Preassembled Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial-scale ethylene oxide sterilization systems for pallets require significant installation and commissioning effort due to the need for on-site assembly of components in different rooms, with increased complexity in explosion protection and ventilation monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A walk-in, stationary ethylene oxide sterilization system where potentially explosive components are housed in a preassembled metal container or containers, equipped with a ventilation system for efficient air exchange and EO monitoring, allowing for pre-shipment in a ready-to-use state, reducing on-site installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If industrial-scale ethylene oxide sterilization systems are assembled on-site in different rooms, then the sterilization capacity for pallets is achieved, but the installation and commissioning effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sterilization components (ethylene oxide tank, evaporator, vacuum pump, sterilization chamber, and ventilation system) into a single integrated container unit. This merging of previously distributed components eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly across multiple rooms, while maintaining the full sterilization capacity for pallets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-assembled and pre-configured in a standardized container before delivery to the customer. All components are installed, connected, and tested in advance at the manufacturing location, transforming the complex on-site assembly process into a simple delivery and deployment operation.
2Reliability
If components are distributed in different rooms, then explosion protection and ventilation monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system and explosion protection mechanisms are integrated into the same container housing all ethylene oxide components. This consolidation creates a unified safety system where monitoring and protection measures apply to the entire system as one unit, rather than requiring coordinated monitoring across multiple separate locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a preassembled container system is used, then installation effort is reduced, but the system must accommodate all components within standardized container dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is divided into distinct functional modules (ethylene oxide storage, vaporization, vacuum pumping, sterilization chamber, ventilation) that are arranged efficiently within the container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its function while fitting within the standardized container volume constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes three-dimensional space optimization within the container, arranging components vertically and horizontally to maximize space utilization. The container design incorporates multi-level positioning and compact component layouts to accommodate all necessary equipment within standard shipping container dimensions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies installation, enhances safety by containing hazardous components within standardized metal containers, and reduces the effort required for EO monitoring and ventilation, enabling efficient and controlled sterilization of pallets.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump, an ethylene oxide evaporator, an ethylene oxide tank
Implementation Method 2
an ethylene oxide evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a humidification system (steam generator)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a walk-in stationary ethylene oxide sterilization system comprising a vacuum pump, an ethylene oxide evaporator, an ethylene oxide reservoir, a control, a humidifier and a sterilization chamber, the sterilization chamber, the vacuum pump, the ethylene oxide evaporator and the ethylene oxide reservoir being accommodated in at least one metal container.