Abstract: Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), are used sequentially for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber. The two cleaning solutions are stored in separate storage containers (52, 54) carried by the cart. The alkaline cleaning fluid preferably includes a strong base, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. The acid cleaning solution includes a strong acid, such as phosphoric acid, which passivates the chamber during the cleaning process. After cleaning is complete, the two cleaning fluids are mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a detectable substance which is relatively stable in the cleaning composition, for indicating whether the cleaning composition has been thoroughly removed from a vessel following a cleaning process. For pharmaceutical applications, the detectable substance is preferably a low-foaming surfactant that is detectable by high performance liquid chromatography at concentrations of around 10 ppm, or less. The surfactant is thus detectable in the same analytical procedure as are traces of pharmaceutical residues which have not been removed from the vessel. The analytical procedure is used to develop a cleaning protocol for future cleaning processes by determining the number of rinses needed for reducing the surfactant, and hence the cleaning product, and also the pharmaceutical residues, in the rinse water to predetermined acceptable levels.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in a multi-compartment container carried by the cart and having two storage compartments (52, 54). The alkaline and acid solutions are sequentially sprayed over the chamber walls and returned to their respective compartments. After cleaning is complete, a wall (200) which separates the two compartments is punctured. The two cleaning fluids are thereby mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). The cleaning system includes a lid (80) which is mounted over an opening (82) to the chamber. In one embodiment, the door (232) of the chamber provides the lid. An articulating nozzle (124) extends from the lid into the interior of the chamber. Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in two storage containers (52, 54) carried by the cart. A first pump (60), mounted on the cart, pumps first the alkaline, then the acid cleaning solution to the nozzle. A second pump (62), mounted on the cart, connects with a scavenge fitting (166) in the chamber to return the cleaning fluid to the respective storage container.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in a multi-compartment container carried by the cart and having two storage compartments (52, 54). The alkaline and acid solutions are sequentially sprayed over the chamber walls and returned to their respective compartments. After cleaning is complete, a wall (200) which separates the two compartments is punctured. The two cleaning fluids are thereby mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in a multi-compartment container carried by the cart and having two storage compartments (52, 54). The alkaline and acid solutions are sequentially sprayed over the chamber walls and returned to their respective compartments. After cleaning is complete, a wall (200) which separates the two compartments is punctured. The two cleaning fluids are thereby mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a detectable substance which is relatively stable in the cleaning composition, for indicating whether the cleaning composition has been thoroughly removed from a vessel following a cleaning process. For pharmaceutical applications, the detectable substance is preferably a low-foaming surfactant that is detectable by high performance liquid chromatography at concentrations of around 10 ppm, or less. The surfactant is thus detectable in the same analytical procedure as are traces of pharmaceutical residues which have not been removed from the vessel. The analytical procedure is used to develop a cleaning protocol for future cleaning processes by determining the number of rinses needed for reducing the surfactant, and hence the cleaning product, and also the pharmaceutical residues, in the rinse water to predetermined acceptable levels.