Sanitec - Microwave Healthcare Waste Disinfection System

1.      Sanitec units are delivered housed in an all-weather steel enclosure. Systems can be installed either inside or outdoors, and require only a standard 480 electric line and standard water hookups for the onboard steam generator. There is no drain required because there is no water emission. Installation generally is complete within two days, and units can be easily relocated to accommodate changing space requirements.

2.      An automated lift/load mechanism eliminates the need to lift heavy bags. Waste is brought to the unit in carts, which are then attached to the Sanitec unit and emptied into the infeed hopper. The loading mechanism can be designed to accept a wide variety of standard cart systems.

3.  The infeed hopper is sealed and waste is ground into tiny particles by a sophisticated shredding system designed specifically for medical waste. Grinding creates a more even waste stream that can be effectively treated at lower temperatures than competing systems, thereby eliminating the potentially harmful air emissions associated with other units. Shredding reduces the waste volume by 80%, and renders it unrecognizable.

4. Air from the infeed hopper is drawn by a fan through a series of filters including a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and a carbon filter to control odors. Air tests performed on the system confirm that no harmful air emissions are released during waste processing.

5. Waste is then picked up by a stainless steel screw conveyor, moistened with steam, and passed by a series of microwave units. Microwave energy is extremely efficient at thermally treating each individual waste particle from the inside out, assuring thorough disinfection. Treatment is verified on a regular basis by challenge testing using spores of bacillus subtilis (var. niger).

6. Treated waste is then transported outside the unit by a secondary screw conveyor and is deposited into a wastecompactor or dumpster. At this point, waste is considered safe for disposal in any municipal solid waste program. An optional granulator is available for further waste reduction if
desired.

7. The entire process is controlled by an on-board microprocessor. A highly sophisticated computer program monitors the waste treatment cycle, assuring that all time and temperature parameters required for treatment are met before any waste is discharged. Continuous digital monitoring and a built-in strip chart are included to do real-time recording of the disinfection process.

8. From start to finish, the Sanitec Microwave Disinfection system is designed to provide process and engineering controls that assure complete disinfection and destruction, while minimizing the operator`s exposure to risk.

What you should know about Sanitec Microwave Disinfection Systems

Environmental: Sanitec systems are recognized worldwide for their environmental Compatibility. Because waste is processed at relatively low (203-212A^°F) temperatures, Sanitec does not create the volatile organic compound or substance emissions commonly associated with other treatment methods (e.g. incineration, autoclaving). There are no chemicals used in any part of the process, and there are no liquid discharges of any kind. Sanitec users have been awarded a number of organizational and governmental awards, including two Governor`s Awards in Arizona and Illinois, for their commitment to a clean environment displayed by utilizing microwave disinfection technology.

Operational:
Sanitec`s completely automated lift/load and material handling capabilities, process and engineering controls virtually eliminate occupational exposures such as spill, lifting, and needlestick injuries associated with medical waste handling. Waste can be collected and stored at the point of generation, transported, and treated using a one-container system. No special (e.g. autoclavable) bags or boxes are required. All treatment functions are microprocessor controlled and digitally recorded. Noise and odor are minimized through engineering control features built into the system. Sanitec units have demonstrated an outstanding record for reliability and serviceability, with availability rates of up to 97%.

Physical:
The Sanitec system is housed in an attractive, all-weather steel enclosure and requires only standard electrical and water hook-ups to install and operate. No sewer hook-ups or boiler lines are required. Installation is generally complete within a 24 to 48 hour period. The footprint is a very compact 10` x 22`, and is compatible with hospital`s image of cleanliness. All waste is contained within the system during processing, and not subject to blowing or scattering about the treatment area.

Disinfection Efficacy:

Sanitec units treat wastes to a verifiable 6log10 reduction of bacterial spores. Sanitec`s level of treatment exceeds all regulatory standards including recommendations contained in the State and Territorial Association on Alternate Treatment Technologies (STA2T2) Report.

Waste Residue:
Wastes treated through the Sanitec system are thoroughly disinfected, unrecognizable, and reduced in volume by approximately 80% (saving valuable landfill space and reducing hauling requirements and costs). They are acceptable in any municipal solid waste program.

Field Experience:
The first Sanitec system was installed at Forsyth Memorial Hospital, Winston-Salem NC in March of 1990. Since that time, Sanitec units, now operating throughout the US and in several foreign countries, have processed in excess of 500 million pounds of RMW, and have accumulated over 250 years of combined field service experience. Sanitec is recognized within the industry as "the most widely used and regulatory accepted alternate system in the U.S." (Infectious Wastes News, December 1994).

Vendor Qualifications:
Sanitec management and staff have been exclusively and continuously in the business of manufacturing, distributing, and supporting microwave disinfection systems since 1990. Customer references are available upon request.

Product Benefits:

• Significantly reduce costs
• Promote worker safety
• Reduce liability
• Promote clean environment

The Environment:

• No harmful air emissions
• No liquid discharges
• No chemicals to treat/store/discard
• Waste residue reduced in volume by 80%
• Safe for landfill disposal

Disinfection Efficacy:

• Residence time and temperature microprocessor controlled
• Microwave heating occurs from within
• Effective on sharps and bulk liquids
• Proven in independent laboratory tests

Operator Safety:

• Automatic lift/load system eliminates double and triple waste handling
• Standard electrical and water hook-ups
• Interlocks and automated controls eliminate worker exposure
• On board digital controls/self diagnostics

Reliability:

• State-of-the-art shredding technology designed for medical waste stream
• Proven in hospitals and commercial waste facilities since 1990
• Made in the United States

Experts Agree:
Major studies in the U.S. and other countries have hailed the Sanitec Microwave Disinfection System as the best solution to a growing medical waste disposal problem. Noting the system`s environmental friendliness, thoroughly disinfected waste residue, ease and safety of operation and overall reliability, experts agree that Sanitec provides the nation`s health care community with the technology of tomorrow--Today!

Microwave - *"The best alternative from the analysis is microwaving since it does not produce effluent or chemical emissions. It reduces the waste substantially as well as having proven disinfection abilities."