Inventors:
Michael A. Duckett - Erie PA
John C. Bliley - Erie PA
Gerald J. Kielar - Erie PA
Sayed Sadiq Shah - St.Louis MO
Anthony W. Raymond - San Diego CA
Assignee:
Steris Inc. - Temecula CA
International Classification:
B08B 308
US Classification:
134 2218, 134 2217, 134 2219, 134 221, 134 26, 134 27, 134 28, 134 29, 134 36, 134 41, 134 9503, 134108, 134168 R
Abstract:
A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart ( ) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls ( ) of a sterilizer chamber ( ). The cleaning system includes a lid ( ) which is mounted over an opening ( ) to the chamber. In one embodiment, the door ( ) of the chamber provides the lid. An articulating nozzle ( ) extends from the lid into the interior of the chamber. Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions ( ), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in two storage containers ( ) carried by the cart. A first pump ( ), mounted on the cart, pumps first the alkaline, then the acid cleaning solution to the nozzle. A second pump ( ), mounted on the cart, connects with a scavenge fitting ( ) in the chamber to return the cleaning fluid to the respective storage container. After cleaning is complete, the two cleaning fluids are mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.