The TR -MWT series microwave sterilization and disinfection integrated machine uses a microwave frequency of 2.450±50GHz. It is well-established that microwaves have a bactericidal and disinfecting effect on pathogenic microorganisms. The microwave disinfection principle of the TR -MWT series microwave sterilization and disinfection integrated machine is as follows:
I. Thermal effect
When irradiated with microwaves, the microwaves are absorbed by the medium, generating heat energy. This heat energy is produced because the medium molecules absorb microwave energy, intensifying molecular vibration and friction. The thermal effect of microwaves is due to the presence of dipoles in polar molecules (such as water) within the medium. When placed in an electric field, the dipoles align along the direction of the applied electric field. In a high-frequency electric field, the high-speed movement of the dipoles within the material causes molecular friction, resulting in a rapid increase in temperature. Unlike other heating methods, microwave heating does not transfer heat from the outside in; rather, wherever microwave energy reaches, the absorbing medium absorbs the microwaves and quickly converts them into heat energy. The thermal effect of microwaves on microorganisms is that the microwave energy absorbed by the microorganisms is converted into heat energy within their bodies, raising their temperature and causing thermal denaturation and coagulation of proteins. This ultimately kills the microorganisms, achieving sterilization and disinfection.
II. Non-thermal effects
Microwave oscillation also affects the non-thermal effects of microbial metabolism, which is another function of microwave sterilization. Microwave oscillation alters the electromotive force of cellular colloids and changes cell membrane permeability, thus affecting certain functions of cells and tissues. After microwave irradiation, the uneven heating of the cell nucleus due to differences in the absorption coefficients of microwave energy by substances within the nucleus affects cellular heredity and reproduction. Resonant absorption occurs when the frequency of microwaves is close to the inherent oscillation frequency of organic molecules. When cells are irradiated with microwaves, proteins, especially amino acids and peptides, selectively absorb microwave energy, altering their molecular structure or the structure of individual components, disrupting the activity of enzymes, and thus affecting cellular biochemical reactions and the growth and metabolism of microorganisms.
III. Comprehensive effect
Analysis of the research results revealed that neither a simple thermal effect nor a non-thermal effect can explain the disinfection characteristics of microwaves. The rapid and broad-spectrum disinfection effect of microwaves is the result of complex and combined factors. The difference in opinion regarding the existence of only thermal or non-thermal effects mainly stems from limitations in the experimental methods used by each approach. A correct understanding of the microwave disinfection mechanism should be explained from the following aspects:
① Microwaves exhibit excellent thermal effects due to their rapid penetration and direct generation of heat through internal molecular friction. Using heat-diffusion-proof sealed packaging for disinfected waste helps to accumulate heat within the packaging and fully realize the thermal effect.
② The field effect of microwaves causes cells to be impacted and vibrated when an organism is exposed to a microwave field. This damages the outer cell structure, increases cell permeability, and disrupts the balance of substances inside and outside the cell. Under an electron microscope, cell swelling can be observed, which eventually leads to cytoplasmic disintegration and fusion, resulting in cell death.
③ Quantum effects: In microwave fields, quantum effect waves primarily excite water molecules to produce H2O2 and other free radicals, leading to cytotoxic effects. This effect can damage various proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids within cells. Additionally, photons can increase molecular kinetic energy, promoting thermal reactions.
④ Factors other than microwaves: Under the condition that the microwave energy and action time are fully guaranteed, the packaging of the disinfected waste, the appropriate moisture content, the load, and the properties of the waste are all important factors that can change the microwave disinfection effect.
The TR -MWT series microwave sterilization and disinfection integrated machine is designed with safety precautions in mind to prevent secondary contamination. The entire process of medical waste crushing, heating, microwave sterilization, and unloading is carried out in a completely sealed environment. It features short sterilization time, high speed, strong penetration ability, uniform internal and external temperature, and thorough sterilization effect. (Bacterial inactivation rate ≥ 8log10), without generating new pollutants. —Significant features include simple operation, high degree of automation, high production efficiency, reasonable structure, safe use, low operating cost, and convenient maintenance.
IV. Equipment parameters (taking a 100L capacity as an example)
Brand | Treveko | Product Name | Integrated Microwave Disinfection and Sterilization Machine for Medical Waste |
Product Model | TR -MWT100 | Rated voltage | 380V |
Rated frequency | 50Hz | Total power | 18KW |
noise | ≤ 60 dB (A) | Product net weight/gross weight | > 1000 KG |
Overall dimensions | Main material | High-quality carbon steel + stainless steel combination | |
volume | ≥100L | shredder blades | D550# |
microwave generator | 1.5kW * 2 units, frequency 2.450 ± 0.01GHz Water-cooled | Crushing speed | 1200r/min |
Exhaust gas treatment | Primary and high-efficiency filters | Sterilization rate | >99.99 % |
V. Process Flow (Working Principle)
The collected medical waste is placed into the sterilization chamber. The equipment is started, and the high-speed rotating blades inside the sterilization chamber break the medical waste into flocculent particles. During the breaking process, high-temperature steam is injected into the sterilization chamber. At the same time, a microwave generator installed outside the sterilization chamber outputs microwaves through the excitation cavity to irradiate the medical waste. Through the thermal effect and combined effect of the microwaves and the high-temperature steam, the medical waste is rapidly heated inside and out, thereby achieving the purpose of rapid sterilization.
The exhaust gas generated during the sterilization process is filtered and adsorbed by a negative pressure ventilation system through a primary filter + high efficiency filter + activated carbon filter + UV photolysis process, so that particulate matter, odor and volatile organic gases in the exhaust gas are effectively filtered and adsorbed, and finally meet the emission standards.
Ⅵ. Equipment Composition
The TR -MWT series microwave sterilization and disinfection integrated machine is an all-in-one device. It consists of an integrated shell, a sealed feed door, a sealed sterilization chamber, a sealed crushing mechanism, a microwave generator unit, a water purification unit, a steam heating system, a discharge unit, an automatic control system, a waste gas treatment system, an automatic weighing system , and an alarm system.
The main components and functions are as follows:
v 1 Sealed feed gate
The sealed door is manually operated and made of 304 stainless steel with heat insulation material in the middle. It is fixed to the equipment frame by a steel hinge and features an ergonomically designed plastic handle with a special steel lock to effectively seal the microwave chamber and prevent heat loss.
v 2 Sealed sterilization room
The microwave sterilization chamber adopts a batch feeding and discharging method. The chamber body is made of 316 stainless steel, which is corrosion resistant. The sealing component consists of a stainless steel flange and a high-temperature resistant gasket. The sealing flange is a high-strength flange, equipped with a high-temperature resistant gasket and connected to the closed crushing mechanism and microwave sterilization treatment unit.
v3 Closed crushing mechanism
Powered by an electric motor, it mainly consists of a converter, drive shaft, bearings and sealing structure, crushing blades, etc.
The shredder blades are made of high-strength alloy steel imported from Germany, specifically D550 , with a hardness ≥ 62HRC after treatment . The crushing shaft is made of 40Cr or a superior material, forged and then subjected to standard heat treatment. The shredding mechanism reduces the volume of medical waste by breaking it down into smaller pieces (approximately 20mm ). After shredding, the volume of medical waste is reduced by ≥ 80%, and the weight by ≥ 20%.
v4 Microwave Disinfection Unit
The TR -MWT series microwave sterilization and disinfection integrated machine uses a microwave disinfection unit for sterilization . The microwave disinfection temperature is ≥95℃, and the treatment time is ≥45 minutes. An appropriate amount of water vapor is introduced during the disinfection process to moisten the materials, making them conductive and increasing their microwave absorption capacity; thus achieving rapid and thorough disinfection. The disinfection process is continuous, and the disinfection parameters are automatically controlled by software to ensure the combined microwave and steam disinfection effect.
To avoid the microwave sterilization unit being idle, the control program is set to turn on sequentially only when the microwave sterilization pipeline is filled with medical waste, and to turn off sequentially when stopping.
Microwave sterilization unit parameters
1. Microwave operating frequency: 2.450±0.01GHz
2. Power input voltage: Two-phase 220V±5%
3. Microwave magnetron: TR -167M-YL11
4. Dedicated frequency converter power supply: TR -1280A—EX
6. Specialized irregular-shaped excitation cavity: JLY-L-2450
7. Dedicated irregularly shaped matching waveguide: BZT-22
The number of microwave disinfection units meets the disinfection and sterilization requirements.
v5 Steam heating system
Steam generators are appliances that use electricity to heat water and produce steam. Power ranges from 3kW to 48kW, with other series available for even higher power outputs. The products offer stable performance and reliable operation.
The furnace liner of this product is made of high-quality steel or stainless steel, with exquisite craftsmanship and high strength. The water supply uses a high-pressure vortex pump, ensuring short supply time and durability. The fully automatic electronic control system ensures safe and reliable operation.
Before the product leaves the factory, the heating element, control box, safety valve, pressure controller, rated steam pressure, water pump and other components and parameters have been set to the optimal state, so that users do not need to make any further adjustments. Each piece of equipment has undergone a comprehensive trial test before leaving the factory.
With a thermal efficiency greater than 97%, it exhibits significant energy-saving and environmental protection effects.
It adopts a three-stage intelligent temperature control to avoid the disadvantage of large thermal inertia caused by two-stage control. The electric heating elements work in turn and in a balanced manner to effectively regulate the heat load.
a. It has multiple protections including over-temperature, leakage, overcurrent, short circuit, and water shortage, and is highly automated, safe and reliable;
b. The electric heating element is manufactured to military standards and has a normal service life of over 10,000 hours;
c. By using an optional water purifier, there is no need to worry about water usage due to the absence of a steam generator.
v6 Exhaust Gas Treatment System
Microwave disinfection of medical waste generates dust, microorganisms, and volatile organic compounds. The system treats odorous gases (VOCs). It employs a pre-filter + high-efficiency filter + activated carbon adsorption process. The pre-filter is activated during equipment feeding; after the feed door is closed, the hopper is under slight negative pressure to prevent pollutant- containing gases from diffusing into the working environment. The pre-filter removes large dust particles generated during crushing, while the high-efficiency filter treats microorganisms. The high-efficiency filter has a pore size of 0.2μm, effectively filtering out almost all microorganisms. Odor pollutant emissions comply with the "Odor Pollutant Emission Standard" GB14554-93.
v7 Automatic Control System
The automatic control unit adopts a PLC automatic control system to realize the automatic operation and control of the entire microwave sterilization process, including the automatic start and stop of the induced draft filtration system, the start and stop of the soft water and steam generator, and the start and stop of the material crusher. An industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) is used to control the entire system, completing various control functions. It is also equipped with a touch screen display to operate and monitor the material operation status and parameters of the integrated machine in real time.