Grant: Engage Grants Program

SciCan Ltd. is a Toronto based manufacturer of infection control products which include washing, disinfection and sterilization. This Canadian, family-owned enterprise specializes in infection control products, training, consulting and services in both the dental and medical industries in over 100 countries around the world. SciCan has done considerable work in this area to lower the drying times of the cassette and chamber autoclaves for sterilization since it is desirable to achieve the shortest possible drying times. The present solutions include strategic pouch placement, racking systems to place metal for heat transfer and the use of superheated steam. The current limiting issue is typically small droplets which remain on the plastic inner side of the pouch. This droplet takes a long time to evaporate as there is a low thermal mass to provide the energy needed, the local environment in the pouch is moist and there is low movement of the drying medium local to the droplet. So, the key challenge is to provide optimum drying times for dental practice loads in a more efficient and cost effective manner. Therefore, Dr. Dincer's group will closely work with the company to develop novel drying methods to provide the optimum drying times with the best possible performance under required conditions. By successfully completing this project the project will solve the technological issues and train highly-qualified people as badly needed by the industry.