Process for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing materials using the combination of dense phase gas and ultraviolet radiation
US5996155A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/10
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A process is provided for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing substrates comprising the steps of: (a) placing the contaminated substrate in a cleaning vessel; (b) contacting the contaminated substrate with dense phase carbon dioxide in liquid form; (c) subjecting the substrate and the dense phase carbon dioxide to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength within the range of about 180 to 300 nm for a duration and intensity sufficient to produce a photochemical reaction capable of destroying the DNA of microorganisms on the substrate; (d) substantially simultaneously subjecting at least the dense phase carbon dioxide to agitation; and (e) removing the dense phase carbon dioxide from the cleaning vessel and thereby transporting the contaminants from the substrate such that the substrate is cleaned and, in the case of contaminated garments, disinfected or, in the case of medical and dental instrumentation, sterilized. Substantially simultaneously with the UV exposure and agitation, the substrates are also subjected to an oxidizing sterilant, such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.