Drainage filtering device for autoclave, and filter element replacement method therefor

Abstract

A drainage filtering device (4) for an autoclave (3), which is mounted between a wastewater outlet pipe (30) and a drainage pipe (31) of the autoclave (3) and comprises a Y-shaped filter (40) and a HEPA filter (50). The HEPA filter (50) comprises a seat body (51) and a housing (52) which can be relatively covered, and a filter element (53) arranged in the housing (52); the housing (52) is provided with a sterilization liquid injection port (521) for injecting sterilization liquid, and a sterilization liquid discharge port (522) for discharging sterilization liquid; and the filter element (53) can be used for filtering particles having a diameter of 0.2-0.3 μm. A filter element (53) replacement method for the drainage filtering device (4) comprises: firstly, injecting sterilization liquid into a drainage filtering device (4), so that a filter element (53) is soaked in the sterilization liquid for at least 30 minutes, discharging the sterilization liquid, and then replacing the filter element (53). In this way, when the filter element (53) is replaced, bacteria or viruses are prevented from overflowing and diffusing, so that the drainage filtering device is safer during the replacement of the filter element (53).

Description

Drainage filtration device of sterilizing pot and filter element replacement method thereof Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of a drainage filter device for a sterilizing pot and a filter element replacement method thereof, and in particular to a drainage filter device for a sterilizing pot and a filter element replacement method thereof, which can make filter element replacement safer. Background Art

[0002] In general, P2-level and higher laboratories, conducting recombinant gene experiments in cell culture systems often involve the potential for the production of infectious viruses. Therefore, contaminated biological materials and waste from these experiments must be introduced through a door on one side of an autoclave 1, 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 autoclave 1 after sterilization is filtered through a drainage filtration unit 2 equipped with a HEPA filter before being discharged into the environment, as shown in Figure 1.

[0003] Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , which show that the drainage filter device 2 of the conventional autoclave mainly includes a Y-shaped filter 20 and a HEPA filter 21 .

[0004] One end of the Y-shaped filter 20 is connected to a wastewater outlet pipe 10 of the sterilizing pot, and can be used to filter larger particles in the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe 10.

[0005] The HEPA filter 21 comprises a base 210, a housing 211, and a filter element 212. The base 210 has an outlet pipe 213 for connection to a drain pipe 11. The housing 211 is detachably coupled to the base 210 via a first clamping joint 214. The housing 211 also has an inlet pipe 215, which is detachably coupled to the other end of the Y-shaped filter 20 via a second clamping joint 216. This inlet pipe 215 allows 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 and filters particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger from the wastewater within the housing 211. The filtered wastewater is then introduced into the drain pipe 11 through the outlet pipe 213 of the base 210 and discharged into the environment.

[0006] However, after a period of use, the filter element 212 of the HEPA filter 21 may become clogged with particles larger than 0.2 to 0.3 μm in diameter, which can seriously affect its filtration efficiency. Therefore, the filter element 212 must be replaced regularly. To replace the filter element 212, the first clamping joint 214 and the second clamping joint 216 are opened, the housing 211 is opened, the old filter element 212 is removed, and a new filter element 212 is installed. After the replacement, the housing 211 is secured back in place using the first clamping joint 214 and the second clamping joint 216.

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

[0008] In view of this, the present inventors have deeply considered the above-mentioned problems, and have actively researched, improved and tried to develop and design the present invention.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The main purpose of the present invention is to solve many problems in the drainage filtration device of the existing sterilizing pot, such as when replacing the filter element of the HEPA filter, bacteria and viruses will be scattered into the air, thereby causing the replacement personnel to be infected, and the bacteria and viruses will spread into the environment, thereby forming a breach for bacterial and viral transmission.

[0011] The sterilizer drainage filter device of the present invention is installed between a wastewater outlet pipe and a drain pipe of the 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 sterilizer drainage filter device includes a Y-shaped filter and a HEPA filter. The front end of the Y-shaped filter is connected to the valve body A and can filter larger particles from the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe. The HEPA filter includes a seat, a shell and a filter element. The seat is connected to the valve body B, and the shell can be detachably combined with the seat. The shell has an inlet pipe, which is detachably connected to the end of the Y-shaped filter. The shell is provided with a sterilizing liquid injection port for injecting sterilizing liquid and a sterilizing liquid discharge port for discharging sterilizing liquid. The sterilizing liquid injection port is provided with a valve body C for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilizing liquid injection port, and the sterilizing liquid discharge port is provided with a valve body D for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilizing liquid discharge port. The filter element is provided in the shell and can be used to filter out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or more in the wastewater inside the shell, and then the filtered wastewater is discharged to the drain pipe through the seat.

[0012] The method for replacing the filter element of the drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot described in the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) closing the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device; (b) injecting sterilizing liquid into the drainage filter device; (c) soaking the filter element of the HEPA filter in the sterilizing liquid for at least 30 minutes; (d) draining the sterilizing liquid from the drainage filter device; (e) opening the housing of the HEPA filter; (f) replacing the filter element of the HEPA filter; (g) replacing the housing of the HEPA filter; and (h) opening the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device.

[0013] The drain filter device and filter cartridge replacement method for the sterilizer provided by the present invention can close valve body A and valve body B to first close the inlet and outlet of the drain filter device. Then, by opening valve body C, sterilizing liquid can be injected into the drain filter device from the outside through the sterilizing liquid injection port and left to stand for a period of time. The sterilizing liquid can then be used to eliminate all bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger in the drain filter device. The sterilizing liquid can then be discharged by opening valve body D. In this way, when the housing is opened to replace the filter cartridge, the bacteria and viruses in the drain filter device will have been eliminated by the sterilizing liquid beforehand, eliminating the risk of infection for the replacement personnel when replacing the filter cartridge. Conversely, the filter cartridge replacement operation can also prevent the release of bacteria or viruses into the environment, thereby creating a risk of infection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG1 is a diagram showing the use status of a drainage filter device of an existing sterilizing pot.

[0015] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of a drainage filter device of an existing sterilizing pot.

[0016] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the operation of replacing the filter element of the drainage filter device of the existing sterilizing pot.

[0017] FIG4 is a diagram showing the state of use of the present invention.

[0018] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention.

[0019] FIG6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the three-dimensional combination of the present invention.

[0020] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure and partial cross-section of the present invention.

[0021] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the wastewater discharge filtration operation of the present invention.

[0022] FIG9 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG10 is a flow chart of the filter element replacement process of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the operation of injecting sterilizing liquid into the HEPA filter according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of discharging the sterilizing liquid from the HEPA filter according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the operation of opening the HEPA filter and replacing the filter element according to the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of symbols:

[0028] [Prior art]

[0029] 1 sterilizing pot

[0030] 10 Wastewater outlet pipe

[0031] 11 Drain pipe

[0032] 2. Drainage filtration device

[0033] 20Y-type filter

[0034] 21HEPA filter

[0035] 210 seats

[0036] 211 shell

[0037] 212 filter element

[0038] 213 export tube

[0039] 214 first clamp joint

[0040] 215 inlet tube

[0041] 216 second clamp joint

[0042] [The present invention]

[0043] 3. Sterilizer

[0044] 30 Wastewater outlet pipe

[0045] 300 valve body A

[0046] 31 Drain pipe

[0047] 310 valve body B

[0048] 4. Drainage filtration device

[0049] 40Y-type filter

[0050] 50HEPA filter

[0051] 51 seats

[0052] 510 export tube

[0053] 52 shell

[0054] 520 inlet tube

[0055] 521 sterilization liquid injection port

[0056] 522 sterilization liquid outlet

[0057] 523 valve body C

[0058] 524 valve body D

[0059] 53 filter element

[0060] 60 clamp connector A

[0061] 61 clamp connector B

[0062] 62 clamp connector C

[0063] 63 clamp connector D DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Refer to Figure 4, which shows the drainage filter device 4 of the present invention installed between a wastewater outlet pipe 30 and a drain pipe 31 of an autoclave 3. Contaminants and waste from laboratory materials in P2-rated and higher laboratories are introduced into the autoclave 3 through a door on one side. After sterilization with high-pressure steam, the materials are removed through a door on the other side for cleaning before reuse or disposal. Wastewater discharged from the autoclave 3 after sterilization is filtered by the drainage filter device 4 before being released into the environment.

[0065] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7, which show the drainage filter device of the autoclave according to the present invention. A valve body A300 is provided at the end of the wastewater outlet pipe 30 to control whether water flows out of 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 filter device 4 includes a Y-shaped filter 40 and a HEPA filter 50, wherein:

[0066] The front end of the Y-shaped filter 40 is fastened to the valve body A300 by a clamping joint A60 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 arranged (i.e., perpendicular to the wastewater outlet pipe 30) and comprises 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 using a clamping joint B61. The shell 52 is fastened to the base body 51 by a clamp joint C62, and the shell 52 has an inlet pipe 520, which is fastened to the end of the Y-shaped filter 40 by a clamp joint D63, and the shell 52 is provided with a sterilizing liquid injection port 521 and a sterilizing liquid discharge port 522. The sterilizing liquid injection port 521 can be used to inject sterilizing liquid into the shell 52 from the outside, and the sterilizing liquid discharge port 522 can be used to discharge the sterilizing liquid in the shell 52 to the outside, and a valve body C523 is provided on the sterilizing liquid injection port 521 to control the opening and closing of the sterilizing liquid injection port 521, and a valve body D524 is provided on the sterilizing liquid discharge port 522 to control the opening and closing of the sterilizing liquid discharge port 522. The filter element 53 is disposed in the housing 52 to filter out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger in the wastewater inside the housing 52 , and then discharge the filtered wastewater through the outlet pipe 510 of the base 51 .

[0068] Please refer to FIG8 , which shows that when the autoclave 3 is performing a sterilization operation, valves A300 and B310 are in an open state, while valves C523 and D524 are in a closed state. Thus, wastewater discharged from the autoclave 3 flows through the wastewater outlet pipe 30 into the Y-shaped filter 40 , where larger particles are first filtered out. The wastewater then flows into the housing 52 of the HEPA filter 50 , where the filter element 53 continues to filter particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger. The filtered, relatively clean wastewater is then discharged into the environment through the drain pipe 31 .

[0069] Please refer to Figure 9, which is another embodiment of the drainage filtration device of the sterilizing pot of the present invention. Its structure is roughly the same as the above embodiment. The only difference is that in this embodiment, the HEPA filter 50 is arranged horizontally (that is, coaxial or parallel to the wastewater outlet pipe 30), and the sterilization liquid discharge outlet 522 is provided on the base body 51.

[0070] Please refer to FIG10 , which shows a method for replacing the filter element of the drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot according to the present invention. The steps are as follows:

[0071] (a) Closing the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device 4: Please refer to FIG. 11 and first close the valve body A300 and the valve body B310;

[0072] (b) Injecting sterilizing liquid into the drainage filter device 4: As shown in FIG11 , the valve body C523 is opened and the valve body D524 is closed. Then, sterilizing liquid (such as bleach, etc.) is injected into the drainage filter device 4 through the sterilizing liquid injection port 521 , and the liquid level of the sterilizing liquid is higher than the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50 ;

[0073] (c) Soaking the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50 in the sterilizing solution for at least 30 minutes: As shown in FIG. 11 , the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50 is allowed to soak in the sterilizing solution for at least 30 minutes, so that the sterilizing solution eliminates all bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or more in the drainage filter device 4 ;

[0074] (d) Discharging the sterilizing liquid from the drainage filter device 4: As shown in FIG. 12 , the valve body D524 is opened to discharge the sterilizing liquid from the drainage filter device 4;

[0075] (e) Opening the housing 52 of the HEPA filter 50: Referring to FIG. 13 , the clamp joint C62 and the clamp joint D63 are opened to open the housing 52;

[0076] (f) Replacing the filter element 53 of the HEPA filter 50: As shown in FIG13 , the old filter element 53 is removed and replaced with a new filter element 53;

[0077] (g) Replace the housing 52 of the HEPA filter 50: Replace the housing 52 in its original position and then secure it with the clamp connector C62 and the clamp connector D63, as shown in FIG12 ;

[0078] (h) Open the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device 4: open the valve body A300 and the valve body B310 and close the valve body C523 and the valve body D524, so that the wastewater discharged during the sterilization operation of the sterilizer 3 can continue to be filtered, as shown in Figure 8.

[0079] The sterilizer drainage filter device and filter cartridge replacement method provided by the present invention can close valve body A300 and valve body B310 to first close the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device 4. Then, by opening valve body C523, sterilizing liquid can be injected into the drainage filter device 4 from the outside through the sterilizing liquid injection port 521. The sterilizing liquid can then be used to eliminate all bacteria and viruses with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or larger in the drainage filter device 4. The sterilizing liquid can then be discharged from the drainage filter device 4 through the sterilizing liquid discharge port 522 by opening valve body D524. In this way, when the housing 52 is opened to replace the filter cartridge 53, the bacteria and viruses in the drainage filter device 4 are already eliminated by the sterilizing liquid. This eliminates the risk of infection for the person replacing the filter cartridge 53. Furthermore, the replacement of the filter cartridge 53 can prevent the release of bacteria or viruses into the environment, thereby creating a risk of infection.

[0080] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drainage filter device for a sterilizing pot, It is characterized in that The drainage filter device is installed between a wastewater outlet pipe and a drain pipe of a sterilizing pot, the end of the wastewater outlet pipe has a valve body A, and the front end of the drain pipe has a valve body B. The drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot includes: a Y-shaped filter, the front end of which is connected to the valve body A and can be used to filter larger particles in the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet pipe; and A HEPA filter, the HEPA filter comprises a seat, a shell and a filter element, the seat is connected to the valve body B, the shell can be detachably combined with the seat, the shell has an inlet pipe, the inlet pipe is detachably connected to the end of the Y-shaped filter, the shell is provided with a sterilizing liquid injection port for injecting sterilizing liquid and a sterilizing liquid discharge port for discharging sterilizing liquid, and the sterilizing liquid injection port is provided with a valve body C for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilizing liquid injection port, and the sterilizing liquid discharge port is provided with a valve body D for controlling the opening and closing of the sterilizing liquid discharge port. The filter element is arranged in the shell, which can filter out particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or more in the wastewater inside the shell, and then the filtered wastewater is discharged to the drain pipe through the seat.

2. The drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The seat body has a lead-out pipe, and the lead-out pipe is buckled on the valve body B by a clamping joint B.

3. The drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The shell is buckled on the base body by a clamp joint C, and the introduction tube of the shell is buckled on the end of the Y-shaped filter by a clamp joint D.

4. The drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The HEPA filter is arranged in a vertical direction.

5. The drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The HEPA filter is arranged horizontally.

6. The drainage filter device of the sterilizing pot according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The housing is not provided with the sterilizing liquid discharge port, but the sterilizing liquid discharge port is provided on the seat body.

7. A method for replacing a filter element of a drainage filter device of a sterilizing pot, wherein the drainage filter device comprises 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 comprises a seat, a shell and a filter element, the seat has an outlet, the shell is combined with the seat, the filter element is arranged in the shell and can filter particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 μm or more, and the steps of replacing the filter element are as follows: (a) Close the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device; (b) injecting the sterilizing liquid into the drainage filter device; (c) Soak the HEPA filter element in the sterilizing solution for at least 30 minutes; (d) draining the sterilizing liquid from the drainage filter device; (e) Open the HEPA filter housing; (f) Replace the HEPA filter element; (g) Replace the HEPA filter housing; as well as (h) Open the inlet and outlet of the drainage filter device.

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