阅读说明：本技术 用于盆内中和的方法和系统 (Method and system for in-pot neutralization ) 是由 S·杨 于 2019-06-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了用于盆内中和的方法和系统。更具体地说,将中和剂以超过适于中和处理溶液的中和剂的量加入到盆中,所述处理溶液在与所述盆流体连通的储器中。将处理溶液的第一部分加入到盆中,并与处理溶液的第一部分接触以形成二级溶液。用中和剂中和处理溶液的第一部分。从盆中去除二级溶液的第一部分。将处理溶液的第二部分加入到盆中。使处理溶液的第二部分与保留在盆中的二级溶液的第二部分接触以形成三级溶液。用在二级溶液的第二部分中的中和剂中和处理溶液的第二部分。(Methods and systems for in-pot neutralization are provided. More specifically, the neutralizing agent is added to the basin in an amount in excess of the neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the treatment solution in a reservoir in fluid communication with the basin. A first portion of the treatment solution is added to the basin and contacted with the first portion of the treatment solution to form a secondary solution. The first portion of the treatment solution is neutralized with a neutralizing agent. A first portion of the secondary solution is removed from the basin. A second portion of the treatment solution was added to the basin. Contacting a second portion of the treatment solution with a second portion of the secondary solution retained in the basin to form a tertiary solution. Neutralizing the second portion of the treatment solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.)

1. A method for in-bowl neutralization in a chamber containing a bowl in fluid communication with a reservoir, the method comprising:

adding a neutralizing agent to the basin in an amount in excess of an amount suitable to neutralize the treatment solution in the reservoir;

adding a first portion of the treatment solution to the basin;

contacting the neutralizing agent with the first portion of the treatment solution in the basin to form a secondary solution and neutralizing the first portion of the treatment solution with the neutralizing agent;

removing a first portion of the secondary solution from the basin, wherein a second portion of the secondary solution remains in the basin;

adding a second portion of the treatment solution to the basin; and

contacting the second portion of the treatment solution with the second portion of the secondary solution in the basin to form a tertiary solution, and neutralizing the second portion of the treatment solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the basin has a first solution capacity and the reservoir has a second solution capacity that is greater than the first solution capacity.

3. The method of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising removing the tertiary solution from the basin.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising rinsing at least one of the reservoir and the basin with an aqueous solution after removing the tertiary solution.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising removing a portion of the tertiary solution and adding a third portion of the treatment solution to the basin to form a quaternary solution.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the second portion of the secondary solution comprises an amount of a neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the second portion of the treatment solution.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein neutralizing comprises forming an adduct between the treatment solution and the neutralizing agent.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the neutralizing agent is added to the basin at a molar ratio of reactive groups in the neutralizing agent to reactive groups in the treatment solution of greater than 1.3: 1.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the neutralizing agent comprises at least one of an amino acid, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulfite.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the treatment solution comprises at least one disinfectant selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, quaternary ammonium compounds, oxidizing agents, and antimicrobial metal solutions.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the treatment solution comprises ortho-phthalaldehyde and the neutralizing agent comprises glycine.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, further comprising at least one of: heating, stirring and circulating at least one of the secondary solution and the tertiary solution.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the neutralizing agent is added to the basin at once to neutralize the first portion and the second portion of the treatment solution.

14. The method of any of claims 13, wherein the remaining active treatment solution in the tertiary solution is less than 0.01 wt% of the tertiary solution.

15. A method for in-bowl neutralization in a chamber, the chamber containing a bowl in fluid communication with a reservoir, the bowl having a first solution capacity and the reservoir having a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity, the method comprising:

adding a neutralizing agent to the basin in an amount in excess of an amount suitable to neutralize the disinfectant solution in the reservoir;

adding a first portion of the disinfectant solution to the basin;

contacting the neutralizing agent with the first portion of the disinfectant solution in the basin to form a secondary solution and neutralizing the first portion of the disinfectant solution with the neutralizing agent;

removing a first portion of the secondary solution from the basin, wherein a second portion of the secondary solution remains in the basin, the second portion of the secondary solution comprising an amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the second portion of the disinfectant solution;

adding the second portion of the disinfectant solution to the basin; and

contacting the second portion of the disinfectant solution with the second portion of the secondary solution in the basin to form a tertiary solution, and neutralizing the second portion of the disinfectant solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the neutralizing agent is added to the basin at one time to neutralize the first portion and the second portion of the disinfectant.

17. A system for in-pot neutralization, the system comprising:

a reservoir containing a disinfectant solution;

a basin in fluid communication with the reservoir, the basin adapted to receive a disinfectant solution from the reservoir, the basin having a first solution capacity, and the reservoir having a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity; and

a neutralizing solution in the basin adapted to neutralize the disinfectant solution in the reservoir, wherein the molar ratio of active groups in the neutralizing agent to active groups in the disinfectant solution is greater than 1.3: 1.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the molar ratio of the neutralizing agent to the reactive groups in the disinfectant solution is greater than 1.5: 1.

19. The system of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the neutralizing agent comprises at least one of an amino acid, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulfite.

20. The system of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the disinfectant solution comprises at least one of an alcohol, an aldehyde, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oxidizing agent, and an antimicrobial metal solution.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for in-basin neutralization of treatment solutions.

Background

The medical field employs various devices for medical procedures. One such device is an endoscope that examines the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. A key aspect of all medical procedures and devices is the prevention of cross-contamination and the spread of disease. In this regard, treatment solutions, such as cleaning solutions, disinfectant solutions, and/or sterilant solutions, are used on medical device and facility surfaces. These solutions inherently include relatively harsh components to effectively clean, disinfect, and/or sterilize the device and/or surface. Disposal of the treatment solution after use may be inconvenient for the operator and/or expose the operator to the treatment solution.

Improving the health and safety conditions of the environment, operators and patients is an important focus in the medical field. In this regard, efforts have been made to limit operator and hospital personnel exposure to treatment solutions.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for in-pot neutralization in a chamber containing a pot in fluid communication with a reservoir. More specifically, a neutralizing agent is added to the basin in an amount in excess of the amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the treatment solution in the reservoir. Adding a first portion of the treatment solution to the basin. Contacting the neutralizing agent with the first portion of the treatment solution to form a secondary solution, and neutralizing the first portion of the treatment solution with the neutralizing agent. A first portion of the secondary solution is removed from the basin and a second portion of the secondary solution remains in the basin. Adding a second portion of the treatment solution to the basin. Contacting the second portion of the treatment solution with the second portion of the secondary solution to form a tertiary solution, and neutralizing the second portion of the treatment solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for in-pot neutralization in a chamber containing a pot in fluid communication with a reservoir. More specifically, a neutralizing agent is added to the basin in an amount in excess of the amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the disinfectant solution in the reservoir. The basin has a first solution capacity and the reservoir has a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity. Adding a first portion of the disinfectant solution to the basin. Contacting the neutralizing agent with the first portion of the disinfectant solution to form a secondary solution, and neutralizing the first portion of the disinfectant solution with the neutralizing agent. A first portion of the secondary solution is removed from the basin and a second portion of the secondary solution remains in the basin. The second portion of the secondary solution comprises an amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the second portion of the disinfectant solution. Adding the second portion of the disinfectant solution to the basin. Contacting the second portion of the disinfectant solution with the second portion of the secondary solution to form a tertiary solution, and neutralizing the second portion of the disinfectant solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

In another aspect, a system for in-pot neutralization is provided. The system includes a reservoir and a basin in fluid communication with the reservoir. The reservoir contains a disinfectant solution. The basin is adapted to receive a disinfectant solution from the reservoir. The basin has a first solution capacity and the reservoir has a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity. The basin contains a neutralizing solution adapted to neutralize the disinfectant solution in the reservoir. The molar ratio of active groups in the neutralizing agent to active groups in the disinfectant solution is greater than 1.3: 1.

It should be understood that the invention described in this specification is not limited to the examples summarized in this summary. Various other aspects are described and illustrated herein.

Brief Description of Drawings

The features and advantages of the examples, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the examples will be better understood by reference to the following description of the examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a system for in-bowl neutralization of treatment solutions according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view of a system for in-bowl neutralization of treatment solutions according to the present disclosure; and

fig. 3A is a schematic elevation view of a system for in-basin neutralization in a first stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3B is a schematic elevational view of the system for in-basin neutralization of fig. 3A in a second stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3C is a schematic front view of the system for in-pot neutralization of fig. 3A in a third stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3D is a schematic elevation view of the system for in-bowl neutralization of fig. 3A in a fourth stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3E is a schematic elevation view of the system for in-bowl neutralization of fig. 3A in a fifth stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3F is a schematic elevation view of the system for in-bowl neutralization of fig. 3A in a sixth stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure;

fig. 3G is a schematic elevation view of the system for in-basin neutralization of fig. 3A in a seventh stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure; and

fig. 3H is a schematic elevation view of the system for in-bowl neutralization of fig. 3A in an eighth stage of neutralization according to the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain examples in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the examples in any manner.

Detailed Description

Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these aspects are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects and that the scope of the various examples of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect may be combined with features of other aspects. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. To the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Any reference herein to "various examples," "some examples," "one example," "an example," similarly referring to "an aspect," etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in various examples," "in some examples," "in one example," "in an example," similarly referring to "aspects," and the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described or illustrated in connection with one example may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other examples without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present examples.

In the present specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters should be understood as beginning and ending in all instances with the term "about" wherein the numerical parameter has the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement technique used to determine the value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Additionally, any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of "1 to 10" includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, applicants reserve the right to modify the specification (including the claims) to specifically recite any sub-ranges subsumed within the specifically recited ranges.

As used herein, the grammatical articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more" unless otherwise indicated, even if "at least one" or "one or more" is explicitly used in some instances. Thus, the articles are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., "at least one") of the grammatical object of the article. Furthermore, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of use requires otherwise.

As used herein, "reactive group" refers to a chemical species that participates in a neutralization reaction.

As used herein, "substantially free" when referring to the presence of a particular ingredient means at least 90% free of that ingredient, and in some examples at least 95%, 96%, 97%, and 98% free of that ingredient, in other examples at least 99% free of that ingredient, in other examples at least 99.9% free of that ingredient, in other examples at least 99.99% free of that ingredient, in some examples at least 99.999% free of that ingredient, and in other examples at least 99.9999% free of that ingredient.

The treatment solution process may be at least one of a cleaning solution, a disinfectant solution, and a disinfectant solution. The treatment process may be at least one of a cleaning process, a sterilization process, and a sterilization process. The cleaning process may be a process that reduces and/or eliminates dirt, dust, particles, etc. using a cleaning solution. The disinfection process may be a type of cleaning process that utilizes a disinfectant solution to reduce and/or eliminate bacteria and/or other forms of living organisms. The sterilization process may be a type of sterilization process that utilizes a sterilant to reduce and/or eliminate bacteria and/or other forms of living organisms, which results in the sterilized object being substantially free of bacteria and/or other forms of living organisms.

In a multi-purpose treatment system, a greater amount of treatment solution than is required during a treatment process cycle may be held in the reservoir to account for any loss of treatment solution during the treatment process cycle. In general, disposal of a treatment solution from a multi-purpose treatment system may require removing all of the treatment solution from the multi-purpose treatment system and placing the treatment solution in a secondary container external to the multi-purpose treatment system. The treatment solution may be neutralized in the secondary container by adding a neutralizing agent to the secondary container. Thereafter, the neutralized solution may be disposed of by, for example, draining the waste discharge of the neutralized solution. This process can be time consuming and exposes the operator of the multi-purpose treatment system to the relatively harsh action of the treatment solution. Accordingly, methods and systems for in-basin neutralization are provided that may limit operator exposure to treatment solutions, reduce the time taken to neutralize treatment solutions, and/or create an automated procedure for neutralizing treatment solutions.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a neutralizing agent may be added to the basin in an amount in excess of the amount of neutralizing agent suitable to neutralize the treatment solution in a reservoir in fluid communication with the basin. A first portion of the treatment solution may be added to the basin. The neutralizing agent may be contacted with the first portion of the treatment solution to form a secondary solution in the basin, and the first portion of the treatment solution may be neutralized with the neutralizing agent. A first portion of the secondary solution may be removed from the basin, with a second portion of the secondary solution remaining in the basin. A second portion of the treatment solution may be added to the basin. The second portion of the treatment solution may be contacted with the second portion of the secondary solution to form a tertiary solution in the basin, and the second portion of the treatment solution may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a system 100 for in-basin neutralization of treatment solutions according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the system 100 may include a chamber 102 including a basin 104 in fluid communication with a reservoir 106. The chamber 102 may be adapted to receive a medical device (not shown) and may be adapted to perform a treatment process on the medical device. In various examples, the chamber 102 can include at least one of a heating element, a pump, a purge arm, a nozzle, a tube, and other devices known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In various examples, the chamber 102 can be at least one of a clean chamber, a sanitize chamber, and a sanitize chamber. In certain examples, the medical device may comprise an endoscope. In various examples, the system 100 may include an endoscope reprocessor.

The reservoir 106 may be adapted to receive a treatment solution and may store the treatment solution until the treatment solution may be output into the basin 104. The basin 104 may be in fluid communication with a reservoir 106 via a processing line 108. The treatment line 108 may be adapted to receive a treatment solution from the reservoir 106 and deliver the treatment solution to the basin 104. In various examples, the processing line 108 can include at least one of a tube, a valve, and a pump. The process line 108 may control the amount of process solution provided to the basin 104. For example, the treatment solution may be metered into basin 104 through treatment line 108 until a selected amount of treatment solution has been provided to basin 104. The basin 104 may be adapted to receive a treatment solution from a reservoir 106 via a treatment line 108.

The treatment solution may comprise at least one of a cleaning solution, a disinfectant solution, and a disinfectant solution. In certain examples, the treatment solution comprises a disinfectant solution comprising a disinfectant. The disinfectant may comprise at least one of an alcohol, an aldehyde, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oxidizing agent, and an antimicrobial metal solution. In some examples, the disinfectant may comprise ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA). In various examples, the disinfectant solution may comprise AERO-OPA ™ cassettes, available from Advanced catalysis Products (Ethicon, Inc., Irvine, CA, a division of Johnson & Johnson company).

The basin 104 may have a basin solution capacity and the reservoir 106 may have a reservoir solution capacity. In various examples, the reservoir solution capacity may be greater than the basin solution capacity. For example, the reservoir solution capacity may be at least 10% greater than the basin solution capacity, such as at least 20% greater than the basin solution capacity, at least 30% greater than the basin solution capacity, at least 50% greater than the basin solution capacity, or at least 100% greater than the basin solution capacity. In certain examples, the reservoir solution capacity may be 10% -200% greater than the basin solution capacity, e.g., 10% -100% greater, and in other aspects, 20% -100% greater than the basin solution capacity. In various examples, the solution capacity of the reservoir is 1 liter (L) to 50L, e.g., 2L to 30L, 10L to 15L, or 12L.

If the treatment solution has characteristics that are deemed unsuitable for disposal into the environment (e.g., disposal along a drain, delivery to a wastewater treatment facility, etc.) according to local laws, the treatment solution may require special treatment and/or require neutralization. For example, according to California code 22 CCR 66261.24, if the procedure described in "Part 800 and" Static acid bioassaging Procedures for Hazardous Water Samples, "California Department of Fish and Game, Water polar Control Laboratory, revised 11 months 1988, when measured in" Standard Methods for the administration of Water and Water (16 th edition), "Acute Public Health Association, 1985, with primula nigricans (pimelopes promelase), rainbow trout (Salmo gairneri) or golden body American bream (salageophilus cristaunas) in nothaps (total hardness of 40-48 mg calcium carbonate/liter), Acute 96 hr Water treatment and 50/32 treatment may be required before and/or before LC treatment with soft Water is required. To neutralize the treatment solution, a neutralizing agent may be added to basin 104 so that the treatment solution may not require special treatment and/or the treatment solution may be disposed of to the environment in accordance with local laws. In various examples, the neutralizing agent can increase the LC of the treatment solution₅₀So that LC of the treatment solution₅₀Can be more than 500mg/L。

The addition of the neutralizing agent to the basin 104 can be automated, for example, by pumping the neutralizing agent into the basin 104, or by manually adding the neutralizing agent to the basin 104. The neutralizing agent may be a solution of neutralizing agent or a solid concentrated neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent may comprise at least one of amino acids, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulfite. The amino acid may include at least one of alanine, proline, amino-hexanoic acid, phenylalanine, tryptophan, methionine, glycine, serine, cysteine, tyrosine, lysine, arginine, glutamine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and histidine. In various examples, the amino acid can comprise glycine. In certain examples, the neutralizing agent may comprise a 6 wt.% glycine solution. In various examples, the neutralizing agent can comprise a KemSafe ™ Solution Neutralizer Catalog # 9074 available from Kem Medical Products Corp. located in Farmingdale, NY.

The neutralizing agent may be added to basin 104 in an amount in excess of the amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the treatment solution in reservoir 106. The amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the treatment solution in reservoir 106 can be such that the molar ratio of reactive groups in the neutralizing agent to reactive groups in the treatment solution is at least 1. For example, the neutralizing agent can be added to the basin at a molar ratio of active groups in the neutralizing agent to active groups in the treatment solution of greater than 1.3:1 (e.g., greater than 1.5:1, greater than 2:1, or greater than 3: 1). In certain examples, the neutralizing agent can be added to basin 104 in a molar ratio of reactive groups in the neutralizing agent to reactive groups in the treatment solution in a range of 1.1:1 to 10:1 (e.g., 1.2:1 to 5:1, 1.3:1 to 3:1, or 1.3:1 to 1.5: 1).

Neutralization of the treatment solution may include forming an adduct between the treatment solution and the neutralizing agent. For example, when the treatment solution comprises an aldehyde (e.g., OPA) and the neutralizing agent comprises an amino acid (e.g., glycine), the reaction of the neutralizing agent with the treatment solution can proceed as shown in scheme 1.

Schematic diagram 1:

as illustrated in scheme 1, the amine group of an amino acid can react with an aldehyde to form an adduct. The amine group may deactivate the aldehyde by forming an adduct that is more suitable for handling and/or disposal than the aldehyde alone. In certain examples, the adduct is an N-substituted adduct. In various examples, when OPA and glycine are used, the adduct formed may be black in color, which may indicate that the solution has been neutralized.

Neutralization of the treatment solution may occur over at least two periods (phase). For example, in a first period of time, an excess amount of neutralizing agent may be added to basin 104, and a first portion of treatment solution may be added to basin 104 from reservoir 106 in the amounts and ratios provided herein. The first portion of the treatment solution may be less than the reservoir solution capacity. In various examples, the first portion of the treatment solution is 5% -95%, such as 10% -90% or 65% -80% of the reservoir solution capacity. After removing the first portion of the treatment solution from the reservoir 106, a second portion of the treatment solution may remain in the reservoir 106.

During the first period, the neutralizing agent may be contacted with the first portion of the treatment solution in basin 104 to form a secondary solution, and the first portion of the treatment solution may be neutralized with the neutralizing agent. The contacting may include at least one of heating, stirring, and circulation. The secondary solution may comprise the formed adduct and a neutralizing agent adapted to neutralize the second portion of the treatment solution in the reservoir 106. In various examples, the secondary solution may comprise at least one of a treatment solution and water. In various examples, the secondary solution may be substantially free of the treatment solution. In certain examples, the neutralizing agent is added only during the first time period.

A first portion of the secondary solution may be removed from the basin 104 via a drain line 110. The drain line 110 may be adapted to receive the secondary solution from the basin 104 and may convey the secondary solution out of the basin 104. After removing the first portion of the secondary solution, a second portion of the secondary solution may remain in the basin 104. The amount of the first portion of the secondary solution removed may be controlled such that the second portion of the secondary solution contains an amount of active neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the remaining treatment solution in the reservoir. In various examples, the second portion of the secondary solution is 5% -95%, such as 10% -90% or 5% -40% of the basin solution capacity.

During a second period, a second portion of the treatment solution may be added to the basin 104 from the reservoir 106, and may be added to a second portion of the secondary solution in the basin 104. In a second period, the active neutralizing agent remaining in the secondary solution may be contacted with a second portion of the treatment solution in the basin to form a tertiary solution, and the second portion of the treatment solution may be neutralized with the neutralizing agent. The contacting may include at least one of heating, stirring, and circulation. In various examples, the amount of tertiary solution may be equal to or less than the basin solution capacity. The tertiary solution may comprise the formed adduct. In various examples, the tertiary solution may include at least one of a neutralizing agent, a treatment solution, and water. In various examples, the tertiary solution is substantially free of treatment solution. In certain examples, no additional neutralizing agent is added during the second period.

The number of periods for neutralizing the treatment solution should not be considered limiting. For example, the treatment solution in the reservoir may be neutralized in the basin 104 in two or more periods (e.g., at least three periods). In various examples, after removing the first portion of the treatment solution, the second portion of the treatment solution is all of the remaining treatment solution in the reservoir 106. In various examples, the second portion of the treatment solution is less than all of the remaining treatment solution in the reservoir 106. In certain examples, no additional neutralizing agent is added after the first period of time.

In certain examples, the treatment solution in the reservoir 106 can be neutralized for at least three periods. For example, in the third period, a first portion of the tertiary solution may be removed from the basin 104 via the drain line 110. After removing the first portion of the tertiary solution, a second portion of the tertiary solution may remain in basin 104. The second portion of the tertiary solution contains an amount of active neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the remaining treatment solution in the reservoir.

A third portion of the treatment solution may be added to basin 104 from reservoir 106 and may be added to a second portion of the tertiary solution in basin 104. The active neutralizing agent remaining in the second portion of the tertiary solution may be contacted with the third portion of the treatment solution in basin 104 to form a quaternary solution, and the third portion of the treatment solution may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent. The contacting may include at least one of heating, circulating, and stirring. In various examples, the amount of quaternary solution may be equal to or less than the basin solution capacity. The quaternary solution may comprise the adduct formed. In various examples, the quaternary solution may comprise at least one of a neutralizing agent, a treatment solution, and water. In various examples, the quaternary solution is substantially free of treatment solution. In certain examples, no additional neutralizing agent is added during the third period.

Additional periods of neutralization can be added as needed to neutralize the treatment solution in the reservoir 106 so that the treatment solution can be more suitable for treatment and/or disposal. LC of secondary, tertiary and/or quaternary solutions and/or additional solutions of the neutralization process removed from the basin₅₀May be greater than 500 mg/L, for example, greater than 600 mg/L, greater than 700 mg/L, greater than 800 mg/L, greater than 1000 mg/L, or greater than 2000 mg/L. In various examples, the secondary, tertiary, and/or quaternary solutions and/or additional solutions of the neutralization process removed from the basin contain less than 0.1 wt.% of the secondary solution of the active treatment solution (e.g., a treatment solution containing unneutralized reactive groups), for example, less than 0.01 wt.% of the secondary solution, and in some examples, substantially 0 wt.% of the secondary solution.

Secondary, tertiary, and/or quaternary solutions and/or additional solutions may be removed from the basin 104 via drain line 110 and may be disposed of. After removing the tertiary solution, at least one of the reservoir 106 and the basin 104 may be rinsed with an aqueous solution. In various examples, the reservoir 106 and the basin 104 can each be rinsed with the aqueous solution multiple times, and in some examples at least two times, in other examples at least three times, and in other examples three times. The aqueous solution may comprise water.

In various examples, the duration of the first and second periods of treatment can be from 1 minute to 20 minutes, such as from 2 minutes to 10 minutes, and in other examples from 2-5 minutes. In certain examples, the duration of the rinsing phase may be 1 minute to 30 minutes, such as 1 minute to 20 minutes or 1 to 10 minutes. In various examples, the duration of neutralizing the treatment solution in the reservoir 106 can be 6 minutes to 1 hour, such as 12 minutes to 30 minutes or 20 minutes to 25 minutes.

The amount of the neutralizing agent that may be added in the first period may be represented by equation 1.

Equation 1

Wherein:

Ratio_Mis the desired molar ratio of active groups of the neutralizing agent to active groups of the treating solution;

TS is the amount of treatment solution in the reservoir;

SS_Ris the percentage of secondary solution to be removed; and

N_Ris the product of one or more percentages of the neutralized solution or solutions to be removed in each subsequent neutralization period. For neutralization of two epochs, variable N_REqual to 1.

Fig. 3A-H are schematic elevational views of a system 100 for in-bowl neutralization in different neutralization stages according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3A illustrates the system 100 in a first stage of neutralization. The system 100 includes a chamber 102 containing a basin 104, the basin 104 being in fluid communication with a reservoir 106 via a process line 108 and with a disposal system 312 via a drain line 110. The reservoir 106 may be filled with the treatment solution 314.

Fig. 3B illustrates a second stage of neutralization in which neutralizing agent 316 has been added to basin 104 in an amount in excess of the amount of neutralizing agent 316 suitable for neutralizing treatment solution 314 in reservoir 106. A first portion of the treating solution 314 may be added to the basin 104 and the first portion of the treating solution 314 may be contacted with a neutralizing agent 316 to form a secondary solution 318, as illustrated by the third stage of neutralization in fig. 3C. In various examples, the neutralizing agent 316 reacts with the first portion of the treating solution 314 to form an adduct between the first portion of the treating solution 314 and the neutralizing agent 316. In various examples, a first portion of the treatment solution 314 may be added to the basin 104 before the neutralizing agent 316 is added to the basin 104. Fig. 3D illustrates a fourth stage of neutralization, wherein a first portion of the secondary solution 318 is removed from the basin 104 via the drain line 110 and provided to the disposal system 312 as waste 320. A second portion 318a of the secondary solution 318 remains in the basin 104. A second portion 318a of the secondary solution 318 contains an amount of neutralizing agent 316 suitable for neutralizing the remaining processing solution 314a in the reservoir 106. In various examples, fig. 3B-D may be the first period of neutralization.

Fig. 3E illustrates a fifth stage of neutralization, where a second portion of the treatment solution 314 may be added to the basin 104, and the second portion of the treatment solution 314 may be contacted with a second portion 318a of the secondary solution 318 to form a tertiary solution 322. In various examples, neutralizing agent 316 in secondary solution 318 may react with the second portion of treatment solution 314 to form an adduct between the second portion of treatment solution 314 and neutralizing agent 316 in secondary solution 318. In various examples, the second portion of the treatment solution 314 may include the remaining treatment solution 314a in the reservoir 106. In other examples, the second portion of the treatment solution 314 may be less than the remaining treatment solution 314a in the reservoir 106. The fourth stage in fig. 3D and the fifth stage in fig. 3E may be repeated as necessary to neutralize the remaining processing solution in the reservoir 106. In various examples, fig. 3E may be a second period of neutralization.

In various examples, as illustrated in the sixth stage in fig. 3F, the tertiary solution 322 has been removed from the basin 104 via the drain line 110 and provided to the disposal system 312 as waste 320. Fig. 3G illustrates a seventh stage in which the basin 104 may be filled with an aqueous solution 324a to flush the basin 104 and remove residual neutralizing agent 316, treatment solution 314, secondary solution 318, tertiary solution 322, and/or additional solutions of the neutralization process removed from the basin 104. In various examples, in the seventh stage, the reservoir 106 can be filled with the aqueous solution 324 b. The aqueous solutions 324a, 324b may be removed from the system 100 via the discharge line 110 and may be provided to the disposal system 312 as waste 320, as illustrated in the eighth stage in fig. 3H. The seventh stage in fig. 3G and the eighth stage in fig. 3H may be repeated as necessary to remove residual treatment solution 314 and/or residual neutralizing agent 316, treatment solution 314, secondary solution 318, tertiary solution 322, and/or additional solutions of the neutralization process removed from basin 104 from reservoir 106.

In accordance with the present disclosure, in-pot neutralization can limit cross-contamination in the reservoir, as the neutralizing agent may not have to be added to the reservoir. If the neutralizing agent is added directly to the reservoir, residual neutralizing agent may remain after the neutralization process, which may degrade subsequent processing solutions added to the reservoir. The degraded treatment solution may not be an effective or proper cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sanitizing treatment during the treatment process.

In various examples, methods and systems according to the present disclosure may neutralize the treatment solution in the reservoir by only a single addition of neutralizing agent to the basin. A single addition of neutralizing agent may improve the conditions to which the operator is exposed to the solution and/or reduce the time it takes to neutralize the treatment solution.

Examples

A 12L volume reservoir was prepared in fluid communication with the basin of the 9L endoscope reprocessor. The reservoir was filled with 12L AERO-OPA ™ cassettes (0.55 wt% OPA, available from Advanced stereoligation Products (Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, Inc., by Irvine, Calif.) the 12L AERO-OPA cassettes in the reservoir were neutralized in two periods of time, each period having a duration of 5 minutes and a total neutralization time of 10 minutes.

In the first period, the pots were filled with 2L KemSafe ™ Solution Catalog # 9074 (6 wt% glycine, available from Kem Medical Products Corp. located in Farmingdale, NY). 7L AERO-OPA-chambers were supplied to the pots from the reservoirs. The 7L AERO-OPA-chambers were contacted with 2L neutralizing agent to form a secondary solution. 5L of secondary solution was removed from the basin and 4L of secondary solution was retained in the basin.

In the second period, the remaining 5L of AERO-OPA ™ is supplied from the reservoir to the basin and contacted with 4L of the secondary solution retained in the basin to form the tertiary solution. The tertiary solution was removed from the basin and the basin was rinsed with 9L of water.

The secondary and tertiary solutions were combined and tested to determine the LC of the combined solution₅₀. The tests were carried out with primula nigricans (Pimelles promelase) according to "Standard Methods for the Exation of Water and Water (16 th edition)," American Public Health Association, 1985 and "Static Acute Bioassay Procedures for Hazardous Water Samples," California Department of Fish and Game, Water Pollution Control Laboratory, revised 11 months 1988. At LC₅₀The combined solutions used in the test were at concentrations of 250 mg/L, 500 mg/L and 750 mg/L. The average survival percentage of the blackhead fish over 96 hours at concentrations of 250 mg/L and 500 mg/L was 100%, while the average survival percentage of the blackhead fish at a concentration of 750 mg/L was 95%. Determining LC of the pooled solution₅₀More than 750 mg/L. Thus, even if the basin is unable to accommodate the full amount of AERO-OPA-chambers present in the reservoir, only a single addition of neutralizing agent neutralizes the AERO-OPA-chambers.

Aspects of the invention according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the following numbered clauses.

1. A method for in-bowl neutralization in a chamber containing a bowl in fluid communication with a reservoir, the method comprising:

adding a neutralizing agent to the basin in an amount in excess of an amount suitable to neutralize the treatment solution in the reservoir;

adding a first portion of the treatment solution to the basin;

contacting the neutralizing agent with the first portion of the treatment solution in the basin to form a secondary solution and neutralizing the first portion of the treatment solution with the neutralizing agent;

removing a first portion of the secondary solution from the basin, wherein a second portion of the secondary solution remains in the basin;

adding a second portion of the treatment solution to the basin; and

contacting the second portion of the treatment solution with the second portion of the secondary solution in the basin to form a tertiary solution, and neutralizing the second portion of the treatment solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

2. The method of clause 1, wherein the basin has a first solution capacity and the reservoir has a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity.

3. The method of any of clauses 1-2, further comprising removing the tertiary solution from the basin.

4. The method of clause 3, further comprising rinsing at least one of the reservoir and the basin with an aqueous solution after removing the tertiary solution.

5. The method of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising removing a portion of the tertiary solution and adding a third portion of the treatment solution to the basin to form a quaternary solution.

6. The method of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the second portion of the secondary solution comprises an amount of a neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the second portion of the treatment solution.

7. The method of any of clauses 1-6, wherein neutralizing comprises forming an adduct between the treatment solution and the neutralizing agent.

8. The method of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the neutralizing agent is added to the basin at a molar ratio of reactive groups in the neutralizing agent to reactive groups in the treatment solution of greater than 1.3: 1.

9. The method of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the neutralizing agent comprises at least one of an amino acid, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulfite.

10. The method of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the treatment solution comprises at least one disinfectant selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, quaternary ammonium compounds, oxidizing agents, and antimicrobial metal solutions.

11. The method of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the treatment solution comprises ortho-phthalaldehyde and the neutralizing agent comprises glycine.

12. The method of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising at least one of: heating, stirring and circulating at least one of the secondary solution and the tertiary solution.

13. The method of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the neutralizing agent is added to the basin at one time to neutralize the first portion and the second portion of the treatment solution.

14. The method of any of clauses 13, wherein the remaining active treatment solution in the tertiary solution is less than 0.01% by weight of the tertiary solution.

15. A method for in-bowl neutralization in a chamber, the chamber containing a bowl in fluid communication with a reservoir, the bowl having a first solution capacity and the reservoir having a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity, the method comprising:

adding a neutralizing agent to the basin in an amount in excess of an amount suitable to neutralize the disinfectant solution in the reservoir;

adding a first portion of the disinfectant solution to the basin;

contacting the neutralizing agent with the first portion of the disinfectant solution in the basin to form a secondary solution and neutralizing the first portion of the disinfectant solution with the neutralizing agent;

removing a first portion of the secondary solution from the basin, wherein a second portion of the secondary solution remains in the basin, the second portion of the secondary solution comprising an amount of neutralizing agent suitable for neutralizing the second portion of the disinfectant solution;

adding the second portion of the disinfectant solution to the basin; and

contacting the second portion of the disinfectant solution with the second portion of the secondary solution in the basin to form a tertiary solution, and neutralizing the second portion of the disinfectant solution with a neutralizing agent in the second portion of the secondary solution.

16. The method of clause 15, wherein the neutralizing agent is added to the basin at one time to neutralize the first portion and the second portion of the sanitizing agent.

17. A system for in-pot neutralization, the system comprising:

a reservoir containing a disinfectant solution;

a basin in fluid communication with the reservoir, the basin adapted to receive a disinfectant solution from the reservoir, the basin having a first solution capacity, and the reservoir having a second solution capacity greater than the first solution capacity; and

a neutralizing solution in the basin adapted to neutralize the disinfectant solution in the reservoir, wherein the molar ratio of active groups in the neutralizing agent to active groups in the disinfectant solution is greater than 1.3: 1.

18. The system of clause 17, wherein the molar ratio of the neutralizing agent to the reactive groups in the disinfectant solution is greater than 1.5: 1.

19. The system of any of clauses 17-18, wherein the neutralizing agent comprises at least one of an amino acid, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulfite.

20. The system of any of clauses 17-19, wherein the disinfectant solution comprises at least one of an alcohol, an aldehyde, a quaternary ammonium compound, an oxidizing agent, and an antimicrobial metal solution.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them described herein are for conceptual clarity purposes as examples, and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general categories. In general, the use of any particular paradigm is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of particular components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be considered limiting.

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations recited therein may generally be performed in any order. Additionally, while the various operational flows are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other sequences than the illustrated sequences, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate ordering may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremented, preliminary, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other varying ordering, unless the context indicates otherwise. Moreover, terms such as "responsive to," "involving," or other past adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components, devices, operations/acts, and objects described herein and the discussion accompanying them are for conceptual clarity purposes as examples, and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples/embodiments set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general categories. In general, the use of any particular paradigm is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of particular components, devices, operations/acts, and objects should not be considered limiting. While the present disclosure provides a description of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the disclosure and/or its potential applications, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention(s) described herein should be understood to be at least as broad as they are claimed and should not be more narrowly limited by the specific illustrative aspects provided herein.