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Medical Device Cleaning
ProSolv® 5408 high performance vapour degreasing solvent for medical device cleaning
Medical device cleaning
Critical cleaning is vital throughout the medical supply industry for safe, successful operations and procedures. Manufacturers of medical instruments, implants and other devices using metals, glass, ceramics and plastics must select a cleaning processes compatible with all these materials of construction, to remove oils and other contaminants from the manufacturing processes. The cleaning system must be proven to be safety critical and to leave no residues on the surfaces of the cleaned parts.
In this short article we discuss the benefits of condensation cleaning with ProSolv 5408e vapour degreasing solvent for medical device cleaning compared to water-based cleaning.
Water based cleaning options
Formulations for water based cleaners use combinations of surfactants to reduce the very high surface tension of water to allow penetration of the cleaning solution into minutes holes and very fine mechanical clearances. The solutions must solubilise oils, greases, cutting fluids, grinding and buffing compounds and remove particulate soils. Biocides are also present in these formulations to ensure no bioburden is carried over from the cleaning process.
After cleaning residues of chemicals must be removed or they may be a source of corrosion when the devices are in use. Multiple rinses in hot and cold de-ionised water using agitation of baskets or carriers or ultrasound to dilute and displace the cleaning liquids retained in minute holes, cavities and trapped between close tolerance metal surfaces.
Continuous production of high-quality deionised rinse water is extremely expensive, but the drying process is even more costly and environmentally challenging. Multiple cleaning and rinse tanks and drying ovens or tunnels need a lot of space and energy. Further controlled conditions are needed to cool parts after drying to prevent condensation of moisture, which can be growth media for bacteria, on the critically clean surfaces, before packing in sterile bags and containers for storage or shipping.
High output water based cleaning equipment can use conveyorised high pressure targeted spray tunnels for automated high-volume production with integrated “blow off” drying and conditioning tunnels.
For smaller scale operations systems are available using baskets in single cell dishwasher type equipment or open tanks. The latter can use manual or automated handling to progress baskets through the cleaning cycle using similar aqueous based chemical formulations with multiple deionised water rinses and a separate drying oven. These systems can process several baskets or carriers at a time so are only suitable for small batch production. In either case long process times will determine the size and complexity of installations.
Compare the complications of water-based processing to the simplicity and speed of vapour degreasing using ProSolv® 5408e solvents
Vapour degreasing or more properly condensation cleaning, is a proven process where a non-flammable halogenated solvent, safe for people and the environment is heated in the sump of a tank. Boiling solvent produces a dense vapour which is contained by condensation coils around the inner surfaces at the top of the tank. Solvent condensed on the coils is returned to the sump for reuse in a closed cycle.
Parts to be cleaned at ambient temperature are immersed in the vapour which condenses as solvent on the surfaces of the devices or parts in a continuous stream of perfectly clean solvent until the surfaces reaches vapour temperature when condensation ceases. Vapour degreasing uses only one tank with one liquid. Parts are cleaned, rinsed and dry in 3 to 5 minutes with parts hand hot ready for further processing, storage or packing into sterile packs for shipping.
ProSolv 5408e solvents were developed to provide superior critical cleaning performance for manufacturers of medical devices and equipment. The solvent is stable when used for vapour degreasing or cold dip cleaning and compatible with metals, including titanium, ceramics, glass and most plastics used in producing orthopaedic implants, dental, ophthalmic and surgical tools, lenses etc. ProSolv 5408e is a cost effective and sustainable solution to remove polar and non-polar soils and other contaminants and sets the standard for removal of machining and cutting oils, coolants, greases, grinding, buffing and polishing compounds, while leaving no residue.
Vapour degreasing and dip cleaning with ProSolv 5408e is a very effective steriliser of microbial contaminants. Exposing the microorganisms, which have cell walls made up of organic materials including lipids (Fats), to a powerful solvent is a very efficient disruptor of the cell walls. Once compromised the organism’s inner workings lose this protection and the organism dies reducing the bioburden.
ProSolv 5408e is also an excellent solvent carrier for organic or synthetic medical lubricant. This application for coating needles, cannulas and instruments needs consistent quality and evaporation rate to produce, comfortable, pain free insertion for patients.
In many medical applications oxygen and gas supply systems are needed and cleaning at installation and when extensions of pipework and fittings are added is vital for safety. ProSolv 5408e removes oil and organics leaving residue free, dry surfaces to standards approved by gas supply companies, and is compatible with all metals.
Clearly solvent cleaning and vapour degreasing with ProSolv 5408e is a better choice than water cleaning. Faster throughput, lower costs and sustainability to meet the unique challenges in achieving the high standards demanded for medical device manufacturing.
ProSolv 5408e is manufactured in UK with excellent customer service, technical support and training from qualified distributors throughout Europe.
For full product information please visit www.vapour-degreasing.com/prosolv-medical
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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SuperCORR A protection for USB contacts
SuperCORR A protects and lubricates contacts on the new Charge / Sync Cable from Lifedge
SuperCORR A lubricant and protective coating widely used by the military, electronics and aerospace industries for critical applications is used to protect contacts on the Lifedge lightning connector to USB cable to offer the protection needed in extreme conditions.
SuperCORR A deposits a dry protective film with excellent corrosion protection and lubricant properties plus the added advantage of a hydrophobic surface rejecting water that ensures the easiest and best connection for the very close spaced connectors.
Lifedge is the world’s first 100% waterproof, rugged Lightning to USB cable for charging and mobile connections whatever the weather or conditions. Developed for use in all outdoor activities including sailing, hiking, military, naval, surveying or other challenging uses. With an ultra-durable outer coating that will never fray and double-moulded, super-tough plugs, charging, downloading and data transfer is improved even in the most extreme and difficult conditions.
During the design of this new cable an extensive test programme, by Scanstrut, manufacturer of the Lifedge cable, was carried out to ensure the contacts were protected from corrosion in the salty and hostile environments in which the Lifedge connectors are used.
SuperCORR A dry lubricant widely used for critical applications in military, electronics and avionics industries proved to offer the protection needed. SuperCORR A prevents or delays corrosion and possible failures.
Testing by a major electronics connector manufacturer recognized that SuperCORR A is a lubricant formulated with corrosion preventive compounds, and as is the case with all “lubricants” will be worn off over time. SuperCORR A was tested to see what the “life” of the lubricant was in a “rub test”. The typical test is 20,000 cycles, i.e. unplug/plug in is one cycle. The test results demonstrated that after 20,000 cycles there were no failures. It was decided to take it one more step and run the same tests for 200,000 cycles. The results again showed no indications of galling or scoring on the USB connectors which looked and performed as good as new.
The extensive testing during the design of the Lifedge connectors validated the original tests and confirmed SuperCORR A will ensure the customer has the most reliable and easy to use connector, in often demanding circumstances. The robust Lightning and USB metal connectors are coated with SuperCORR A patented anticorrosion treatment for complete protection against the elements, whilst an integrated O-ring ensures IP66 waterproofing when charging with the Lifedge iPhone case. The cable is also compatible with protective cases from other leading manufacturers. Officially approved by Apple for use with iPhone, iPad and iPods SuperCORR A helps to bring new freedom and reliability with the Lifedge Ultimate Charge/ Sync Cable.
SuperCORR A is available as an aerosol spray and in bulk containers for brush and dip coating.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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SuperCORR A Corrosion Protection Spray
Dry lubricant and corrosion protection spray reduces production downtime on industrial automation systems
Improving manufacturing productivity needs increasing numbers of robots, handling and positioning systems and conveyors which in factory environments need both scheduled and emergency maintenance plans to ensure continuous reliability. Failure of any part of the system will result in downtime and seriously disrupt production.
SuperCORR A from EnviroTech Europe is an innovative thin film dry lubricant spray with corrosion protective properties which does not attract dust or dirt, is stable and coats surfaces with an ultra-thin self healing, lubricant film unaffected by water or solvents and resistant to harsh corrosive atmospheres and high temperatures.
A recent case affected some clients of specialist cleaning equipment manufacturer C&C Hydrosonics a division of U.S giant Crest Ultrasonics to solve a problem occurring on x-y axis linear tracks on the Transystem automatic handling system fitted to enclosed multi tank cleaning systems both aqueous and solvent based.
Transystem automatic handling systems are programmable to automatically process baskets or jigs through liquid immersion cleaning cycles, transferring between the tanks, lowering and raising work between the tanks of cleaning liquids. The motorised carriages use nylon wheels running on case hardened mild steel tracks which can corrode during immersion and in the harsh humid atmospheres within the machine canopies.
Corrosion prevents smooth running with wheels seizing and binding on the tracks. Vibration can then cause components to be shaken from jigs or in extreme cases the carriage will stall requiring intervention by maintenance engineers to physically remove surface corrosion and re-lubricate tracks with oil. This is only a temporary measure as the oil is quickly removed by the solvents or water-based cleaning solutions with corrosion reoccurring in a short time.
Extensive trials over a six-month period with both water and solvent based systems demonstrated that SuperCORR A offered a simple solution to the problem with no corrosion of tracks or seizures during the trial period. Previously seizures needing attention occurred every few weeks now an aerosol spray of SuperCORR A is used only during normal service visits and is used as the routine lubricant during manufacture of the handling system.
Lee Casey, Managing Director of C&C Hydrosonics is delighted with the cost savings on reduced service and maintenance calls using SuperCORR A and that the inconvenience for users of the Transystem equipment has been eliminated. Use of SuperCORR A is recommended on all Crest handling systems worldwide.
Reduce maintenance costs and protect automation equipment with SuperCORR A, now available from EnviroTech Europe Ltd and distributors worldwide.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
Share this page:
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