Importance

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Abstract

The invention includes a method and apparatus for recovering one or more components of a sterilizing gas. Typically, the sterilizing gas is ethylene oxide, mixed with a relatively inert diluent such as a halocarbon. The sterilizing gas discharged from a sterilizing chamber is cryogenically cooled in a condenser, such that the ethylene oxide and the diluent are liquefied. The remaining gaseous impurities, such as air, are removed from the condenser, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere. The liquefied mixture of ethylene oxide and diluent is periodically drained from the condenser, and filtered to remove impurities. This liquid mixture can then be separated into its constituent components for later use. The liquid mixture can also be vaporized and combined with fresh ethylene oxide, as needed, to produce a fresh sterilizing gas mixture which is recycled to the sterilizing chamber. In the preferred embodiment, a gas chromatograph monitors the ethylene oxide content of the gas venting from the apparatus, so that the system can be programmed to prevent the undesired venting of ethylene oxide from the system. The gas chromatograph can also monitor the concentration of ethylene oxide in the gas being returned to the sterilizer, so that the composition of this recycled gas can be controlled. The invention makes the sterilizing process safer and more economical than processes of the prior art.

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First Claim