In modern industrial production, ethylene oxide sterilizers are widely used in medical, pharmaceutical, food processing and other fields due to their high efficiency, low temperature and strong penetration, providing a reliable solution for the aseptic treatment of products. As an important part of the ethylene oxide sterilizer, the humidification system is not only related to the efficiency and effect of the sterilization process, but also directly affects the long-term operation stability and safety of the equipment.

The humidification system is a key component in the ethylene oxide sterilizer. Its main function is to provide a suitable moisture environment during the sterilization process to optimize the sterilization effect of ethylene oxide. However, the ethylene oxide sterilization process is often accompanied by high temperature, high pressure and corrosive environment, which puts extremely high demands on the material and manufacturing process of the humidification system. As the core components of the humidification system, the material selection and manufacturing process of the water tank and pipeline are directly related to the durability, reliability and safety of the system.

Material selection for water tanks and pipes
1. Selection of corrosion-resistant materials
Ethylene oxide and its byproducts produced during sterilization are highly corrosive, so water tanks and pipes must be made of corrosion-resistant materials. Common corrosion-resistant materials include stainless steel, titanium alloys, and some special alloys. Among them, stainless steel has become one of the most commonly used materials in humidification systems due to its good corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and processing performance. In particular, 316L stainless steel has better corrosion resistance than ordinary stainless steel and can effectively resist the erosion of ethylene oxide and its byproducts.

2. Demand for high-temperature resistant materials
During the ethylene oxide sterilization process, the temperature can reach 50-60°C, or even higher. Therefore, water tank and pipe materials must also have good high-temperature resistance. Titanium alloys and some special alloys, such as nickel-based alloys, are ideal choices in high-temperature environments due to their excellent high-temperature resistance and creep resistance. These materials can maintain structural stability under high-temperature conditions and avoid problems such as leakage or deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction.

3. Optimization of comprehensive performance
In addition to corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, water tank and pipeline materials also need to consider factors such as mechanical strength, processing performance, and cost-effectiveness. In practical applications, manufacturers usually comprehensively evaluate the performance of various materials according to specific sterilization requirements and use environments, and select the most suitable material combination. For example, for water tanks that need to withstand higher pressures, titanium alloys or nickel-based alloys with higher strength may be used; while for cost-sensitive application scenarios, stainless steel materials with higher cost performance may be given priority.

Manufacturing process of water tanks and pipelines
1. Precision casting
Precision casting technology is usually used in the manufacture of water tanks and pipelines. Precision casting can ensure the dimensional accuracy and shape complexity of components while providing excellent surface quality and internal organization. By precisely controlling the temperature, pressure and cooling rate during the casting process, a dense microstructure and good mechanical properties can be obtained, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the components.

2. Seamless welding
Seamless welding technology is usually used for the connection between water tanks and pipelines. Seamless welding can ensure the strength and sealing of the connection and avoid defects such as pores and cracks generated during welding. By optimizing welding parameters and processes, high-quality welds can be achieved, further improving the overall performance and safety of the system.

3. Surface treatment
In order to improve the corrosion resistance and service life of water tanks and pipelines, manufacturers usually also perform surface treatment on components. Common surface treatment methods include passivation, sandblasting, electroplating, etc. Passivation can form a dense oxide film to improve the corrosion resistance of the material; sandblasting can remove surface dirt and oxide layers and improve the adhesion of coatings or plating; electroplating can form a protective layer on the surface of components to further improve their corrosion resistance.

4. Quality inspection and testing
During the manufacturing process, water tanks and pipelines must also undergo rigorous quality inspection and testing. This includes material composition analysis, mechanical property testing, corrosion performance testing, pressure testing, etc. Through these inspections and tests, it can be ensured that the quality of the components meets the established standards and requirements, providing a strong guarantee for the long-term and stable operation of the system.

In actual applications, the material selection and manufacturing process of water tanks and pipelines must also consider specific sterilization requirements and use environments. For example, in the medical field, since the sterilization objects usually have extremely high requirements for sanitary conditions, the water tank and pipeline materials need to have higher corrosion resistance and cleanliness; in the food processing field, since the sterilization process may involve the use of food-grade additives, the selection of materials also needs to consider their compatibility and safety with food.

With the advancement of science and technology and the development of the industry, new materials and manufacturing processes continue to emerge, providing more possibilities for the optimization of water tanks and pipelines. For example, the application of nanomaterials and composite materials can further improve the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of components; and the introduction of 3D printing technology can achieve rapid manufacturing and customized production of more complex shaped components.

As the core components of the humidification system of industrial ethylene oxide sterilizers, the selection of materials and manufacturing processes of water tanks and pipelines are crucial to the performance, safety and reliability of the system. By adopting special alloy materials that are resistant to corrosion and high temperature, combined with advanced manufacturing processes such as precision casting and seamless welding, as well as strict quality inspection and testing, the efficient and stable operation of the humidification system can be ensured, providing a more reliable and safe solution for the field of industrial sterilization.