STERILIZER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilizer according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Sterilizers, especially steam sterilizers, are used in clinical and related areas to ensure the complete sterility of sterile supplies. Sterile supplies typically include medical devices or work clothing worn by personnel working under sterile conditions.

[0003] To ensure the required level of sterility in routine operation, the effectiveness of a sterilization process must be checked at regular intervals. This check is usually performed indirectly using a test device that is exposed to the sterilization conditions.

[0004] Steam sterilizers with pre-vacuum are widely used in the medical field. With such sterilizers, sterilization takes place in a sterilization chamber. The process used essentially consists of three phases. In the first phase, the so-called venting phase, also known as the pre-treatment phase, the sterilization chamber is evacuated and the air contained therein is replaced with steam. This process can be repeated several times. This is then referred to as a so-called fractionated pre-vacuum. The second phase is the actual sterilization, with steam acting on the sterilized items in the sterilization chamber for a specific time at a specified pressure and temperature. The third phase involves drying, during which condensate in the interior of the sterilization chamber is removed by vacuum and heating.

[0005] For medical steam sterilizers with fractionated pre-vacuum, routine performance testing using the Bowie-Dick test is mandatory. This test simulates the difficult steam penetration of a tightly compressed package of 7 kg of textiles. According to the ISO 11140-4 standard for packaged sterile goods and porous loads, such testing is mandatory. It also serves to demonstrate compliance with the EN 285 standard and should be performed once a day as a routine test according to ISO 17665-1 to verify the function of the pre-vacuum. One possible test setup for the Bowie-Dick test includes a stack of tightly compressed absorbent paper into which a test card is inserted. Chemical indicators are applied to the test card, which indicate the sterilization effect through a color change.

[0006] However, chemical indicators can also be placed in a gas-permeable test container and exposed to the sterilization conditions. If the air in the sterilizer is not sufficiently removed before the steam is introduced, the steam saturation in the test container will not reach the required concentration, making the defective sterilizer function visible through the indicators. In addition to chemical indicators, electronic sensors can also be used in the Bowie-Dick test. For example, a test specimen consisting of a system of cavities with one or more temperature sensors can be exposed to the sterilization conditions. One or more temperature measurements on the test specimen can determine whether a sterilization process was successful.

[0007] DE 10 2010 016 017 A1 and EP 2 366 411 A1 describe a sterilizer with a sterilization chamber and a testing device for testing the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Said testing device comprises a test specimen and a probe, with the probe mounted within the test specimen. The testing device is designed such that the test specimen is located outside the sterilization chamber and the probe is at least partially located inside it. Furthermore, the testing device is usually firmly connected to the sterilization chamber. However, such a device has the disadvantage that condensate accumulating in the test specimen can only be removed very slowly through evaporation. Furthermore, the described design is comparatively bulky due to the presence of components outside the sterilization chamber.

[0008] WO 00 / 06211 A1 describes a method for real-time monitoring of the effectiveness of a sterilization process in an appropriately equipped sterilizer. The sterilizer has a probe that can be connected to the interior of a sterilization chamber via an opening. A sensor unit is mounted outside the sterilization chamber, on which a series of sensors are arranged and connected to the probe.

[0009] It is the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilizer with a sterilization chamber and a testing device for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process, which is reliable in operation and easy to handle. Furthermore, the sterilizer should be versatile and have a simple design. It should have a compact construction and be cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, low-maintenance operation should be possible.

[0011] These objects are achieved by a sterilizer having the features in claim 1.

[0012] The invention relates to a sterilizer with a sterilization chamber and a test device for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process. Such a test can include testing the effectiveness of successful venting during the sterilization process, as prescribed in the EN 285 standard for a Bowie-Dick test. The test device comprises a test specimen with a sensor for measuring at least one parameter and a cooling system for cooling the test specimen. The invention is characterized in that the entire test device is arranged entirely within the interior of the sterilization chamber.

[0013] In this context, the term "cooling for cooling the test specimen" refers to means by which heat transfer from the test specimen to another medium can be achieved.

[0014] This arrangement of the test device makes it possible, without any additional design measures, to heat the test device in a controlled manner under vacuum during the third phase of the sterilization process, which facilitates the evaporation of any condensate that has accumulated. Condensate, in this context, refers to the sterilization agent that has accumulated in liquid form within the sterilization chamber during the sterilization process. In conventional steam sterilizers, this is typically condensed steam.

[0015] Furthermore, locating the test device inside the test chamber results in a more compact design for the entire sterilizer. The direct presence of the test device inside the sterilization chamber also allows for a very direct measurement of the effectiveness of the sterilization process. The evaluation of the test results can be carried out efficiently and conveniently, as the test device is permanently installed in the sterilization chamber and does not need to be removed for this purpose.

[0016] The testing device can additionally comprise a probe connected to the test body. This probe can be designed as a hollow body for conducting sterilization agents, in particular steam and / or other gases. This hollow body can be designed as a conduit made of plastic and / or metal and open at the end facing away from the test body in order to conduct sterilization agents and / or heat to the test body. Such a probe can be configured, for example by being wound up several times, such that the testing device is suitable for testing the effectiveness of the sterilization process of medical devices that, due to their geometry or other properties, place special demands on the sterilization process.

[0017] The test specimen can be designed as a capsule, preferably a cylindrical one, with an interior. This represents a preferred geometry for the test specimen, which is easy to manufacture and offers particularly favorable testing properties.

[0018] The interior of the capsule can be in fluid communication with the sterilization chamber directly or indirectly via the probe. In such a design, in the first phase of the sterilization process, the air contained in the test specimen is exchanged with the sterilization agent (e.g., steam) via the probe due to the applied pre-vacuum. Depending on the sterilization agent, this can lead to a heating of the cooled test specimen. If the effectiveness of the sterilization process were reduced by the presence of residual air within the sterilization chamber, for example, due to a leak, a temperature deviation within the test specimen compared to an "ideal" process would be detectable. This temperature deviation can also manifest itself, among other things, in a time delay until a certain temperature is reached within the test specimen.

[0019] The sensor and probe can be connected or arranged at different ends of the capsule, especially at the front. This arrangement of probe and sensor allows for a particularly sensitive test of the effectiveness of a sterilization process.

[0020] The sensor can be selected to measure a parameter from a list consisting of temperature, pressure, and humidity. These parameters provide a clear indication of the effectiveness of a sterilization process. Furthermore, a large number of sensors with a wide range of specifications are commercially available for these parameters.

[0021] The sterilization chamber can be divided into a loading area and a testing area. The testing area can preferably be located below or to the side of the loading area. This arrangement has the advantage that the testing area extends over the coldest region of the sterilization chamber, adjacent to its outlet. However, in certain cases, it is also advantageous for the loading area to be located below or to the side of the testing area. In both cases, the testing device is preferably located in the testing area.

[0022] The cooling system for cooling the test specimen may comprise a heat transfer section for passing a coolant or refrigerant, in particular a cooling jacket or a cooling coil. Such active cooling of the test specimen can achieve particularly efficient temperature control.

[0023] The cooling system for cooling the test specimen can additionally include a supply line for supplying the coolant or refrigerant to the sterilization chamber and a discharge line for discharging the coolant or refrigerant from the sterilization chamber. However, the cooling system for cooling the test specimen can also be connected to a supply line for supplying the coolant or refrigerant to the sterilization chamber and a discharge line for discharging the coolant or refrigerant from the sterilization chamber. These designs enable particularly efficient heat dissipation from the sterilization chamber.

[0024] The coolant or refrigerant can be circulated in a circuit. This circuit can be located entirely within the sterilizer. This makes it possible to operate a sterilizer according to the invention independently of additional infrastructure, such as a cooling water supply.

[0025] In a sterilizer with a coolant, the coolant can be composed of a pure substance or a mixture of substances, with at least one precursor substance of the coolant being selected from a list consisting of water, ethylene glycol, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, acetone, air, and thermal oil. Mixtures of these coolants are characterized, among other things, by a particularly low melting point, good fluidic properties, and good corrosion resistance.

[0026] In a sterilizer with a refrigerant, the refrigerant can be composed of a pure substance or a mixture of substances, with at least one refrigerant precursor selected from a list consisting of ammonia, carbon dioxide, water, a hydrocarbon, an HCFC, an HFC, a CFC, and an HFC. These are refrigerants that have been in use for many years and can be used in combination with a wide range of refrigeration systems.

[0027] A signal generated by the sensor, preferably an electrical one, can be routed out of the sterilization chamber via a cable connection. Such a cable connection provides a reliable and cost-effective connection for the sensor. In addition to an electrical signal, it is also possible to route a value measured by the sensor out of the sterilization chamber via an optical signal, preferably via an optical fiber.

[0028] However, a signal generated by the sensor, preferably an electrical one, can also be transmitted out of the sterilization chamber via a wireless connection comprising a transmitter and a receiver. A wireless connection has the advantage that no cables need to be routed through a wall of the sterilization chamber. This eliminates potential leakage problems. Furthermore, sensors can be replaced more easily this way, simplifying variable instrumentation in the sterilization chamber.

[0029] However, a signal generated by the sensor, preferably an electrical one, can also be transmitted inductively from the sterilization chamber, particularly by means of two inductively coupled coils. In this context, "inductive" means that the signal is connected from the interior of the sterilization chamber to the exterior of the chamber via two inductively coupled coils. An inductive connection has the advantage that, unlike a cable connection, it does not require a penetration through a wall of the sterilization chamber, while being less susceptible to interference than a wireless connection.

[0030] All of these configurations, in which a signal generated by the sensor can be routed out of the sterilization chamber via a cable connection, have the advantage that the evaluation can be carried out during an ongoing sterilization process, thus saving time.

[0031] Furthermore, a signal generated by the sensor, preferably an electrical signal, can also be recorded by a data storage device located in the sterilization chamber, for example a data logger.

[0032] The test device can be at least partially inserted into a nozzle attached to the sterilization chamber, in particular a validation nozzle. It goes without saying that the interior of the nozzle is also part of the sterilization chamber. This installation of the test device has the advantage that existing sterilizers can be easily retrofitted according to the invention. This is particularly advantageous with regard to existing systems, since the test device can be used not only for the Bowie-Dick test, which is performed as an empty test, but also as an air detection device or in conjunction with a batch control system.

[0033] In this context, an air detection device is understood to be a device which is used when a steam sterilizer is fully or partially loaded in the first phase of the sterilization process, the so-called venting phase, also called the pretreatment phase, in order to check that the air contained in the sterilization chamber has been correctly replaced with steam.

[0034] In this context, a batch control system is understood to be a system which, when a steam sterilizer is fully or partially loaded in the second phase of the sterilization process, the actual sterilization phase, records physical parameters which allow conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of the sterilization process.

[0035] With this type of installation of the test device within the sterilization chamber, the probe can extend from the nozzle into a test area within the sterilization chamber. This allows the test to be performed in the coldest part of the sterilization chamber.

[0036] The test device can be held securely in place within the nozzle and thus within the sterilization chamber by a cover plate that closes the nozzle. This allows for extremely simple installation of the test device within the sterilization chamber.

[0037] The cover plate can be attached to the nozzle using a quick-release fastener. This quick-release fastener is preferably a flange clamp acting on a flange that closes the nozzle and on the cover plate. However, other quick-release fastener variants, such as a bayonet lock, a screw lock, or a lever lock, are also conceivable. Using a quick-release fastener makes inserting the test device into the sterilization chamber particularly time-efficient and user-friendly, which significantly simplifies maintenance work or validation measurements on the sterilizer.

[0038] Further advantages and individual features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment and from the drawings.

[0039] They show schematically: Figure 1: Representation of the sterilization chamber of a sterilizer according to the invention; Figure 2: Time course of the temperature and the absolute pressure within the sterilization chamber measured by a test device of a sterilizer according to the invention during a typical sterilization process; Figure 3: Partial enlargement of the area marked by a circle in Figure 2 ; Figure 4: Perspective view of a test device for a sterilizer according to the invention; Figure 5: Partial enlargement of the view according to Figure 4 as a sectional view; Figure 6: Perspective view of a test device according to the Figures 4 and 5 , inserted into a validation nozzle of a sterilization chamber; Figure 7: Further perspective view of a test device according to the Figures 4 to 6 , inserted into a validation port of a sterilization chamber.

[0040] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of the sterilization chamber 1 of a sterilizer according to the invention. The interior 6 of the sterilization chamber 1 is divided into a loading area 9 and a testing area 10. While the loading area 9 is intended for loading with sterilization items, a testing device 2 for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process is arranged in the testing area 10. The testing device 2 comprises a test specimen 3 in the form of a cylindrical capsule and a probe 7, which is designed as an elongated hollow space. The interior 8 of the capsule 3 is in fluid communication with the sterilization chamber via the probe 7. A sensor 4, in this case a temperature sensor, is arranged in the interior 8 of the capsule 3. The sensor 4 is connected to the exterior of the sterilization chamber 1 via a cable connection 14. The testing device also has a cooling system 5 for cooling the test specimen 3.The test specimen 3 transfers energy in the form of heat to the cooling system 5 via a heat transfer section 11. In this case, the cooling system 5 comprises a cooling jacket that surrounds the capsule-shaped test specimen 3. The cooling jacket is supplied with a coolant via a supply line 12 from the outside of the sterilization chamber 1. Accordingly, a discharge line 13 is also provided for draining the coolant from the sterilization chamber.

[0041] In the Figures 2 and 3A method for testing the effectiveness of the sterilization process of a steam sterilizer according to the invention is explained by way of example. In the case shown, the sterilizer operates under so-called saturated steam conditions. Saturated steam in this context refers to water whose liquid and gaseous phases are simultaneously in thermodynamic equilibrium. Under saturated steam conditions, temperature and pressure are interdependent variables described by the so-called saturated steam curve. The shape of this curve depends on the molar fraction of water in the system. This effect can be used to detect any remaining air within the sterilization chamber.

[0042] The curve a in Figure 2shows the course of the absolute pressure within the sterilization chamber as a function of time over the sterilization process. Curve b represents the temperature measured in the interior of the test specimen 8 by the probe 4. It can be seen that in a first phase (I) of the sterilization process, over a series of different cycles consisting of evacuation and filling with steam, the air within the sterilization chamber 1 is completely displaced by water vapor. After this first phase, the actual sterilization process takes place in a second phase (II), in which the sterilization chamber is filled with saturated steam and kept at a defined temperature. In the third phase (III), vacuum is applied again several times and the interior of the sterilization chamber 1 is dried by simultaneously increasing the temperature, whereby any condensate that has accumulated is removed.In the third phase (III), however, only a vacuum can be applied.

[0043] In Figure 3 is the area marked by a circle in Figure 2 Enlarged. Curve set c shows the typical temperature profile under saturated steam conditions with a molar fraction of water within the sterilization chamber that meets the required specifications. Curve set d, on the other hand, shows the temperature profile under saturated steam conditions with an insufficient molar fraction of water within the sterilization chamber, for example, due to the presence of residual gas. The different curve profiles clearly show that the fractionated pre-vacuum in curve set d did not meet the requirements and the sterilization process therefore did not achieve the desired effectiveness.

[0044] With such a sterilizer, the measured temperature profile can be automatically evaluated, with an ongoing sterilization process being aborted if the measured values ​​deviate from the specifications. Possible conditions for this include, for example, that the measured temperature does not deviate by more than 10%, preferably 5%, and most preferably 2%, from the theoretical value. An alternative condition, according to the EN 11140-1 standard, is that the temperature deviation at the beginning of phase (II) (the so-called holding time) is a maximum of 1 °C.

[0045] The measured temperature profiles can be routinely recorded for quality assurance purposes and stored in a database, for example in a so-called batch control system.

[0046] Figure 4shows a preferred embodiment of a test device 2 for a sterilizer according to the invention. In the example mentioned, the test specimen 3 is completely surrounded by the heat transfer section 11, which here is designed as a cooling jacket. The coolant is supplied via the supply line 12, while it is removed via the outlet line 13. The supply and outlet lines 12 and 13 are designed here as stainless steel pipes, which are routed through the cover plate 15. The cooling shown is designed for the coolant air. Furthermore, a cable connection 14 is also routed through the cover plate 15, which connects a sensor 4 inside the test specimen 3 (not visible here) to the outside of the sterilization chamber 1. It can be seen that the supply line 12, the outlet line 13, and the cable connection 14 are routed essentially parallel.A probe 7 curved at a right angle is attached to the end of the test specimen 3 opposite the cover plate 15.

[0047] Out of Figure 5further details about the test specimen 3 and the cooling jacket 11 can be seen. The sensor 4, in this case a temperature sensor, arranged in the test specimen 3 can be seen. The test specimen 3 is an essentially cylindrical capsule made of a ceramic material. The cooling jacket 11 forms a likewise cylindrical receptacle 16 into which the test specimen 3 is inserted. The receptacle 16 is closed with a cover 17 through which the cable connection 14 is led. To ensure a tight closure of the receptacle 16, seals 18 and 19 are attached to the cover 17. At its end opposite the cover 17, the test specimen 3 is connected to the probe 17. For this purpose, the probe 17 is inserted into the receptacle 16 and is in contact with the test specimen 3 at its end. The probe 7 is secured to the cooling jacket 11 by the coupling element 20.

[0048] In the illustration according to Figure 6The previously described test device 2 is inserted into a validation nozzle 21 of a sterilization chamber 1. The nozzle 21 is shown cut open lengthwise so that the test device 2 is visible. The validation nozzle 21 has a flange 22 at its end facing away from the sterilization chamber 1, on which the cover plate 15 rests with a precise fit. A sealing element 23 is attached between the flange 22 and the cover plate 15. The test device 2 is held in a stable position inside the validation nozzle 21, with the probe 7 projecting into a test area inside the sterilization chamber 1.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a validation nozzle 21 provided with the described test device 2 from one of Figure 6A different perspective. The test device 2 is secured to the nozzle 21 via a flange clamp 24. A cover 25 is also clearly visible, through which the cable connection 14 from the sterilization chamber 1 is routed.

Claims

1. Sterilizer with a sterilization chamber (1) and with a test device (2) for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process, the test device (2) comprising a test element (3) with a sensor (4) for measuring at least one parameter and a cooling means (5) for cooling the test element (3), characterized in that the entire test device (2) with the test element (3) and the sensor (4) of the test element (3) and the cooling means (5) is arranged completely within the interior (6) of the sterilization chamber (1).

2. Sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the test device (2) additionally comprises a probe (7) which is attached to the test element (3).

3. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the test element (3) is embodied as a preferably cylindrical capsule with an interior (8).

4. Sterilizer according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the interior (8) of the capsule is directly or indirectly in fluid communication with the sterilization chamber (1) via the probe (7).

5. Sterilizer according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor (4) and the probe (7) are attached or arranged at different ends of the capsule, in particular on the frontal side.

6. Sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor (4) is suitable for measuring a parameter selected from a list consisting of temperature, pressure and humidity.

7. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sterilization chamber (1) is subdivided into a loading area (9) and a testing area (10), the testing area (10) preferably being arranged below or to the side of the loading area (9), and the test device (2) being arranged in the testing area (10).

8. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cooling means (5) for cooling the test element (3) comprises a heat transfer section (11) for passing through a coolant or a refrigerant, in particular a cooling jacket or a cooling coil.

9. Sterilizer according to claim 8, characterized in that the cooling means (5) for cooling the test element (3) additionally comprises a supply line (12) for supplying the coolant or the refrigerant into the sterilization chamber (1) and a drain line (13) for draining the coolant or the refrigerant out of the sterilization chamber (1).

10. Sterilizer according to claim 8, characterized in that a supply line (12) for supplying the coolant or the refrigerant into the sterilization chamber (1) and a drain line (13) for draining the coolant or the refrigerant out of the sterilization chamber (1) are attached to the cooling means (5) for cooling the test element (3).

11. Sterilizer according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the coolant or the refrigerant can be circulated in a circuit.

12. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a signal, preferably an electrical signal, generated by the sensor (4) can be passed out of the sterilization chamber (1) via a cable connection (14).

13. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a signal, preferably an electrical signal, generated by the sensor (4) can be passed out of the sterilization chamber (1) via a radio connection comprising a transmitter and a receiver.

14. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a signal, preferably an electrical signal, generated by the sensor (4) can be passed out of the sterilization chamber (1) inductively, in particular by means of two inductively coupled coils.

15. Sterilizer according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the test device (2) is at least partially inserted into a connector, in particular a validation connector (21), attached to the sterilization chamber (1).

16. Sterilizer according to claim 15, characterized in that the probe (7) projects out of the connector into a testing area (10) within the sterilization chamber (1).

17. Sterilizer according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the test device (2) is held in a stable position in the connector, and thus in the sterilization chamber, (1) via a cover plate (15) that closes off the connector.

18. Sterilizer according to claim 17, characterized in that the cover plate (15) is attachable to the connector via a quick-release fastener, the quick-release fastener preferably being a flange clamp (24) acting on a flange (22) that terminates the connector and on the cover plate (15).