JP2003135931A - Apparatus for treating exhaust gas from ethylene oxide gas sterilizer - Google Patents

Apparatus for treating exhaust gas from ethylene oxide gas sterilizer

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Publication number
JP2003135931A
JP2003135931A JP2001336051A JP2001336051A JP2003135931A JP 2003135931 A JP2003135931 A JP 2003135931A JP 2001336051 A JP2001336051 A JP 2001336051A JP 2001336051 A JP2001336051 A JP 2001336051A JP 2003135931 A JP2003135931 A JP 2003135931A
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JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
exhaust gas
eog
sterilizer
ethylene oxide
discharged
Prior art date
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Granted
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JP2001336051A
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Japanese (ja)
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JP4038358B2 (en
Inventor
Toshiaki Yatabe
利彰 矢田部
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MURAKI CORP
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MURAKI CORP
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Priority to JP2001336051A priority Critical patent/JP4038358B2/en
Publication of JP2003135931A publication Critical patent/JP2003135931A/en
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  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Exhaust Gas Treatment By Means Of Catalyst (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for treating exhaust gas from an ethylene oxide gas (EOG) sterilizer which is made compact and inexpensive as a whole and with which a large quantity of the exhaust gas containing high-concentration EOG can be made harmless in a short period of time. SOLUTION: The exhaust gas of high EOG concentration discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 at the beginning is stored in a tank 6 temporarily, diluted in a mixing/diluting part 2 gradually without haste, introduced into a catalytic reaction part 3 and made harmless. The exhaust gas of low EOG concentration lowered by aeration action is introduced into the part 3 and made harmless without dilution through a bypass pipeline 8 for bypassing the tank 6 and the part 2.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、例えば医療用器具
や衣服、寝具等を酸化エチレンガス（以下、ＥＯＧと称
する）を用いて滅菌するためのＥＯＧ滅菌器から排出さ
れる有害なＥＯＧ含有排ガスを触媒反応により酸化分解
して無害化処理して大気に放出するように構成されてい
る触媒方式のＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置に関するも
のである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to harmful EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from an EOG sterilizer for sterilizing medical instruments, clothes, bedding and the like with ethylene oxide gas (hereinafter referred to as EOG). The present invention relates to a catalyst type exhaust gas treatment device for an EOG sterilizer, which is configured to be oxidatively decomposed by a catalytic reaction to be detoxified and released into the atmosphere.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】ＥＯＧ滅菌器から排出されるＥＯＧ含有
排ガスを無処理のままで大気に放出すると、大気汚染の
要因になり、環境衛生上好ましくない。そこで、ＥＯＧ
含有排ガスの無害化処理手段として、従来、図４に示す
ように、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガ
スに大気から取り入れた空気ａを混合させてＥＯＧ濃度
を希釈する混合希釈部２と、この混合希釈部２から排出
される排ガス中の残留ＥＯＧを触媒反応により酸化分解
して無害化処理する触媒反応部３とを備え、上記ＥＯＧ
滅菌器１に配管４を介して連通連結してなる触媒方式の
排ガス処理装置５を用いることが一般的に知られてい
る。2. Description of the Related Art If EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from an EOG sterilizer is released into the atmosphere without being treated, it becomes a factor of air pollution, which is not preferable for environmental hygiene. So EOG
As a conventional means for detoxifying the contained exhaust gas, as shown in FIG. 4, a mixing / diluting unit 2 for diluting the EOG concentration by mixing the EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 with the air a taken from the atmosphere. And a catalytic reaction unit 3 for detoxifying and treating the residual EOG in the exhaust gas discharged from the mixing and diluting unit 2 by catalytic reaction.
It is generally known to use a catalyst-type exhaust gas treatment device 5 which is connected to the sterilizer 1 via a pipe 4.

【０００３】[0003]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記した従来一般の触
媒方式の排ガス処理装置５は、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出
される排ガス中のＥＯＧを触媒反応部３での酸化分解に
よって確実かつ安全に無害化処理できるようにするため
に、触媒反応部３よりも上流側の位置で、排ガスに空気
を混合させてＥＯＧ濃度を触媒反応に適した濃度にまで
希釈する必要がある。特に、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から最初に
排出される排ガス中のＥＯＧ濃度は非常に高く、そのよ
うな高濃度なＥＯＧが触媒反応すると、反応熱が過度に
上昇し、場合によっては爆発等の危険性を伴う可能性が
あり、触媒方式の処理装置５では空気混合による希釈が
必要不可欠である。The conventional general catalyst type exhaust gas treatment apparatus 5 described above reliably and safely harmlessly oxidizes and decomposes EOG in the exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 in the catalytic reaction section 3. In order to enable the chemical treatment, it is necessary to mix the exhaust gas with air at a position upstream of the catalytic reaction part 3 to dilute the EOG concentration to a concentration suitable for the catalytic reaction. In particular, the EOG concentration in the exhaust gas first discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 is very high, and when such a high concentration of EOG undergoes a catalytic reaction, the reaction heat rises excessively, and in some cases there is a risk of explosion or the like. Therefore, in the catalytic treatment device 5, dilution by air mixing is indispensable.

【０００４】ところで、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出される
ＥＯＧ含有排ガス量は相当に多量である。特に、チャン
バー内に収容された被滅菌物の残留ＥＯＧ濃度を下げる
ためにチャンバー内への清浄空気の導入、及び、排出を
複数回繰り返して空気置換作用を行うエアレーション時
には連続的に多量の排ガスが排出されるのであり、この
ような多量の排ガスを次々と、しかも、短時間で希釈処
理するには混合希釈部２として非常に処理能力の大きな
ものが要求される。また、希釈処理後の多量の排ガスを
触媒反応により所定どおりに酸化分解させるためには単
位時間当たりの処理能力が過大な触媒を用いるか、もし
くは、多量の排ガスを触媒反応に最適な温度にまで予備
加熱することが必要であり、その結果、装置全体が大型
化し設置に大きなスペースを要するとともに、設備コス
トが非常に高くなり、さらに、予備加熱する場合は消費
熱エネルギーが多くランニニングコストも嵩むという問
題があった。By the way, the amount of EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 is considerably large. In particular, a large amount of exhaust gas is continuously generated during aeration in which clean air is introduced into and discharged from the chamber a plurality of times in order to reduce the residual EOG concentration of the substance to be sterilized and stored in the chamber. In order to dilute such a large amount of exhaust gas one after another and in a short time, the mixing / diluting section 2 having a very large processing capacity is required. In addition, in order to oxidatively decompose a large amount of exhaust gas after dilution treatment as prescribed by a catalytic reaction, use a catalyst with an excessive treatment capacity per unit time, or use a large amount of exhaust gas up to the optimum temperature for catalytic reaction. Preheating is required, and as a result, the entire device becomes large and requires a large space for installation, and the equipment cost is very high. Furthermore, when preheating, the heat consumption energy is large and the running cost is high. There was a problem.

【０００５】因みに、触媒反応に適した濃度を１０００
０ｐｐｍとした場合、ＥＯＧ滅菌器から最初に排出され
るＥＯＧ濃度は、滅菌器チャンバー内を真空にしてＥＯ
Ｇを導入していることからみて一般的に使用されている
滅菌用ＥＯＧボンベ内の濃度、すなわち、２０万ｐｐｍ
〜１００万ｐｐｍとほぼ同等であり、これを触媒反応に
適した１００００ｐｐｍの濃度にするためには、２０〜
１００倍に希釈しなければならない。したがって、滅菌
器チャンバーの容量を１００Ｌとすると、希釈後のＥＯ
Ｇ含有排ガスの容積は２０００〜１００００Ｌにもな
る。また、この多量のＥＯＧ含有排ガスを５分間で処理
するとなると、４００〜２０００Ｌ／分の処理能力が要
求されることになる。また、このような多量のＥＯＧ含
有排ガスを触媒反応に最適な温度までプレヒーターで加
熱するとなると、多くの消費熱エネルギーを必要とし、
ランニングコストが膨大になり非常に不経済である。Incidentally, the concentration suitable for the catalytic reaction is 1000
When the concentration is 0 ppm, the EOG concentration first discharged from the EOG sterilizer is EO by evacuating the sterilizer chamber.
The concentration in the EOG cylinder for sterilization that is generally used from the viewpoint of introducing G, that is, 200,000 ppm
˜1 million ppm, which is almost equal to 1,000,000 ppm
It must be diluted 100 times. Therefore, assuming that the volume of the sterilizer chamber is 100 L, the diluted EO
The volume of the G-containing exhaust gas becomes 2000 to 10000L. Further, if this large amount of EOG-containing exhaust gas is treated in 5 minutes, a treatment capacity of 400 to 2000 L / min is required. In addition, when such a large amount of EOG-containing exhaust gas is heated by the preheater to the optimum temperature for the catalytic reaction, a large amount of heat energy is consumed,
The running cost is huge and it is very uneconomical.

【０００６】また、ＥＯＧ滅菌器と排ガス処理装置との
間に通信手段を設けて、排ガス処理装置側の処理能力、
処理速度に合わせてＥＯＧ滅菌器側からの排ガスの排出
をコントロールする機能を発揮させることも考えられる
が、そのような通信手段やコントロール機能を持たない
既存のＥＯＧ滅菌器には適用することができないし、ま
た、設備投資によって適用したとしても、滅菌から排ガ
ス処理までの一連の作業効率が著しく低下してしまうと
いう問題がある。[0006] Further, a communication means is provided between the EOG sterilizer and the exhaust gas treatment device so that the processing capacity of the exhaust gas treatment device side,
It may be possible to exert the function of controlling the exhaust gas emission from the EOG sterilizer side according to the processing speed, but it cannot be applied to the existing EOG sterilizer without such communication means or control function. Moreover, even if it is applied by capital investment, there is a problem that the efficiency of a series of operations from sterilization to exhaust gas treatment is significantly reduced.

【０００７】本発明は上記実情に鑑みてなされたもの
で、既存のＥＯＧ滅菌器にも適用可能であるのはもとよ
り、装置全体の小型化、低コスト化を図りながら、高濃
度かつ多量のＥＯＧ含有排ガスを短時間のうちに無害化
処理することができるＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置を
提供することを目的としている。The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is applicable not only to existing EOG sterilizers, but also to high-concentration and large-volume EOGs while achieving downsizing and cost reduction of the entire apparatus. An object is to provide an exhaust gas treatment device for an EOG sterilizer, which can detoxify contained exhaust gas in a short time.

【０００８】[0008]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、本発明に係るＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置は、Ｅ
ＯＧ滅菌器から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガスに空気を混
合させてＥＯＧ濃度を希釈する混合希釈部と、この混合
希釈部から排出される排ガス中の残留ＥＯＧを触媒反応
により酸化分解して無害化処理する触媒反応部とを備え
ているＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置であって、上混合
希釈部よりも上流側の位置に、ＥＯＧ滅菌器から排出さ
れるＥＯＧ含有排ガスを一時的に貯留し、かつ、その貯
留排ガスを混合希釈部で徐々に希釈しながら排出可能な
タンク及びこのタンク及び混合希釈部を迂回させてＥＯ
Ｇ含有排ガスを混合希釈部の下流側の位置に排出可能な
バイパス路が設けられているとともに、上記タンク及び
混合希釈部を経由して排出される希釈済の排ガスを上記
触媒反応部へ導入する第１状態と上記タンク及び混合希
釈部を迂回しバイパス路を経て排出される非希釈の排ガ
スを上記触媒反応部へ直接導入する第２状態とに選択的
に切替制御可能なガス導入路切替制御手段が設けられて
いることを特徴とするものである。In order to achieve the above object, an exhaust gas treatment apparatus for an EOG sterilizer according to the present invention is
A mixing / diluting section for diluting the EOG concentration by mixing air with the EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the OG sterilizer, and detoxifying treatment by oxidative decomposition of residual EOG in the exhaust gas discharged from this mixing / diluting section by catalytic reaction. An exhaust gas treatment apparatus for an EOG sterilizer, comprising: a catalytic reaction unit for storing the EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer at a position upstream of the upper mixing / diluting unit, and A tank that can be discharged while gradually diluting the stored exhaust gas in the mixing and diluting section and an EO that bypasses this tank and the mixing and diluting section
A bypass passage that can discharge the G-containing exhaust gas at a position downstream of the mixing / diluting section is provided, and the diluted exhaust gas discharged through the tank and the mixing / diluting section is introduced into the catalytic reaction section. Gas introduction passage switching control capable of selectively switching control between a first state and a second state in which undiluted exhaust gas bypassing the tank and the mixing / diluting portion and discharged through a bypass passage is directly introduced into the catalytic reaction portion Means are provided.

【０００９】上記構成を有する本発明によれば、ＥＯＧ
滅菌器から最初に排出される高濃度のＥＯＧ含有排ガス
を処理するときは、ガス導入路切替制御手段を介してガ
ス導入路を第１状態に切替えることによって、ＥＯＧ滅
菌器から排出される高濃度のＥＯＧ含有排ガスはタンク
に一時的に貯留され混合希釈部で徐々に希釈されながら
触媒反応部に導入され無害化処理される。その後にＥＯ
Ｇ滅菌器でのエアレーション（空気置換）により濃度が
低下されたＥＯＧ含有排ガスを処理するときは、ガス導
入路切替制御手段を介してガス導入路を第２状態に切替
えることによって、ＥＯＧ滅菌器から排出される低濃度
のＥＯＧ含有排ガスはバイパス路を経てタンク及び混合
希釈部を迂回して触媒反応部に直接導入され無害化処理
される。According to the present invention having the above structure, the EOG
When the high-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas first discharged from the sterilizer is processed, the high-concentration exhausted from the EOG sterilizer is switched by switching the gas introduction passage to the first state via the gas introduction passage switching control means. The EOG-containing exhaust gas of (1) is temporarily stored in the tank and gradually diluted in the mixing / diluting section while being introduced into the catalytic reaction section for detoxification treatment. Then EO
When processing the EOG-containing exhaust gas whose concentration has been reduced by aeration (air replacement) in the G sterilizer, the EOG sterilizer is switched from the EOG sterilizer by switching the gas introduction passage to the second state via the gas introduction passage switching control means. The discharged low-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas bypasses the tank and the mixing / diluting section via a bypass path and is directly introduced into the catalytic reaction section for detoxification treatment.

【００１０】上述のように、ＥＯＧ濃度が高い排ガスの
排出初期段階時にのみ時間をかけて希釈しながら触媒反
応処理し、それ以降のＥＯＧ濃度が低い排ガスの排出段
階では希釈なしで触媒反応処理することにより、ＥＯＧ
濃度に関係なく滅菌器から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガス
の全量を希釈した後、触媒反応する従来の装置に比べ
て、混合希釈部及び触媒の必要処理能力を小さくするこ
とが可能で、装置全体の小型化及び低コスト化が図れ
る。また、多量の希釈済み排ガスを触媒反応に適した温
度まで予備加熱する必要もないので、熱エネルギーの消
費も非常に少なくなり、ランニングコストの低減も図れ
る。さらに、通信手段や滅菌器からの排ガス排出量のコ
ントロール機能を持たない既存のＥＯＧ滅菌器にも簡単
に適用することが可能である。As described above, the catalytic reaction treatment is performed while diluting the exhaust gas having a high EOG concentration over a period of time only during the initial discharge stage, and the catalytic reaction treatment is performed without dilution in the subsequent exhaust gas stage having a low EOG concentration. By this, EOG
After diluting the total amount of EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the sterilizer regardless of the concentration, it is possible to reduce the required processing capacity of the mixing / diluting section and the catalyst, as compared with the conventional apparatus in which a catalytic reaction is performed. Miniaturization and cost reduction can be achieved. Further, since it is not necessary to preheat a large amount of diluted exhaust gas to a temperature suitable for the catalytic reaction, consumption of heat energy is extremely reduced and running cost can be reduced. Further, it can be easily applied to an existing EOG sterilizer that does not have a communication means or a function of controlling the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the sterilizer.

【００１１】上記構成のＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置
におけるガス導入路切替制御手段としては、請求項２に
記載のように、滅菌器からＥＯＧ含有排ガスが排出され
る時で、少なくとも最初の排出開始時から所定時間経過
するまでは第１状態に切替えられ、その後は第２状態と
第１状態とが所定回数に亘り交互に切替制御されるよう
に構成されたものであっても、請求項３に記載のよう
に、滅菌器からＥＯＧ含有排ガスが排出される時で、少
なくとも最初の排出開始時から所定時間経過するまでは
第１状態に切替えられ、その後は第２状態と第１状態と
の並行状態に切替制御されるように構成されたものであ
ってもよく、いずれにしても、滅菌器から高濃度のＥＯ
Ｇ含有排ガスが最初に排出開始される時から所定時間経
過するまではタンクに一時貯留させて混合希釈部で徐々
に希釈しながら触媒反応部に導入することで、処理能力
の小さい触媒反応部を用いながらも、適切な酸化分解作
用を発揮させて所定どおりの無害化処理を確実に行うこ
とができる。The gas introduction path switching control means in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus for an EOG sterilizer having the above-mentioned structure is characterized in that, as described in claim 2, when the EOG-containing exhaust gas is discharged from the sterilizer, at least at the first discharge start time. Even if it is configured such that it is switched to the first state until a predetermined time elapses from then on, and then the second state and the first state are alternately switched over a predetermined number of times. As described above, when the EOG-containing exhaust gas is discharged from the sterilizer, it is switched to the first state at least until a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first discharge, and thereafter, the second state and the first state are in parallel. It may be configured to be controlled to be switched to a state, and in any case, the sterilizer can remove high-concentration EO.
From the time when the G-containing exhaust gas is first discharged, until a predetermined time elapses, it is temporarily stored in the tank and gradually introduced into the catalytic reaction part while being diluted by the mixing / diluting part, so that the catalytic reaction part having a small processing capacity can be obtained. Even if it is used, it is possible to surely perform the detoxification treatment as desired by exerting an appropriate oxidative decomposition action.

【００１２】[0012]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面
にもとづいて説明する。図１は本発明に係るＥＯＧ滅菌
器用排ガス処理装置の概略構成図であり、このＥＯＧ滅
菌器用排ガス処理装置５は、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から配管４
を通して排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガスに大気から取り入
れた空気ａを混合させてＥＯＧ濃度を希釈する混合希釈
部２と、この混合希釈部２から排出される排ガス中の残
留ＥＯＧを触媒反応により酸化分解して無害化処理する
触媒反応部３とを備えており、これらは図４に示す従来
の触媒方式の排ガス処理装置と同一の基本構成である。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an exhaust gas treatment apparatus for an EOG sterilizer according to the present invention. This exhaust gas treatment apparatus 5 for an EOG sterilizer includes an EOG sterilizer 1 to a pipe 4
Through mixing the air a introduced from the atmosphere with the exhaust gas containing EOG exhausted through the mixing and diluting section 2 and the residual EOG in the exhaust gas discharged from the mixing and diluting section 2 is oxidatively decomposed by a catalytic reaction. And a catalytic reaction unit 3 for detoxifying treatment, which has the same basic configuration as the conventional catalytic exhaust gas treatment apparatus shown in FIG.

【００１３】上記のような基本構成を備えた排ガス処理
装置５において、上記混合希釈部２よりも上流側の位置
には、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガス
を一時的に貯留し、かつ、その貯留排ガスを混合希釈部
２に少量毎に供給して徐々に希釈しながら下流側に排出
可能なタンク６が設けられているとともに、このタンク
６及び混合希釈部２を通過して排出される希釈済の排ガ
スを触媒反応部３に導入可能な導管７が設けられてい
る。また、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排
ガスを上記一時貯留用タンク６及び混合希釈部２を迂回
させて混合希釈部２よりも下流側に排出可能なバイパス
配管（バイパス路）８が配管４と導管７の途中部分間に
亘って連結されている。In the exhaust gas treating apparatus 5 having the above-mentioned basic structure, the EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 is temporarily stored at a position upstream of the mixing / diluting section 2. Further, the stored exhaust gas is supplied to the mixing and diluting unit 2 in small amounts, and a tank 6 capable of discharging while gradually diluting is provided at the same time, and is discharged through the tank 6 and the mixing and diluting unit 2. A conduit 7 that can introduce the diluted exhaust gas into the catalytic reaction unit 3 is provided. Further, a bypass pipe (bypass passage) 8 that can bypass the EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 to the temporary storage tank 6 and the mixing / diluting unit 2 and discharge it to the downstream side of the mixing / diluting unit 2 is a pipe. 4 and the conduit 7 are connected to each other in the middle thereof.

【００１４】上記バイパス配管８と配管４との分岐部、
バイパス配管８の途中部分及び導管７の上流端部にはそ
れぞれ電磁弁９，１０，１１が介在されており、これら
電磁弁９，１０，１１の開閉を制御することにより、Ｅ
ＯＧ滅菌器１から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガスが上記タ
ンク６及び混合希釈部２を経由して徐々に希釈され、そ
の希釈済の排ガスが導管７を通じて触媒反応部３へ導入
される第１状態と、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出されるＥＯ
Ｇ含有排ガスが上記タンク６及び混合希釈部２を迂回し
バイパス配管８を経て排出され、その非希釈排ガスが導
管７を通じて触媒反応部３へ直接導入される第２状態と
に選択的に切替制御可能なコントローラ１２（ガス導入
路切替制御手段）が設けられている。A branch portion between the bypass pipe 8 and the pipe 4,
Solenoid valves 9, 10, 11 are respectively interposed in the middle portion of the bypass pipe 8 and the upstream end portion of the conduit 7. By controlling the opening and closing of these solenoid valves 9, 10, 11, E
The EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the OG sterilizer 1 is gradually diluted via the tank 6 and the mixing / diluting unit 2, and the diluted exhaust gas is introduced into the catalytic reaction unit 3 through the conduit 7. , EO discharged from EOG sterilizer 1
The G-containing exhaust gas bypasses the tank 6 and the mixing / diluting section 2 and is discharged through the bypass pipe 8, and the undiluted exhaust gas is selectively switched to the second state in which it is directly introduced into the catalytic reaction section 3 through the conduit 7. A possible controller 12 (gas introduction path switching control means) is provided.

【００１５】上記コントローラ１２は、図２のタイミン
グチャートで示すように、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から最初にＥ
ＯＧ含有排ガスが排出開始された時点では電磁弁９，１
１を開、電磁弁１０を閉にするとともに、排出開始時点
から所定時間Ｔ１が経過した時点で電磁弁９を閉に、さ
らに、排出開始から所定時間Ｔ２（＞Ｔ１）が経過した
時点で電磁弁１１を閉とする上記の第１状態に切替えら
れ、その後は電磁弁９を閉のままで電磁弁１０と１１と
を所定回数交互に開閉させて上記の第２状態と第１状態
とを繰り返し切替制御するような動作シーケンスにプロ
グラム設定されている。As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 2, the controller 12 starts from the EOG sterilizer 1 to the E first.
Solenoid valves 9 and 1 at the time when the exhaust gas containing OG is started.
1 is opened, the solenoid valve 10 is closed, the solenoid valve 9 is closed when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of discharging, and the solenoid is closed when a predetermined time T2 (> T1) has elapsed from the start of discharging. The valve 11 is switched to the first state in which the valve 11 is closed, and thereafter, the electromagnetic valve 9 is kept closed and the electromagnetic valves 10 and 11 are alternately opened and closed a predetermined number of times to switch between the second state and the first state. The program is set to an operation sequence for repeatedly switching control.

【００１６】なお、上記ＥＯＧ滅菌器１は、チャンバー
内に被滅菌物を収容した上で内部を真空状態にした後、
ＥＯＧを導入して一定時間暴露して滅菌する滅菌工程
と、滅菌工程終了後に真空ポンプまたは真空発生器によ
りチャンバー内のＥＯＧを外部へ排出して一定圧力まで
減圧した後、大気よりフィルターを通して新鮮な空気を
チャンバー内に導入して空気置換を行い、しかる後、チ
ャンバー内の残留ＥＯＧ含有排ガスを外部へ排出し、再
度新鮮空気の導入による空気置換を行った後、排ガスを
再び外部へ排出することを複数回繰り返すことにより残
留ＥＯＧ濃度を段階的に低下させるエアレーション工程
とを有するものであって、その具体的な構成は周知であ
るため、構成の説明及び図示は省略する。なお、エアレ
ーションの一回当たりの所要時間Ｔａ（図２参照）は３
〜７分が一般的である。In the EOG sterilizer 1, after the object to be sterilized is housed in the chamber and the inside is evacuated,
A sterilization process in which EOG is introduced and exposed for a certain period of time to sterilize, and after the sterilization process is completed, the EOG in the chamber is discharged to the outside by a vacuum pump or a vacuum generator to reduce the pressure to a certain pressure, and then fresh from the atmosphere through a filter. Introducing air into the chamber to perform air replacement, and then discharging the residual exhaust gas containing EOG in the chamber to the outside, again performing air replacement by introducing fresh air, and then discharging the exhaust gas to the outside again. And an aeration process for gradually reducing the residual EOG concentration by repeating the above procedure a plurality of times. Since the specific configuration thereof is well known, the description and illustration of the configuration will be omitted. The required time Ta (see FIG. 2) per aeration is 3
~ 7 minutes is typical.

【００１７】上記のように構成されたＥＯＧ滅菌器用排
ガス処理装置５によれば、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１でのエアレー
ション作用に伴い最初に高濃度のＥＯＧ含有排ガスが排
出されるときは、コントローラ１２を介して電磁弁９，
１１が開、電磁弁１０が閉となる第１状態に切替えられ
ており、これによって、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１から排出される
高濃度のＥＯＧ含有排ガスはタンク６に一時的に貯留さ
れたのち、混合希釈部２で時間をかけて徐々に希釈され
ながら、所定時間Ｔ２に亘り触媒反応部３に導入されて
無害化処理される。その後は、コントローラ１２を介し
て電磁弁９が閉のままで電磁弁１０と１１とが所定回数
（エアレーション作用回数）に亘り交互に開閉されて第
２状態と第１状態とが繰り返し切替制御されることにな
り、これによって、ＥＯＧ滅菌器１でのエアレーション
（空気置換）により濃度低下された低濃度のＥＯＧ含有
排ガスまたは混合希釈部２で希釈された低濃度のＥＯＧ
含有排ガスが交互に触媒反応部３に導入されて無害化処
理される。According to the exhaust gas treatment apparatus 5 for an EOG sterilizer constructed as described above, when the high concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas is first discharged due to the aeration action in the EOG sterilizer 1, the controller 12 is operated. Solenoid valve 9,
11 has been opened and the solenoid valve 10 has been switched to the first state in which it is closed, whereby the high-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the EOG sterilizer 1 is temporarily stored in the tank 6 and then mixed. While being gradually diluted in the dilution section 2 over a period of time, it is introduced into the catalytic reaction section 3 for a predetermined time T2 to be detoxified. After that, the solenoid valve 9 remains closed via the controller 12, and the solenoid valves 10 and 11 are alternately opened and closed a predetermined number of times (the number of times of aeration) to repeatedly switch between the second state and the first state. As a result, a low-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas whose concentration has been reduced by aeration (air substitution) in the EOG sterilizer 1 or a low-concentration EOG diluted by the mixing / diluting section 2 is obtained.
The contained exhaust gas is alternately introduced into the catalytic reaction section 3 and is detoxified.

【００１８】上述のように、ＥＯＧ濃度が高い排ガスの
排出初期段階時にのみ時間をかけて希釈しながら触媒反
応処理し、それ以降のＥＯＧ濃度が低い排ガスの排出段
階では希釈なしで触媒反応処理することにより、ＥＯＧ
含有排ガスの全量を希釈して触媒反応させる場合に比べ
て、混合希釈部２及び触媒反応部３の必要処理能力が小
さくてすみ、装置全体の小型化及び低コスト化が図れ
る。また、多量の希釈済み排ガスを触媒反応に適した温
度まで予備加熱する必要もないので、熱エネルギーの消
費も非常に少なく、ランニングコストの低減も図れる。As described above, the catalytic reaction treatment is performed while diluting the exhaust gas having a high EOG concentration over a period of time only during the initial discharge stage, and the catalytic reaction treatment is performed without dilution in the subsequent exhaust gas stage having a low EOG concentration. By this, EOG
Compared with the case where the total amount of the exhaust gas contained is diluted to carry out a catalytic reaction, the required processing capacity of the mixing and diluting section 2 and the catalytic reaction section 3 can be small, and the overall size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to preheat a large amount of diluted exhaust gas to a temperature suitable for the catalytic reaction, consumption of thermal energy is very small and running cost can be reduced.

【００１９】なお、上記実施の形態では、最初（１回
目）に排出される高濃度のＥＯＧ含有排ガスを時間をか
けて希釈しながら触媒反応処理し、それ以降、つまり、
２回目以降は混合希釈部２から排出される低濃度のＥＯ
Ｇ含有排ガスと非希釈（希釈なし）の低濃度のＥＯＧ含
有排ガスとを交互に触媒反応部３に導入するような動作
シーケンスにプログラム設定したコントローラ１２を用
いたが、図３のタイミングチャートで示すように、２回
目以降は混合希釈部２から排出される低濃度のＥＯＧ含
有排ガスと非希釈（希釈なし）の低濃度のＥＯＧ含有排
ガスとを同時並行して触媒反応部３に導入するような動
作シーケンスにプログラム設定したコントローラを用い
てもよい。In the above embodiment, the high-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged first (first time) is subjected to a catalytic reaction treatment while being diluted over time, and thereafter, that is,
From the second time onward, low-concentration EO discharged from the mixing and diluting unit 2
The controller 12 programmed to operate in such a manner that the G-containing exhaust gas and the undiluted (non-diluted) low-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas are alternately introduced into the catalytic reaction unit 3 was used. As described above, after the second time, the low-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas discharged from the mixing / diluting unit 2 and the undiluted (non-diluted) low-concentration EOG-containing exhaust gas are simultaneously introduced into the catalytic reaction unit 3. A controller programmed in the operation sequence may be used.

【００２０】また、上記した一時貯留用タンク６内にＥ
ＯＧ含有排ガスを一時的に吸着保持可能な物質を挿入し
ておくことにより、タンク容量の小型化も図れる。In the temporary storage tank 6 mentioned above, E
By inserting a substance capable of temporarily adsorbing and holding the OG-containing exhaust gas, the tank capacity can be reduced.

【００２１】[0021]

【発明の効果】以上要するに、本発明によれば、ＥＯＧ
濃度が高い排ガスの排出初期段階時には時間をかけて希
釈しながら触媒反応処理し、それ以降でＥＯＧ濃度が低
い排ガスの排出段階以降は希釈なしで触媒反応処理する
ことにより、滅菌器から排出されるＥＯＧ含有排ガスの
全量を希釈した上で触媒反応するように構成されている
従来の装置に比べて、混合希釈部及び触媒の必要処理能
力を小さくすることができて、装置全体の小型化及び低
コスト化並びに処理時間の短縮化を図ることができる。
しかも、多量の希釈済み排ガスを触媒反応に適した温度
まで予備加熱する必要もないので、熱エネルギーの消費
も非常に少なく、ランニングコストの低減も図ることが
できる。また、通信手段や滅菌器からの排ガス排出量の
コントロール機能を持たない既存のＥＯＧ滅菌器にも簡
単に適用することができるという効果を奏する。In summary, according to the present invention, the EOG is
Exhaust gas with a high concentration is discharged from the sterilizer by performing a catalytic reaction treatment while diluting over time in the initial stage of discharge, and then performing a catalytic reaction process without dilution after the exhaust gas stage with a low EOG concentration. Compared to a conventional device configured to dilute the total amount of EOG-containing exhaust gas and then to carry out a catalytic reaction, the required processing capacity of the mixing and diluting section and the catalyst can be made smaller, and the overall size and size of the device can be reduced. Cost and processing time can be shortened.
Moreover, since it is not necessary to preheat a large amount of diluted exhaust gas to a temperature suitable for the catalytic reaction, consumption of thermal energy is very small and running cost can be reduced. Further, there is an effect that it can be easily applied to an existing EOG sterilizer which does not have a function of controlling the amount of exhaust gas discharged from the communication means or the sterilizer.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明に係るＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置の
概略構成図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an exhaust gas treating apparatus for an EOG sterilizer according to the present invention.

【図２】同装置におけるコントローラにプログラム設定
されているタイミングチャートの一例である。FIG. 2 is an example of a timing chart programmed in a controller of the apparatus.

【図３】同装置におけるコントローラにプログラム設定
されているタイミングチャートの他の一例である。FIG. 3 is another example of a timing chart in which a controller is programmed in the same apparatus.

【図４】従来のＥＯＧ滅菌器用排ガス処理装置の概略構
成図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional exhaust gas treatment device for an EOG sterilizer.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ ＥＯＧ滅菌器 ２ 混合希釈部 ３ 触媒反応部 ５ 排ガス処理装置 ６ 一時貯留用タンク ８ バイパス配管（バイパス路） ９，１０，１１ 電磁弁 １２ コントローラ（ガス導入路切替制御手段） 1 EOG sterilizer 2 mixed dilution section 3 Catalytic reaction part 5 Exhaust gas treatment equipment 6 Temporary storage tank 8 Bypass piping (bypass path) 9, 10, 11 solenoid valve 12 controller (gas introduction path switching control means)

Claims (3)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 酸化エチレンガス滅菌器から排出される
酸化エチレンガス含有排ガスに空気を混合させて酸化エ
チレンガス濃度を希釈する混合希釈部と、この混合希釈
部から排出される排ガス中の残留酸化エチレンガスを触
媒反応により酸化分解して無害化処理する触媒反応部と
を備えている酸化エチレンガス滅菌器用排ガス処理装置
であって、 上混合希釈部よりも上流側の位置に、酸化エチレンガス
滅菌器から排出される酸化エチレンガス含有排ガスを一
時的に貯留し、かつ、その貯留排ガスを混合希釈部で徐
々に希釈しながら排出可能なタンク及びこのタンク及び
混合希釈部を迂回させて酸化エチレンガス含有排ガスを
混合希釈部の下流側の位置に排出可能なバイパス路が設
けられているとともに、 上記タンク及び混合希釈部を経由して排出される希釈済
の排ガスを上記触媒反応部へ導入する第１状態と上記タ
ンク及び混合希釈部を迂回しバイパス路を経て排出され
る非希釈の排ガスを上記触媒反応部へ直接導入する第２
状態とに選択的に切替制御可能なガス導入路切替制御手
段が設けられていることを特徴とする酸化エチレンガス
滅菌器用排ガス処理装置。1. A mixing / diluting unit for diluting the ethylene oxide gas concentration by mixing air with the exhaust gas containing ethylene oxide gas discharged from an ethylene oxide gas sterilizer, and residual oxidation in the exhaust gas discharged from this mixing / diluting unit. An exhaust gas treatment device for an ethylene oxide gas sterilizer, which comprises a catalytic reaction unit that oxidatively decomposes and detoxifies ethylene gas by a catalytic reaction, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization is performed at a position upstream of the upper mixing dilution unit. Tank for temporarily storing the exhaust gas containing ethylene oxide gas discharged from the reactor, and for discharging the stored exhaust gas while gradually diluting the stored exhaust gas and ethylene oxide gas bypassing this tank and the mixed dilution section There is a bypass path that allows exhaust gas to be discharged to a position downstream of the mixing and diluting section, and also via the tank and mixing and diluting section. Second introducing the undiluted exhaust gas and the diluted exhaust gas is discharged through the bypass passage bypassing the first state and the tank and mixed and diluted part to be introduced into the catalyst reaction section issued directly to the catalytic reaction section
An exhaust gas treatment apparatus for an ethylene oxide gas sterilizer, characterized in that a gas introduction passage switching control means capable of selectively switching control between the state and the state is provided. 【請求項２】 上記ガス導入路切替制御手段は、滅菌器
から酸化エチレンガス含有排ガスが排出される時で、少
なくとも最初の排出開始時から所定時間経過するまでは
第１状態に切替えられ、その後は第２状態と第１状態と
が所定回数に亘り交互に切替制御されるように構成され
ている請求項１に記載の酸化エチレンガス滅菌器用排ガ
ス処理装置。2. The gas introduction path switching control means is switched to the first state when the exhaust gas containing ethylene oxide gas is discharged from the sterilizer, at least until a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first discharge, and thereafter. The exhaust gas treatment apparatus for an ethylene oxide gas sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the second state and the first state are configured to be alternately switched and controlled for a predetermined number of times. 【請求項３】 上記ガス導入路切替制御手段は、滅菌器
から酸化エチレンガス含有排ガスが排出される時で、少
なくとも最初の排出開始時から所定時間経過するまでは
第１状態に切替えられ、その後は第２状態と第１状態と
の並行状態に切替制御されるように構成されている請求
項１に記載の酸化エチレンガス滅菌器用排ガス処理装
置。3. The gas introduction path switching control means is switched to the first state at the time when the exhaust gas containing ethylene oxide gas is discharged from the sterilizer, at least until a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first discharge, and thereafter. The exhaust gas treatment device for an ethylene oxide gas sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas treatment device is configured to be switched and controlled in a parallel state of the second state and the first state.
JP2001336051A 2001-11-01 2001-11-01 Exhaust gas treatment equipment for ethylene oxide gas sterilizer Expired - Fee Related JP4038358B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2001336051A JP4038358B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2001-11-01 Exhaust gas treatment equipment for ethylene oxide gas sterilizer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2001336051A JP4038358B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2001-11-01 Exhaust gas treatment equipment for ethylene oxide gas sterilizer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2003135931A true JP2003135931A (en) 2003-05-13
JP4038358B2 JP4038358B2 (en) 2008-01-23

Family

ID=19150946

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Link
JP (1) JP4038358B2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013223811A (en) * 2013-08-08 2013-10-31 Panasonic Healthcare Co Ltd Isolator
CN116351214A (en) * 2023-03-14 2023-06-30 山东海美侬环保科技有限公司 Waste gas pretreatment system and method

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013223811A (en) * 2013-08-08 2013-10-31 Panasonic Healthcare Co Ltd Isolator
CN116351214A (en) * 2023-03-14 2023-06-30 山东海美侬环保科技有限公司 Waste gas pretreatment system and method
CN116351214B (en) * 2023-03-14 2024-05-17 山东海美侬环保科技有限公司 Waste gas pretreatment system and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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