Why Econoliser

Immersion Steriliser Problems

“A compliant steriliser must provide clean water at the correct temperature every time.”

Immersion sterilisers protect against cross-contamination only while their water stays at or above the critical 82°C threshold and is clean. A shift away from continuous flow, made to save water and energy, results in a problematic cycle of temperature drops and contamination.

82°C
Non-compliant Compliant

If the water is below 82 °C, the steriliser cannot be compliant

/ PROBLEM → SOLUTION

Where it fails, and how the Econoliser fixes it

  1. 1
    The problem

    Continuous flow

    Keeps the steriliser clean and at temperature — but this uses as much as 3 litres per minute, per steriliser.

    3 L / minHigh water use
    Econoliser solution

    Timed spray, not constant flow

    140mL dispensed each time a knife is sterilised, water usage now linked to kill rate, no kill no water used.

    0.14 L / cycle≈90% less water
  2. 2
    The problem

    Refresh left to the operative

    Relying on the operative to decide when to refresh the water does not satisfy the HACCP regulations.

    Non-compliant
    Econoliser solution

    No standing water to refresh

    Placing a knife or tool in the Econoliser triggers the spray automatically, so operatives don’t have to manage refresh.

    Full complianceAutomated spray
  3. 3
    The problem

    Feed water below temperature

    Refreshing with water at less than 82 °C risks reducing the temperature of the water in the steriliser to below 82 °C — restoring the temperature takes time, while the steriliser is below 82 °C it is non-compliant.

    Non-compliant
    Econoliser solution

    Heats its own water

    The Econoliser’s built-in water heater maintains the water temperature at 90 °C even when using cold inlet water — it is always compliant.

    Always above 82 °CNo central 90 °C supply
  4. 4
    The problem

    Low-cost thermostats

    A thermostat is used to control the heating element, however the temperature they switch on at can be 10–12 °C below the point they switch off at — so the water in the steriliser can be well below 82 °C before the heating element switches on.

    Non-compliant
    Econoliser solution

    Microprocessor-controlled heat

    A microprocessor and two temperature sensors hold a constant supply of 90 °C water, so it never drifts below the line.

    Always at temperatureAlways compliant
  5. 5
    The problem

    Dirty standing water

    When the water in the tank isn’t refreshed often enough, the water becomes more and more contaminated and on withdrawal from the steriliser the knife is re-contaminated.

    Contamination
    Econoliser solution

    Flushed every cycle

    Dirty water is expelled after every sterilisation cycle, and there’s no standing water left to become contaminated.

    Zero build-upNo cross-contamination
  6. 6
    The problem

    Steam and condensation

    Immersion sterilisers produce steam all day long, leading to contaminated condensation forming on surfaces and causing non-compliance.

    Contamination
    Econoliser solution

    Reduced steam = less condensation

    The design and short spray duration of the Econoliser means that they produce virtually no steam, reducing the chance of contaminated condensation dripping onto carcases.

    Virtually no steamLess condensation