A piping system for heating sterilization gas

Abstract

The application relates to a pipeline system for heating sterilization gas, belonging to the technical field of gas sterilization, which comprises an air inlet assembly, a circulating heating assembly, an air outlet assembly, a gas storage tank and a sterilization outlet pipe; the air inlet assembly comprises an air inlet pipe and an air inlet valve; the circulating heating assembly comprises a circulating pipeline, a heater, a blower and a circulating valve, and the circulating pipeline is connected with the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe; the air outlet assembly comprises an air outlet pipe, an air outlet valve, a compressor and a one-way valve, and the air outlet pipe is connected with the circulating pipeline and the gas storage tank; the gas storage tank is internally provided with a heating serpentine pipe connected with a hot water stove; the sterilization outlet pipe is connected with the gas storage tank and a sterilization bin; the system can make the sterilization gas fully circulate and heat in the circulating pipeline through the heater and the blower, then pressurize the sterilization gas through the compressor and send the sterilization gas into the gas storage tank, continuously heat the sterilization gas through the heating serpentine pipe, and finally stably deliver the sterilization gas to the sterilization bin through the sterilization outlet pipe, so that the sterilization gas is effectively prevented from liquefying in the delivery and storage process, and the reliability and safety of the sterilization process are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of gas sterilization, and in particular to a pipeline system for heating sterilizing gases. Background Technology

[0002] Ethylene oxide is a broad-spectrum, highly effective gaseous sterilizing agent widely used for the final sterilization of medical devices. Although it is a gas at room temperature and pressure, its liquefaction point is relatively low, approximately 10°C. In actual sterilization systems, gaseous ethylene oxide needs to be piped from the gas source to the sterilization chamber. To ensure rapid and uniform diffusion within the chamber and adequate contact with the medical devices, the gas is typically preheated to 30 to 50°C.

[0003] However, during transport, especially when the ambient temperature is low or the pipeline is long, the gas heat will continuously dissipate through the pipe wall. Once the local temperature of the pipeline is lower than the liquefaction point of ethylene oxide, the gas will condense into a liquid state, thus failing to effectively enter the sterilization chamber with the airflow. This results in insufficient actual sterilizing agent concentration inside the chamber, easily leading to sterilization failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problem of sterilization gas liquefying due to temperature drop during transport, leading to sterilization failure, this application provides a pipeline system for heating sterilization gas.

[0005] The pipeline system for heating sterilization gas provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A piping system for heating sterilizing gas includes an inlet assembly, a circulating heating assembly, an exhaust assembly, a gas storage tank, and a sterilization discharge pipe. The inlet assembly includes an inlet pipe and an inlet valve. The gas input end of the inlet pipe is located on a gas source, and one end of the circulating heating assembly is located at the output end of the inlet pipe. The exhaust assembly includes an exhaust pipe, an exhaust valve, and a compressor. One end of the exhaust pipe is located at the other end of the circulating heating assembly, and the exhaust valve and compressor are sequentially arranged on the exhaust pipe along the gas discharge direction. The gas storage tank is located on one side of the circulating heating assembly, and the other end of the exhaust pipe is located on the gas storage tank, communicating with the gas storage tank. One end of the sterilization discharge pipe is located on the gas storage tank, communicating with the gas storage tank. The other end of the sterilization discharge pipe extends into a sterilization chamber.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, the pipeline system introduces sterilization gas through the air intake component, the circulating heating component heats and circulates the gas, and the exhaust component compresses the heated gas and delivers it to the gas storage tank. The gas storage tank stores the gas and delivers it to the sterilization chamber through the sterilization discharge pipe, ensuring that the gas maintains a suitable temperature before entering the sterilization chamber and preventing the sterilization gas from liquefying during transportation.

[0007] Preferably, the circulating heating assembly includes a circulating pipeline, a heater, and a blower. The circulating pipeline is disposed between the intake pipe and the exhaust pipe, and both the intake pipe and the exhaust pipe are connected to the circulating pipeline. The heater and the blower are both disposed on the circulating pipeline.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the circulation pipeline provides a gas circulation path, the heater provides a heat source, and the blower drives the gas to flow in the circulation pipeline, so that the gas is heated evenly and avoids local temperatures from falling below the liquefaction point.

[0009] Preferably, the circulating heating assembly further includes a circulating valve, which is disposed on the circulating pipeline.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the circulation valve enables reliable switching between two operating states: internal circulation heating and external exhaust delivery. During the heating phase, the circulation valve opens, allowing the sterilizing gas to circulate and heat fully within the circulation pipeline. Once heating is complete, the circulation valve closes, and the system immediately switches to the exhaust phase, directing the gas to the exhaust assembly. This design ensures the sealing of the heating process and the smooth opening and closing of the exhaust flow.

[0011] Preferably, a controller is provided on one side of the circulation pipeline, and the intake valve, exhaust valve and circulation valve are all electrically controlled valves, and the intake valve, exhaust valve and circulation valve are respectively communicatively connected to the controller.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the controller automates the opening and closing of these valves, thereby automating system operation, reducing manual intervention, and improving operational reliability and efficiency.

[0013] Preferably, the heater, blower, and compressor are also communicatively connected to the controller.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the controller coordinates the operation of the heater, blower and compressor, ensuring that the heating process and the compression process are synchronized, thereby enhancing the overall coordination and stability of the system.

[0015] Preferably, a temperature detector is provided on the circulation pipeline, and the temperature detector is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, a temperature detector is installed on the circulation pipeline, and the temperature detector is communicatively connected to the controller. The temperature detector monitors the temperature of the gas in the circulation pipeline in real time, and the controller adjusts the heating process of the heater according to the temperature data to ensure that the gas is heated to the set temperature range and to prevent overheating or underheating.

[0017] Preferably, the exhaust assembly includes a one-way valve, which is disposed on the exhaust pipe and located between the compressor and the gas tank.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the one-way valve prevents gas in the gas storage tank from flowing back into the exhaust pipe, maintains stable pressure in the gas storage tank, and ensures that gas enters the gas storage tank in one direction.

[0019] Preferably, a heating serpentine tube is provided on the inner wall of the gas storage tank, and a hot water heater is provided on one side of the gas storage tank. The input end and output end of the heating serpentine tube are both located on the hot water heater.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, both the input and output ends of the heating serpentine tube are connected to a hot water heater. The hot water heater provides hot water that circulates within the heating serpentine tube, continuously maintaining the temperature of the gas in the storage tank through heat exchange. This prevents the gas temperature from dropping below the liquefaction point, keeps the gas in a gaseous state, and ensures a stable gas concentration when delivered to the sterilization warehouse.

[0021] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects: The system introduces gas through an intake assembly, where a circulating heating assembly forces and uniformly heats the gas, ensuring it reaches the target temperature before entering the delivery stage. The compressor in the exhaust assembly pressurizes the heated gas and sends it into the storage tank; this process, coupled with a check valve, maintains stable pipeline pressure. A heating serpentine tube inside the storage tank continuously insulates the gas with circulating hot water supplied by an external water heater, fundamentally preventing gas condensation during storage. Under the coordination of the controller, the entire system achieves automated management of the intake, circulation, heating, exhaust, and insulation processes. The collaborative work of all components ensures that the sterilizing gas remains in a stable gaseous state at a constant temperature throughout the entire process from the gas source to the sterilization chamber, effectively ensuring the reliability of the sterilization concentration. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air intake assembly and the circulating heating assembly in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the gas storage tank in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram used to illustrate the gas storage tank in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Intake assembly; 11. Intake pipe; 12. Intake valve; 2. Circulation heating assembly; 21. Circulation pipeline; 22. Heater; 23. Blower; 24. Temperature detector; 25. Circulation valve; 3. Exhaust assembly; 31. Exhaust pipe; 32. Exhaust valve; 33. Compressor; 34. Check valve; 4. Air tank; 41. Heating serpentine tube; 5. Sterilization discharge pipe; 51. Discharge control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0028] This application discloses a pipeline system for heating sterilization gas, referring to... Figure 1 The system includes an air intake assembly 1, a circulating heating assembly 2, an exhaust assembly 3, an air storage tank 4, and a sterilization discharge pipe 5. The gas input end of the air intake assembly 1 is installed on a gas source (not shown in the figure). The circulating heating assembly 2 is installed between the air intake assembly 1 and the exhaust assembly 3, and is used to circulate and heat the sterilization gas. The air storage tank 4 is located at the gas exhaust end of the exhaust assembly 3, and the sterilization discharge pipe 5 is installed on the air storage tank 4. The air storage tank 4 discharges the sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber through the sterilization discharge pipe 5. The gas source is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0029] Reference Figures 1-2 The intake assembly 1 includes an intake pipe 11 and an intake valve 12; the circulating heating assembly 2 includes a circulating pipe 21, a heater 22, a blower 23, a temperature detector 24, and a circulating valve 25; and the exhaust assembly 3 includes an exhaust pipe 31, an exhaust valve 32, a compressor 33, and a one-way valve 34. One end of the intake pipe 11 is fixedly connected to the air source. The circulating pipe 21 is located on one side of the intake pipe 11, and the other end of the intake pipe 11 is fixedly connected to the input end of the circulating pipe 21, and the intake pipe 11 communicates with the circulating pipe 21. The exhaust pipe 31 is located on one side of the circulating pipe 21, and one end of the exhaust pipe 31 is fixedly connected to the output end of the circulating pipe 21, and the exhaust pipe 31 communicates with the circulating pipe 21. The heater 22, the blower 23, the circulating valve 25, and the temperature detector 24 are sequentially fixedly connected to the circulating pipe 21 along the gas circulation direction. One side of the gas storage tank 4 is equipped with an exhaust pipe 31, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 31 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the gas storage tank 4, and the exhaust pipe 31 communicates with the gas storage tank 4. An exhaust valve 32, a compressor 33, and a one-way valve 34 are sequentially fixedly connected to the exhaust pipe 31 along the gas flow direction. One end of the sterilization discharge pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the gas storage tank 4, and the sterilization discharge pipe 5 communicates with the gas storage tank 4. The other end of the sterilization discharge pipe 5 extends into the sterilization chamber, and a discharge control valve 51 is fixedly connected to the sterilization discharge pipe 5.

[0030] Reference Figures 1-2In this embodiment, a controller (not shown in the figure) is provided on one side of the circulation pipeline 21. The intake valve 12, circulation valve 25, exhaust valve 32, and discharge control valve 51 are all electrically controlled valves, and all of them are communicatively connected to the controller. The temperature detector 24, heater 22, blower 23, and compressor 33 are also communicatively connected to the controller. The controller is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0031] Reference Figures 1-2 When the system starts working, the inlet valve 12 and the circulation valve 25 are open, while the exhaust valve 32 and the discharge control valve 51 are closed. Sterilizing gas enters from the gas source through the inlet pipe 11 and gradually fills the circulation pipe 21. The controller has a timing function; when the inlet time reaches a preset value, the controller automatically closes the inlet valve 12. Subsequently, the heater 22 and the blower 23 start, forcibly circulating and heating the sterilizing gas enclosed in the circulation pipe 21. The blower 23 drives the gas to flow continuously within the circulation pipe 21, and the heater 22 provides a heat source, causing the gas temperature to rise uniformly. The temperature detector 24 monitors the temperature of the gas in the circulation pipe 21 in real time and transmits the monitoring data to the controller. When the gas temperature reaches the preset target range, the controller receives a signal and executes the next stage command: closing the circulation valve 25 to stop internal circulation, simultaneously opening the exhaust valve 32 and starting the compressor 33. At this time, the heated sterilizing gas enters the exhaust pipe 31, is pressurized by the compressor 33, and then enters the gas storage tank 4 for storage through the one-way valve 34. The one-way valve 34 here ensures that gas can only flow into the gas storage tank 4 in one direction, preventing reverse flow and thus maintaining stable pressure within the gas storage tank 4. This process can be repeated, gradually filling the gas storage tank 4 with gas until the required pressure is reached. During actual sterilization operations, the system supports continuous operation. The controller coordinates the operation of each component, allowing the stored sterilization gas in the gas storage tank 4 to be discharged to the sterilization chamber via the sterilization discharge pipe 5 through the discharge control valve 51 while new gas is being added to the tank, achieving a dynamic balance between gas supply and consumption.

[0032] Reference Figures 2-4Heating serpentine tubes 41 are vertically arranged on the inner wall of the gas storage tank 4. Both the inlet and outlet of these heating serpentine tubes 41 extend from the outer wall of the gas storage tank 4. The inlet of the heating serpentine tubes 41 is located at the upper end of the gas storage tank 4, and the outlet is located at the lower end. A hot water heater (not shown in the figure) is installed on one side of the gas storage tank 4, and both the inlet and outlet of the heating serpentine tubes 41 are connected to the hot water heater. The hot water heater is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. During operation, the hot water heater continuously provides hot water, which flows in from the inlet of the heating serpentine tubes 41 and flows downwards along the vertically arranged heating serpentine tubes 41. As the hot water flows through the heating serpentine tubes 41, heat exchange occurs between the tube wall and the inner wall of the gas storage tank 4, thereby evenly transferring heat to the interior of the gas storage tank 4 and maintaining the sterilization gas inside the gas storage tank 4 at a suitable temperature. Subsequently, hot water flows out from the outlet of the heating serpentine tube 41 and returns to the hot water boiler, forming a circulating heating loop. This design allows the gas storage tank 4 to maintain continuous temperature through hot water circulation, effectively preventing the temperature of the sterilizing gas inside the tank from dropping below its liquefaction point due to a decrease in ambient temperature, thus avoiding condensation of the sterilizing gas during storage. This ensures that the sterilizing gas transported from the gas storage tank 4 to the sterilization chamber remains in a gaseous state, maintaining the stability of the sterilizing agent concentration and the safety of the transportation process.

[0033] The implementation principle of a pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: When the system is working, sterilization gas enters the circulation pipeline 21 from the gas source through the inlet pipe 11. The controller closes the inlet valve 12 according to a preset time, and then starts the heater 22 and the blower 23 to drive the gas to circulate continuously in the closed circulation pipeline 21 and be uniformly heated. The temperature detector 24 monitors the gas temperature in real time. When the temperature rises to the set range, the controller closes the circulation valve 25 and opens the exhaust valve 32, and at the same time starts the compressor 33. The heated gas is pressurized through the exhaust pipe 31 and sent into the gas storage tank 4 through the one-way valve 34. The gas storage tank 4 is equipped with a heating serpentine pipe 41, in which hot water provided by a hot water heater circulates to continuously keep the gas in the tank warm. Finally, the gas is delivered to the sterilization chamber in a stable flow state through the sterilization discharge pipe 5.

[0034] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A piping system for heating sterilizing gas, characterized in that: It includes an air intake assembly (1), a circulating heating assembly (2), an exhaust assembly (3), a gas storage tank (4), and a sterilization discharge pipe (5). The air intake assembly (1) includes an air intake pipe (11) and an air intake valve (12). The gas input end of the air intake pipe (11) is set on the gas source, and one end of the circulating heating assembly (2) is set at the output end of the air intake pipe (11). The exhaust assembly (3) includes an exhaust pipe (31), an exhaust valve (32) and a compressor (33). One end of the exhaust pipe (31) is located at the other end of the circulating heating assembly (2). The exhaust valve (32) and the compressor (33) are arranged sequentially on the exhaust pipe (31) along the gas discharge direction. The gas storage tank (4) is located on one side of the circulating heating component (2), and the other end of the exhaust pipe (31) is located on the gas storage tank (4). The exhaust pipe (31) is connected to the gas storage tank (4). One end of the sterilization discharge pipe (5) is located on the gas storage tank (4). The sterilization discharge pipe (5) is connected to the gas storage tank (4). The other end of the sterilization discharge pipe (5) extends into the sterilization warehouse.

2. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circulating heating assembly (2) includes a circulating pipe (21), a heater (22) and a blower (23). The circulating pipe (21) is located between the intake pipe (11) and the exhaust pipe (31). Both the intake pipe (11) and the exhaust pipe (31) are connected to the circulating pipe (21). The heater (22) and the blower (23) are both located on the circulating pipe (21).

3. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circulating heating assembly (2) also includes a circulating valve (25), which is disposed on the circulating pipeline (21).

4. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 3, characterized in that: A controller is provided on one side of the circulation pipeline (21). The intake valve (12), exhaust valve (32) and circulation valve (25) are all electrically controlled valves. The intake valve (12), exhaust valve (32) and circulation valve (25) are respectively connected to the controller for communication.

5. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heater (22), blower (23) and compressor (33) are also connected to the controller in communication.

6. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 4, characterized in that: A temperature detector (24) is provided on the circulation pipeline (21), and the temperature detector (24) is communicatively connected to the controller.

7. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust assembly (3) includes a one-way valve (34) which is disposed on the exhaust pipe (31) and is located between the compressor (33) and the gas storage tank (4).

8. A pipeline system for heating sterilization gas according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating serpentine tube (41) is provided on the inner wall of the gas storage tank (4), and a hot water heater is provided on one side of the gas storage tank (4). The input end and output end of the heating serpentine tube (41) are both located on the hot water heater.

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