Numerical Simulation on Sterilization Process of Medical Equipment by Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

Low-temperature gas sterilization methods are needed to sterilize heat-sensitive equipment. These methods put sterilization gasses having oxidizing properties into a sealed space to destroy microorganisms attached to equipment by chemical reaction. Although Ethylene oxide gas (EOG) or formalin has been used as sterilizing gas, their strong toxicity adversely affects the people and the environment. Therefore, this study investigates a new method that improves sterilization performance by using ozone as sterilizing gas in addition to hydrogen peroxide. We model physical phenomena during the sterilization process and perform its numerical analysis. Finally, the concentration of sterilization gas is investigated using the developed simulation tool.