Description:CHEMICAL FREE MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL MACHINE AND METHOD THEREOF
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiment herein generally relates to medical devices and more particularly, to a chemical free medical waste disposal machine and method thereof.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Major waste management problems is due to lack of adequate collection and disposal infrastructure. Further lack of proper collection, transportation, and disposal of medical waste results in serious environmental issues, including littering and illegal dumping. The medical waste management is expensive. Also the medical waste disposal is not preformed inside hospitals, a third vendor preforms the disposing of the medical waste after collecting from the hospitals.
[0003] Moreover waste management facilities are scarce and often inadequate, forcing residents and hospitals to dump their trash on the streets or in open fields due to lack of access to landfills. According there remains a need for a chemical free medical waste disposal machine and method thereof.
SUMMARY
[0004] In view of the foregoing, embodiments herein provide a chemical free medical waste disposal machine. Characterised in that the machine includes a hopper device, a cooler, a pre and post-vacuum device, and draining equipment. The hopper device is loaded with a medical waste. The medical waste is at least one of a risk waste, a pathological waste, sharps, a pharmaceutical waste, a genotoxic waste, a chemical waste, a radioactive waste , a non-risk waste, or combination of all the medical waste. The heating element sterilizes the medical waste to kills pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste. The cooler cools the sterilized medical waste to bring the sterilized medical waste to a safe temperature suitable for handling. The pre and post-vacuum device that shreds the cooled medical waste into smaller pieces in order to reduces an overall volume of the medical waste, to optimize storage and transportation space. The draining equipment drains excess liquid present in the shredded medical waste. The post-vacuum device that post-vacuums the drained medical waste to remove any remaining particles or contaminants from the drained medical waste. The post-vacuumed medical waste is discharged from the machine.
[0005] In some embodiments, the discharged medical waste is converted into a coal or a fuel or land filing or the discharged medical waste is utilized in soil enhancement purposes.
[0006] In some embodiments, the heating element comprises at least one of a steamer and a boiler for generating steam and hot compressed air to sterilizes the medical waste.
[0007] In some embodiments, the medical waste undergoes the sterilization at high temperatures ranging from 0°C to 800°C.
[0008] In some embodiments, the medical waste disposal machine re-neutralises the medical waste.
[0009] In another aspect embodiments herein further disclose a method for a chemical free medical waste disposal machine. Characterised in that the method includes loading, into a hopper device, a medical waste. The medical waste is at least one of a risk waste, a pathological waste, sharps, a pharmaceutical waste, a genotoxic waste, a chemical waste, a radioactive waste , a non-risk waste, or combination of all the medical waste. The method further includes sterilizing, by a heating element, the medical waste to kills pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste. The method further includes cooling, by a cooler, the sterilized medical waste to bring the sterilized medical waste to a safe temperature suitable for handling. The method further includes shredding, by a pre and post-vacuum device, the cooled medical waste into smaller pieces in order to reduces an overall volume of the medical waste, to optimize storage and transportation space. The method further includes draining and screw pressing by a draining equipment, an excess liquid present in the shredded medical waste. The pre and post-vacuum device that post-vacuums the drained medical waste to remove any remaining particles or contaminants from the drained medical waste. The post-vacuumed medical waste is discharged from the machine.
[00010] In some embodiments, the discharged medical waste is converted into a coal or a fuel or land filing or the discharged medical waste is utilized in soil enhancement purposes.
[00011] In some embodiments, the heating element includes at least one of a steamer and a boiler for generating steam and hot compressed air to sterilizes the medical waste.
[00012] In some embodiments, the medical waste undergoes the sterilization at high temperatures ranging from 0°C to 800°C.
[00013] In some embodiments, the medical waste disposal machine re-neutralises the medical waste.
[00014] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00015] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[00016] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a chemical free medical waste disposal machine, according to some embodiments herein; and
[00017] FIG. 2 illustrates method for a chemical free medical waste disposal machine, according to some embodiments herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[00019] As mentioned, there remains a need for a chemical free medical waste disposal machine and method thereof. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-2, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[00020] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a chemical free medical waste disposal machine 100, according to some embodiments herein. The machine 100 includes an inlet 102 for receiving a medical waste, a hopper 104, a shredder 106, a heating element with screw press 108, a boiler for steam 110, and a collection box with UV light 112. The machine 100 further includes a cooler, a pre and post-vacuum device, and draining equipment. The hopper device is loaded with a medical waste. The medical waste is at least one of a risk waste, a pathological waste, sharps, a pharmaceutical waste, a genotoxic waste, a chemical waste, a radioactive waste, a non-risk waste, or combination of all the medical waste. The heating element that sterilizes the medical waste to kills pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste. The cooler cools the sterilized medical waste to bring the sterilized medical waste to a safe temperature suitable for handling. The pre and post-vacuum device that shreds the cooled medical waste into smaller pieces in order to reduces an overall volume of the medical waste, to optimize storage and transportation space.
[00021] The pre-vacuum is before shredding and the post-vacuum is after the shredding of the medical waste. The draining equipment drains excess liquid present in the shredded medical waste. The pre and post-vacuum device that post-vacuums the drained medical waste to remove any remaining particles or contaminants from the drained medical waste. The post-vacuumed medical waste is discharged from the machine. The heating element with screw press 108 sterilized the medical waste by exposing the medical waste to 0-800 degree temperature there by killing pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste. The screw press of the heating element 108 removes the excess water from the medical waste. The process of sterilizing the medical waste through heating element 108 provides chemical free disposal of the medical waste. The machine 100 further includes a compression device. The compression device is used to compress the medical wastes before/after shredding of the medical waste.
[00022] In some embodiments, the discharged medical waste is converted into a coal or a fuel or land filing or the discharged medical waste is utilized in soil enhancement purposes. The heating element includes at least one of a steamer and a boiler for generating steam and hot compressed air to sterilizes the medical waste. The medical waste undergoes the sterilization at high temperatures ranging from 0°C to 800°C. The medical waste disposal machine re-neutralises the medical waste.
[00023] All the process of disposal of the medical waste in the machine 100 is chemical free and in one closed space. The machine 100 ensures zero infectious risk to person operating the machine 100. The machine 100 is small in size hence saves space in the hospital. The machine 100 atomically disposes the medical waste without any human intervention except of loading the medical waste into the machine 100. The medical waste is disposed batch wise in the machine 100. The machine 100 is customised as per a requirement of the hospital, for example, a capacity of the machine 100 is from 100grams to 10,000 kilograms per hour based on needs of the hospital to dispose the medical waste. The machine 100 provides level wise authorisation.
[00024] In some embodiments, the cooler means a container or a machine that cools the given things or materials by means of fan/chilled water/ refrigeration cycle bring it to surrounding temperature. The re-neutralises means a process of again neutralisation of neutralised material.
[00025] The risk waste is infectious waste that poses a significant risk due to contamination with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. The risk waste category includes various types of waste, such as cultures used in laboratory work to grow microorganisms in a nutrient medium like gelatin or agar. The risk waste generated from surgeries, autopsies, and infected patients also falls under this classification. Additionally, the risk waste from infected haemodialysis patients and infected animals from laboratories is considered infectious waste.
[00026] To avoid handle infectious waste with utmost care and follow strict protocols for its disposal. Disposal includes proper segregation, containment, and treatment methods to prevent the spread of infections and protect the health of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. Effective management of infectious waste is essential to minimize the risks associated with exposure to harmful pathogens and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in waste handling and disposal processes.
[00027] The pathological waste refers to hospital waste that contains human or animal tissues, organs, body parts, fetuses (unborn vertebrates), as well as blood and body fluids. The pathological type of waste is generated during medical procedures, surgeries, autopsies, and other pathological investigations.
[00028] The sharps are a category of hospital waste that includes various items capable of piercing the skin, such as needles, syringes, scalpels, infusion sets, saws, knives, surgical blades, broken glass, and other sharp objects used in medical procedures. Proper disposal of sharps is crucial to prevent injuries and the transmission of infections to healthcare workers, waste handlers, and the general public. Safe handling and containment of sharps waste are essential for maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
[00029] The pharmaceutical waste refers to the disposal of expired or unused pharmaceutical products, spilled or contaminated pharmaceuticals, surplus drugs, vaccines, sera, and discarded items used in the handling of pharmaceuticals, such as bottles, gloves, masks, and tubes. Proper management and disposal of pharmaceutical waste are necessary to prevent environmental contamination and potential health risks.
[00030] The genotoxic waste refers to the disposal of cytotoxic drugs, including outdated materials, and waste products such as vomit, faces, or urine from patients undergoing treatment with cytotoxic drugs or chemicals. The genotoxic waste also includes contaminated materials used in the preparation and administration of these drugs, such as syringes and vials. Proper management of genotoxic waste is crucial to prevent exposure to harmful substances and to ensure the safety of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. Disposing of genotoxic waste in a controlled and regulated manner helps minimize the potential risks associated with these hazardous materials.
[00031] The chemical waste in the context of hospital waste management refers to the disposal of various chemicals used in diagnostic and experimental work, cleaning processes, and housekeeping and disinfecting procedures. It also includes the proper handling and disposal of chemicals containing heavy metals such as mercury from broken thermometers and spilled clinical equipment. Additionally, chemical waste may involve the appropriate disposal of cadmium waste, primarily originating from discarded batteries. Effective management of chemical waste ensures the safe handling and disposal of potentially hazardous substances, minimizing the environmental impact and promoting the well-being of healthcare workers, patients, and the community.
[00032] The radioactive waste in hospital settings refers to the disposal of liquid, solid, or gaseous waste that is contaminated with radioactive substances. The radioactive waste is typically generated from various medical procedures such as in vitro analysis of body tissues or fluids, in vivo organ imaging, tumor localization investigations, and therapeutic procedures. Radioactive waste may also include glassware or other containers that have come into contact with radioactive liquids. Proper management of radioactive waste is crucial to ensure the safety of healthcare personnel, patients, and the environment by minimizing radiation exposure and preventing contamination.
[00033] The non-risk waste refers to the general waste generated in hospitals that poses no greater risk than waste from a typical household. The non-risk waste is produced by various entities within the hospital, including the administration, patient rooms, cafeterias, and nursing stations. Examples of non-risk waste include paper and cardboard, packaging materials, leftover food, fruit and vegetable peelings, as well as aerosols such as spray cans. Proper disposal and management of non-risk waste are essential to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in healthcare facilities, ensuring a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
[00034] The management of hospital waste involves several essential steps: Training and awareness programs to educate healthcare personnel on proper waste management practices. Waste generation, which refers to the creation of waste during healthcare activities. Segregation or separation of waste into different categories based on their characteristics (e.g., infectious waste, sharps, pharmaceutical waste). Collection of segregated waste from various areas within the hospital. Transportation of collected waste to designated storage or treatment facilities. Storage of waste in appropriate containers or areas to prevent contamination and ensure safety. Treatment of waste through methods such as sterilization, incineration, or chemical processes to reduce its harmful impact. Final disposal of treated waste according to regulations and guidelines, ensuring environmentally friendly and safe practices.
[00035] The waste minimization is a process of elimination that involves reducing the amount of waste producing society and helping to eliminate the generation of harmful and persistent waste.
[00036] The waste minimization is a crucial process in reducing the amount of waste generated by society and preventing the creation of harmful and persistent waste. It involves various strategies and techniques to minimize waste production at its source. Regarding the final disposal methods for different types of waste: liquid waste, such as chemical or disease-infected waste, can be neutralized with appropriate reagents and discharged into the sewer system. Human anatomical wastes are typically incinerated and sent to landfills. The sharps waste, such as needles, can be safely cut using a needle cutter, and the containers can be disinfected with a bleaching solution before being sent to landfills. The microbiological waste can be treated through autoclaving, microwave treatment, incineration, or disposal in landfills. Infectious solid waste can undergo autoclaving, microwave treatment, incineration, or landfill disposal. Radioactive waste is disposed of through concentration and storage of solid waste. The pressurized containers should be disposed of with general waste in secured landfills. The disposal methods aim to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible management of different types of waste to minimize any potential risks to public health and the environment
[00037] The machine 100 minimizes risk of exposure of the medical waste to user as the closed system approach ensures that all re-neutralization processes are carried out within a sealed and controlled environment. As the undisposed medical waste reduces a likelihood of healthcare workers coming into direct contact with potentially hazardous medical waste, which may include infectious materials, sharps, or other harmful substances.
[00038] The machine 100 prevents release of harmful substances: medical waste can contain various dangerous substances, including pathogens, toxic chemicals, and pharmaceutical residues. by keeping these materials within an enclosed space, the closed system approach prevents their release into the surroundings, minimizing the risk of contamination and pollution.
[00039] The machine 100 efficiently manages the waste as the machine 100 allows for a more efficient and streamlined waste management process. The utilization machine can handle multiple stages of waste treatment, such as disinfection, sterilization, and neutralization, within the same unit which reduces the need for multiple handling steps and potential points of exposure
[00040] The machine 100 is in compliance with regulations of many countries have strict regulations regarding the safe disposal of medical waste. The closed system approach can help healthcare facilities comply with these regulations more effectively by providing a controlled and traceable waste management process.
[00041] The machine 100 provides environmental protection by preventing the release of harmful substances into the environment, the closed system approach contributes to overall environmental protection. The machine 100 reduces the risk of contamination of soil, water sources, and air, which is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health.
[00042] The machine 100 provides resource conservation. The machine 100 may also offer benefits in terms of resource conservation by neutralizing and sterilizing certain types of medical waste. The machine 100 may facilitate safe waste disposal without the need for more resource-intensive methods like incineration. The machine 100 is accessible 24/7.
[00043] The machine 100 is designed in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations is paramount to maintaining a safe and secure healthcare environment. The machine 100 provides safe management of the medical waste to minimize the risk of infection transmission. Our team is trained in proper waste segregation, packaging, and transportation, ensuring that potentially infectious materials are contained and managed appropriately. The medical waste disposal is subject to strict regulations, and failure to comply can lead to significant consequences for your practice. The machine 100 minimises environmental Impact: While much of the waste may be non-hazardous, environmental considerations are still important. The machine 100 Disposal follows eco-friendly practices whenever possible, ensuring that waste is disposed of responsibly and with minimal impact on the environment. The capacity of the machine 100 is from 100grams to 10,000 kilograms based on the needs of the hospital to dispose the medical waste.
[00044] FIG. 2 illustrates method for a medical waste disposal machine, according to some embodiments herein. At step 202, the method 200 includes loading, into a hopper device, a medical waste. The medical waste is at least one of a risk waste, a pathological waste, sharps, a pharmaceutical waste, a genotoxic waste, a chemical waste, a radioactive waste , a non-risk waste, or combination of all the medical waste. At step 204, the method 200 includes sterilizing, by a heating element, the medical waste to kills pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste. At step 206, the method 200 includes cooling, by a cooler, the sterilized medical waste to bring the sterilized medical waste to a safe temperature suitable for handling. At step 208, the method 200 includes shredding, by a pre and post-vacuum device, the cooled medical waste into smaller pieces in order to reduces an overall volume of the medical waste, to optimize storage and transportation space. At step 210, the method 200 includes draining and screw pressing by a draining equipment, an excess liquid present in the shredded medical waste. The pre and post-vacuum device that post-vacuums the drained medical waste to remove any remaining particles or contaminants from the drained medical waste. The post-vacuumed medical waste is discharged from the machine.
[00045] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification.
, Claims:We claim:

1. A chemical free medical waste disposal machine (100), characterised in that the machine (100) comprising:
a hopper device (104) that is loaded with a medical waste, wherein the medical waste is at least one of a risk waste, a pathological waste, sharps, a pharmaceutical waste, a genotoxic waste, a chemical waste, a radioactive waste , a non-risk waste, or combination of all the medical waste;
a heating element (108) that sterilizes the medical waste to kills pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste;
a cooler that cools the sterilized medical waste to bring the sterilized medical waste to a safe temperature suitable for handling; and
a pre and post-vacuum device that shreds the cooled medical waste into smaller pieces in order to reduces an overall volume of the medical waste, to optimize storage and transportation space,
draining equipment that drains and screw press excess liquid present in the shredded medical waste;
wherein the pre and post-vacuum device that post-vacuums the drained medical waste to remove any remaining particles or contaminants from the drained medical waste,
wherein the post-vacuumed medical waste is discharged from the machine.
2. The machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the discharged medical waste is converted into a coal or a fuel or a land filing or the discharged medical waste is utilized in soil enhancement purposes.
3. The machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating element (108) comprises at least one of a steamer and a boiler for generating steam and hot compressed air to sterilizes the medical waste.
4. The machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical waste undergoes the sterilization at high temperatures ranging from 0°C to 800°C.
5. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical waste disposal machine re-neutralises the medical waste.
6. A method for a chemical free medical waste disposal machine (100), characterised in that the method comprising:
loading, into a hopper device (104), a medical waste, wherein the medical waste is at least one of a risk waste, a pathological waste, sharps, a pharmaceutical waste, a genotoxic waste, a chemical waste, a radioactive waste , a non-risk waste, or combination of all the medical waste;
sterilizing, by a heating element (108), the medical waste to kills pathogens and infectious microorganisms present in the medical waste;
cooling, by a cooler, the sterilized medical waste to bring the sterilized medical waste to a safe temperature suitable for handling; and
shredding, by a pre and post-vacuum device, the cooled medical waste into smaller pieces in order to reduces an overall volume of the medical waste, to optimize storage and transportation space,
draining and screw pressing by a draining equipment, an excess liquid present in the shredded medical waste;
wherein the pre and post-vacuum device that post-vacuums the drained medical waste to remove any remaining particles or contaminants from the drained medical waste,
wherein the post-vacuumed medical waste is discharged from the machine.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the discharged medical waste is converted into a coal or a fuel or a land filing or the discharged medical waste is utilized in soil enhancement purposes.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heating element (108) comprises at least one of a steamer and a boiler for generating steam and hot compressed air to sterilizes the medical waste.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the medical waste undergoes the sterilization at high temperatures ranging from 0°C to 800°C.
10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the medical waste disposal machine re-neutralises the medical waste.