20 
70-2011-5643-0    Issue Date: 10/2015
3M
™
 Steri-Vac
™
 Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series
Site Planning and Installation Guide
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
Vent Line Labeling and Install Considerations 
The vent line contains significant amounts of EO during the Gas Removal and Flushing stages. Ensure  
the vent line is gas tight from the GS Series sterilizer to the outside atmosphere and is labeled to  
indicate EO. A separate vent line to the outside is required. The vent line should terminate away from  
areas where people walk or work and should be located at least 7.6 m (25 ft) away from the building   
air intake source.
1 
 
Do not terminate the vent line within 7.6 m (25 ft) of any possible source of ignition or any opening to 
the building interior such as fresh air inlets, unsealed windows, or pedestrian traffic areas. The inlet 
assembly, from the Vent Line Installation Kit, must be installed within 91.44 cm (3 ft) of the 
sterilizer's EO port in a position that is accessible to 3M Health Care service personnel (Figure 10). 
The single vent line is run directly to the exterior or to the 3M Abator using the appropriate connection 
fittings. When the 3M Abator is installed, run the vent line from the vent outlet port on the 3M Abator 
to the outside. Shut off valves in the vent line are not recommended. 
1. AAMI/ANSI ST41 (2009) Ethylene oxide in health care facilities: Safety and effectiveness 
Figure 10. Ethylene Oxide Vent Line Connection Details 
(Using an Installation Kit) 
3 
⁄4" SWT to 1" Copper Line 
3 
⁄8" NPT to 
3
⁄4" SWT 
7' Flexible Vent Line 
3 
⁄8" NPT, 2" Long Nipple 
3 
⁄8" NPT Elbow 
3 
⁄8" NPT Union 
Figure 11. Ethylene Oxide Horizontal Vent Line Installation Example 
Steri-Vac 
Sterilizer/Aerator 
Copper Line 
External Wall 
Curved down 
minimize 
external 
vent line