Monitoring and Controlling VHP® Sterilization Cycles
May 17, 2023
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP®) is a vacuum sterilization process that operates under low-temperature conditions and has traditionally been used for small objects such as reusable medical instruments, pharmaceutical containers, pre-filled syringes, electronic medical devices, and moisture or temperature-sensitive materials. But in an ever-growing market, VHP® sterilization applications can range from:
- Single-chamber units for small objects
- Pass-through chambers for transferring objects between areas in the pharmaceutical industry
- Mobile cart units for decontaminating small to medium-sized spaces or rooms up to complete facilities
- Complete integrated systems for bio-decontamination of large spaces, or complete facilities.
The fast-paced progression of VHP® is due to its ability to break down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into environmentally safe by-products (water H2O, oxygen O2), and the potential health hazards associated with the alternative method of Ethylene Oxide (ETO) gas sterilization.
The VHP® process has three phases: conditioning, sterilization, and aeration/post-conditioning. These phases occur in a single chamber under deep vacuum conditions, usually in the range of 1-10 millibar (0.03-0.3 inches Hg), with a typical temperature range of 28-40°C (82-104°F). The total cycle time varies depending on several factors, including cycle temperature, the type of object (component, assembly, material, etc.), and the weight of the load.
Challenge
Finding critical components with exceptional accuracy and repeatability for monitoring and controlling the process variables through all phases that occur in VHP® Sterilizers.
Precise, consistent control and monitoring of variables such as temperature, vacuum pressure, RH, and H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) vapor delivery is required for an effective vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization process. A simplified graphic example is shown below.
Solution
Gems Sensors & Controls and Setra provide key components across several product lines to ensure long-lasting dependable results in stand-alone VHP® Sterilizers, bio-decontamination equipment, and integrated systems.
Accurate, Reliable, Stable, and Repeatable: Gems and Setra offer a robust product portfolio with an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Setra Model 730 Vacuum Capacitance Manometer
- High Accuracy: ±0.25% of Reading
- Tensioned Diaphragm Provides Superior Performance
- Wide Compensated Operating Temperature
- Fast Response Time with Low Circuit Noise
- Not Sensitive to Environmental Changes
- Exceptional Overpressure Design
- CE & RoHS Compliant
CAL 3200 Simple PID Temperature Controller
- 32nd DIN Compact Single Loop controller
- 1 x 4 digit LED display with 2 output LED
- Easy-to-use autotuning
- Simple menu-driven configuration
- Removable terminal block for easy wiring.
- IP66 protection
- Output Functions - Heat, Cool, Alarm
- Input Type - Thermocouple, RTD, Linear: 0 to 50mV
- Control Type - PID heat only, PID heat cool , ON/OFF
- Certifications - CE, UL
KS98-2 Modular Automation System
- Multi-loop control, Profile control, Sophisticated process control
- Complete automation of small applications
- Embedded data logger
- Operator Interface with Color Display & Touch
- User-defined application screens
- Alarms and alerts with Icons or clear text
- Always accessible USB interface on front fascia
- Expandable with modular inputs and outputs
- Ethernet and common fieldbuses
- Simulator to test before installation
Additional Product Offerings
- LS-1755 Single Point Level: Liquid H2O2 supply reservoir (small chamber-type units)
- LS-700 Multi-point level: Larger Liquid H2O2 reservoir (large chamber-type units, mobile decontamination units)
- LS-800 Multi-point level: Largest Liquid H2O2 reservoir (integrated bio-decontamination system for room or facility)
- MaxVU Rail Compact DIN-rail mounted PID Temperature Controller: Basic temperature control behind the cabinet
- Gems Solenoid Valves: Liquid H2O2 and vapor injection on/off and directional control
Gems Sensors and Setra’s products have been field-tested around the world. Partner with us for product solutions in your Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization application today.