Table of Contents
Advertisement
Priorclave Manual 27125322-EN Issue 2
4.
Checking Water Level.
The autoclave uses immersion heaters in a reservoir of water behind the autoclave weir to
raise steam. The heaters are protected from boiling dry by a low water cut-out. If the water
level falls below the sensor the autoclave shuts down, the low water warning indicator is lit
and fault code F004 is shown in the temperature display.
In hard water areas softened water must be used to prevent scale from forming in the
autoclave. If manually filled then distilled water can be used but when the autoclave is new,
some tap water may need to be added until the low water lamp is extinguished as the low
water cut out is operated by the water's conductivity. A visual check of the water level is
always recommended before commencing a cycle.
Great care should be taken to ensure that the un-insulated part of the low water sensor is
clean (see diagram in Maintenance section) as a build up of contamination here will prevent
the low water cut-out from working and could lead to heater damage.
5.
Loading
The autoclave can now be loaded with the items to be sterilised in either baskets or directly
onto the autoclave shelves.
Care should be taken when loading the baskets or containers not to pack them too tightly
with material. Ample room must be allowed for steam to penetrate the load properly or full
sterilisation will not be achieved. When using autoclave bags these should be left open with
the top of the bag rolled outwards, exposing the load to the steam inside the pressure vessel.
Care should also be taken that the contents of bags and containers are not able to spill over
into the body of the autoclave vessel. Any such spillage could block pipes and valves and will
not be covered by the warranty.
For waste loads, which may leak liquids when autoclaved, watertight discard containers are
strongly recommended.
Tests have shown that the depth of un-perforated discard containers should be no greater
than 180mm (7") for effective air displacement from the load. Suitable containers are
available from Priorclave.
6.
Removal of shelves.
The shelves are fitted with retaining clips at the back to prevent tipping and stops at the front
of the runners to prevent accidental removal when pulling forwards. To remove a shelf, insert
it fully back into the autoclave and lift the front end up to an angle of about 30
the shelf back until the anti-tilt catches clear the back of the runners. The shelf can now be
removed.
7.
Settings.
Once the autoclave has been satisfactorily loaded the controls should be set for the process
cycle that you require.
If your autoclave has a setting lock fitted this must be set to position 3 to allow the
parameters to be altered.
Sterilising Temperature & Time Settings.
The Medical Research Council has recommended the following temperatures and times as
being sufficient for complete sterilisation in autoclaves:
06/06/2012
o
. Then push
23
Advertisement
Table of Contents
