Falc Instruments is slated to exhibit its wares at RichMac 2009 between the 25th and 27th of November in Milan Italy. As a regional supplier for all sorts of laboratory equipment, they intend to showcase their new state of the art technologies at their stand. This Italian company is based in Treviglio and has been in business for 30 years.  Their products include a variety of laboratory tools, instrumentation, and filtration devices.  They also offer a wide range of portable sterilizer and tabletop autoclaves.  These are available in vertical and horizontal configurations.

Falc’s ATV series sterilizers feature cycles at 134 and 121 degrees Celsius. This means both wrapped and unwrapped instruments can be processed using this equipment. Each unit features a stainless steel chamber and safety locking mechanisms on the door. These models can be used for vacuum pressure sterilization of porous or solid loads.

Portable units feature casters so the autoclave can be easily moved. The ATV 80 has an integrated printer that records each cycle along with any anomalies. It offers 4 preset cycle options and can also be manually programmed. The ATV 60 can be used for flash sterilization as well as standard automated cycles. Twin tanks segregate the clean water supply from used effluent to ensure sterility.

Models 125, 150, 185, and 211 offer carefully calibrated temperature regulation with an internal probe. These units are designed for autoclaving and for preparing liquid loads. Each one has monitoring and alarm systems to notify the operator of problems like low water level or circuit interruption. A thermo-resistant plastic lid guards against contact with hot parts.

More About RichMac

Falc attends many tradeshows every year.  However, this is a particularly big event that only happens once every two years. People from anywhere in the world can visit or display their laboratory wares at RichMac, but this international exhibition tends to draw people and industries primarily from Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. 

This year, the 40th RichMac convention will occur within a new larger umbrella event called CHEM-MED 2009. This is the first year for CHEM-MED.  The intention is to help bring together various technology tradeshows in one place. Some of the other tradeshows included at CHEM-MED 2009 will be BIOTECH Expo, the HTE Expo 2009, the CPSA Expo, BOND-TECH Expo, S-CHEM Expo, and the COMPOMAT LIGHTWEIGHT Expo. 

This conglomeration is being created in preparation for EXPO 2015 that will be held in Milan as well.  The theme for the 2015 event will be “Feeding the Planet - Energy for Life”. Over 200 vendors have already signed up for the RichMac 2009 division alone (300 exhibitors expected).  Given that there are six others events along side of this one, attendance will likely be enormous.

One of the most exciting aspects of this combo event is the extent of the cutting edge and sometimes futuristic technologies that will be displayed. The HTE Expo will cover vacuum technologies, photovoltaics, nanotechnology, optoelectronics, photonics, fuel cells, superconductivity, and hydrogen storage technology.  The potential for sharing information and ideas between the various disciplines is enormous.  This could easily inspire new advances in many diverse industries.

Current technology for autoclaves and sterilizers is being upgraded all the time. To discover the latest in sterile processing choices, request our free report.

The 29th ACHEMA exhibition in Frankfurt am Mein is now regarded by many as one of the most successful shows in history.  For five straight days in May 2009, over 173,000 people from nearly every country around the world visited 3,767 different exhibitions at the conference.  The focus of the tradeshow was the latest developments in laboratory and pharmaceutical technology.  One of the companies displaying their wares at ACHEMA was the MMM Medcenter.  They showcased their innovative sterilization equipment.

MMM Medcenter specializes in supplying heat technology products for drying, incubating, and hot air sterilization.  They cater to companies doing applied research & development, production & manufacturing, quality assurance, and process data monitoring.  In addition to laboratory ovens and incubators, their product line includes various sizes of steam sterilizers and hot air sterilizers.

MMM Medcenter Products

The STERICELL hot air sterilizer reaches temperatures of between 160 degrees Celsius and 180 degrees Celsius for 30 to 60 minutes depending on the required application. The exact temperature can be specified by the operator. Sterilizing dry air is forced to circulate in an even and controlled manner during the exposure time.  The technique for forced circulation is patented. The whole process is isolated in a closed pressure chamber that is manufactured of stainless steel.

At the ACHEMA 2009, the Medcenter concentrated on presenting samples of their new and increasingly popular Venticell 111 laboratory oven and sterilizer with a door window and interior lighting; CO2CELL 170 standard  laboratory incubator with high temperature decontamination; and Vacucell with Vacustation, a chemical resistant vacuum pump.  Other innovations highlighted were the fully programmable lighting system for the Climacell and Friocell, the steam generator for the Climacell, and their latest version of the data monitoring system called WARMCOMM.

Many of their newest innovations are now options available to customers at no additional cost.  The company began offering these add-ons during the summer of 2009.  These helpful features will allow MMM Medcenter to meet the needs of future customers and better serve current clients.

More About ACHEMA

ACHEMA has been and continues to be a premier worldwide exhibition for innovation and technology development.  It is held once every three years and the first convention occurred in 1920.  Initially the primary focus was related to chemical engineering.  Over the years, it has been expanded to include Environmental Protection and Biotechnology. Technically speaking, ACHEMA is the largest venue for the exchange of information between academics and industry, customer and vendor, and industry and government.

The market leaders in laboratory, medical, and chemical manufacturing/distributing all attend this exhibition.  The connections and relationships developed here provide a solid foundation for future partnerships.  The information shared promotes further advances in technology.  Participating industries gain insight on ideas and products that they should be marketing.  This is where science is turned into practical, real world applications.  The next event is scheduled for 2012 and vendors are already marking the event on their calendars.

Planning for the purchase of new, improved autoclave equipment can be exciting. However, you don’t have to wait for a trade show to come to town to buy your new steam sterilizer. You can explore your available options right now with the help of our free report.

ArabLab, the premier Mideast convention for laboratory equipment solutions, is gearing up for the 2010 season. In January from the 9th to the 12th the trade show will be hosted at the Dubai International convention and Exhibition Centre. Of the hundreds of exhibitors expected to attend, there are more than 40 autoclave suppliers and manufacturers represented. Several South Korean companies will be making an appearance to promote their product lines at this international event.

First up is Daihan Scientific - a Seoul based supplier of scientific products. This company was founded almost 30 years ago by Mr. Chong-Ku Shu. The corporation partners with more than 85 domestic and foreign manufacturers to offer over 25,000 different items. In 2003, Daihan began production of its own line of lab instruments as well. The company’s mission is to “serve the development of scientific technology all over the world”.

This distributor sells the Wiseclave steam sterilizer series. Models are available in sizes from 45 -100 liters. These top loading units feature casters for enhanced mobility. A microprocessor controls each fully automated cycle and the display makes all parameter information readily viewable. In addition to a number of safety features, these machines carry product liability insurance.

JISICO is another autoclave manufacturer located in the capital city of South Korea. This company has been in business since 1967. Since the sixties, JISICO has developed over 100 lab products including incubators, drying ovens and glove box systems. This corporation counts many science/engineering research facilities and industrial institutions among its customers. They offer several autoclave series including models with reactors that are suitable for high temperature and pressure applications.

Labtech has its headquarters in Kyonggi-do with secondary locations in Daejeon and Singapore. This company offers air and ocean freight shipping to international customers around the globe. Their production line complies with ISO 9001 quality control making them a viable player in the world market for lab equipment. Their autoclaves offer HEPA filtration to ensure a high level of sterility during the drying process. A self-diagnostic system monitors each cycle for any problems and sensors check for low water, overheating, and leaks.

More About ArabLab

At Arablab, solutions for analytical instrumentation, environmental sciences, bio technology and much more are on offer each year. This business show brings together vendors from all over the world to network with buyers from Africa, the Indian sub-continent, Asia, and the Middle East. Medical research is a current growth industry in many of these regions, so it is not surprising that many leading U.S. and UK manufacturers will be making the trip to Dubai this year to participate. Prioclave, Astell, and Fisher will all be presenting their wares. Thermo-Scientific is actually a platinum sponsor of the event.

Of course, you don’t have to fly halfway around the world to get your autoclave. You can find out exactly what you need from the comfort of your office. Request our free report to help you narrow down your choices for a new autoclave or sterilizer. We can help you sort through the hundreds of available options to discover what will work best for your business and your budget.

In March, the Fraunhofer Institute of Process Engineering and Packaging revealed a new method of surface decontamination for plastic packaging. Plasma sterilization is currently being tested by the Institute. So far, it is designed for use on flat objects such as film and lids. However, Fraunhofer anticipates the creation of a more targeted instrument that can be used successfully on 3 dimensional objects like containers.

The cascaded dielectric barrier discharge (CDBD) plasma generator uses an excimer lamp instead of a more traditional dielectric module. An excimer is a short lived, excited molecular compound made up of two similar halves that would not bond under normal conditions. This type of flat UV lamp offers a uniform stream of activated particles. Coupled with a plasma discharge gap, it offers greater efficiency in breaking down contaminants than that provided by previous designs.

UV light and electric impulses are used to create plasma from argon or even from the usual mixture of gases found in the atmosphere. This ionized gas plasma contains many positively and negatively charged particles that are highly reactive. When these ions come into contact with pathogens, they cannibalize the components of the germs in an attempt to stabilize. This activity destroys the cell walls of bacteria, mold, and viruses. Even organisms that are resistant to traditional UV radiation can be eradicated using plasma technology.

CDBD Equipment Highlights

This type of sterilization system has a number of benefits. It is extremely fast which makes it ideal for assembly line production in manufacturing. In laboratory testing involving botulinum spores, a reduction of 6 log 10 was achieved with only 1 second of exposure. This high sterility assurance level (SAL) is considered the gold standard for many industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing and chemical handling. Some organisms do take longer to kill; so the parameters used with the plasma equipment will no doubt be adjusted during implementation in various production environments

CDBD may eventually replace peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in a variety of sterile processing applications. Harsh chemicals present some risk to employees, so the use of gas plasma (which operates at room temperature) could help create a safer work environment. The plasma system is more energy efficient than sterilization methods that are based on high heats. The ions don’t degrade or alter materials such as PET and polystyrene. This is a critical consideration when such plastic films are being used to seal containers and keep the contents sterile.

More About The Fraunhofer Institute

The Institute is named for a German scientist and inventor - Joseph von Fraunhofer. He was born in 1787 and worked as an apprentice glass grinder as a young man. His experience in this field led him to the invention of such items as the diffraction grid and the spectroscope.

Today, the Institute features a laser R&D facility that explores the latest ideas in light manipulation. This technology is being integrated with the Institute’s engineering and packaging division to create such systems as the CDBD plasma sterilization module.

For companies that require a sterile work environment, there is currently no real substitute for pressurized steam sterilization for many applications. Find out how to select the best equipment for your facility. Our report takes just minutes to read. Best of all, it is free!

In April, The University of Georgia (UGA) Research Foundation announced a new version of the FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash ™. The foundation has licensed this formula to FIT manufacturer HealthPro Brands, Inc. This sterilization solution can now be used for a broader variety of purposes in grocery stores, dining facilities, and food processing plants.

This anti-microbial wash eliminates common sources of foodborne illness such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. It is anticipated that HealthPro will make this product available as an additive and a spray as well as an immersion liquid. This will make it easy to apply directly to produce and meat. It can also be used to disinfect the interior of transportation vehicles and containers.

The solution is chlorine free and does not appear to alter the flavor or appearance of the foods it has been tested on so far. The FIT product is not as likely to irritate skin and eyes as mixtures containing chlorine. It is also easily portable so it does not have to be produced on-site like ozone. The formula has been shown to strip biofilm from surfaces. There is some evidence that it can destroy protozoa as well as bacteria.

One UGA technology manager claims that when the two main compounds in the new formula are mixed they create a synergistic biocide that kills almost 100% of bacteria on the target item. It accomplishes this task by breaking down cell membranes and disrupting the metabolism of the organisms.

So far, the results are showing that this formula offers a quick fix for the food germ problem. Treatment times of only 1 minute result in a significant reduction in pathogen load. UGA does recommend application times of up to 5 minutes to be on the safe side. The ideal concentration that should be used will also vary depending on the industry and specific items being disinfected. More detailed directions will become available as the product is tested further.

Super Secret Science

The precise list of ingredients for this wash are still shrouded in mystery. UGA officials so far are merely stating that at least two of its active chemicals are generally regarded as safe by the FDA. Whether or not the FDA and other regulatory agencies will approve the use of the updated product for specific applications remains to be seen.

Perhaps some hint as to the secret identity of these ingredients can be found in the MSDS page for the 2006 version of FIT. It contains water, citric acid, ethanol, grapefruit oil terpenes, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Anyone familiar with industrial chemistry will immediately recognize the basic ingredients of a mild detergent. The fruit based acids and oils give the formula a nice organic touch, but this is basically soap (not that there is anything wrong with that). Eventually, this newest FIT formula will probably find its place alongside other industry approved solutions used to maintain a sterile production and transportation environment.

If you are in charge of keeping your production line clean and sterile, you may need a steam sterilizer for processing steel instruments. Or, you may require an autoclave for reducing bio-hazardous waste into harmless landfill. Either way, our free report can give you a helpful overview of your options.

In a press release on 8 August 2009, Tuttnauer dealer BaySide Technical Services announced a ‘cash for clunker’ program to boost autoclave and sterilizer sales.  These heavy discounts for new machines with trade-ins have nothing to do with any government policy or program.  This is simply a dramatic way to call attention to a favorable customer incentive program during a severe economic recession.

BaySide is certainly not the first to take advantage of the namesake of the popular government stimulus program.  This is common practice with refrigerator dealers too. One recent addition to this sales ploy is the communication business.  The phone industry is moving toward VoIP/IP technology.  At the ITEXPO from September 1 - 3, 2009 in Los Angeles California, phone companies plan to offer this very same type of trade-in program during the conference for telephone network systems.  If it is good enough for business in these other industries, why wouldn’t it work for autoclaves and sterilizers too?

Incentive Details

Whether it is a discount or a rebate like the car program, a “clunker” deal can mean cash in the customer’s pocket. Qualifying trade-ins under the BaySide program include tabletop models with a chamber 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 inches in diameter.  The dollar amount of the discount for a new model depends upon the age and condition of the old one.  Obviously these trade-ins will not be destroyed within a few days like the government program for cars.  Instead, these autoclave and sterilizer machines will likely be refurbished for later resale or used for spare parts.  Completely outdated parts will be recycled for materials. 

Unlike the car program, you don’t have to make less than $50,000 dollars in yearly income to qualify.  Anyone who has the right size and model type should be able to get in on the deal. There is a limit of one trade-in per purchase transaction. Unfortunately, the dealer is not accepting broken autoclaves.

The Bayside Technical Services store is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. No end date is mentioned on the press release, so there is no way to know how long the incentive will last. In addition, there is no word on whether autoclaves must be presented in person or if they can be shipped in from other states.

This incentive is separate from Tuttnauer USA’s previously announced “Twitter” coupon program.  In fact, that manufacturer’s coupon program appears to be continuing.  It is still listed on the Tuttnauer site; even though the end date is listed as 30 June 2009. The manufacturer does not appear to be participating in a trade-in program of its own at this time.

Competition is tough, especially during a significant recession.  Sales ‘gimmicks’ can have real value to the customer in some situations.  However, getting the right equipment should always take precedence over saving a few bucks. If you are about to upgrade your existing equipment, take a little time to investigate your options fully. Our free report can help you find other ways to save money in the short term and the long term when you buy your next autoclave.

So far this year, the FDA has publicized several incidents involving sterilizer malfunctions. These Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) records offer a glimpse into potential problems that can occur when certain devices are used in healthcare settings. SPD departments should watch out for similar problems when using these equipment models. Often MAUDE Adverse Event Reports are simply records of unusual occurrences. However, sometimes glitches can result in serious injury.

In March, an Eagle 3017 ethylene oxide sterilizer put a healthcare professional in the hospital. The operator opened the door of the machine after it had been sitting idle over the weekend. This model typically maintains a temperature of 130 degrees (f) while idling. The employee who opened the chamber was inundated with a rush of hot air. Exposure to the vapor caused eye and throat irritation severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. The employee was hospitalized for observation and subsequently released.
 
This sterilizer is a product of STERIS Mexico, a manufacturer based in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. A technician was contacted to inspect the equipment following the accident. An unidentified oily substance with a strong odor was found not only in the malfunctioning unit but in all the other 3017 ETO sterilizers on site. Originally, the compressors were suspected as the potential source of an oil leak. However, these models do not feature compressors that use oil. No source or explanation was found for this contamination. The facility removed the broken sterilizer from service but continued to use the other 3 units.

Other 2009 MAUDE Reports

Sometimes, the equipment is not the problem. Earlier this year, a serious error occurred in a sterilization facility. An employee allegedly poured CIDEX biocide into the water reservoir of an autoclave. This Advanced Sterilization Product solution is not intended for such a use.

The inside of the autoclave chamber was permanently stained by the introduction of the biocide during a cycle. Fortunately, the instruments that were in that load were not distributed for use. No injuries were reported from contact with the residue from the biocide.

In April, a malfunction was reported regarding a Getinge sterilizer. An instrument tray was inside the chamber and the cycle was partly completed when the machine simply quit working. Because the cycle was not finished, the safety lock would not release. A service call was placed to fix the problem.

In the meantime, staff members were faced with a dilemma. The only two remaining trays of instruments were unsterile. Flash sterilization was the only remaining option to get a set ready for the waiting doctor. This incident brings up an interesting point for small clinics and dental offices that have only one autoclave. What happens when it breaks down and traps all your instruments inside?

Do you have a backup plan for what may happen if you experience equipment failure in the middle of a busy day? Request our free report to explore the option of increasing your fleet of sterilizers. A small investment in a benchtop model might pay for itself the next time you have a sterilization emergency.

Germgard’s new room temperature gas sterilization system has been independently tested and the results recently released.  An article in Bio-Medicine on August 5, 2009 states that Germgard’s six minute sterilization process really only takes three minutes!  That’s twice as fast as the company originally claimed earlier in the year.  The tests revealed that 3 minutes was enough to kill 100 percent of Geobacillus Stearothermophilus spores in the test media, the standard for testing surgical instrument sterilizers.

Part of the reason for the better than expected results is that the company continues to optimize the process. They are still discovering the true potential of this breakthrough technology. The gas cycle can be run twice to create a more than adequate sterilization redundancy for lumen devices such as endoscopes.  The double dose is also effective for prion inactivation on neurologic instrumentation.

These sterilization speeds are unprecedented. More to the point, the speed does not sacrifice efficacy. The company expects their innovative system to revolutionize the entire sterilization industry.  With the release of these independent test results, they now expect a slow but steady replacement of the majority of existing autoclaves with this new ultra-fast gas system.  In short, current technology has suddenly become obsolete.

How It Works

Earlier in the year, very few details about the new system were forthcoming. That is probably because this sterilization system relies upon a proprietary gas medium that is different than any other formula in current use.  For now, it remains a close guarded secret; but some details about the process have finally been revealed.  As the technology becomes widely commercialized, more information will no doubt begin to surface. Meanwhile, application trials and tests continue. 

The gas does not last long and yet is safe to use.  It breaks down before the exposure pouch is opened.  The ease of use becomes obvious when you realize that preparation time is including in the three minute time frame for sterilization results.  There are no high temperatures involved, no presoak, no pre-wrapping of instruments, no cool down period, and no need for a drying phase.  It’s simply a quick exposure to the gas medium that leaves the instruments ready for use in surgery. 

This is all extremely good news.  Costs involved in using this system are low, especially when compared to current sterilization technologies.  The process can easily be automated, making its use even simpler.  This in turn will cut down on labor costs and create enormous time efficiencies in load monitoring and scheduling.

The potential advantages to the healthcare industry are clear. Operating costs can be drastically lowered and less instrument inventory will likely be needed.  Basically, normal sterilization results can be obtained through a process that is even faster than Flash sterilization.  There are also indications that the process is less damaging to sensitive instruments than even the methods recommended by manufacturers.

These are the relatively early stages for a product that has a yet to make it to the marketplace.  Caution is prudent since there are undoubtedly still some unknown factors.  Anytime you search for an autoclave or sterilizer, you want it to be a tried and true piece of equipment.  Request our free report to discover what current solutions are available.

The Department of Health in the state of Ohio has released an updated Infection Prevention and Control manual for 2009. This comprehensive document covers topics as far ranging as the management of pandemic influenza and how to deal with the threat of bioterrorism. One segment in this booklet deals specifically with issues of interest to sterile processing departments.

Section 4 focuses on disinfection and sterilization of surfaces, instruments, and equipment. The DOH divides items into 3 categories - Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical. Critical instruments are those that penetrate the tissue or vascular system of a patient. Needles, catheters and surgical instruments fall under this heading. All critical items must either be designed for single use or go through pressurized steam sterilization in an autoclave after each use.
 
Semi-critical instruments include speculums, many dental tools, and respiratory equipment. These come into contact with mucous membranes or skin that is not necessarily intact. They are subjected to high-level disinfection. The Ohio DOH has opted not to use glutaraldehydes. Instead, they prefer autoclaving for this level of disinfection also. The use of disposable products is another acceptable solution.

Thermometers fall into the category of semi-critical but are only required to be cleaned using intermediate disinfectants such as isopropyl alcohol. Thermometer sheaths are recommended as an additional protective measure. Non-critical items such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs can also be wiped down with alcohol if they become contaminated. Low-level disinfectant such as diluted household bleach (which kills most viruses, fungi, and bacteria) is the standard for most non-critical items and surfaces. However, this is replaced with a stronger biocide if there is any risk of tuberculosis transmission.

Autoclave Maintenance Instructions

All DOH personnel using autoclaves must follow the manufacturer recommendations for validation. The use of chemical indicators is stipulated for individual loads. This is supplemented weekly with biological monitoring using spore strips. A control ampule that has not been subjected to autoclaving is compared to the sterilized spore sample to ensure an accurate result. 24 hour and/or 7 day incubation periods are used depending on the location. These QA documents are filed with the county health department.

Copies of all records are required to be kept on-site also. This way, if there is a problem any inadequately sterilized instruments can be more easily identified. If they have already been distributed and used, patient notification and monitoring must be carried out as well.

In addition to test results, the data for each sterilization load is also documented. This information includes the date, length of cycle, pressure, and temperature. A signature is required to add a level of accountability. Any failure to achieve a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 15 psi for 30 minutes results in the autoclave being pulled from service. The instruments in the load must be reprocessed in a properly functioning sterilizer prior to use.

If you have experienced a sterilizer equipment malfunction, it may be time to buy a new autoclave. You can read our free report in just a few minutes. This small investment of your time can pay off in a big way by ensuring that you have the information you need to make a wise purchasing decision.

In April, a Swiss hospital (Cantonal Hospital Aarua) unveiled the end result of a complete CSSD overhaul. The facility’s Central Sterile Supply Department has been upgraded and automated. This work was done with the assistance of Belimed - a premier infection control and sterilization equipment supplier. Improving the health and safety of patients is the driving force behind this refurbishment. Keeping energy costs and environmental impact low was another excellent reason for selecting Belimed as a partner on this project.

The Cantonal Hospital is a perfect setting for testing the capabilities of new equipment. This CSSD handles an equipment supply inventory of over 350,000 instruments and operates every day of the year - around the clock. There are 16 operating theaters and only 20 employees in the sterilization department. This ratio makes the automation of processes crucial.

The facility’s seven WD 290 washer/disinfectors offer staff a hands free way to run a high volume of items for each cycle. Items ready to be washed are simply placed on the in-feed area. A conveyor system transfers them down the line to whichever washer has free space. A rotary module fills each unit with no need for human intervention. Once a washer is full, the correct cycle is automatically selected based on the load carrier that has been loaded into that specific machine. Unloading follows the same mechanized procedure making the entire process quick and efficient.

Each of the department’s MST-H sterilizers has a similar set of functions for reprocessing instruments. This equipment also makes use of barcoding for identification and cycle selection. The computerized control system ejects each batch cart after cycle completion leaving the sterilizer free for a new load. Every item in the CSSD is traceable and features a unique identifier. This makes it possible for internal software to monitor the movement of each sterile product for validation, storage, and distribution. A reduction in errors in order processing and an increase in patient safety are just 2 of the resulting benefits.

Belimed Cuts Consumption

One way Belimed is offering a faster ROI is through reduced resource consumption. The WD 290 washer uses sensors to monitor the amount of water and detergent needed for each load. This Dynamic Filling System adjusts these levels based on the volume of material loaded into the chamber. The rinse water is preheated by harnessing waste heat from the disinfecting stage. Transferring heat in this way reduces the need to use large quantities of additional water to cool the load. The MST-H sterilizer uses a similar water saving strategy.

The newest generation of Belimed equipment for sterile processing departments includes the WD 350. This washer/disinfector has a small footprint but features a throughput of up to 45 trays per hour. In addition to the standard automated loading and unloading, this equipment has an innovative dual chamber design that saves energy. The first chamber performs low temperature pre-cleaning and main cleaning cycles. The second chamber is reserved for the high temperature disinfection and drying stages. Segregating these processes reduces both heating and cooling costs simply by the nature of the design itself.

If you are upgrading your SPD facilities, find out how you can take advantage of the latest innovations in sterilization. Our free report can point you in the right direction.