Cleaning composition and apparatus for removing biofilm and debris from lines and tubing and method therefor

Abstract

Biofilm and debris can be removed from the interior and exterior surfaces of small bore tubing by passing an aqueous cleaning solution of water, one or more surfactants and preferably a source of hydrogen peroxide, optionally including small inert solid particles, together with a gas under pressure, to create a turbulent flow within the tubing that loosens the biofilm and debris so that they can be flushed from the tubing. When the exterior surfaces of tubing are to be cleaned, the tubing is inserted in a sleeve fitted with an adaptor that provides a pressure-tight seal between the tubing and the sleeve.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a mixed-phase cleaning solution and method for removing bacteria with pathogenic potential and other microorganisms, debris, tissue, food particles and the like from lines and tubing, and to an apparatus that delivers the mixed-phase cleaning solution under pressure to the lines and tubing to be cleaned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Small bore tubing that delivers ordinary running water, purified or not, to fixtures such as dental units, develop bacterial and fungal growth from the water on their interior surfaces, as is well known. Bacteria present in the water strongly adhere to tubing surfaces and then grow laterally, forming what is known as biofilm. Biofilm is apparent to the touch as a slimy film which has been analyzed and found to be bacterial growth. [0003] Several prior art workers have identified various bacteria included in these biofilms, which include several bacteria having pathogenic potential, such as Flavobacterium, Moraxella,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a combination of pressurized gas and a suitable aqueous cleaning solution is used to create a turbulent environment on or in a tubing having a biofilm or debris on interior or exterior surfaces, that completely removes the biofilm and debris. A suitable aqueous cleaning solution comprises water and a surfactant. An oxidizing agent and a biocidal agent can also be added. Inert particles that can provide a scrubbing action can also be added advantageously to the aqueous cleaning solution. This aqueous cleaning composition is delivered to the tubing to be cleaned by means of compressed gas, thus making a mixed-phase system, that provides a turbulent flow along the walls of the tubing that aids in loosening the biofilm and debris from the surfaces of the tubing, and aids in flushing the loosened materials from the tubing.

[0011] The invention also includes an apparatus for delivering the above mixed-phase cleaning solution to the interior of small bore tubing and lines and combining it with a gas under pressure. The compressed gas-aqueous cleaning solution combination develops turbulent flow inside the tubing that aids in loosening the biofilm from the interior surfaces of tubing so that it can be readily removed by flushing and rinsing with water.

Problems solved by technology

All of these bacteria have the potential to cause infections in humans, and legionella, which is highly resistant to antibiotics, is of particular concern since infection can be fatal.

If the patient has any open wounds in the mouth, the danger of infection is of course much higher.

Biofilms are very difficult to remove from tubing however.

However, these agents do not readily diffuse into the biofilm which strongly adheres to the tubing walls, and thus removal is generally only partial and the biofilm returns quite rapidly.

Such cleaning is expensive, but necessary.

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