General Maintenance - VWR VAPOUR-Line lite Instruction Manual

General maintenance

1) CAUTION: To ensure safe operation and satisfactory performance, replace the overpressure
plug every time you replace the sealing ring, or sooner if it becomes hard or deformed. In any
case replace the overpressure plug every 2 years. Failure to follow these instructions could
result in bodily injury or property damage.
2) If the body or cover handles become loose, tighten with a screwdriver.
3) If leakage of moisture or steam develops while using your unit, check the following possible
causes:

The formation of a small amount of moisture under the pressure regulator is normal when
heating first begins. This condensation is a result of the temperature of the pressure
regulator being lower than the rest of the vessel. If excess condensation continues, the vent
pipe may be loose and should be tightened with an adjustable wrench.

Leakage between the cover and body is usually caused by shrinkage of the sealing ring after
prolonged use. Replace the sealing ring, overpressure plug and pressure gauge adaptor.

A small amount of leakage around the air vent/cover lock is normal when sterilising first
begins. If leakage continues, the cover handles may not be fully aligned with the body
handles and, therefore, the cover lock cannot engage. Clean the air vent/cover lock
occasionally to ensure that it operates correctly.

A small amount of steam or moisture may be visible around the overpressure plug as
sterilisation begins. This will stop when the overpressure plug seals. If leakage continues,
clean or replace the overpressure plug.
4) If the pressure vessel becomes difficult to open or close and the sealing ring has expanded,
replace the sealing ring.
5) IMPORTANT: In time, the sealing ring may shrink and the air vent/cover lock, small gasket,
overpressure plug and pressure gauge adaptor may become hard and deformed. When this
happens, replace the sealing ring, small gasket, overpressure plug and pressure gauge adaptor.
The sealing ring, overpressure plug and pressure gauge adaptor should be replaced at least
every 2 years.
Before inserting a new sealing ring, clean the sealing ring groove with a brush. To ensure safe
operation of your unit, it is recommended that the pressure gauge adaptor and overpressure
plug be replaced whenever the sealing ring is replaced.
6) Anti-corrosion technique: When two different metals, with different chemical properties, come in
contact through an electrolyte an electron exchange is established. This process is known as
galvanic corrosion which starts oxidation of the weakest metal. In an aluminium autoclave this
natural effect can eventually lead to severe damage to the vessel.
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