HF EtO air cleaner

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a volatile gas that is widely used for the sterilisation of medical products. It is classified as a CMR substance: carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction. As there is no safe lower limit for EtO, any exposure poses a health risk. The gas is invisible and has a high odour threshold, meaning that staff cannot detect it, even when concentrations have already risen significantly. When sterilised goods are stored, EtO can continue to be released from cardboard packaging and from under plastic film for months.

Employers have a duty of care and are obliged to actively minimise EtO exposure in accordance with the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). This involves not only complying with the legal limit of 0.46 ppm, but also taking all reasonably practicable measures to further reduce exposure. In practice, an action level of 0.046 ppm (10% of the limit value) is often used for this purpose, derived from the methodology of NEN-EN 689.

The HF EtO combines multiple filtration techniques in a single modular system. In the first stage, an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) removes airborne particles such as fine dust, cardboard fibres and rubber. This protects the subsequent filtration stages and extends the system’s service life. In the subsequent stage(s), EtO is actively captured via adsorption layers containing CKV3 and Kinetic 425, a special filtration medium optimised for EtO adsorption. The integrated fan promotes air circulation and prevents dead spots and hotspots.

The HF EtO operates on a recirculation basis: existing air is filtered and returned to the room without the need for additional outside air. This eliminates heating and cooling loads, making the system virtually energy-neutral. An additional advantage is that no EtO is discharged to the outside, which is important given the strict regulations surrounding external EtO emissions.

Euromate guides organisations through a structured step-by-step plan. This begins with a quick scan – an exploratory visit to identify risk areas and determine where measurements would be most useful. We then proceed to measure ethylene oxide, in collaboration with independent partners, through spot measurements or long-term monitoring. The measurement data form the basis for setting reduction targets and designing a bespoke solution.

The HF EtO is scalable and modular in design, meaning the system can always be deployed with the correct capacity and can grow in line with your business operations. The unit can be flexibly installed on pallet racks or suspended from the roof structure, and is ready for immediate use as a Plug & Play solution without the need for any cutting or demolition work. The filtration configuration is tailored to the measured EtO concentrations, your air quality targets, budget and usage profile.