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Abstract

A vapor humidification component with a disposable water source for a medical instrument sterilization system that utilizes ozone as a sterilization agent. The humidification component of the invention receives a measured input of water that is vaporized therein and injected into an ozone-oxygen mixture flow for passage into a primary sterilization chamber wherein the humidified ozone-oxygen mixture is circulated to scour and sterilize, during a sterilization cycle, medical instruments contained therein, whereafter the ozone-oxygen mixture is passed to a destruction chamber for heat destruction and venting to atmosphere. Mixture temperature, pressure and water vapor content are sensed during flow to the primary sterilization chamber and that sensed data is transmitted to a controller that directs operation of a plunger that travels into a water containing cylindrical vessel of a disposable syringe type device, that plunger travel forcing a measured amount of water from the cylindrical vessel that travels into a humidity chamber wherein the water is heated to a vapor state and is passed into the ozone-oxygen mixture flow. The ozone-oxygen mixture is humidified to within its saturation curve for its temperature and pressure, and which mixture temperature is maintained by line heaters under the direction of the controller to where it is passed into the primary sterilization chamber.

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First Claim