5.Abstract

Summary

  In view of the large number of influencing parameters and the resulting complex interrelations, as well as the parallel effects of different influencing factors, personnel responsible for sanitizing equipmentoftenfind it very difficult in practice to determine the specific cause that has actually led to an (undesired or bothersome) alteration of the stainless steel surfaces located in the interior of a chamber.

   In light of the large number of influencing parameters and the resulting complex interrelations, and because of the parallel effects of different influencing factors, individuals in charge of sanitizing equipment often find it very difficult in practice to determine the specific cause that has actually led to an (undesired or bothersome) alteration of the stainless steel surfaces located in the interior of a chamber.

  The aim of thisbrochureis to describe and explain the phenomenon of surface changes in sterilizer chambers known asrouging. Measures that have been successfully implemented inpracticeare also described. In all of the methods covered, an active and focused collaboration between equipment users, the equipment manufacturer and the specialist cleaning company is aconstantrequirement. 

     The aim of this brochure is to describe and identify the phenomenon known as rouging as a change in the surfaces of sterilizer chambers. Measures which have already been successfully implemented in practice are also described. In all of the methods covered, an active and focused collaboration between equipment users, the equipment manufacturer and the specialist cleaning company is a constant requirement.

Terms and Abbreviations

Term Definitions and Abbreviations

German Instrument Reprocessing Workgroup

Visitwww.a-k-i.orgfor detailed information and free downloads of the Workgroup's brochures.

A

AKI

German Instrument Reprocessing Workgroup

Visit www.a-k-i.org for detailed information and free downloads of the Workgroup's brochures.

Activation

Use of acids to remove oxide impurities from surfaces(impurities).

Activation

Use of acids to remove oxide impurities on surfaces.

Spectroscopic analytical technique used for the non-destructive study of material surfaces to determine their chemical composition.

AUGER

Spectroscopic analytical technique used in the non-destructive study of material surfaces to determine their chemical composition.

AUGER(Auger)

A stainless steel alloy in which the metal atoms have a face-centred cubic arrangement in an ordered metal lattice system. When the molten material solidifies, individual systems are established, and the unit crystals always grow in different directional orientations.

Austenitic

A stainless steel alloy in which the metal atoms have a face-centred cubic arrangement in the ordered metal lattice system. The individual system is established when the molten material solidifies, with the unit crystals always growing in different directional orientations.

Chloride=chloride, ions of the element chlorine

C

Cl =Chloride, ions of the element chlorine

Corrosion

Refers tochanges occurring on material surfacesas part of an (undesired)chemicalreaction. In severe cases, this can essentially lead to the destruction of the material/component.