Load Sensed Process Timing; Rapid Cooling - Priorclave Q63 Operation & Maintenance Manual

function described above.
Setting of the free-steam time for a particular program is as described above.
Pulsed free-steaming is not suitable for bottled liquids and should not be selected for cycles
intended for these types of load.

Load Sensed Process Timing

(Optional Function)
Load Sensed Process Timing Function
If this option is fitted, the autoclave will be provided with an additional thermocouple. This is
a PTFE coated stainless steel armoured probe that can be positioned in the load, ideally in the
coolest part. When this option is selected, the autoclave will heat to the set chamber
temperature as normal. However, when the set temperature is reached the process time will
not begin to count down until the load temperature, as sensed by the additional
thermocouple, reaches a temperature just below the set chamber temperature. The cycle will
then proceed in the usual manner.
Load Sensed Process Timing Purpose
The use of load sensed process timing can greatly assist with the sterilisation of certain types
of difficult dense loads, such as large baskets of bottle caps, pipette tips or animal feed, by
ensuring that the load reaches set temperature. The system is also very effective for bagged
plastic waste loads, however as these tend to melt down around the probe, consumption of
probes can be high. For this type of use load validation may prove to be more successful and
economical in the long term.
Positioning Load Sense Probe
The probe should be positioned in what is anticipated to be the slowest part of the load to
heat up, for example the centre of a large densely packed load, or the largest of a group of
filled bottles. This is important, as there may be large variations in temperature distribution
throughout the load.
Temperature variations can be reduced by the use of timed free steaming.
Load Sense Thermocouples
The load sensed process timing option utilises a thermocouple connected directly to the main
processor board.
Replacement thermocouples are available from Priorclave.
See Maintenance - for details on thermocouple replacement.

Rapid Cooling

A fan is fitted into the bodywork of the autoclave to direct cool air over the autoclave vessel.
If selected by using the cooling button, the cooling fan will switch on automatically during the
cooling stage of the cycle. There are three possible settings for rapid cooling, and these
operate as follows:
Off -
26
No indicators lit.