Advances in Green Technologies for Washing and Sterilization Systems

Ken Ungar, STERIS

Many administrators are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and minimize operational costs in their existing or new laboratory animal research facilities. Cage washers and sterilizers (autoclaves) have traditionally accounted for a significant part of utility consumption and associated costs. The presenter will describe how existing and new technologies can be integrated into these decontamination systems to save space, water and energy, thus reducing associated operation costs. Technologies such as exhaust heat recovery, effluent heat recovery, closed loop effluent cooling, recycling or reuse of wash and rinse water, smart filling for washer sump, smart drying system, single pass rinsing, vacuum pump water saving system, and sterilizer jacket cascade cooling will be described. The advantages of using vaporized hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with cage and rack washers or with steam autoclaves will be discussed. The benefits of each of these features will be presented and where applicable, examples of payback calculation tools including the amount of utility saved and associated costs will also be demonstrated.

Note: I²SL did not edit or revise abstract or biography text. Abstracts and biographies are displayed as submitted by the author(s).