Humidifiers and Sterilization Methods

Humidifiers help ease the discomfort of dry air, such as itchy skin and a cough. But it’s important to use them properly to prevent infections. Humidifiers that contain contaminated water can spread bacteria or mold into the air.

This study examined water samples from reusable wall-mounted oxygen humidifiers used in medical, surgical and emergency areas. Results showed high rates of microbial contamination.

Sterilization Method

The humidifier sterilization method is an important issue in the medical industry. It involves the use of a high-level disinfectant to sterilize the moisture or water vapor produced in the humidifier. This process helps to decrease the risk of infection in patients. Noncritical items that are not in direct contact with the intact skin include floors, high-touch surfaces, furniture, baths, weighing scales, brushes, beddings, crockery, and mobile phones. These items are prone to germs and must be cleaned and disinfected regularly with low-level disinfectants (LLD) to minimize the risk of transmission to other patients.

On the other hand, critical items such as endoscopes are in direct contact with the intact skin and have high bioburden. It is therefore crucial that these items are sterilized with HLDs such as HPP, PAA, and glutaraldehyde in order to prevent the occurrence of iatrogenic infection.

A humidifier sterilization method is needed to protect the sterile environment in the operating room from bacteria and other pathogens. A humidifier is also used to generate and discharge hygienic moisture to keep the patient comfortable. The humidifier sterilization method includes various steps such as rinsing, cleaning, sterilization, and drying of the equipment. In addition, it is important to maintain a humidifier in good condition to improve its sterilization performance. To ensure proper functioning of the humidifier, it is necessary to periodically conduct a humidifier sterilization test.

Vaporization Method

Humidifiers that use vaporization to generate cool moisture operate similarly to steam-type humidification systems, but without the generation of steam. They typically use high-pressure cold water to atomize the water and disperse it into the air in small droplets. These devices are often used in larger facilities because they do not require a special Top Fill evaporation Humidifier plumbing installation. Nonetheless, operating costs are typically higher than steam-type appliances because they use electricity to drive the vaporization process.

In addition, these types of appliances are prone to the accumulation of hard water scale in their tanks and on their heating elements, as well as to mold growth on the inside of the tank. This is because the evaporation of cool water into the air leaves behind any minerals that may have been present in the supply water, such as calcium and magnesium.

In contrast, a humidifier that uses the impeller method consists of a disc that spins at high speeds to fling microscopic water droplets into the air. These appliances are a good choice for smaller rooms, but they can produce too much moisture into the air if overused. They Top Fill evaporation Humidifier are also prone to the formation of bacteria, mold, and algae in their reservoirs and wicks, which can be spread through the air in the room. These devices are also not recommended for use with children because the water mist can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin.

Steam Method

The steam sterilization method is the traditional choice for pharmaceutical and aseptic processing environments. Its high temperatures inactivate nonpathogenic thermophile spores, as well as extremely resistant prions that other sterilization methods cannot destroy. Its simplicity and low capital cost also make it an attractive option for smaller facilities. Typical steam systems and equipment cost about one-third as much as EtO chambers and controllers, and less than one-fourth as gamma or E-beam equipment and facilities.

However, it is important to remember that steam can cause plastics to deteriorate, resulting in loss of integrity and heat resistance. This can be overcome by the use of copolymerization and by lowering sterilization temperature levels, but it is an important consideration for designers of devices that must withstand moisture and high temperature.

Other than the traditional boiler steam, there are a number of other options for humidification that do not require boiling water or producing steam vapor. There are electric canister steamers that operate as cool moist air units, and there are impeller-style appliances that fling microscopic droplets of water into the air. These appliances generally put out more water than the other two types and can drench fabrics and furniture, but they offer the advantage of being relatively easy to maintain and inexpensive to purchase. There are also compressed air atomizers, which offer a higher humidity load at lower energy costs than clean steam HX.

Electrolysis Method

The humidifier according to the present invention has an electrolytic cell for producing charged anode water suitable for surface cleaning or treatment. The electrolytic cell includes a cathode chamber 41, middle chamber 48 and anode chamber 50 with a fluorinated cation exchange membrane 45 provided to separate the middle chamber from each of the cathode and anode chambers. An anode 53 made of platinum plated titanium was used, and the room between the anode 53 and the cation exchange membrane 45 was filled with a granular fluorinated cation exchange resin (Nafion NR50 from Du Pont).

In the present invention, when the humidity generating unit 140 senses that the water 121 in the reservoir 120 has been stored for a long time, a direct current is applied to the electrode plate 151 and the anode plate 152 for performing electrolysis. The electrolysis generates a large amount of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid and OH radicals in a short time to sterilize the bacteria or fungi inhabiting the water 121 and to leave it in a sanitary state.

The charged anode water generated by the electrolysis is sprayed through the spray port 130a by the atomization component 14. The sterilized moisture sprayed into the air is discharged to the working environment as a sterilized ozone gas that penetrates even the slightest gap in the indoor space and finely disinfects it.