Many medical devices contain high-aspect-ratio tubes. Cleaning these devices requires gravity liquid fill-and-drain equipment, liquid injection, or manual scrubbing to ensure thorough cleaning. The problem is that tortuous paths, annular changes in diameter, or seals can hinder these efforts to the point where contaminants can “hide” from the cleaning fluid. In addition, tight areas hinder the flow of fluid, either preventing it from reaching the contaminant or restricting it to such a low rate that liquid cleaning is ineffective.

VCN condenses vapor in these areas and forces fluid out of the device. In simple terms, it is better to push the fluid out of the part rather than blow it out externally. Pushing the fluid through the least-resistant path leaves contaminants behind in small or dead-end areas. Dunking systems do not produce the internal agitation required to produce clean devices. Manual scrubbing can miss areas due to the part’s complexity or human error, but VCN offers a more reliable solution.

The VCN process has none of these restrictions. Since vapor tends to form in tight nucleation areas, vapor evacuates these areas of spent fluid, and during a vacuum pause, fluid is allowed to refill them. Cycling the process exposes the contaminated area to volumes of fresh cleaner over a short period to ensure complete cleaning, giving users confidence in the process’s effectiveness.

VIDEO: DYE REMOVED THROUGH SMALL HOLES

This video shows a contaminant removed from a dead-end location through small holes. The holes are as small as 6 mil. The dyed oil inserted in the holes was removed in seconds. Following the cleaning, swapping all the holes revealed no oil or dye.

RELATED RESOURCES

• How to Clean the Inside of Medical Tubes 

• Aqueous Parts Cleaning