Ethylene oxide (EtO)

EtO is a gas that sterilises via its action as a powerful alkylating agent.  EtO prevents cell reproduction and as such can kill all known viruses, bacteria and fungi, including bacterial spores. EtO is compatible with a number of materials.  It is commonly used in the medical field for the sterilisation of medical equipment and Australian hospitals are among some of Steritech’s major customers for this process. 

The process of applying EtO is a carefully managed one involving multiple stages designed first to bring the product to the necessary temperature and moisture content, then the product is placed in a special chamber where all air is removed and controlled amounts of steam and EtO are introduced.  Finally, the product exits the chamber and is conveyed into the high velocity aeration room, where gas residuals are lowered to required levels of a period of at least 48 hours.