Washdown and Sterilizatiion

[Clyde38]

I’m looking for feedback on the following questions with regard to washdown (TENV, TEFC, etc.) and sterilization (autoclave, etc.) of motors (DC, AC, Step motor, etc.) I have posted this on the Electric Motors and Motor Controls forum and I'm intereste in more specifics with regards to the way electronic components may be affected:
1. What kind of problems do washdown and sterilization cause to electrical or mechanical components or functions?
2. How do these anomalies form? (i.e. corroding material, lack of attraction in magnetic field, low power transferring thru motor, skipped steps...)
3. When do these problems form? (ie during cleaning, next day / after hours of continuous operation)
4. How are they addressed?
5. Are there regulations that apply when designing motion components that will be exposed to washdown/sterilization.
If there are washdown/sterilization points you wish to cover that aren't addressed by these questions, please include that info. The topic is open and these questions are meant to broaden my knowledge with your experience.

 

[IRstuff]

Unless the circuits are conformal coated, you'll likely get massive corrosion and moisture penetration into plastic packages from autoclaving. The conformal coating process needs to qualified and controlled to ensure that the autoclaving doesn't damage the boards and components.

TTFN

 

[waross]

If this is a medical requirement, I would check into alternative sterilization methods. A little over 10 years ago I was reading about some room temperature gas sterilization procedures that were medically approved at that time. Ideal for equipment that doesn't like heat and/or humidity. Maybe someone else knows if the procedure is still accepted.