Sanqiang SQ-E6 industrial ethylene oxide chamber

Ethylene oxide sterilization works by non-specific alkylation of microbial proteins and genetic material (DNA/RNA), denaturing these structures, blocking cell metabolism and causing cell death. The gas penetrates virtually any geometry, including long narrow lumens, which makes it the fallback method wherever hydrogen peroxide plasma reaches its limits.

Applications include rigid and flexible endoscopes, ophthalmic lenses, fibre-optic cables, surgical instruments, metal, glass, silicone and rubber items, and sensitive materials such as catheters and tubing. Liquids and aluminium-plastic packaging must not be processed with EO.

Cost per cycle is low — the gas dose is matched to chamber volume — so the method is widely used both in hospitals and by manufacturers of single-use medical devices. The unit comprises microprocessor control, the sterilization chamber and a residual gas treatment system.

The SQ-E series comprises large-scale chambers for manufacturers of single-use medical devices, equipment producers and high-capacity sterilization stations. Loading uses pallet trolleys rolled into the chamber, and the gas dose is set in proportion to chamber volume, keeping unit cost per cycle low even at full load.