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Apparatus and process for concentrating a sterilant and sterilizing articles therewith

  • US 20030124026A1
  • Filed: 11/05/2001
  • Published: 07/03/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2001
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A method of sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:

  • placing the article into a chamber containing an inner atmosphere;

    introducing a solution comprising hydrogen peroxide and water into a vaporizer in fluid communication with the chamber through a port, the solution having a ratio of hydrogen peroxide to water;

    pumping a portion of the inner atmosphere out of the chamber through the port thereby reducing pressure in the chamber and in the vaporizer;

    vaporizing water vapor out of the solution;

    drawing the water vapor from the vaporizer to increase the ratio of hydrogen peroxide to water in the vaporizer;

    terminating the pumping step without terminating the vaporizing steps;

    vaporizing hydrogen peroxide vapor out of the solution and flowing the hydrogen peroxide vapor from the vaporizer into the chamber; and

    contacting the article with the hydrogen peroxide vapor for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization of the article.

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