Abstract: A method of sterilizing and drying a dialyzer or other device, wherein a vacuum drying phase is interrupted by interspersed pulses of air or other gas. The pulses lessen the evaporative cooling effect, to thereby reduce differential shrinkage that can structurally damage the dialyzer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method providing efficient cleaning of various surfaces. The apparatus including a collector and a controller. The collector having an inlet conduit, a vacuum pump, a first valve, a second valve, a tank, and a separator. The inlet conduit connects to an inlet aperture of the separator, the vacuum pump connects to an outlet aperture of the separator, the first valve regulates flow between a drain aperture of the separator and an inlet aperture of the tank, and the second valve regulates flow through a drain aperture of the tank. One or more filters may filter flow between the separator and the vacuum pump. The controller may be programmed to, upon sensing a full tank, selectively close the first valve and open the second valve and, after the passage of a selected period of time, selectively close the second valve and open the first valve. The collector and controller may provide an integrated, compact cleaning system that supports continuous operation.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing and drying a dialyzer or other device, wherein a vacuum drying phase is interrupted by interspersed pulses of air or other gas. The pulses lessen the evaporative cooling effect, to thereby reduce differential shrinkage that can structurally damage the dialyzer.