Author: Daisy McCarty

Get Ready For Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Training At AAMI

Submitted by Daisy McCarty
February 28, 2009

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The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has a number of workshops on ethylene oxide sterilization lined up for 2009.   This will be kicked off with a webinar series on March 4th and 5th.  This course can be taken by participants at home or in the office – wherever an internet connection and phone line are available.  The lesson plan will focus on EO sterilization of health care products based on current industry standards for equipment validation and safety.  Participants will be able to watch the power point presentation online.  The audio will be provided via phone to ensure clarity and to allow class members to ask questions.  This program is designed to be low cost/high value since any number of staff members can participate as a group for one flat fee.

For those who like a more hands on approach, the next AAMI EO Sterilization for Medical Devices workshop will be held in Arlington, VA April 15-17th.  This course is designed for technicians who are already familiar with the basics and want to add to their knowledge.  The program will cover troubleshooting, upgrading or moving equipment, and optimizing sterilization.  Lectures will be interspersed with realistic application scenarios to fully involve participants in the learning process.

As a third option, organizations can also choose in-house training.  This type of program is recommended for groups of 20+ employees who need to be familiarized with new equipment or protocols.  AAMI registration fees for large groups is advertised as offering steep discounts – up to 70% off public seminar pricing.  The problem solving and examples used in these private classes can be specifically tailored to address your company’s needs.

EO Hazards – Why Training is Important

Ethylene oxide is a highly reactive chemical that is flammable/explosive when mixed with oxygen.  It is also considered hazardous to human health in other ways.  OSHA lists a number of side effects that can be caused by acute exposure to this gas.  These include lung injury, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Chronic exposure may lead to cancer, neurotoxicity, and genetic damage.  Consequently, the CDC recommends evacuation of all personnel expect for properly equipped clean up crews in the event of a leak or spill.

This highly toxic sterilant is used because of its effectiveness in killing pathogens at low temperatures.  Other chemicals including hypochlorite, ozone, formaldehyde, and peracetic acid have been tested for this type of process.  In general, they either demonstrate limited effectiveness or pose their own serious health risks.  Some safer alternatives for surface disinfection applications are currently on the market.  These are not a complete replacement for sterilization, but are suitable for some purposes.

Sterilizers that use pressurized steam and ethylene oxide are designed with a number of built in fail-safes.  However, human error is always a possibility.  Common causes of unnecessary exposure to EO include inadequate ventilation, poorly designed facilities, and lack of proper training.  Investing in appropriate education allows personnel to avoid accidents.  Replacing worn or outdated equipment is another important step toward increasing workplace safety.  If you believe it is time to upgrade to a new unit for any of your sterilization needs, our free report can help you make the right decision.


The new autoclave waste handling facility at the old British Steel site in South Yorkshire is part of a seven year agreement to collectively handle household rubbish.  It was projected to treat at a rate of 100,000 metric tonnes per year by the spring of 2009.  The facility just opened in August of 2008.  Yet, the local councils involved in the agreement decided to grant permission to double the capacity at the site to 200,000 tonnes.  Sterecycle, the London based firm that has the contract, announced plans to invest another £10 million to follow through with the idea to double autoclave capacity at the Rotherham site.

Recycling material instead of dumping it into landfills makes sense.  Doubling the capacity of a waste management technology when the facility just recently came on-line certainly demonstrates confidence in the process.   Sterecycle uses high temperature steam in a series of pressure vessels to dramatically reduce the volume of household and commercial waste.  Additionally, they sort out any materials that can be recycled.  Reducing the original volume by about 70% produces an end product resembling organic compost.  The company claims it is a superb material for use as a renewable energy source. Very little is actually dumped into a landfill - maybe 20% at most.

The technology works and is efficient.  This facility is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe. With this success, more are bound to be built.  Clean and green is the theme for today’s innovative technology.  Lessening our carbon foot print is a worthy goal in an effort to stave off climate change.  Doing this despite the recent world economic downturn is certainly admirable.

Sterecycle plans on creating three more autoclave waste treatment facilities over the next three years.  This project in Yorkshire is only the start of a much grander design for this new capability.  The company’s credit has been extended to around £70 million recently, and they have raised another £22 million from various major investors including Goldman Sachs and Fidelity International.

The autoclave expansion will make another 20 job positions available at that particular facility.  This is in addition to the 34 that have already been filled.  These employment figures are relatively small numbers, but trends usually build from baby steps in the right direction.

The Advantage Of Autoclave Projects

- There is no incineration involved. 
- There is no bad smell or odor, since only water vapor is released into the air. 
- The system is very flexible and can handle a variety of waste sources.
- Hazardous wastes are rendered inert. 
- Plastics, metals, and glass are all recycled. 
- A huge amount of carbon is saved because of the recycling, especially from the reclaimed plastics.  This leads to a much smaller carbon footprint. 
- The process uses significantly less energy than alternatives. 
- It is extremely cost effective. 
- The end product is a high quality biomass fiber that can be marketed instead of being dumped. 
- The process can help meet new government regulations concerning pollution limits.

The UK government is determined to reduce the 18 million tonnes of municipal wastes being used for landfill each year.  Landfill taxes have been increasing dramatically over the last few years.  Councils have been forced to look for more efficient ways to handle their communities’ wastes.  This inventive application of autoclave technology presents a viable solution to their problem.

If you are looking for an autoclave to meet any needs including bio-waste disposal, click on this free report to start your search.


Author: Daisy McCarty

PDA Sterilizer and Autoclave Validation Training

Submitted by Daisy McCarty
February 26, 2009

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The Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) Training and Research Institute has a full spectrum of courses available for 2009.  The Institute focuses on laboratory and classroom training in all aspects of the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical industries.  This includes training in sterilizer and autoclave validation protocols.

Research and manufacturing facilities require test results and finished products that are free of contamination.  They must also take precautions to ensure that their technicians are not unwittingly exposed to potentially harmful substances.  Keeping the lab environment and production lines in compliance with health and safety regulations is made possible using a combination of disinfection and autoclaving.

Mistakes or incorrect handling/maintenance can cause thousands of dollars in damage to sterilizing units.  More importantly, experimental results that rely on sterile equipment for validity can be called into question.  The time and effort required to redo any potentially inaccurate trials can be substantial.  Errors in product batches designated for distribution are another major concern.

It is imperative that all personnel who come into contact with autoclaves be properly briefed regarding correct use.  This type of training is often provided by the manufacturer upon installation.  However, employee turnover can bring new staff members in contact with the sterilization equipment at any time.  PDA offers two solutions for laboratories to keep their workers up to date on the latest in aseptic processing requirements.

Classroom Training

The PDA Institute is located in Bethesda, MD and boasts a state-of-the-art teaching facility.  This training center is designed to simulate an actual manufacturing environment with a filling room, component prep lab, and areas for gowning and clean staging.  The campus also offers fully equipped microbiology, CIP, and biotech laboratories.  This allows students to get hands on training in a variety of realistic settings.

People make mistakes while they are learning, so PDA lets them do this without affecting your company’s equipment or production schedule.  The classes are taught by industry professionals who add value to these courses by offering advice from their own experience in the workplace.

Upcoming courses include an Advanced Aseptic Processing program (#600) in June and a Steam Sterilizer Validation class (#322) in October.  Both courses will cover how to validate autoclaves to meet U.S. and EU regulations.  The course in June deals with a variety of inspection and auditing issues including disinfectant efficiency testing and sterile filtration concerns.  The October class is more basic and will cover time saving methods to streamline the validation process.

On-Site Training

PDA is also happy to bring its experts to your location.  You can choose the topic that fits your current needs and a qualified course instructor will tailor the classes for your staff.  If you have a number of people who need the same type of training, it often makes sense to pay the airfare for one teacher to come to you rather than for several students to fly to Maryland.

Having experts on hand when you need them is always a good thing.  Getting knowledgeable advice for free is even better!  For information that can help you make your next autoclave or sterilizer purchasing decision, see our report here.


The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (part of the World Bank) has extended a loan to the Romanian government so that they can fund a new Avian Flu Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response project.  The proceeds will be channeled through the Ministry of Finance and on behalf of the Ministry of Health for the expressed purpose of purchasing equipment for isolation and intensive care units being set up at various regional hospitals and clinics that handle tropical and infectious diseases.

Nine new vertical laboratory autoclaves will be needed; one for each proposed location.  A vast list of other equipment will be acquired for this disease control program and bidding for contracts will start soon with a preliminary due date of 5 March, 2009.  The equipment is slated for delivery and installation at the Prof. Dr. Matei Bals Infectious Diseases National Institute and the Dr. Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Tropical and Infectious Diseases in Bucharest.  The seven other locations receiving this equipment are in Iasi, Targu-Mures, Craiova, Constanta, Timisoara, Cluj and Brasov.  These clinics hope to have the equipment operational within a few months.

Growing Concerns About  A Possible Pandemic

Scientists are in race for time as they search for a vaccine that will be effective for the current outbreak of avian flu, just in case it jumps the species barrier and becomes transmittable by humans.  Although there have been a few claims recently of human transmission of the disease, nothing has been confirmed yet. Many epidemiologists suggest that it will take place eventually.

Most of the cases reported over the last few years can be traced directly to close contact with birds.  The more casualties of this infection that occur, the more likely it is that a stable and deadly mutation will arise.  It is only a matter of time before an outbreak as dramatic and deadly as the 1918 swine flu happens again.  It is not a question of if, but when.

The recent hints that a working vaccine has been developed are no guarantee of prevention.   It still needs to be properly tested before it is used upon the human population.  Besides, avian flu is not the only threat.  The next pandemic could easily come from a virus that we least expect to mutate and jump the species barrier.  Or, it might not be a virus at all.  Drug resistant bacteria are already a major problem even in first world settings.  Deaths due to hospital acquired infections are on the rise.  At this moment, sterilization procedures and suitable isolation facilities are our best defenses against both viruses and bacteria.

Governments around the world must be prepared to handle the potential flood of patients when the pandemic finally arrives.  Adequately furnishing facilities specifically designed to cope with such a situation is the only prudent thing to do.  Preventing cross contamination in healthcare settings is made possible with autoclaving equipment.  Instruments, dressings, and medical waste all require thorough heat and pressurized steam sterilization.  Medical staff and technicians must work together to make sure all procedures are followed to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections.

Make sure your facility is adequately prepared.  Click here for a free report.


Author: Daisy McCarty

Electrical Sterilization Is Faster, Safer With E-Loop

Submitted by Daisy McCarty
February 23, 2009

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BioTool AG has announced its newest electrical sterilization tool for laboratories.  The e-Loop is designed for use in extreme conditions and poses none of the safety risks presented by open flame or gas sterilizers.  This stainless steel micro-incinerator anneals needles and inoculation loops for reuse.  Inside the metal housing is a quartz tube that can be heated in a few minutes to the appropriate temperature (around 900 degrees Celsius).

The actual sterilization process takes only seconds and the display notifies the user when the unit is no longer too hot to touch.  Additional safety features include a pre-operation locking system for the internal tube and a spray protector to shield the end user from pathogens that may be present on the inoculation loop.  The metal exterior of this equipment can be easily cleaned after use.  The interior quartz glass tube is also very sturdy - the ideal material to withstand repeated use and high temperatures.

Keeping the presence of open flame to a minimum makes sense.  Burns are one of the most common lab injuries.  Accidents involving Bunsen burners are a frequent cause of catastrophic property damage.  In light of these risks, investing in an e-Loop is easily justified.  This doesn’t just apply to professional laboratories.  Teaching environments where inexperienced students are performing inoculation loop sterilization can benefit from access to this type of equipment as well.

About BioTool

This company is a new-comer to the laboratory sciences field.  Founded less than 5 years ago, the corporation nevertheless continues a fine Swiss tradition of providing precision OEM equipment to laboratories around the world.  BioTool focuses on bringing innovation to the marketplace at a competitive cost.  The manufacturer demonstrates its understanding of customer needs by developing advanced technology to streamline common procedures.

Media Preparation

The Mediaprep (Proficlave) PC10 sterilizer comes standard with an intuitive touch screen interface to make training easy.  The fully metal-housed unit is designed to prepare Agar solutions in batches as large as 9 liters.  This model can be programmed with a variety of user selected parameters.  The Agar formula may be prepped and maintained at the preferred point in either a single or double cycle.  Accurate control of temperature and stirring can keep the materials at the specified stage for several hours.

This accessible bench top unit is designed for straightforward use and maintenance.  The inner vessel can be lifted out for washing, and the equipment features an automated self cleaning cycle for day-to-day sanitation.  Safety is a priority, so locking systems that prevent the lid from being opened during operation are an important part of the design.  Temperature controls ensure the Proficlave doesn’t overheat.  A thermal printing device is provided on this model for recording job parameters.  PC ports are present on the front and back of the machine for interfacing with a computer for greater flexibility.

The company makes versions that are compatible with electrical standards in Europe, the U.S., and Japan.  If your lab handles cultures on a regular basis, you may be interested in both the e-Loop and the Mediaprep products as well as other standard autoclaves and sterilizers.  To find the right equipment for your environment, start with this free report.


Author: Ken McCarty

Steriflow Sterilization Helps Protect Food Supplies

Submitted by Ken McCarty
February 22, 2009

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The recent baby food tampering incident in a Broward County supermarket in Florida reminds us of the importance of keeping our food supply safe.  Sealed containers that are opened on the shelf should be easily identifiable.  However, it is critical that we have confidence in the safety of the contents during the initial packaging stage as well.  One way to securely process edible products in sealed containers is via the cascading water method developed by Steriflow.  Sterilization carried out by this method renders food free of live contaminants.

The company has formed partnerships with many big names in the food industry (such as Nestle) in an effort to guard against the spread of foodborne illness.  Their thermal processing method allows very accurate counter pressure control when handling such items.

The Faerch Plast Company from Denmark recently designed a new and revolutionary plastic package.  It requires precision sterilization equipment for proper handling of the sealed contents.  The packaging was extensively tested in 2007.  This year, Larsen Danish Seafood selected the Faerch Plast Company’s packaging to use for their new line of fish paste product.  Compatibility with the Steriflow system was a major determining factor in this decision.

Upcoming Steriflow Exhibitions

This manufacturer will be present at a number of trade shows in the near future.  The list is extensive:

Gulf Food - EAU February 23-26th 2009
Foteg - Turkey March 5-8th 2009
CFIA - France March 10-12th 2009
Anuga Foodtech - Köln - Germany March 10-13th 2009
Seafood - Belgium April 28-30th 2009
Djazagro - Algeria May 18-21st 2009
Achema - Frankfurt Germany (Pharma) May 11-15th 2009
Fispal - Brazil June 15-18th 2009
Auspack - Australia June 16-19th 2009
Propak - Thailand June 17-20th 2009
Expopack - Mexico June 23-26th 2009

Notice the high number of shows associated with food/packaging the company has chosen to attend.  This is part of a concerted marketing program.  This French manufacturer based out of Paris obviously wants to make a global difference.  Increasing their visibility in the marketplace is part of that successful strategy.

Each year Steriflow autoclaves process over 12 million different products that are either produced by or exported to the United States.  They now have a worldwide network of distributors to support their international marketing plan.  Their push for visibility through these upcoming trade show activities demonstrates their commitment to continued growth.

More Company Information

Steriflow’s cascading water sterilizer with heat exchanger was invented in 1975.  Since then the company has continued to improve its technology and steadily increase sales.  In the U.S., the company is partnered with PhF Specialists, Inc. based in San Jose, California.  PhF is recognized by the FDA as a qualified process authority.  U.S. food processors seeking FDA approval for their canning facilities can work with PhF to have the temperature distribution in their Steriflow equipment validated in compliance with federal regulations.

This manufacturer also produces an air steam sterilizer for sanitization of IV solutions in PVC bags for the medical industry.  Other Steriflow purification methods are used for pharmaceutical product integrity.  They have a variety of options available depending upon the specific need.

If you require sterilization or autoclaving for any of these applications, click here for a free report.  This valuable information can help you make the right choice for your facility.


Author: Daisy McCarty

Business is Booming for Sterilization Systems Group

Submitted by Daisy McCarty
February 21, 2009

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Last autumn saw several new contracts awarded to Sterilization Systems Group.  The company is providing a portable field sterilizer to an existing customer.  They are also expanding their consumer base with larger models for 2 new clients in the life sciences sector.  The focus for these projects is on providing equipment that fits into existing space with as little restructuring as possible.  This will keep costs low – especially for the sectional unit which can be built off-site before final installation and certification at the customer’s facility.

SSG’s parent company, Environmental Tectonics Corporation is best known for providing sterilization equipment to aerospace firms such as L-3 Communications and the defense programs of the U.K., U.S., and Malaysia.  The sterilizer division was founded in 1969 and continues to serve a global client base from its manufacturing location in Southampton, PA.

The company keeps all its design and fabrication processes in house.  However, they choose to use off the shelf components whenever possible so that end users can source parts from many suppliers.  This affords clients the opportunity to shop for the best prices and keeps equipment maintenance costs to a minimum.

SSG specializes in producing mid to large volume autoclaves and sterilizers with an eye toward optimal use of space and energy. Their bulk model in particular boasts a high volume-to-footprint ratio. This trend toward cost effective operation will no doubt make their products an attractive option for consumers in the current economic climate.  Customization is the key to many projects, and this company is proud of its track record in providing precisely what the customer requires.

SSG Product Line

The life sciences autoclaves created by SSG are designed for use on materials that can withstand high vacuum pressure and steam penetration.  Common applications include sterilization of cages, racks, linens, bedding, and other animal care items.  Operation is made simple with pre-programmed cycles to run hard loads, porous loads, and various tests.

Users can also modify the parameters for specialized applications via the PanelView 600 (an Allen Bradley control system).  Operating temperatures can be set between 100 and 138 degrees Celsius and load run time can also be adjusted.  These cycles can be kept in the system’s memory to be used again later.  Data storage and printing capability also come standard.  As an added bonus, the modem can communicate directly with technical services.  This allows the customer to receive software downloads and other assistance remotely and cuts the frequency of on-site service calls dramatically.

Options for the product line include a full range of door configurations: vertical rising, horizontal sliding, and hinged.  In addition, the sectional design allows buyers even more choices.  The customer no longer has to risk costly structural damage.  Walls don’t have to be torn out and completely rebuilt whenever an older model autoclave has reached the end of its lifespan.  The design of these custom units makes retrofitting simple.  To find out if this type of sterilizer is the right fit to replace your current equipment, take a moment to review our free report.


Author: Daisy McCarty

Autoclave Spore Strips Ideal for Sterilization Testing?

Submitted by Daisy McCarty
February 20, 2009

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Autoclave spore strip testing has long been the gold standard for verifying proper sterilizer function.  The bacteria used are very resilient.  They require exposure to high sterilization standards to be rendered inert.  If a spore analysis shows that equipment is working properly, odds are the results are valid. However, Russ Nyberg brought up an interesting point in his recent Infection Control Today article.  Are there circumstances in which such tests can show false results?

In the case of spore indicators used in bags of regulated medical waste, perhaps so.  Experimentation revealed that when the strips were placed in biohazard bags they sometimes came in contact with chemicals that affected test results.  It is not uncommon for materials containing biocides to be mixed in with medical waste.  Disinfectant wipes are used to clean contaminated surfaces and then tossed in the biohazard bin along with everything from Petri dishes to soiled bandages.

In such an environment, bactericidal substances can come in contact with the Bacillus stearothermophilus spores used on test strips.  Such exposure can kill the spores and therefore give a negative or “no growth” result on the subsequent lab test.  This could occur whether or not fully sterile conditions were achieved throughout the rest of the load contents.

Nyberg suggests a couple of ways to deal with this problem.  One is to segregate the spore strip so it does not come into direct contact with the waste contents (or vaporized biocides in the steam).  It would then presumably deliver valid testing results.  His other advice is to perform autoclaving at a cycle level designed to achieve log-6 spore reduction rather than log-4.  It certainly doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side when handling these hazardous materials.

More Information on Biological Monitoring

The Centers for Disease Control recommends weekly verification of proper equipment functioning via biological monitoring.  The possible false negative problems outlined above don’t apply to this type of testing.  The bio-indicator sample can simply be placed in the autoclave with no other materials present to contaminate it.

These spore strips can be purchased on an auto-refill program so end users never miss a scheduled test.  This makes it easy to keep logs up to date at all times.  Third party testing companies provide both the supplies and the pass/fail results for accurate record keeping.  If no spores survive the sterilization process, the subsequent incubation at the third party lab will show no cell multiplication.  This is an excellent indicator that the autoclave is performing to the desired standard.

Of course, this is not a replacement for regularly scheduled maintenance.  Sterilizers need to work correctly during every load to ensure patient safety.  Valves and seals can deteriorate over time causing a loss of pressure and inadequate steam penetration. These should be checked regularly and replaced as necessary.  If your equipment is reaching the end of its life span and you are making a decision to purchase a new unit, click here for our free report.  A few minutes of your time can save thousands of dollars, so get the information you need.


Author: Ken McCarty

IDS Trade Show Hosts Prestige Medical

Submitted by Ken McCarty
February 19, 2009

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Prestige Medical Limited will be presenting at the IDS trade show in Cologne Germany from March 24th through 28th 2009.  The company is a leading manufacturer of innovative bench top autoclaves and sterilizers.  Manufacturers and clients from all over the world will be gathering to network at this world-class event.  Prestige is only one of approximately 1,750 exhibitors scheduled to appear at this international dental practice convention, so don’t miss them.  They will be setting up shop in hall 03.2 at stands F058 and G059.

These sterilizer experts sell primarily to the dental, beauty, podiatry, veterinary, and tattoo industries. The company works in partnership with its customer base to promote the best available practices in infection control.  They have been in business for over 20 years and still have over 1,000,000 of their product units working in over 80 countries around the world.  They are proud of their manufacturing excellence and proven customer service record.

Their latest product release was last year.  The company launched the UltraClean, a fast and fully compliant disinfector.  This model is a thermal washer/disinfector with a drying cycle.  It was designed specifically for the needs of dental, healthcare, and beauty specialists for fast and compact bench top operation.

Unique features include:  thermal washing, integral drying of instruments, and independent process verification that makes it fully compliant with EN 15883, HTM 2030 and EN1717.  Automated and controlled processing offers professional advantages over the alternative of manual recording.  Power cleansing and flushing allow complex and critical instruments to remain free of any possible residue.  In other words, instruments are not just disinfected; they are really clean.

Full Product Line

PM Classic

The Classic is the choice of many healthcare industry professionals around the world.   It was designed with safety as well as ease of operation in mind.  Features include:

- Interlock-system that prevents the lid from opening while under pressure.
- Two stage over pressure protection system.
- Optional temperature and pressure gauges.
- Lifetime heating element guarantee.
- Thermal fuse and double pole fuses (where applicable) to protect against overheating and electrical faults.

C3 Advance

This lightweight machine is manufactured to be fully compliant with BS EN13060:2004. It was designed with efficiency, durability, and reliability as priorities.  Features include:

- Single use water system that complies with medical clean water guidelines.
- Direct feed and drain options that are incredibly efficient.
- 16 or 22 liter 6 tray capacity.
- Vacuum or Non vacuum options.
- Fast vacuum cycles allow quick turn-around times for instruments.
- 2 year warranty is available.
- Optional silent printer, data logger or PC link for flexible recording of cycles.

Omega

The Omega was designed to be lightweight and portable. It has one step operation and light sequence indicator to tell whether it is on and what part of the disinfection sequence is currently running.  Other features include:

- Touch sensitive controls.
- Fully automatic cycles.
- Durable and safe design.
- Modern appearance, cool to the touch, and easy to clean.
- Large chamber for excellent capacity advantages.
- Lifetime heating element guarantee.

For more information on how to select the right bench top autoclave for your practice, click on our free report.


Author: Ken McCarty

Tempico’s Rotoclave Takes Out The Garbage

Submitted by Ken McCarty
February 18, 2009

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Sterilizing the trash produced by a whole community may seem unusual; but this sanitation service is coming soon to an island nation in the Caribbean. Tempico Inc. in conjunction with Davies Engineering is coordinating the entire waste management system for a new housing development being built in the Dominican Republic. The massive project includes 1500 new homes, 1000 apartments, a shopping center, hotel, hospital, and the waste management plant with the trademarked autoclave technology. Tempico’s Rotoclave fulfills a wide range of waste treatment needs for the entire community.

The company has distributed this technology both internationally and across the United States since the 1990s. Initially, the company focused on serving the healthcare industry. Waste management applications such as the Dominican Republic project are one of their more recent initiatives. Municipal solid waste (MSW) can be reduced by up to 50% without the need for any of the grinding that is required when coping with medical waste. With lack of space in many landfills posing a problem, the advantage of using a Rotoclave becomes obvious.

Tempico Products in Medical Applications

Medical waste disposal is often conducted through incineration at significant cost and energy expense. Great care is needed in handling because of the infectious nature of the material. The giant spinning autoclave built by Tempico, called a Rotoclave, is becoming a popular alternative to incineration in a broader market. It can easily take care of an enormous amount of medical waste in as little as 30 minutes. This process uses a fraction of the energy normally expended via other methods.

The helix shaped angular surfaces on the interior of the rotating internal drum automatically load and unload the machine and help agitate the debris as necessary throughout the cycle. The material does not need to be sorted and unopened containers can be loaded with no problem. A Touch-Screen operator panel controls the whole sequence from the door being closed, to the monitoring of the process, and the unloading of the end product.

The steam, vacuum, and pressure cycle reduces the volume of waste by about 50 to 80% (depending upon the circumstances) and there is not any of the air pollution normally associated with burning. There is no adverse environmental impact when processing hazardous waste this way. The resulting refuse has the consistency of compost and is inert.

What are the advantages of using the Rotoclave?

- It is a safer and less expensive to treat medical waste as close to the generation point as possible.

- One of the available sizes can usually fit in an existing hospital boiler room space and can utilize the steam from it to save time, costs, and energy.

- Additional costs will be saved by the reduction of volume. There will be a lot less trash to haul away and a lot more room left in the landfill.

- There are no harmful emissions. New government emission regulations are easily met.

- Less energy is used in this sterilization process than in the alternative methods. Therefore, operating costs can be reduced.

Whether your facility has an application requiring sterile waste disposal or instrument processing, you can benefit from this free report. Take 2 minutes to read how you can best meet your specific autoclave needs.