초록 ▼

The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of chemical sterilant concentration during all phases of a sterilization cycle by employing semiconductor-based sensor modules to selectively detect and measure the actual sterilant concentration in real time. In response to t

The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of chemical sterilant concentration during all phases of a sterilization cycle by employing semiconductor-based sensor modules to selectively detect and measure the actual sterilant concentration in real time. In response to the transmitted concentration values, the sterilizer control system controls critical environmental parameters to maintain concentration levels within acceptable ranges for given time periods to assure sterilization efficacy and that the sterilant has been properly exhausted at completion of the cycle. The selectivity, sensitivity and accuracy of the semiconductor sensor are optimized by calibrating the sensor to baseline environmental parameters and by adjusting the sensor concentration reading when environmental parameters change during the sterilization cycle, by programming a new baseline value for the sterilant concentration at the new condition.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for real-time monitoring and electronic control of the concentration of a liquid or gas sterilant or disinfectant chemical during a sterilization/disinfection cycle, comprising:a sensor probe comprising a sensing element positioned in a sterilizer in fluid communication wi

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for real-time monitoring and electronic control of the concentration of a liquid or gas sterilant or disinfectant chemical during a sterilization/disinfection cycle, comprising:a sensor probe comprising a sensing element positioned in a sterilizer in fluid communication with a sterilant/disinfectant chemical for sensing therein a baseline concentration of the chemical at a first set of environmental parameter values, said element having a baseline electrical characteristic value at said baseline concentration, anda receiving unit electronically connected to the sensing element, the receiving unit being programmed to electronically store the baseline electrical characteristic value and to detect in real time a change in the electrical characteristic value of the sensing element as an indication of a second concentration of the chemical at the first set of environmental parameter values;a control system;a transmitting unit electronically connecting the receiving unit to the control system for real time transmitting to the control system of a value representing the second chemical concentration at the first set of environmental parameter values; anda process control unit in electronic communication with the control system for changing the chemical concentration in the chamber in response to a signal from the control system,wherein the control system is programmed to store a predetermined reference chemical concentration range at the first set of environmental parameter values; the control system is further programmed to receive a second concentration value and compare the second concentration value to the electronically stored reference concentration range; the control system is further programmed to indicate acceptable sterilization/disinfection conditions when the second chemical concentration value falls within the reference concentration range; and the control system is further programmed to signal the process control unit to change the sterilant.backslash.disinfectant chemical concentration when the second concentration value falls outside the reference concentration range.