Washer-Disinfector design features for efficient wash

The efficient wash must also be repeatable and it is these two features that create the desired combination. The most important feature of conventional Washer-Disinfectors is distribution of the cleaning action within the entire chamber, meaning that cleaning solution (water + chemical) reaches all surfaces of instruments and accessories and at the same time ensures the chamber itself is also cleaned.

In case of spray-arms for instance the location of holes that spray water around is critical to the efficient water distribution. Location will depend on the pressure/flow ratio, shape of the chamber and the basket/rack. Finite Element Methods in Fluid Dynamics are extremely helpful in this case.

Efficient draining and elimination of residual water in the machine’s internal plumbing minimises cross-contamination between different stages of the cycle –which makes the process more efficient.

In case of chemicals repeatability is in my opinion far more important than precision. It is also essential to use them in the range of temperatures they are designed for. Beyond this range chemicals may cause foaming that may be not only detrimental to the cleaning process but can actually damage the machine.

There are many more very important factors but these mentioned above are in my opinion the core of the cleaning process.

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About the author

Pawel de Sternberg Stojalowski

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Pawel de Sternberg Stojalowski MBA, MSc, BSc is a research and development specialist focusing on innovation within decontamination sciences. He’s been involved in R&D since 2007, designing equipment, processes and methodologies for cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of surgical instruments as well as medical and laboratory equipment.