drainage filtration device; (c) Immerse the HEPA filter cartridge in the sterilization solution for at least 30 minutes; (d) Drain the sterilization solution from the drainage filtration device; (e) Remove the drainage filter and sterilize it in an autoclave; (f) Another set of replacement drainage filters; and (g) Open the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device.

8. The method for replacing the filter element in the drainage filtration device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In step (e), after the drainage filter device is sterilized by the sterilizer, the outer shell of the HEPA filter can be opened, the filter element of the HEPA filter can be replaced, and then the outer shell of the HEPA filter can be replaced for the next replacement.

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