Ethylene Oxide Sensor Solution for Disinfection Robots

In the medical, pharmaceutical, and biosafety sectors, sterilization is essential for safety and compliance. Despite the development of technologies like low-temperature plasma and hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide (EO) remains widely used due to its strong penetration and broad-spectrum sterilization capability.

With the adoption of disinfection robots, effective monitoring of EO concentration and residues during automated sterilization becomes a critical system design requirement.

Irreplaceability of EO in Medical Sterilization

• Efficiently kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, Mycobacterium, and spores at room temperature

• Suitable for heat- or humidity-sensitive medical instruments

• Ideal for instruments with complex structures and internal channels

• Preserves material properties and dimensions

For these reasons, EO continues to be a standard in medical sterilization with a mature process workflow.

EO Safety Risks and Regulatory Requirements

• Carcinogenic

• Flammable, explosive, and has an irritating odor

• Can cause dizziness, nausea, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties

• Poses environmental hazards

EO use is localized, and leaks pose significant risks. Therefore, monitoring concentration and residues is essential for safety management systems.

Role of Disinfection Robots in EO Applications

• Reduces human exposure to high-risk gases

• Enables standardized, automated sterilization procedures

• Improves sterilization efficiency and consistency

However, achieving safe and controllable automated sterilization requires reliable gas sensing, not just actuators.

Why EO Monitoring is Critical for Disinfection Robots

• Real-time monitoring of EO gas concentration during sterilization

• Detection of EO residues in environment or instruments after sterilization

These scenarios require different ranges and accuracy levels; without specialized EO sensors, robots cannot meet safety or regulatory requirements.

Challenges in Sensor Selection for Robots

• Original sensor output is in millivolts or raw signal, difficult to use directly

• Requires amplification, circuitry, calibration, and algorithm processing

• Lack of experience with long-term stability and cross-sensitivity

Thus, a standardized, calibrated sensor module ready for integration is critical.

Nexisense Intelligent EO Sensor Design

• Built-in signal amplification and digital processing

• Integrated intelligent algorithms and full-range temperature & humidity compensation

• Factory calibrated with high-precision standard gas

• Stable output signal ready for direct acquisition

This transforms the sensor into a complete detection module.

Standard Signal Output and System Integration

• Analog voltage output (0–5 V selectable)

• TTL digital output

• Compatible with PLC, DCS, DDC, or embedded systems for centralized control and data logging

Integration and Multi-Gas Expansion Value

Nexisense’s platform design allows the sensor to be replaced with modules for other target gases, reducing cost and increasing adaptability for robots.

Differentiated Needs: EO Concentration vs Residue Monitoring

• Sterilization phase: high concentration and real-time changes

• Residue phase: low concentration and safety thresholds

• Nexisense offers range configuration recommendations based on application phase

  
  

Typical Applications

• Medical instrument EO sterilization areas

• Hospitals and auxiliary sterilization systems

• Pharmaceutical production and cleanrooms

• Laboratories and biosafety areas

FAQ

1. Why monitor EO? Due to toxicity and flammability, concentration must be controlled.

2. Can the robot monitor both concentration and residues? Yes, with sensors of appropriate range.

3. Does the Nexisense sensor require on-site calibration? No, factory-calibrated.

4. Can it operate continuously? Yes, suitable for automated systems.

5. Does it connect to PLC or embedded systems? Yes, standard analog and digital outputs.

6. Is it only for medical use? No, also suitable for pharmaceutical, textile, and cleaning industries.

7. Is system redevelopment required for other gases? No, the platform allows quick sensor replacement.

8. Does Nexisense provide a complete detection solution? Yes, based on project needs.

Summary

As disinfection robots become intelligent and standardized, EO requires reliable monitoring. Safe and effective sterilization depends on accurate sensors.

Nexisense intelligent EO sensors, with modular design, standard output signals, and excellent system compatibility, provide disinfection robots with a mature, robust, and scalable gas monitoring solution, enabling safer, smarter, and controllable sterilization in medical and industrial systems.