Plant treating potentially-infective hospital wastes, inserts needle in sealed bin lids for totally-enclosed disinfection processes, then crushes waste

摘要

Hermetically sealed bins (4) are used specifically for infectious waste collection in the hospital workplace. The bins enter a treatment tunnel (2) where the contents are disinfected. This takes place out of contact with the ambient air, using needles inserted in sealed fashion, into the covers. A crusher (5), compresses and wrings-out the crushed wastes. The crusher includes a cutting mechanism and a press. It has a cradle (16) carried by articulated arms (17) on the crusher frame, operated by an electric motor. It lifts the containers over a charging hopper (18). The crusher includes a system injecting steam and bactericide, controlled by the crusher unit. Injection takes place at the hopper, using two injectors. Steam is injected at six points, one in the hopper, four at the shafts of the crusher and one in the funnel. The crusher is mounted on guide rails for positioning during use, storage or maintenance. It is moved manually or electro-mechanically. The crusher is driven hydraulically through rack gearing, pressure being exerted on the waste as the cutter blades act upon it. Pressure is released when the shafts retract. Injection needles have pressure sensors, the display being on the control panel, such that inadequate container sealing can be detected. The container can then be replaced before treatment. Motorized mechanical handling equipment is included for the containers. A variant arrangement with two treatment tunnels is described. An independent claim is included for the associated method of treatment.