6-13
Sterilizer Operation Operator Manual P129394-176
6.10 Gravity Cycles The Gravity cycle is used for sterilizing one or more unwrapped
instrument trays containing non-porous items.
1. Refer to S
ECTION 6.1, BEFORE OPERATING THE STERILIZER, ON
PAGE 6-1 before running this cycle.
2. See instructions for using the loading car/transfer carriage or
rack and shelves, earlier in this section, for procedures to load
the sterilizer.
3. To start the Gravity cycle, press the appropriate GRAVITY
touch-screen pad. Refer to Table 6-2 for descriptions of cycle
use.
4. Confirmation screen #47 or #51 appears on the control (see
facing page). Verify correct load is in the chamber to match
sterilize exposure time for selected cycle and press YES or NO
to continue.
NOTE: If the wrong cycle has been selected, see S
ECTION 6.15,
A
BORTING CYCLES, ON PAGE 6-30.
5. Sterilizer automatically progresses through cycle, as follows:
NOTE: The control display indicates cycle progress in two ways:
a. Large numerals in the screen’s center display estimated
remaining cycle time,
b. Change of phase name in the top status line of the screen.
ACTIVATE SEAL – Steam enters the door seal, pressing it
against inside surface of the door.
PURGE – Chamber is purged with steam. Start of condition is
printed.
CHARGE – Chamber is charged with steam. Start of steam
charge is printed.
STERILIZE – Start of sterilize exposure is printed when the
chamber reaches sterilization temperature. Chamber
temperature is printed every minute.
FAST EXHAUST – Start of exhaust is printed and chamber is
exhausted to 4 psig.
DRY – Start of dry is printed and display counts down dry time
remaining.
AIR BREAK – Chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure.
RETRACT SEAL – A vacuum is drawn on the seal, retracting it
from inner surface of door.
COMPLETE – Complete tone sounds. Cycle summary and end of
cycle messages are printed.
6. Unload sterilizer (see instructions for using the loading car/
transfer carriage or rack and shelves, earlier in this section for
procedures to remove load).
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
• Sterilizer, rack/shelves and
loading equipment will be hot
after cycle is run. Always
wear protective gloves and
apron when removing a
processed load. Protective
gloves and apron must be
worn when reloading
sterilizer following the
previous operation.
• Steam may be released from
the chamber when door is
opened. Step back from the
sterilizer each time the door
is opened to minimize
contact with steam vapor.
WARNING – SLIPPING
HAZARD: To reduce slippery
conditions, keep floors dry by
immediately wiping up any
spilled liquids or
condensation in sterilizer
loading or unloading area.
WARNING – PERSONAL
INJURY HAZARD: When
closing the chamber door,
keep hands and arms out of
the door opening and make
sure opening is clear of
obstructions.