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Method of decontaminating a chamber that has movable shelves

  • US 5,389,336 A
  • Filed: 01/13/1994
  • Issued: 02/14/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/04/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for decontaminating a chamber system to a predetermined level, that comprises the steps of:

  • a) providing a chamber system having at least a lower and an upper shelf, at least one of which is vertically movable while maintaining its horizontal position, a condenser, and piping that are fluidly connected to each other and to a vacuum system;

    b) placing at least one container containing a predetermined amount of liquid sterilant into the chamber on at least one shelf;

    c) placing a loose fitting cap on said at least one container;

    d) moving one of the shelves until the adjacent shelf presses against the at least one container cap thereby sealing the container;

    e) evacuating the chamber, condenser and piping to a vacuum of predetermined subatmospheric absolute pressure, wherein the chamber system is isolated from the vacuum system;

    f) moving another of said movable shelves until the cap on the at least one container is no longer sealed on the container;

    g) vaporizing at least a portion of said liquid sterilant by exposing said liquid sterilant to the evacuated chamber environment; and

    h) maintaining the vacuum and exposing the interior of said chamber to sterilant vapor for a predetermined time until a predetermined level of decontamination is achieved.

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