Filtration of supply air and exhaust air

The filtration of exhaust air and supply air is a central component of steam sterilisation in order to prevent germ emissions and ensure the sterility of the items being sterilised.

The importance of air filtration in steam sterilisation
In addition to important parameters such as air removal, exposure time, sterilisation temperature and the controlled cooling process, the quality of the air also plays a decisive role in the success of sterilisation. Both the safety of the air leaving the sterilisation chamber and the sterility of the air supplied are of great importance.

Exhaust air filtration to prevent germ emissions
During the evacuation phase, i.e. before the actual sterilisation process begins, there is a risk that germs could escape from the chamber together with the exhaust air via aerosols. To prevent this, the exhaust air is passed through a special filter system. This filter system ensures that microorganisms are retained and do not escape into the environment.

The condensate produced is returned to the sterilisation chamber and sterilised together with the filter system in each batch. This ensures that no contaminating substances are released. This exhaust air filtration is particularly important when processing potentially pathogenic substances, genetically modified materials or highly infectious germs in order to ensure safe and emission-free sterilisation.

Sterile air filtration of the supply air to prevent recontamination
Effective filtration is also required for the supply air that returns to the chamber after sterilisation. The aim is to prevent the already sterile goods from being contaminated with germs again during ventilation. This is particularly important in processes that use support pressure and in processes with vacuum phases after sterilisation.

Sterile air filtration ensures that only germ-free air flows into the sterilisation chamber, thus maintaining the sterility of the sterilised items during the cooling and drying phase. It therefore makes a significant contribution to the overall quality and safety of the sterilisation process.

Summary

• Exhaust air filtration prevents the release of germs via aerosols during the evacuation phase
• Condensate from the exhaust air is recirculated and sterilised together with the filter system
• Special protection is required for pathogenic substances, genetically modified materials and highly infectious germs
• Sterile air filtration of the supply air protects against recontamination of sterile goods during ventilation
• Essential in procedures involving support pressure and vacuum phases to ensure sterility