Table 1.
Optimized Cycle Parameters by Waste Type
| Parameters | General Waste | Linens | Liquids | Sharps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purge time, minutes | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Pulse vacuum (in Hg)/pulse charge (PSIG) | 15/26 | 15/26 | 20/26 | 20/26 |
| No. of pulses | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Sterilization temperature, °C | 132 | 132 | 132 | 132 |
| Sterilization time, minutes | 45 | 75 | 150 | 60 |
| Vacuum dry, in Hg | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Dry time, minutes | 15 | 15 | 5 | 5 |
| Exhaust speed | Fast | Slow | Slow | Slow |
| Total cycle time | 1 h 35 min | 2 h 40 min | 4 h 10 min | 2 h 20 min |
Note. Hg, millimeters mercury; PSIG, pounds per square gauge.