“We have validated high level disinfection of silicone components with Glutaraldehyde chemical sterilant/disinfection solutions. In researching standards or recommendations for safe GLUT residuals in these devices we have found very little information available. OSHA and NIOSH have published or recommended some limited information on worker “exposure” to GLUT in the hospital and the work place. These include values in ppm that are sampled or pulled from the immediate atmosphere and recommendations related to direct contact, which can result in skin irritation issues. Does NELSON have defined tests for measuring patient or worker exposure to devices that have residuals of GLUT?”

I would actually take a slightly different approach and have the component tested at a biotesting company, such as NAMSA. In the past I have run evaluations using test method C0020 USP Physicochemical tests, which is a leachables and extractables test in water. This would pick up and identify the value in ppm of residual on the substrate. They do offer a test, C0046 Glutaraldehyde Analysis in Aqueous samples, which can be collected by rinsing the part in water, capturing the water, and sending it in for analysis. I expect that this C0046 test method has defined limits of what is allowable for patient contact, but a call into NAMSA would define the test further.

Safety biotesting, chemical safety, GLUT, Glutaraldehyde

“What type of adhesive would I use to bond latex and latex-free rubber to brass?”

Latex rubber can usually be bonded with cyanoacrylate, commonly referred to as super glue. In most cases cyanoacrylates have excellent adhesion to brass. Latex-free rubber can include any number of types of rubber, from synthetic rubber, butyl rubbers, and isoprene, to even silicone, so I can not make a recommendation right now. However, cyanoacrylates would be a good starting place. Cyanoacrylates come in different viscosities such as low water-like viscosities of 20 or 50 cP, higher viscosity materials like 500 cP or 1,000 cP, and all the way up to GEL viscosities. Cyanoacrylates also come in different grades like low odor, low bloom, surface insensitive, and rubber toughened for better impact resistance. DYMAX 222/100, which is a low odor/low bloom cyanoacrylate, might be a good place to start, and then you can refine the adhesive selection from there.

Adhesives, Cyanoacrylates adhere brass to rubber, Adhesives, bonding rubber, Cyanoacrylates, industrial adhesives, metal bonding

“Do you have a list or can you point me to a list of adhesives and epoxies that are compatible with mineral oil? These would be ones that do not break down or release their adhesiveness when mineral oil passes over the adhesive/epoxy. Along those lines, which materials are better/best for tubing carrying mineral oil?”

The table below was provided courtesy of Cole Parmer. There may be other chemical compatibility charts available. You can rank various adhesives into different chemical categories, such as urethane, epoxy, or silicone, and should follow the basic trends listed below. For Example: DYMAX 1187-M light-curable adhesive is classified as a Urethane Acrylate adhesive family of chemicals. Evaluation of specific adhesives for a given set of substrates should be evaluated fully.

Explanation of footnotes
1. Satisfactory to 72°F (22°C)
2. Satisfactory to 120°F (48°C)

Ratings - Chemical Effect
• A = Excellent
• B = Good - Minor effect, slight corrosion or discoloration
• C = Fair - Moderate effect, not recommended for continuous use. Softening, loss of strength, swelling may occur
• D = Severe effect - Not recommended for ANY use
• N/A = Information not available

Adhesives Adhesives, Epoxies, epoxy, mineral oil compatibility, UV Light Curing Adhesive

“About ten years ago I worked for a start-up electronics manufacturer. In the lab we had a machine that dispensed UV-curable epoxy and had a UV spot lamp attached to the dispenser. It was all controlled by a foot switch for both adhesive dispensing and light control. We used it for numerous tasks such as bonding modification wires to the board as well as bonding components to the board. Does DYMAX offer anything like this or do you know of anyone who does?”

This unit was called the DYMAX PC-3D, with a dispensing system on one side, and a UV-curing system on the other. While there might be a few available units floating around eBay, these units are not manufactured anymore. At this point, they are stand-alone units. DYMAX can offer the individual lamps and air/pressure dispensing systems separately, but we do not have a combination unit like the PC-3D available anymore. I am not aware of anyone on the market making a unit like this currently. Sorry!

Curing Equipment adhesive dispenser, Curing Equipment, DYMAX PC-3D, light-curing equipment, uv curing lamps