The day before it was being brought on-line to process biomedical waste such as sharps and blood-soaked cloths, a dozen Chinese journalists toured the new Hydroclave at Kingston General Hospital organized by the Ontario Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation.
The Hydroclave, invented by Kingston's Richard Vanderwal, owner of Hydroclave Systems Corporation, is the second prototype to operate at KGH. It has been a few years since the first machine was installed, and a number of improvements have been made, notes Jim Jeroy , Director, Environmental Services.
"Hydroclave has become the international benchmark for the sterilization of biomedical waste," Jim explains. The spotlight is aptly shared between the developer and the hospital.
"KGH was a partner in developing the technology eight years ago when we secured a grant from the National Research Council," Richard recalls. "We participated with KGH to trial test and run the first Hydroclave ever. It has really proven itself in terms of absolute sterility and extremely low environmental emissions. The operating costs are also excellent."
"KGH is a special place as far as Hydroclave is concerned. It has played a big part in this industry," Richard stated. At the time the first prototype was developed eight years ago, other partners included the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The University of Ottawa acted as an independent testing facility.
By the time the original prototype had run its course, Jim estimates it had saved the hospital about $1.5 million. The decision was made to purchase another model, but some significant improvements were required, such as controlling the pungent odor that was emitted from the machine. Wind blowing off Lake Ontario was sending the odor back into the hospital through the loading docks and through air intake valves, resulting in many complaints.
The new H-100 is state-of-the-art and was installed with these specific concerns in mind. Now, the Hydroclave is located in its own room and features air scrubbers similar to those used in rendering plants in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The pipes are being specially insulated and airflow into the room is being carefully gauged.
The Hydroclave has already processed several loads of biomedical waste - and no one has complained about odor, Jim says.
For KGH, the new Hydroclave means we will be able to sterilize and fragment sharps, vials, tubing, and other blood-soaked material within the hospital. The resulting confetti-like material is then safe to go to landfill. Some biomedical waste such as anatomical waste will continue to be shipped out for biomedical disposal.
*Article from the KGH monthly newsletter*
