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Sterilization - ETO sterilization application fields |
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The Ethylenoxid (ETO) is a gas used for the sterilization and decontamination of products. It is a very reactive alkylating agent at low-temperature (generally between 40-60°C), it is used particularly for heat-sensible products
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 Historic
Discovered in 1859 by Wurst, ethylenoxid (ETO) was used at first for insecticidal and antibacterial applications or for sterilization of spices. This last use always stays of current events.
In the medical field, the use of the ETO takes its development from 1949 and this process remains at the moment the most wide-spread
Application Area
Highly effective, the power of penetration of the ETO allows to sterilize a wide range of medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare articles in their definitive packaging:
- Multi-lumen tubing products with high length
- Assembled complex products
- Tighten products : surface sterilization
- Integrated-electronics products
- Products with integrated batteries
- Implants
Raw material process compatibility examples, (from standard AAMI-TIR17_2008)
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Raw material designation
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Radiation
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ETO
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Moist heat
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Dry heat
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Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)
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1
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4
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4
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4
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Perfluoro alkoxy (PFA)
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1
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4
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4
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4
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Polyamides (e.g nylon)
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2-3
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4
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1-4
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1-4
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Polycarbonates (PC)
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3-4
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4
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1-3
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2
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Polyethylene (PE)
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3-4
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4
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1-3
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1-2
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Popypropylene (PP) stabilized
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2-3
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4
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2-3
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1-3
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Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
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3
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4
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1-2
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1-2
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Silicone adhesives
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2-3
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4
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1-3
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2-4
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EPDM
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3-4
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4
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3-4
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2-3
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Cellulose ester
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2
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4
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1-2
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1-3
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Cellulose, paper, cardboard
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2-3
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4
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1-2
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1-2
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1= not recommanded, 4 = excellent
Specific Applications
The ETO sterilization of materials covered with medicinal solutions does not lead to a decrease of their power or their efficiency.
The ETO can be employed for the sterilization of human fabrics.
The ETO also allows treating products for guaranteed applications 'HUMAN-DNA FREE'. The action of the gas destroys the DNA profile and assures the absence of downloadable profile on the treated products.
Decontamination, Possibility of making cycles to reduce the contamination of raw materials or to treat the product before destruction or recycling
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Sterilization 
