Sterilization is a process designed to remove or destroy all viable forms of microbial life. In the pharmaceutical industry, two widely used sterilization methods are steam and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization. The steam sterilization process uses high-temperature steam to destroy any microbes or bacterial spores. The effectiveness of this process relies greatly upon the repeatability of the evacuation pulsation to remove air and ensure that the steam penetrates the product. Vacuum systems are relied on heavily for their ability to evacuate the sterilization chamber and handle the gases present.
EtO sterilization, however, uses ethylene oxide, a toxic, flammable gas that breaks down microorganisms on a chemical level. EtO sterilization is often preferred for sterilizing temperature or moisture-sensitive products and requires that they be preconditioned in a controlled environment of temperature and humidity. Similar to steam sterilization, the effectiveness of this process relies on a controlled environment and sterilization chamber. Kinney’s liquid ring vacuum pump has been a preferred solution in EtO sterilization due to its water sealing and ability to handle flammable gases.