WO1999008720A1 - Apparatus and method of sterilization using propylene oxide - Google Patents

Apparatus and method of sterilization using propylene oxide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999008720A1
WO1999008720A1 PCT/US1998/016777 US9816777W WO9908720A1 WO 1999008720 A1 WO1999008720 A1 WO 1999008720A1 US 9816777 W US9816777 W US 9816777W WO 9908720 A1 WO9908720 A1 WO 9908720A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
propylene oxide
pressurized
sterilization machine
chamber
sterilization
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/016777
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
George B. Diamond
Original Assignee
Dispensing Containers Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dispensing Containers Corporation filed Critical Dispensing Containers Corporation
Priority to AU87822/98A priority Critical patent/AU8782298A/en
Publication of WO1999008720A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999008720A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A61L2/206Ethylene oxide
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/22Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances

Definitions

  • This invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for sterilizing materials with propylene oxide.
  • the materials may be hospital associated equipment, such as medical devices, tools, band aids, gauze, fabrics, dishes, laundry, etc.
  • ethylene oxide is used to sterilize materials in hospitals.
  • Ethylene oxide is injected into a sterilization machine, such as a washing machine or a gas sterilizer, from pressurized, aerosol type cans.
  • the ethylene oxide at room temperature and pressure is a gas. In the pressurized can, it is a liquid.
  • the ethylene oxide vaporizes but is dissolved in the water.
  • the equipment in the washing machine is sterilized by the ethylene oxide solution in water.
  • a gas sterilizer using gaseous washing medium the ethylene oxide remains in the gas phase.
  • Ethylene oxide is a very dangerous material. Ethylene oxide is explosive, highly irritating, toxic, and probably carcinogenic. The decomposition product of ethylene oxide with water is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is toxic when ingested and is probably dangerous when merely in contact with the skin. Moreover, in the manufacture and/or packaging of ethylene oxide, numerous explosions are known to have occurred. Ethylene oxide, C 2 H 4 0, has a molecular weight of 44.05 and is a flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Its boiling point of 12°C (53.6°F). It is soluble in both water and alcohol. Its decomposition product in water is ethylene glycol, C 2 H 6 0 2 . Both ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol are toxic when ingested. Ethylene glycol is lethal to humans at a concentration of 1.4 milliliters per kilogram.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilizing equipment without the dangers and drawbacks associated with the use of ethylene oxide as the sterilizing agent.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilizing equipment which employs propylene oxide as the sterilization agent.
  • the apparatus of this invention comprises a sterilization machine for sterilizing material detachably coupled to a pressurized can filled with propylene oxide, and a means for admitting the propylene oxide contents of the pressurized can into the sterilization machine.
  • This invention also concerns a method for sterilizing material comprising the steps of loading the material into a sterilization machine which is filled with a washing medium, and injecting propylene oxide into the sterilization machine.
  • the figure is a schematic illustration of a portion of an apparatus according to this invention.
  • the apparatus has an injection port 1 mounted in the wall 2 of a chamber 7.
  • the chamber may be part of a washing machine.
  • the injection port comprises a check valve 3 which is activated by the nozzle 4 of the pressurized dispensing can 5 containing the propylene oxide. Once activated, the injection port allows the propylene oxide to enter the chamber.
  • a washing medium 6 may be additionally present in the chamber.
  • the pressurized dispensing can 5 is filled with propylene oxide and may also include a propellent.
  • the pressurized dispensing can may be an aerosol can.
  • the propellent may be compressed gas or liquified gas.
  • the pressurized can shown in the figure is shown with a male valve, and the injection port on the washing machine is shown as a female valve. However, this can be reversed if necessary, i.e. the pressurized dispensing can could have a female valve and the injection port on the washing machine could have a male valve. Either design may be used. For instance, an advantage of having a female valve on the pressurized can is that the can may be transported without an overcap.
  • the dispensing can be a barrier type or a non-barrier type.
  • a non-barrier type can, the propylene oxide is in contact with the propellent.
  • a barrier type can, the propylene oxide is separated from the propellent. Either design may be used.
  • Propylene oxide is a liquid having a boiling point at 34.23°C (93.61°F) at atmospheric pressure. Propylene oxide, therefore, is liquid at normal room temperatures and pressures. Propylene oxide, C 3 H 6 0, has a molecular weight of 58.08. It is a flammable liquid at room temperature and pressure. It is miscible with alcohol and soluble in water up to an amount of 40.5% by weight.
  • the decomposition product of propylene oxide in water is propylene glycol, C 3 H 8 0 2 , which has a molecular weight of 76.09. Both propylene oxide and propylene glycol have health hazards substantially lower than ethylene oxide. Propylene glycol is not considered toxic even is ingested internally.
  • propylene oxide in the same sterilization machine that uses ethylene oxide.
  • the washing medium is aqueous
  • the propylene oxide would simply mix in at room temperature.
  • propylene oxide boils at a temperature of 34.23 °C, it is possible to raise the temperature of the sterilization machine to above 34.23°C where the propylene oxide would be vaporized and used in its gas phase.
  • the gas phase of propylene oxide can be used to sterilize medical devices, band aids, gauze and other equipment for which sterilization by a gas is preferred.
  • the gas phase of propylene oxide may be used in the same sterilization machine that uses ethylene oxide. Thus, there is no need for users, such as hospitals, to purchase new equipment.

Abstract

The apparatus of this invention comprises a sterilization machine for sterilizing material detachably coupled to a pressurized can filled with propylene oxide, and a means for admitting the propylene oxide contents of the pressurized can into the sterilization machine. This invention also concerns a method for sterilizing equipment comprising the steps of loading the equipment into a sterilization machine which is filled with a washing medium, and injecting propylene oxide into the sterilization machine.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF STERILIZATION USING PROPYLENE OXIDE
Background of the Invention
This invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for sterilizing materials with propylene oxide.
The materials may be hospital associated equipment, such as medical devices, tools, band aids, gauze, fabrics, dishes, laundry, etc.
At present, ethylene oxide is used to sterilize materials in hospitals. Ethylene oxide is injected into a sterilization machine, such as a washing machine or a gas sterilizer, from pressurized, aerosol type cans. The ethylene oxide at room temperature and pressure is a gas. In the pressurized can, it is a liquid. When injected into a washing machine that uses an aqueous washing medium, the ethylene oxide vaporizes but is dissolved in the water. The equipment in the washing machine is sterilized by the ethylene oxide solution in water. In a gas sterilizer using gaseous washing medium, the ethylene oxide remains in the gas phase.
Ethylene oxide, however, is a very dangerous material. Ethylene oxide is explosive, highly irritating, toxic, and probably carcinogenic. The decomposition product of ethylene oxide with water is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is toxic when ingested and is probably dangerous when merely in contact with the skin. Moreover, in the manufacture and/or packaging of ethylene oxide, numerous explosions are known to have occurred. Ethylene oxide, C2H40, has a molecular weight of 44.05 and is a flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Its boiling point of 12°C (53.6°F). It is soluble in both water and alcohol. Its decomposition product in water is ethylene glycol, C2H602. Both ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol are toxic when ingested. Ethylene glycol is lethal to humans at a concentration of 1.4 milliliters per kilogram.
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilizing equipment without the dangers and drawbacks associated with the use of ethylene oxide as the sterilizing agent. The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sterilizing equipment which employs propylene oxide as the sterilization agent.
Summary of the Invention
The apparatus of this invention comprises a sterilization machine for sterilizing material detachably coupled to a pressurized can filled with propylene oxide, and a means for admitting the propylene oxide contents of the pressurized can into the sterilization machine.
This invention also concerns a method for sterilizing material comprising the steps of loading the material into a sterilization machine which is filled with a washing medium, and injecting propylene oxide into the sterilization machine.
Brief Description of the Drawing
The figure is a schematic illustration of a portion of an apparatus according to this invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
In an embodiment of this invention shown in the figure, the apparatus has an injection port 1 mounted in the wall 2 of a chamber 7. The chamber may be part of a washing machine. The injection port comprises a check valve 3 which is activated by the nozzle 4 of the pressurized dispensing can 5 containing the propylene oxide. Once activated, the injection port allows the propylene oxide to enter the chamber. A washing medium 6 may be additionally present in the chamber.
The pressurized dispensing can 5 is filled with propylene oxide and may also include a propellent. The pressurized dispensing can may be an aerosol can. The propellent may be compressed gas or liquified gas. The pressurized can shown in the figure is shown with a male valve, and the injection port on the washing machine is shown as a female valve. However, this can be reversed if necessary, i.e. the pressurized dispensing can could have a female valve and the injection port on the washing machine could have a male valve. Either design may be used. For instance, an advantage of having a female valve on the pressurized can is that the can may be transported without an overcap.
The dispensing can may be a barrier type or a non-barrier type. In a non-barrier type can, the propylene oxide is in contact with the propellent. In a barrier type can, the propylene oxide is separated from the propellent. Either design may be used.
Propylene oxide is a liquid having a boiling point at 34.23°C (93.61°F) at atmospheric pressure. Propylene oxide, therefore, is liquid at normal room temperatures and pressures. Propylene oxide, C3H60, has a molecular weight of 58.08. It is a flammable liquid at room temperature and pressure. It is miscible with alcohol and soluble in water up to an amount of 40.5% by weight. The decomposition product of propylene oxide in water is propylene glycol, C3H802, which has a molecular weight of 76.09. Both propylene oxide and propylene glycol have health hazards substantially lower than ethylene oxide. Propylene glycol is not considered toxic even is ingested internally. It is possible to use propylene oxide in the same sterilization machine that uses ethylene oxide. When the washing medium is aqueous, the propylene oxide would simply mix in at room temperature. Also, since propylene oxide boils at a temperature of 34.23 °C, it is possible to raise the temperature of the sterilization machine to above 34.23°C where the propylene oxide would be vaporized and used in its gas phase.
The gas phase of propylene oxide can be used to sterilize medical devices, band aids, gauze and other equipment for which sterilization by a gas is preferred. The gas phase of propylene oxide may be used in the same sterilization machine that uses ethylene oxide. Thus, there is no need for users, such as hospitals, to purchase new equipment.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is;
1. An apparatus comprising a sterilization machine for sterilizing materials detachably coupled to a pressurized can filled with propylene oxide contents, and a means for admitting the propylene oxide contents of the pressurized can into the sterilization machine.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sterilization machine is a gas sterilizer.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sterilization machine is a washing machine.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurized dispensing can contains the propylene oxide in contact with a propellent.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurized dispensing can contains the propylene oxide separated from the propellent.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurized dispensing can comprises a male valve and the means for admitting the propylene oxide into the sterilization machine comprises a female valve.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurized dispensing can comprises a female valve and the means for admitting the propylene oxide into the sterilization machine comprises a male valve.
8. A method of sterilizing material comprising loading the equipment into the apparatus of claim 1.
9. A method for sterilizing material comprising the steps of loading the material into a chamber, and injecting propylene oxide into the chamber.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the propylene oxide is a liquid.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the propylene oxide is a gas.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the chamber is at a temperature above 34.23┬░C.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the chamber is within a gas sterilizer.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the chamber is within a washing machine.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the chamber is filled with washing medium.
16. A pressurized can comprising propylene oxide and a propellant.
17. The pressurized can of claim 16, wherein the propylene oxide is in contact with the propellant.
18. The pressurized can of claim 16, wherein the propylene oxide is not in contact with the propellant.
19. The pressurized can of claim 16 having a male valve.
20. The pressurized can of claim 16 having a female valve.
PCT/US1998/016777 1997-08-14 1998-08-13 Apparatus and method of sterilization using propylene oxide WO1999008720A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU87822/98A AU8782298A (en) 1997-08-14 1998-08-13 Apparatus and method of sterilization using propylene oxide

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5576997P 1997-08-14 1997-08-14
US60/055,769 1997-08-14
US5836497P 1997-09-10 1997-09-10
US60/058,364 1997-09-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999008720A1 true WO1999008720A1 (en) 1999-02-25

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PCT/US1998/016777 WO1999008720A1 (en) 1997-08-14 1998-08-13 Apparatus and method of sterilization using propylene oxide

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AU (1) AU8782298A (en)
WO (1) WO1999008720A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7723108B2 (en) 2005-03-16 2010-05-25 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Soft tissue processing

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1060529A (en) * 1964-11-30 1967-03-01 American Sterilizer Co Method of sterilizing
BE691324A (en) * 1964-01-10 1967-05-29
JPS5819259A (en) * 1981-07-25 1983-02-04 日機装株式会社 Pasturization of medical tool
JPH0217069A (en) * 1988-07-02 1990-01-22 Nippon Medical Supply Corp Sterilizing method and sterilized package
JPH0326615B2 (en) * 1983-12-28 1991-04-11 Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd
EP0566892A2 (en) * 1992-04-21 1993-10-27 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Sterilisant gas mixture

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE691324A (en) * 1964-01-10 1967-05-29
GB1060529A (en) * 1964-11-30 1967-03-01 American Sterilizer Co Method of sterilizing
DE1492461A1 (en) * 1964-11-30 1970-02-12 American Sterilizer Co Sterilization process
JPS5819259A (en) * 1981-07-25 1983-02-04 日機装株式会社 Pasturization of medical tool
JPH0326615B2 (en) * 1983-12-28 1991-04-11 Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd
JPH0217069A (en) * 1988-07-02 1990-01-22 Nippon Medical Supply Corp Sterilizing method and sterilized package
EP0566892A2 (en) * 1992-04-21 1993-10-27 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Sterilisant gas mixture

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPI Section Ch Week 8311, Derwent World Patents Index; Class D22, AN 83-26075K, XP002088340 *
DATABASE WPI Section Ch Week 9009, Derwent World Patents Index; Class D22, AN 90-063642, XP002088341 *
DATABASE WPI Section Ch Week 9119, Derwent World Patents Index; Class D22, AN 91-138361, XP002088342 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7723108B2 (en) 2005-03-16 2010-05-25 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Soft tissue processing
US8557581B2 (en) 2005-03-16 2013-10-15 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Soft tissue processing

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