SteelcoBelimed’s Steam Sterilization Equipment and Its Use
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Efficiency, optimized workflow, and maximized throughput are the markers of good performance in Sterile Processing Departments (SPD). Selecting the right equipment is a crucial part of making an SPD as efficient as possible. The right steam sterilization equipment can provide an SPD with outstanding performance without the potentially high costs of maintenance.
But not all steam sterilizers are created equally. SteelcoBelimed’s sterilization equipment offers SPDs industry-leading efficiency, state-of-the-art design, and cutting-edge technology in a user-friendly package.
Sterilization Basics
As the name suggests, sterile processing departments require equipment that will sterilize surgical instruments, devices, utensils, and fabrics. Sterilizers are generally located in the clean side (Between zones 2 and 3) of a sterile processing department.
During sterilization, the process must achieve a sterility assurance level of 10-6. That means after the sterilization process there is only a one in one million chance of a surviving microorganism.
Destroying microbial life (also called denaturing) occurs by stressing the cell with energy that inactivates the microorganism.
Sterilization equipment uses one or more of the following methods to destroy microbial cells:
- Heat – Air, steam, water, or a combination of the three
- Radiation – Ultraviolet sterilization
- Chemical – Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide, Ethylene Oxide, Ozone, Peracetic Acid, etc.
Steam Sterilization Equipment
Steam sterilizers utilize heat energy in the form of steam to denature a multitude of medical equipment, devices, and supplies. These items include surgical instruments, compatible devices, utensils, liquids, fabrics, and more.
SteelcoBelimed’s vertical and horizontal steam sterilizers are designed to optimize the performance of sterile processing departments. Each sterilizer utilizes the latest advancements in liquid ring vacuum pump technology, high efficiency heat exchangers, and pneumatic steam control valves.
SteelcoBelimed’s steam sterilization equipment provides facilities with a wide range of benefits, including:
- Intuitive Operator Guidance
- Maximized Throughput
- Efficient Space Utilization & Optimized Workflow
- Reduced Water Consumption
- Flexibility
- Wide range of options
- Retrofittable options to enhance existing machines
- Compatible with SmartHub Connect
- Optional – Clean Steam generator benefits
- Prolonged instrument life
- Reduced downtime due to chamber cleaning
- Lower repair costs
The Steam Sterilization Process
Steam sterilizers use the heat (energy) in the steam and transfer it onto the surfaces of the instruments being reprocessed. The end result is that a sterility assurance level of 10-6 is achieved.
To achieve this, steam sterilization cycle has 3 main phases:
- Conditioning– Removing air from the chamber – done over multiple pulses in Prevac cycles (most common and also used in all SteelcoBelimed sterilizers). Vacuum must be created to allow steam to occupy all the space inside a chamber so it can come into contact with all instrument surfaces.
- Sterilize– Exposing wrapped trays to saturated steam. Steam (preferably clean & saturated) enters the chamber to begin exposure to instrument surfaces. Common exposure time is 3-4 minutes.
- Exhaust and Dry – Removing steam/moisture from the sterilizer chamber and drying wrapped instrument trays. The steam exits and the chamber depressurizes to begin evacuating the condensed vapor, thereby drying the instruments.
MST-V Series Vertical Steam Sterilizers
Vertical Steam Sterilizers are suited for all SPDs and Ambulatory Surgery Centers. They are ideal for low to medium volume reprocessing facilities and they can be utilized in the fast lane for large volume facilities. This type of sterilization equipment is used during the terminal step of reprocessing – right before storage or transport to OR.
Vertical steam sterilizers use space efficiently because the service space is contained within the unit so multiple units can be placed side by side to save floor space. They also have an ergonomic design. The ideal loading and unloading height eases staff back strain from repetitive motion.
Equipment Features
The MST-V series includes a powered vertical sliding door, liquid-ring vacuum pump, pneumatic steam valves, encased mineral wool insulation, and LED status indicator. This sterilization equipment is constructed with a 100% stainless steel chamber, jacket, and piping. Our vertical steam sterilizers are clean steam compatible and have an optional connection to the facility’s chilled water supply.
Variations and Options
All of our vertical steam sterilizers have single-door and double-door options and are available in 3 sizes, measured by how many trays they can process:
- 6 tray
- 9 tray
- 12 tray
Available Accessories
- Transport cart and loading rack for all sizes.
- Automation for automatically loading/unloading racks.
- Pull out shelves and foot pedal for the smaller sizes
- Integrated electric steam generators or steam to steam generators.
- Externally mounted electric steam generators or steam to steam generators.
- Steam sample kit for testing steam purity to AAMI ST108.
MST-H 9600 Series Horizontal Steam Sterilizer
SteelcoBelimed’s Horizontal Steam Sterilizers can service large SPDs with medium to high volume needs. These steam sterilizers are equipped with pre-vacuum and gravity cycles. They are also clean steam compatible with optional integrated or external clean steam generators. This type of sterilization equipment maximizes throughput, resource efficiency and reduces operating costs. This sterilization equipment is used in the terminal step of reprocessing, right before storage or transport to the OR.
Equipment Features
Each SteelcoBelimed MST-H horizontal steam sterilizer includes a powered horizontal sliding door, liquid-ring vacuum pump, pneumatic steam valves, encased mineral wool insulation, and LED status indicator. They’re constructed with a 100% stainless steel chamber, jacket, and piping. They are also clean steam compatible and have an optional cooling circuit connection.
Variations and Options
All SteelcoBelimed’s MST-H 9600 Series Horizontal Steam Sterilizers have single door and double door options. They are available in three sizes, measured by how many trays they can process per cycle:
- 16 tray
- 20 tray
- 24 tray
Available Accessories
- Transport cart and loading rack for all sizes (Manual and Automated)
- Automation for automatically loading/unloading racks.
- Integrated electric steam generators or steam to steam generators.
- Externally mounted electric steam generators or steam to steam generators.
- Steam sample kit for testing steam purity to AAMI ST108.
MST-H GR 9600 Series Ground Loading Steam Sterilizers
SteelcoBelimed’s Ground Loading Steam Sterilizers are optimized for performance and resource efficiency when sterilizing instruments, utensils, fabric packs, and compatible medical devices. These sterilizers are ideal for large SPDs with Medium-High Volume needs during the terminal step of reprocessing before storage or transport to the operating room.
Equipment Features
This sterilization equipment includes a powered horizontal sliding door, liquid-ring vacuum pump, pneumatic steam valves, and encased mineral wool insulation. Each sterilizer is constructed with a 100% stainless steel chamber, jacket, and piping. They are clean steam compatible with an optional cooling circuit connection.
Variations and Options
All SteelcoBelimed’s MST-H GR 9600 Series Ground Loading Steam Sterilizers have Single door and double door options. They are available in three sizes, measured by how many trays they can process per cycle:
- 16 tray
- 20 tray
- 24 tray
Available Accessories
- Loading rack for all sizes (Manual and Automated load/unload)
- Automation for automatically loading/unloading racks.
- Integrated electric steam generators or steam to steam generators.
- Externally mounted electric steam generators or steam to steam generators.
- Steam sample kit for testing steam purity to AAMI ST108.
Contact SteelcoBelimed
SteelcoBelimed’s Steam Sterilizers combine state-of-the-art design and construction with industry-leading space efficiency. Our equipment offers SPDs flexibility, with features and options that can accommodate the needs of a wide range of facilities.
Connect with us through our Contact Us Form on our website or call 1.800.451.4118.
