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THE HYDROCLAVE TECHNOLOGY

The process for the treatment of healthcare wastes uses the advanced HYDROCLAVE designed by Hydroclave Systems Corporation (HSC) in 1994. This is a non-burn technology which uses steam to kill pathogenic microorganism. This method uses the well known principle of steam sterilization, but dehydrates and fragments the waste as well, as an integral part of the process.

The Hydroclave is a double-walled (jacketed) cylindrical, pressurized vessel, horizontally mounted, with loading and unloading doors. It has powerful fragmenting/mixing paddles that slowly rotate inside the vessel. When steam is introduced in the vessel jacket, it transmits heat rapidly to the fragmented waste, which in turn, produces steam of its own. Sterilization starts automatically at 121°C and will continue for approximately 30 minutes which achieves 6 log 10 or 99.9999% sterility against Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Sterility is tested through the spore vial test. This advanced treatment system produces approximately 50-70% volume and weight reduction. Residual fumes are collected and pass through the Wet-scrubber before it is released to the atmosphere.

The treated and unrecognizable waste, which is considered general waste, is disposed in the Secure Landfill or in a sanitary landfill.

HYDROCLAVE EQUIPMENT FACILITY


HYDROCLAVE PROCESS


STAGE ONE: LOADING
The waste is loaded into the Hydroclave treatment vessel by dumping the bagged healthcare waste into the loading doors.
STAGE TWO: WASTE FRAGMENTATION AND STERILIZATION
  1. Steam fills the double wall jacket and heats the vessel interior.
  2. Powerful fragmenting arms break up the waste, keeping it in motion and distribute the heat evenly into all waste particles.
  3. Moisture content of the waste will turn to steam.
  4. After 15-30 minutes of treatment, the waste and liquids are sterile.

STAGE THREE: DE-PRESSURIZATION AND DEHYDRATION
  1. Internal vessel is vented through a condenser, and depressurized.
  2. Steam heat and mixing continue until all the liquids are evaporated and waste is dry.

STAGE FOUR
  1. Steam to the jacket is shut off.
  2. Unloading door is opened and fragmenting arms rotate in opposite direction to scoop out the waste onto the discharge conveyor.


I. TREATMENT COMPARISONS


 

HYDROCLAVE


 

AUTOCLAVE


II. COMPARISON WITH OTHER MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT METHODS

  HYDROCLAVE AUTOCLAVE MICROWAVE
Weight Change Up to 50% reduction No change or sometimes 10% increase No change or sometimes 10% increase
Volume Change *Up to 80% reduction None *Up to 80% reduction
Decontamination **Level IV or 6-8 log10 sterility No 6 log10 guarantee **Level III or Only 4 log10 sterility
Air Emissions Low volume, non-toxic, dry Medium volume, wet and steamy, pre-vacuum cycle emission is infectious Medium volume, infectious (requires HEPA filter treatment)
Safety Issues No infectious organism exposure in the process Exposure to infectious organisms possible with pre-shredding Exposure to infectious organisms is possible with the pre-vacuum

 
* Data from Waste Prevention Association
** Data from Health Care Waste Management Manual, DOH 2004

III. COMPARISON WITH OTHER MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT METHODS

SHREDDER
Post Treatment Shredding makes waste very much unrecognizable.

BIN DISINFECTING STATION
CTC will be providing yellow bins for the storage of healthcare wastes. After usage, these will be cleaned and disinfected in a Bin Disinfecting Station.

REFRIGERATED ROOM
Collected healthcare waste will be stored in a 4 °C Refrigerated room.

IV. SUMMARY
  1. HIGH LEVEL OF STERILIZATION
    • It achieves a 6 log10 inactivation for a sterilization time of 15 minutes at 132 °C or 30 minutes at 121 °C.
    • Heat is evenly distributed into all the fragmented waste particles.
  2. PROCESS EFFICIENCY
    • Uses the water content of waste as a source of steam.
    • Removes the water content (dehydrates) the waste.
    • Waste is fragmented into small particles for higher heat penetration.
  3. SAFE TO OPERATE
    • Accomplishes the process within the totally sealed vessel, which is not opened until all waste is totally sterilized.
    • Eliminates worker contact with infectious waste.
    • Self-unloads the wastes after the treatment cycle.
  4. REDUCES POLLUTION
    • It is a non-burn technology which does not emit dioxins, furans and other harmful gases.
    • Waste is very much sterilized which is safe to landfill.
    • Reduces the waste substantially in weight and volume which conserves landfill space.
    • Uses a steam jacket that recycles clean hot condensate which reduces steam consumption as well as water usage.
    • Eliminates contaminant emissions by condensing the vented steam vapor from the process.
    • Emits substantially fewer odors due to the dry nature of the waste.
  5. WASTE IS UNRECOGNIZABLE
    • Breaks up the waste into small pieces of fragmented material during the process of sterilization.
    • It goes through a post treatment shredding for further reduction.

For operation-related inquiry, send it to operations@cleanway.com.ph