Astell, a UK manufacturer of autoclaves and sterilisers, has introduced contaminated liquid waste containment and treatment plants for Category 3 & 4 laboratories.
Current legislation requires that all waste water from sinks, washrooms, sanitary installations and similar facilities is sterilised prior to discharge to sewer. The Astell units cover capacities from 100 to 5,000 litres of liquid waste per day.
In the standard batch processing unit, liquid waste is collected in a stainless steel jacketed containment tank. When the radar level controller detects that the tank is full, the heat sterilisation sequence starts automatically. Heating is by steam supplied either from the unit’s integral steam generator or an external source. Once the sequence is complete, the sterilised effluent is discharged to sewer using compressed air.
Continuous processing units are provided with two tanks. The first is filled as in the batch operation, and commences sterilisation. Influent liquid waste is then diverted to the second tank. When the sterilisation sequence is complete, the first tank remains idle until the second is full. In this way effluent collection is continuous so there is no delay to laboratory operations.
Each tank is fully contained and all connections are above liquid level eliminating potentially dangerous and costly leaks, the company says. A vent filter ensures that no microbial contaminants can be discharged with air or vapour.
Access to the fully programmable controller is via Astell’s PIN protected touch screen, which displays cycle information and has facilities for data archiving and Ethernet monitoring.
Astell
T +44 208 309 2024
F +44 208 309 2036
sales@astell.com