Steris Inc.

Anthony W Raymond

Sayed Sadiq Shah

John C Bliley

Gerald J Kielar

Michael A Duckett

Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions ( ), are used sequentially for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber. The two cleaning solutions are stored in separate storage containers ( ) carried by the cart. The alkaline cleaning fluid preferably includes a strong base, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. The acid cleaning solution includes a strong acid, such as phosphoric acid, which passivates the chamber during the cleaning process. After cleaning is complete, the two cleaning fluids are mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Process for removing deposits from enclosed chambers

A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart ( ) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls ( ) of a sterilizer chamber ( ). The cleaning system includes a lid ( ) which is mounted over an opening ( ) to the chamber. In one embodiment, the door ( ) of the chamber provides the lid. An articulating nozzle ( ) extends from the lid into the interior of the chamber. Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions ( ), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in two storage containers ( ) carried by the cart. A first pump ( ), mounted on the cart, pumps first the alkaline, then the acid cleaning solution to the nozzle. A second pump ( ), mounted on the cart, connects with a scavenge fitting ( ) in the chamber to return the cleaning fluid to the respective storage container. After cleaning is complete, the two cleaning fluids are mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Anthony W Raymond