Patent FR-2790688-A1 (FR)
Title: Process of rapid supply of water with adjustable quality and temperature to the machine for washing and disinfecting medical or similar equipment, involves preparation of water in additional tank positioned on top of washing tank
Inventor: EL RASSI WISSAM
IPC: A61L2/24
Filed: 1999-03-10
Abstract: Water supply arrangement and general design of washing/disinfecting machine are new.  Arranging water supply to washing/disinfecting machine comprises a) mounting supplementary tank in a machine, permitting dividing of each cycle phase procedure in two steps, b) positioning of second tank below such first tank, c) preparation of water in first tank, including controlling its quality and temperature, before the water will be used in second tank, where the material to be washed/disinfected, by mechanical/chemical means, is placed, d) installation of large section pipe connecting first and second tank and allowing for rapid gravitational water supply from the upper to the lower tank, while e) maintaining standard dimensions of washing machine, and f) controlling the work of the installation by dividing the task between respective tanks using automatic system allowing synchronizing of the assembly. The washing machine cycle comprises 6 successive phases: pre-washing, washing, rinsing, disinfecting, rinsing and final rinsing. Water for all the phases is prepared in first tank, according to respective temperature and quality requirements, and flows down gravitationally through large section connecting pipe to the second tank, where it is used to wash the material in each consecutive phase. Treating agents comprise detergent A, disinfectant B, neutralizer and rinsing agent. First tank is supplied with cold, hot or demineralized water, and the total volume of the first bath (L1) is controlled using optical level sensors. The temperature of bath L1 is measured by probe and adjusted using electronic program starting heating or cooling according to received signal, using resistance heater or heat exchanger, respectively. The large section water supply pipe connecting upper and lower tanks is positioned laterally to treated equipment to avoid its accidental damage in case of rejection of hot water and discharge of condensate on dry equipment during drying phase. Agents A and B are introduced into bath of second tank using pumps, at the level much higher than that of bath, to avoid accidental contact between the agents and the liquid in the bath. Rinsing is conducted with essentially demineralized water whose microbial decontamination is conducted by heating to 85 deg C using resistance heater, stabilizing for 25 seconds, and cooling to 56, 52 and 50 deg C before draining down to the second tank for 3 consecutive rinsing of disinfected material. Washing machine is preferably decalcified in absence of equipment to be cleaned, by introduction of acid agent H into first bath using pump, submitting to heating followed by cooling and draining through large section connector to be used to decalcify second tank by means of sprinklers. Independent claims are also included for 1) the system of water supply to washing/disinfecting machine as described, comprising two tanks positioned one on another and connected with large section pipe positioned laterally in equipment placing zone and allowing rapid gravitational downflow of water, and 2) machine for washing medical or similar equipment with water supply system as claimed.