70-2011-5643-0 Issue Date: 10/2015
3M
™
Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series
Site Planning and Installation Guide
Ethylene Oxide Vent Line Requirements
DANGER
To reduce the risks associated with
exposure to ethylene oxide:
a connection must be made from the
3M
™
Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series to a
dedicated vent line to exhaust ethylene oxide (EO)
to the outside atmosphere or to the 3M
™
Abator
emission control system.
ensure the vent line is gas tight from the GS Series
sterilizer to the outside atmosphere.
do not terminate vent line into exhaust system that
recirculates air into the building.
the vent line should terminate away from areas
where people walk or work. The vent line should
be located at least 7.6 m (25 ft) away from the
building air intake source.
vent line must be labeled to indicate EO.
ensure no blockages in vent line exist.
ensure the instructions detailed in this Guide are
followed when planning and installing the ethylene
oxide vent line.
A connection must be made from the 3M
™
Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series to a dedicated vent
line in order to exhaust ethylene oxide (EO) to the outside atmosphere or to the 3M
™
Abator emission
control system. The requirements for venting the GS Series sterilizer must be met (Table 5).
Table 5. Vent Line Requirements for GS Series
Number of Sterilizer per Abator
Length and Diameter of Vent Line
1
Length
≤
31.0 m
(100 ft.)
31.1 m to
≤
61.0 m (200 ft.)
61.1 m to
≤
91.5 m (300 ft.)
Diameter
2.54 cm
(1 in.)
2.54 cm (1 in.)
2.54 cm (1 in.)
2
Length
≤
31.0 m
(100 ft.)
31.1 m to
≤
61.0 m (200 ft.)
61.1 m to
≤
91.5 m (300 ft.)
Diameter
2.54 cm (1 in.) 3.8 cm (1.5 in.) 3.8 cm (1.5 in.)
The 3M EO Abator can be used with the GS Series sterilizer with a maximum of two GS Series
sterilizers and up to a maximum of two 3M Aerator models XL or XLS connected to a single EO Abator
unit. Sterilizer models 5XL and 8XL cannot be combined with a GS Series sterilizer when connecting to
an EO Abator. The EO Abator interfaces with GS Series sterilizers to start and stop automatically.
The diameter of the vent line used for the EO inlet and safety vent depends on the combined length of
the two vent lines. The size of the copper tubing to connect sterilizer discharge to the EO Abator system
EO inlet should be between 2.5 cm (1.0 in) and 3.8 cm (1.5 in). The size of the National Pipe Thread
(NPT) connection at the EO Abator system should be 1.9 cm (3/4 in.). Reference Table 5 for required
line diameters.
The maximum length of the vent line from the GS Series sterilizer port is 91.5 meters (300 feet).
Do not exceed this specification. The use of Type K hard drawn copper tubing is recommended.
The vent system should be constructed of straight lengths of copper tubing using a minimum number
of long radius elbows. Short radius elbows and T fittings cause an excessive amount of back pressure
and should not be used. Include a threaded fitting to termination of the run with which to facilitate the
pressure test of the system.
The vent line should be designed to avoid sags or loops in order to prevent moisture buildup at other
points within the vent line. The vent line must be gas tight from the sterilizer to the outside atmosphere
and be brazed or soldered in accordance with local fire codes.
The vent line, with the exception of a turned-down extension terminating on the roof top or exterior wall,
should be inside the building in order to prevent moisture from freezing in the vent line and blocking the
vent (Figures 10, 11 and 12).
3M Abator (Emission Control Devices)
3M Abators (Models 50AN, 50AE or 50AJ) can be connected to and are compatible with the
3M Steri-Vac Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series. Consult the 3M Abator Operation and Installation Manual
for further information.
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