Kill tank alternative

Hazardous fluid waste is a problem in many sectors of the pharma industry, particularly in Biological Level 3 and 4 laboratories, vaccine production facilities and other research and biocontainment labs. Until now, large kill tanks have been used for decontamination, but these require large emergency containment basins, do not use advanced control systems, and lack standards for validation, components and manufacturing.

The new CED (Continuous Effluent Contamination) System developed by Steris Corporation is said to offer improved efficacy, reliability, safety and cost effectiveness. It carries out continuous flow decontamination, with built-in diagnostic control and independent safety zones, and can handle hundreds of gallons during peak effluent output periods.

The system has been biologically tested with spore-forming organisms and meets the standards of many regulatory agencies. Options include choice of cabinet size, flow volume capacity, buffer tank size, configuration combinations, and accessories such as effluent receiving grinders, alternate control panel mounts, magnetic coupled mixing systems, and a CIP package.

PLCs test the system at start-up and monitor critical parameters and effluent temperature continuously to ensure effective decontamination before discharge, according to Steris. Viewing windows permit direct observation of fluid levels, valves and internal system operation.