Recovery of ethylene oxide from sterilization process
US10738020B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2257/704
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for the recovery and recycling of ethylene oxide (EO) after use in a sterilization process. The process involves the steps of introducing a mixed gas stream containing EO, nitrogen, oxygen, CO2, water, and a few other trace elements. The system includes integrated EO concentration sensors to determine the concentration of the EO in the gas stream. The system includes a series of compressors to pressurize the gas stream, and chillers or condensers to cool the gas stream to condense the EO out of the gas stream. The system includes temperature and pressure sensors to determine the conditions in the gas stream, and a control system that evaluates the temperature and pressure data and controls the compressors and chillers to achieve the properties to maximize the condensation of EO out of the gas stream.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.