Importance

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Abstract

A sterilizing gas mixture, containing ethylene oxide and a diluent, is used to sterilize articles in a sterilizing chamber. When the sterilization has been completed, the chamber is purged of sterilizing gas, usually in two or more purging cycles. During the first purging cycle, the spent sterilizing gas mixture is directed to a condenser, where the residual ethylene oxide and diluent are liquefied. During the second and subsequent purging cycles, the additional sterilizing gas mixture remaining in the chamber is conveyed to a disposal unit to dispose of the remaining ethylene oxide. The disposal unit can be a catalytic device which converts the ethylene oxide to carbon dioxide and water. Alternatively, the disposal unit can be a chemical device, such as an acid scrubber which converts the ethylene oxide into a non-toxic substance. Thus, virtually none of the ethylene oxide vents to the outside. The invention is especially suitable for use in environments where the amount of sterilizing to be done is relatively small. The invention provides an attractive return on capital investment, even for the smaller user, and generally requires less space, than comparable industrial units.

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First Claim