Vacuum Sterilization

Vacuum Pump Systems for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and Steam Sterilization

Wintek supplies custom-engineered state-of-the-art vacuum systems for a wide range of sterilizer applications.

Steam Sterilizers

These are the most basic requirements utilizing either once-thru or full recovery water sealed liquid ring vacuum systems. Larger systems also include pre-condensers.

100% EtO Sterilizers: Water-Sealed Vacuum Systems for Sterilization

In addition, Wintek engineers many Water-Sealed vacuum systems in use with 100% Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilizers with the previously described water limitations in mind. Proper operating procedures and design parameters assure reliable performance. However, the capacity decreases as EtO dissolves into the water sealant. Wintek has even provided boosted liquid ring vacuum systems on EtO sterilization service for one client with a vacuum requirement of 0.03 mmHgA.

Synthetic Oil Sealed Vacuum Systems for 100% EtO Sterilization

Wintek’s synthetic oil sealed vacuum systems developed for 100% EtO gas sterilizers, eliminate the capacity and end vacuum losses inherent with gas contamination in water-sealed systems. Wintek has mastered the concept of using synthetic seal fluids with rugged liquid ring pumps and has adapted this technology for 100% EtO. Since our synthetic sealant does not react with EtO, it is essentially insoluble.

Consistent Capacity

Our experience with 100% EtO sterilization systems has proved that the water sealed designs, such as those that our competitors use, experience capacity problems because of EtO solubility in water. Our Synthetic sealed vacuum system provides consistent repeatable performance since the EtO is not soluble in the sealant. Moreover, the cooling water temperatures do not affect the vacuum pump system (although the condenser efficiency will be affected).

Higher End Vacuum

Wintek’s WO2 sealant is a low vapor pressure fluid which allows operation near 15 Torr (29.5″HgV) with a liquid ring vacuum pump, regardless of operating temperature, and without concern for EtO contamination. Water sealed units also have an end vacuum of 26 Torr (29″HgV) only with uncontaminated, 60^oF seal water. However, higher seal water temperatures and any EtO contamination results in loss of capacity and end vacuum.

Boosted Systems (<0.1 Torr End Vacuum)

Wintek can add air jets and/or rotary lobe boosters to increase pumping speed or approach final vacuum levels down to 0.03 Torr. Proper booster engineering involves many interconnected parameters and cannot be done by simply looking at a chart in product literature. Wintek’s experiences and references of boosted liquid ring systems are unmatched by even our better-known competition.

Vacuum Systems for Pilot Plants

Wintek has designed numerous EtO sterilization pilot plant vacuum skids, many include knock-out pots, condensers, pressure control, transmitters, etc. Each pilot plant skid is designed after in-depth discussions with the customer to specify vacuum level, capacity, range of vapors handled, expected operator interface, level of instrumentation, etc. A complete review of advantages and disadvantages of each type of vacuum pump gives the customer a full understanding of the system capabilities. Contact Wintek with your requirements.