Operators Manuals - ST 19 - Issue 3
Warning - All external body and lid surfaces are hot during and
immediately after sterilisation. Lift or move the autoclave by
the top handle only.
Important - For correct operation of this autoclave it is
essential that the chamber be filled with water up to the height
of the studs before every use.
Foreword
Before using this Dixons Portable Autoclave please read this booklet carefully.
Please ensure that all persons likely to use this product are correctly
trained in its use in accordance with these instructions.
Your Dixons Portable Autoclave, operated in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions, will give years of trouble free service without the need
for any major servicing.
Every Dixons Portable Autoclave has been manufactured to the highest quality
standards by a company complying with BS EN ISO9000 and is fully tested
and ready for immediate use.
Dixons autoclaves are suitable for sterilisation of:
- Laboratory equipment (glass and metal)
- Culture media
- Pharmaceutical preparations in sealed containers
- Surgical and Veterinary instruments
- Dressings and drapes
For the sterilisation of dressings and drapes it is recommended that a
Dressing Drum or Wire Mesh Basket be used. These are available as a
part of the range of accessories.
All Dixons Portable Autoclaves are particularly suitable for destructive
sterilisation, as the operator is not restricted to a set cycle time.
This can be adjusted to suit the application.
1 - Installation Procedure
1.1 - On receiving the autoclave remove all the cardboard protective
covers. Unscrew the six Wing Nuts, which are holding the lid on, and
remove the lid. Remove all other packaging materials
from inside the autoclave.
1.2 - Ensure that the following parts are included:
- Autoclave body and lid complete with all fittings as illustration
- Inner liner
- Pair of liner Carrying Handles
- White silicone gasket in lid
- Operators manual
- Test certificate
- Hexagon key for safety valve adjustment
- Pack of TST indicator strips
- Power lead with IEC connector
1.3 - Ensure that no damage has occurred to any of the fittings paying
special attention to the Pressure Gauge and Thermometer.
1.4 - The autoclave is now ready for use.
2 - Operation
Please read these operating instructions before using the autoclave
to avoid any chance of misuse.
The autoclave is factory set to run at 121ºC. This is the maximum setting,
which is suitable for most purposes. A lower setting can be used if required.
Many materials can be autoclaved at 121ºC. These include most metals,
glass, silicone rubber and many plastics. If in doubt, consult the
manufacturer of the instrument or equipment concerned as the manufacturer
of the autoclave does not accept liability for damage of this nature.
2.1 - Remove the Inner Liner. Fill the chamber of the autoclave
with water up to the height of the studs.
2.2 - Articles to be sterilised should be placed into the Inner Liner, a
Wire Mesh Basket or a Bottle Rack. To sterilise porous loads (i.e. dressings and drapes)
it is recommended that a Dressing Drum be used. The container should not
be packed tightly, especially when dressings are being sterilised. It is
important that steam can circulate freely. Place the Inner Liner / Wire
Mesh Basket / Bottle Rack / Dressing Drum inside the autoclave.
2.3 - Locate the two Drop Bolts without Wing Nuts and move these
to the upright position. Check that the Lid Gasket is correctly seated
in its groove on the underside of the lid. Place the lid on the autoclave
so that the 2 Collared Wing Nuts are over the upright Drop Bolts. Lightly
tighten down the 2 Collared Wing Nuts as a pair - one with each hand - until
the slack is taken up in them. Swing up the remaining 6 Drop Bolts into position.
The remaining 6 Plain Wing Nuts should now be lightly tightened in opposite pairs.
This should be done as with the Collared Wing Nuts - one in each hand - until
the slack is taken up. Now tighten up all the Wing Nuts in opposite pairs -
Collared Wing Nuts first. Normal finger tightness is adequate.
2.4 - Close the Draw-off Cock and open the Aircock approximately 6 turns.
2.5 - Plug the power lead into the autoclave. Plug the lead into the mains
(the green light will show connection to the mains). Turn on both the Switches in
the Switch Box (downwards).
2.6 - When the water begins to boil, steam will start to emit
from the Aircock. It will splutter at first. Close the Aircock once
it has stopped spluttering and a clean jet of steam is visible.
It is imperative that a clean jet of steam is visible before closing
the Aircock as this ensures all the air in the autoclave is expelled.
Air pockets in the autoclave will cause sterilisation to be incomplete.
It is advisable to use some form of sterilisation test e.g. the TST indicator
strips supplied.
2.7 - The pressure and therefore temperature will now continue to
rise until it reaches the preset level and the Safety Valve releases the
excess pressure.
2.8 - The Switch marked 'MED' should now be switched off leaving
just the Switch marked 'LOW' on.
2.9 - It is at this time that the sterilisation period begins. Section
3 deals with sterilisation periods.
2.10 - When the sterilisation period is complete, turn off both
Switches (upwards). Depending on the materials being sterilised, see
section 2.11 or 2.12.
2.11 - Bottles or other sealed vessels containing liquid - do not,
under any circumstances, open the Draw-off Cock or the Aircock or release
pressure from the autoclave in any manner. To release pressure from the
autoclave at this point could cause the containers to explode. Allow the
autoclave to cool until the Thermometer shows 80ºC or less.
2.12 - Dressings, instruments and apparatus - (providing the apparatus
does not have sealed glass containers holding liquid). Place a suitable
receptacle beneath the Draw-off Cock and open the Draw-off Cock to release
water and steam under pressure from the autoclave. When steam ceases to
emit, close the Draw-off Cock and allow the autoclave to cool until the
Thermometer shows 80ºC or less. During the cooling period a partial vacuum
will form inside the autoclave. This will help in drying the contents.
2.13 - When the autoclave is cooled, the Aircock should be opened
approximately 6 turns. Check that the Pressure Gauge is reading zero.
Unscrew the 6 Plain Wing Nuts in opposite pairs - one in each hand -
2 full turns. Now unscrew the 2 Collared Wing Nuts as a pair - one in
each hand - 2 full turns. This will allow the lid to rise to a safe position,
where it is still held captive, but has clearance enough to release any
residual pressure still in the autoclave. Unscrew the 6 Plain Wing Nuts
fully in opposite pairs - one in each hand - and swing down the Drop Bolts.
Unscrew the 2 Collared Wing Nuts completely as a pair - one in each hand - and remove
the lid. Do not attempt to remove the lid until all the Wing Nuts
are released.
2.14 - Remove the sterilised contents.
3 - Sterilising Periods
The following times apply to a loosely packed load. Dressings in particular
should not be packed tightly as steam will not penetrate. Wire Mesh
Baskets or Dressing Drums are recommended for this application.
When large packs of dressings or large volumes of liquid are being
sterilised, it is advisable to allow a further 10 minutes sterilisation
time. This ensures adequate penetration of the materials by steam and heat.
Use these times as a general guide only - always use a sterilisation
test e.g. the TST integrator strips supplied.
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Instruments and Equipment
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15 minutes @ 121 deg C
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Dressings and Drapes
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30 minutes @ 121 deg C
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Liquid in Sealed Containers (0ml - 50ml)
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20 minutes @ 121 deg C
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Liquid in Sealed Containers (50ml - 100ml)
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20 minutes @ 121 deg C
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Liquid in Sealed Containers (100ml - 200ml)
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20 minutes @ 121 deg C
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Culture Media (up to 1 litre)
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15 minutes @ 121 deg C
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Notes on sterilisation of Culture Media:
1 - Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2 - Use volumes up to 1 litre.
3 - Use similar volumes in the same load.
4 - After cycle test for sterility.
5 - Check microbiological performance before use.
4 - Maintenance
UK users - this autoclave comes within the scope of 'The Pressure
Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989' and should
be inspected and maintained accordingly. General maintenance should
be carried out by a competent person only, as and when deemed necessary.
4.1 - Lid Gasket - Check the white silicone Lid Gasket for
distortion or wear and tear. The Lid Gasket is located in the groove
on the underside of the lid. Check that it has not become brittle.
Replace the Lid Gasket with a new one if necessary.
4.2 - Body Rim - Check the rim of the body where the Lid Gasket
seats for damage to the metal casting which would cause the lid seal
to leak. If the damage is only minor then the rim can be repaired by
filing and smoothing with emery cloth. Major damage should be referred
to the manufacturer or a qualified service engineer.
4.3 - Draw-off Cock - Check the Draw-off Cock for signs of leaking
around the seals and from the valve. Replace the seals or complete
Draw-off Cock with a new one if necessary.
4.4 - Cleaning - The use of alkalis (e.g. sodium bicarbonate)
may cause corrosion of the pot and lid and should therefore be avoided.
Use normal household detergent to clean the interior of the autoclave.
4.5 - Safety Valve Adjustment and Maintenance - Please see our
Safety Valve Adjustment
document.
4.6 - Electrical Maintenance (by a qualified Electrician only) - Two
elements are internally fitted - 1300W and 700W (2.0kW total) - requiring
a minimum 10A fuse. Check that the terminals on the elements are tight
and that the elements are securely mounted in the base. Check the Switches
and light for damage. Replace if necessary. See that the IEC connector fits
firmly in the socket.
4.7 - Overheat Cutout - To avoid damage to the elements,
should the autoclave boil dry, it is fitted with an automatic overheat
cutout. This is clamped to the base of the chamber. If the device should
cutout it must be manually reset. Before doing this switch
off the mains to the autoclave and remove the plug. Allow the autoclave
to cool down. To reset the cutout turn the autoclave upside down and
remove the perforated protection plate from the bottom. The cutout
will now be visible. It is a round black unit approximately 15mm in
diameter with a red button protruding from the middle. To reset the
cutout press this red button. You should hear an audible 'click' as the
cutout is reset. Refit the protection plate and turn the autoclave the
right way up. The autoclave will now work as before.
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A - Draw-off Cock
B - Aircock
C - Pressure Gauge
D - Safety Valve
E - Thermometer
F - Collared Wing Nut (2)
G - Plain Wing Nut (6)
H - Drop Bolt (8)
J - Switch Box
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