Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for the generation of electricity combined with the further treatment of sewage from a sewage treatment plant. In one form of the invention a stream of compressed air/contaminated air (108, 110) is passed to a mixing device (18) where it is mixed with a stream of introduced fuel gas (112). The mixture is combusted and the resultant gases are fed to the expansion chamber (6) of a gas turbine which drives an alternator (10) thus generating electricity. Rather than simply dissipate them to atmosphere, the gases (126) are utilized in the heating and disinfection of sewage (148) from an initial sewage treatment plant. The thus disinfected sewage (150) passes to a pressure vessel (12) wherein it encounters and saturates the stream of compressed air/contaminated air (108, 110) passing to the mixing device (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for stabilizing bicarbonate-based solutions for peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration. The bicarbonate-based solutions of the present invention are formulated and stored in at least two parts—an alkaline bicarbonate concentrate and an acidic concentrate. The alkaline bicarbonate concentrate is adjusted to have a pH of about 8.6 to 10.0. The acidic concentrate is adjusted to have a stable, acidic pH ranging from about 1.0 to 3.0. Upon mixing, although some variation in the pH of the mixed bicarbonate solution exists, the inventors have discovered that with the appropriate selection of the parameters of the concentrates, the pH of the mixed solution is always within an acceptable physiological range.

Abstract: A workstation has a feed device (1) for sample tube racks (7), comprising a balance (17) in which the weight of individual sample tubes (6) is determined by a procedure in which the sample tube holder (7) is weighed in each case before and after removal of each sample tube (6) and the difference between the weights is determined. Removal is effected in each case by means of a gripper (23) of a transfer device (3) which then distributes the sample tubes (6) over sample tube buckets (22) in such a way that said buckets form pairs having approximately the same weights. With the aid of a receiving device (27) which is gripped by the gripper (23) and removed from a holder, the sample tube buckets (22) are picked up and introduced into a centrifuge (2). They are removed again after centrifuging and, after the receiving device (27) has been deposited in the holder, the individual sample tubes (6) are removed from the sample tube buckets (22) by the gripper and deposited on carriers (5) of a conveying device (4).

Abstract: A method of treating a building contaminated with Stachybotris includes inspecting the building to identify locations in the building contaminated by the Stachybotris, applying a treatment liquid to the Stachybotris at the locations, the treatment liquid including hydrochloric acid, and heating the treatment liquid for a length of time after it has been applied to the Stachybotris.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins. A method is also provided for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that or organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods for inactivating micro-organisms using high pressure processing. A method is described for inactivating micro-organisms in a product using high pressure processing comprising the steps of packing said product in a flexible container, heating said product to a pre-pressurized temperature, subjecting said product to a pressure at a pressurized temperature for a time period; and reducing the pressure after said time period. The method of the present invention could further comprise an additional step of subjecting said product to a predetermined amount of oxygen for a time interval. The methods of the present invention may be applied preferably to food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A fluid conveyor jet moves flexible containers or bags along a trough from one station to the next in the trough in a process which efficiently heats or cools the contents of the containers. Side fluid jets positioned along opposite sides of the trough direct heating or cooling fluid (water) on the flexible containers at the stations. They direct the fluid generally in spaced horizontal planes on the flexible containers therebetween causing (1) the central contents of the containers to move away from central areas of the container towards the sides to promote temperature transfer between the contents and cooling or heating fluid from the fluid jet conveyor and the fluid jets and (2) the containers to rotate generally about axes parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trough also helping in the cooling or heating process. The side fluid jets are operatively positioned below the waterline of the trough.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus therefor for stabilizing products in containers in a continuous container flow by stationary, sequential sections by means of overflowing liquid, whereby the sections are graduated with respect to one another in terms of their liquid temperature, and for purposes of efficient liquid recycling are organized in pairs, so that the liquid is transported by overflow among sections, and to set the desired temperature of the overflowing liquid, liquid is added to the liquid being transported, characterized by the fact that the excess liquid in the at least one zone overflows in a cascade fashion from zone to zone of increasing overflow temperature and into liquid reservoirs.

Abstract: An apparatus for low temperature processing and high temperature sterilization comprising a hydrofluoroether heat-transfer fluid. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method therefor.

Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a lipid membrane bound structure, the method comprising the steps of providing the structure to be processed in a liquid medium; and beating the liquid medium containing the structure at a rate and through a range sufficient to cause a discrete phase transition in at least one of the membranes, such that the membranes fuse. The method may be used to fuse the structure with another structure, or to reduce the integrity of the structure. The apparatus atomizes a medium containing the structure into small droplets and subjects them to an environment containing steam vapor while moving at high velocity, to rapidly increase the droplet temperature to the steam temperature by release of the latent heat of vaporization.

Abstract: A drinking water dispenser according to the present invention functions to supply drinking water from a detachable water container. The drinking water dispenser includes a hot water tank, a chilled water tank, a supply pipe and a sterilization system. The hot water tank heats and stores the drinking water supplied from the water container. The supply pipe connects the water container with the hot water tank and the chilled water tank. The sterilization system sterilizes the tanks and the supply pipe by circulating hot water from the hot water tank among them. The dispenser is also sterilized because of its including a special 3 way connector between the detachable container and tanks which allows connector and container to be housed in a refrigerator, thus separating critical system components from warmer outside air and thus suppressing invasion and growth of microbes.

Abstract: A method of improving the indoor air quality in a building comprising at least partially inactivating fungal mycelia and spores associated with a building material surface by applying onto the surface thermal energy initially contained in water vapour at a pressure exceeding 1 bar, in an amount which is sufficient to at least partially inactivate said fungal mycelia and spores but essentially without causing damages to the surface material.

Abstract: A method is described for sterilizing a fiber based container that contains a food product without damaging the container. The method involves placing the filled container in an autoclave, and supplying steam into the closed autoclave to raised the temperature to a sterilization temperature and at a pressure above atmospheric. The temperature required for sterilizing the food product is greater than the critical temperature for the container. The cooling phase involves introducing cooling air into the autoclave to reduce the temperature below the critical temperature without introducing moisture, and then supplying cool water to lower the temperature of the container rapidly. The use of this method provides effective sterilization in a reduced cycle time.

Abstract: A method of disinfection of a dead-ended fluid line in a medical instrument such as a dialysis machine is described. The method comprises introducing a heated fluid into the fluid line, allowing the fluid to remain in the line for an experimentally determined optimal dwell period, removing the fluid from the fluid line, and then repeating the cycle for a time period sufficient to achieve a disinfection of the fluid line. The optimum dwell period and frequency for exchanging the heated fluid is determined so that the heated fluid is left resident in the line to exert a cidal effect but not so long that the it cools to the point of being ineffective, nor changed so frequently that that the time spent with no hot water resident in the line begins to detract (e.g., unduly prolong) the disinfection process.

Abstract: Methods of heat sterilizing polymers are disclosed. The methods involve the preparation of a polymer suspension in an water-miscible organic liquid and subsequent application of moderate heat for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the polymer.

Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system includes a flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet and structure within the liquid flow chamber between the inlet and the outlet defining a continuous path for maintaining a continuous flow of a slurry from the inlet toward the outlet at a predetermined rate for establishing a minimum period of residence time of the slurry within the flow chamber, the residence time sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry at a predetermined minimum temperature of between about 145 and 160 degrees F, a pump for introducing a continuous flow of a liquid slurry of sludge into the liquid flow chamber and for establishing and maintaining a continuous flow of a liquid slurry through the liquid flow chamber from the inlet to the outlet at the predetermined rate, and a source of heat for introducing heat into a liquid slurry being introduced into the liquid flow chamber for heating the continuous flow of slurry to the predetermined minimum temperature, and dewatering apparatus

Abstract: A device and method for elimination of contamination during transfer of materials either into or from bioreactors, food containers, or other microbially vulnerable systems. Using microwave power, thermal sterilizations of mating fixtures are achieved simply, reliably, and quickly by the volatilization of small quantities of water to produce superheated steam which contacts all exposed surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pasteurizing comminuted wood. A housing is substantially sealed over the hatch of a ship's cargo hold before it is opened. The hold contains comminuted wood for transport, which are typically contaminated with pathogens that it is desired to destroy. Hot water is provided to combine with the comminuted wood to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped to a pasteurization vessel where it is held for a predetermined pasteurization temperature and time. Subsequent to the predetermined pasteurization time, the slurry exits the pasteurization vessel and the water is reclaimed from the wood chips. The reclaimed water is preferentially reused to slurry more chips. The method and apparatus preferably include employing an air removal and cleaning system which maintains the environment within the cargo hold at conditions tolerable for a worker to work therein, the air removal and cleaning system purifying the air obtained therefrom before exhausting it into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A liquid purification system (10) and method for decontaminating microbe infested liquid (14) is provided. The liquid purification system (10) includes a primary tank (18) which contains both a purifying liquid composition (24) and an initially treated microbe infested liquid (44) with the liquids being immiscible with respect to each other. A heating element (30) is immersed in the primary tank (18) for heating the purifying liquid composition (24). Microbe infested liquid (14) passes through a secondary conduit (16) and is inserted into the primary tank (18) where the microbe infested liquid (14) is heated by contact with the heat purifying liquid composition (24) and descends to a lower portion of the primary tank (18). A primary conduit (34) is mounted within the primary tank (18) and secondarily heats the initially treated microbe infested liquid (44) to provide a purified liquid composition.

Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing a container holding a fluid diet, the container having a long and slender mouth and being filled with the fluid diet and sealed; the process includes the steps of filling the container with the fluid diet in a heated state, sealing the container at the mouth thereof, and thereafter turning the container with its mouth side down to immerse only the mouth and the vicinity thereof in a hot-water bath for a period of time sufficient to achieve sterilization. An apparatus for carrying out the process includes a bucket conveyor, a feed conveyor, a bucket and a bath. The process and apparatus can well sterilize containers holding a fluid diet and having a long and slender mouth. The process and apparatus can well sterilize containers holding a fluid diet and having a long and slender mouth.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2.degree. C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins. A method is also provided for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2.degree. C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: A method for treating fixed biological tissue inhibits calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The method includes placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, inducing relative tissue/solution movement, and heating the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.

Abstract: A method of processing big game scent, such as deer lures, comprising the steps of filtering a mixture of urine and feces through a series of successively finer filters in order to remove contaminants and pathogenic bacteria from the scent without destroying or denaturing the aromatic attractants. In a second embodiment, the mixture is heated to a temperature to destroy pathogens. A third embodiment is a combination of filtering followed by heating.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2.degree. C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system including a heat exchanger, a source of heat for introducing into the heat exchanger, an inlet for introducing a liquid slurry of sludge into the heat exchanger for heating the sludge to a predetermined minimum temperature, a circulating circuit for maintaining the slurry in circulation at the predetermined temperature for a minimum period of about thirty minutes, sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry prior to dewatering, and a dewatering unit for removing water from the sludge.

Abstract: A method for processing water-bound wastes and for adjusting quantities and for combining ingredients to achieve a desired mechanical property of the mixture. The process includes the establishment of at least one input parameter for the ingredients. The ingredients include heated granular solids and contaminated water-bound wastes. The mixing process causes the water-bound waste to be heated to a temperature which assures neutralization or purification of any waste borne contamination and which simultaneously cools the granular solid. The method includes testing the mixture for satisfaction of at least one of the established mixture physical property limits and, if necessary, adjusting at least one input parameter to achieve the desired physical property value.

Abstract: A moist-heat sterilization apparatus is provided which comprises a boiler shell (3), a chamber (4) inside said boiler shell (3), a heating block (14) external to said chamber (4) and in contact with the boiler shell (3), a feeding circuit (12) to supply the heating block (14) with water, and a conveying circuit (26) extending between the heating block (14) and chamber (4), the heating block (14) comprising canalization members (31) interposed between the feeding (12) and conveying (26) circuits and heating members (30) adapted to create a first steam flow through the canalization members (31). The process consists in admitting a first steam flow into a boiler shell, collecting the condensation water of the first steam flow and heating the boiler shell in such a manner that a second steam flow is produced from the condensed water.

Abstract: A method for heat sterilizing or disinfecting hospital waste includes the steps of grinding and/or comminuting the waste under a cutting force and for an amount of time such that a quantity of heat which is sufficient to reach and maintain the sterilization or disinfection temperature within the massive waste is generated by friction. The apparatus includes a rotor provided with vanes or blades for grinding or comminuting the waste and a plurality of fixed strikers in the form of vanes or blades associated with the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A transfer port system between two sterile environments having docked and undocked positions which is made up of two door frames connected to the environments and two doors connected to the two door frames. When the sterile environments are in the docked position the door frames of the two doors are juxtaposed and in close physical contact with one another and when the two sterile environments are in the undocked position the two door frames are spaced apart from one another and the two doors seal the sterile environments. The two door frames and the doors have a potentially non-sterile peripheral juncture located at the juncture between the doors and door frames when the doors are in a closed position sealing the sterile environments when the sterile environments are in their docked position.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus according to the invention relate to pasteurization of products in a tunnel pasteurizer. In the application of heating systems comprising water/steam heat exchangers in the zones for heating of sprinkling water, the pipelines and the valves for controlling the water and the steam become very complex and vulnerable, and the number of analog valves for steam become equal to the number of heat exchangers as a minimum. Leakages in analog valves for steam are frequent after some time in operation. According to the invention this problem is eliminated in that hot water is taken out under low pressure from a heating source (7) comprising a heat-insulted storage tank and a shared source of heat, where the water is circulating constantly, said hot water being supplied in a controlled amount directly to each zone (14b, . . .

Abstract: The present invention reveals an apparatus and method for sterilizing instruments at atmospheric pressure in a microwave oven. The apparatus is made of a tray for holding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary, or other instruments, a receiver for holding the tray, three containers, where one container holds a sterilization chemical and a second container holds sterile water, a cover for placement over the tray, and two pumps for transferring the liquids. The method requires a sterilization chemical that has a boiling point of greater than 100.degree. C. and that is at least slightly soluble or is rinsable in water. In addition, the entire microwave sterilization process is completed in less than six minutes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the decontamination of infectious waste produces a flowable influent slurry from a solid waste and aqueous liquid. The influent slurry is caused to flow through a conduit which includes a heat exchanger, a heater which brings the temperature of the slurry to at least 125 degrees C., and a convoluted holding zone which provides a residence time of at least 15 minutes for the heated slurry. In-line agitation of the slurry is accomplished by injection of pressurized gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the pasteurization of liquid contained in containers, such as beer in bottles or cans, in a tunnel pasteurizer comprising at least a pre-heating zone (1), a pre-pasteurization zone (2), a pasteurization zone (3) and a cooling zone (4), each zone comprising a plurality of sprayers (11, 12, 13, 14), containers being heated up and cooled down through spraying with water which is received in a plurality of separate receiving means (7, 8, 9, 10), the containers in a cooling zone being sprayed with water received in a pre-heating zone. The process is characterized in that during the normal, continuous feed-through of the containers through the pasteurizer, the supply of water to the sprayers in the pasteurization zone is prevented.

Abstract: An aseptic food processing system including a non invasive temperature measurement apparatus capable of processing low acid particulate foods. A magnetic particle is inserted into a food particle in the aseptic system and undergoes heating corresponding to a cold zone in the food product being processed. After heating, the particle is passed by one or more magnetic sensors disposed about the food stream path. The magnetic particle magnetizes in proportion to its magnetic susceptibility as it passes magnets included in the sensors. The particle is chosen to be paramagnetic at processing temperature ranges, and produces a magnetization in a sensor coil in the sensor which is proportional to the magnetic susceptibility. Because the susceptibility varies with temperature, actual temperature measurements of cold zone heating within the food particles may be obtained.

Abstract: The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: An integral structure is provided for chemical processing and manufacture, in which a plurality of laminae are joined together and having inlet and outlet ports connected by a three dimensionally tortuous channel. Chemicals are introduced through the inlet ports and processed along the channel, with desirable product withdrawn through the outlet ports. The laminae are of materials selected to be compatible with the chemical process, from the group consisting of elements of groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and metals. Processes of manufacture of the apparatus and processes utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A stable, aqueous, glutaraldehyde solution comprising:an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde;a non-ionic detergent;sodium acetate; andsufficient of a pH modifier to bring the pH of the solution to 6 to 8.5 is provided.The solution does not require an activator prior to use and is not a skin irritant. It is also stable for a period of up to 6 months at temperatures of 25.degree. C. when undiluted. When diluted further with water to differing concentrations, it is suitable for use as a sterilising, cleaning, disinfecting, antiseptic, subcutaneously injectable or preservative end use composition. These diluted compositions are stable for a period of up to 12 months and also require no activation prior to use.

Abstract: High level disinfection of a home hemodialysis machine is achieved without the use of disinfection chemicals. The machine has a water treatment module, an extracorporeal circuit and a dialysate circuit. Purified water is heated to a high level disinfection temperature, such as 75 or 80 degrees C. The water is circulated though the water treatment module, the extracorporeal circuit and the dialysate circuit for a time sufficient to achieve a high level disinfection of the machine, for example at least one hour. After the high level disinfection is obtained, the water is drained from the machine and the machine is placed in condition for another treatment session.

Abstract: Methods for heat treating goods to remove or prevent contaminants include the steps of identifying the contaminant or contaminants present and then heat treating the goods at a temperature in the range of 117.degree.-150.degree. F. Such heat treatment can be carried out on prepackaged, bulk quantities of contaminated or non-contaminated goods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising providing a sterilization system including a heat exchanger for elevating and then lowering the temperature of the fluid in a time period; measuring temperature at an input of the heat exchanger, measuring temperature at an output of the heat exchanger and measuring temperature at least one point in the heat exchanger intermediate to the input and output; calculating a coefficient of heat transfer for the sterilization system using the temperature measurements; calculating a degree of sterilization (F.sub.o) using the coefficient; and adjusting the temperature of the heat exchanger to minimize degradation of the pharmaceutical composition while maintaining an acceptable degree of sterilization.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent, and complexing agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for thermally treating fouling infestations of macroinvertebrates is disclosed. The inventive method includes treatments of both large structures in contact with relatively static masses of water and smaller structures, such as pipes, in contact with dynamic water masses and comprises the steps of heating the water in contact with the structure to be treated and maintaining an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to kill substantially all of the infesting organisms.

Abstract: A dialysis machine is disclosed that incorporates a water treatment module, a dialysate preparation module having a dialysate circuit, and an extracorporeal circuit including a dialyzer and arterial and venous blood lines that connect to the patient. The machine accomplishes on-line disinfection of all the fluid circuits of the machine, including the water treatment module, the dialysate preparation module and extracorporeal circuit, the arterial and venous lines, and the dialyzer, by circulating water heated to a high level disinfection temperature (e.g., 80 degrees C.) through the fluid passages of the machine for a sufficient time (such as an hour) to achieve high level disinfection. After the dialysis session is ended, the patient connects the arterial and venous lines to ports in a disinfection manifold that places the arterial and venous lines into fluid communication with the heated water. Thereafter, the machine is ready to disinfect the fluid circuits including the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing bone grafts, wherein the bone graft together with a quantity of sterile liquid sufficient to cover the bone graft is initially heated at a given sterilizing temperature for a constant first period of time, and is subsequently heated for a variable second period of time the duration of which is a function of the size of the bone graft. The bone graft is then cooled to room temperature, and the liquid transferred to a container. The sterilized bone graft is frozen, and the liquid in the container is analyzed for infectious diseases.

Abstract: To reliably sterilize hospital refuse in a quantities and configuration in which it occurs on its collection, the plant includes a refuse loading device, a shredder, a motorized screw for refuse conveying, a microwave oven and a device for removing the treated refuse upon its exit from the oven.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for ensuring the sterility of distillate in a multi-stage distilling machine. All feed water of the multi-stage distilling machine flows through a first column operating at the highest temperature so that the temperature of the feed water is equal to or greater than about 121.degree. C., about 131.degree. C., and about 141.degree. C., respectively, and the delay time after the feed water is removed from the first column and before its entry into the first column is at least about 8 minutes, about 0.8 minutes, 0.08 minutes, respectively. The delay produces the result that the distillate of every column of the multi-stage distilling machine is sterile, including that of the last column operating at the lowest temperature. The feed water flows through a first flow line from a second column to the first column, from the first column through a second flow line to a heat exchanger and returns from the heat exchanger through a third flow line to the first column.

Abstract: Infectious medical materials is rendered innocuous by heating heterogeneous medical materials having wet and dry portions with a radio frequency electric field. The medical materials are exposed to the radio frequency electric field in order to heat the medical waste. The medical waste may include sorted medical or veterinary waste which after heat treatment may be shredded and recycled.