Abstract: Methods for sterilization wherein air is purged from the load to be sterilized prior to the addition of the sterilant and wherein residue chemical sterilants, such as ethylene oxide, are purged post-sterilization by introducing air and steam at pressures which cause the steam to condense on the interstices of the load and then vaporize to provide a carrier for trapped air (prior to sterilization) and residue chemical sterilant (post-sterilization).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for steam sterilization in which goods are conditioned by removing air and heated to a desired temperature in a chamber. The goods are subjected to a plurality of pressure pulses at above atmospheric pressure by alternate pressurization and venting of the chamber to atmospheric pressure. At the beginning of the process and following pressurization pulses, at or slightly above atmospheric pressure air is flushed from the chamber with steam prior to pressurization. Upon removal of air from the load and the chamber sterilizing environment, the chamber is pressurized until a selected pressure related sterilization temperature is reached. After a timed exposure period, the sterilizing chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure and a vacuum is created in the sterilizing chamber to dry the load.