New large-chamber disinfectors from Steelco facilitate faster and improved instrument reprocessing in CSSDs

The new large-chamber disinfectors from Steelco clean faster and more thoroughly than any of their predecessors by using, at the same time, significantly less water and electricity. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that Steelco identifies loads using RFID and adjusts the process using a variable-speed circulation pump accordingly. The unique PowerPulseCleaning system further enables the thorough cleaning of complex minimally invasive surgical instruments which cannot be dismantled. Further highlights includes a particularly versatile system consisting of a load carrier and modules offering maximum flexibility in reprocessing a broad range of medical products. The new PWD 8626 and PWD 8628 models will be available in the first quarter of 2019.

These machines detect the tasks in hand without any manual input as RFID technology identifies the combination of load carrier and modules. This unequivocally registers loads comprised of, for instance, anaesthetic material, containers, or mesh trays for standard theatre instruments or minimally invasive, orthopaedic and dental instruments.

Using this information, the controls automatically launch the appropriate programme cycle. Throughout the process, the patented variable-speed circulation pump regulates water volume and pressure. 'Our smart system is unique in that it cuts down on both resources and costs – whilst still guaranteeing the best possible reprocessing results', explains John Hansson, Steelco sales Director. And for those wishing to reduce energy consumption even further, this is achieved through an optional heat recovery system during the drying phase.

In order to simplify life for those who work in CSSD, Steelco has designed its new PowerPulseCleaning process for particularly challenging microvasive instruments. With the aid of intermittent water and air pulses, the lumens of these complex instruments, which often cannot be dismantled, are thoroughly and quickly cleaned. This reduces or even dispenses altogether with the need for the pre-cleaning which is common practice in many hospitals.

Flexibility with only four basic load carriers

The new, modular loading system affords a hitherto untold measure of flexibility. Four basic carriages allow 36 different load carrier configurations to be assembled fast and with ease. This saves not only time but also reduces the space needed to store load carriers when not in use.

Additional benefit: hospitals previously using Miele machines from the PG 8528 series can continue to use their racks and inserts on the new Steelco models. In the event of replacements, this reduces investment costs – and is a major sustainability benefit.

With its width of 115 cm, Steelco's PWD 8628 offers space for both a pre-heating and a recycling tank, each with a capacity of 30 litres. This combination guarantees the shortest of cycle times whilst at the same time being extremely gentle on resources. If there is insufficient space for the wider machine, the 90 cm PWD 8626 represents an attractive alternative. A combi tank which both pre-heats and recycles water makes this model a space-saving miracle. Both model types offer a large reprocessing capacity of up to 18 DIN mesh trays per cycle.

To optimise logistics, Steelco offers automatic infeed and outfeed conveyors in a variety of versions. These serve to reduce the manual effort involved in the daily task of instrument reprocessing.

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