6-22
P129390-106 Operator Manual Sterilizer Operation
6.10.2 Vacuum
Leak Test
This cycle is used for testing vacuum integrity of sterilizer and piping.
A Vacuum Leak Test cycle should be run on the sterilizer at least
once each week. It should be one of the first cycles run for the day.
In this cycle, the sterilizer automatically checks for vacuum leaks in
piping and door seal. If the sterilizer fails the leak test, it must be
inspected by a qualified service technician. (This test is not a
substitute for a Bowie-Dick test.) The Leak Test can also be used to
confirm that the sterilizer piping is intact after performing repairs.
NOTE: The measured leak rate (bar or inHg per minute) is calculated
by the control over a timed 10-minute period and is included in the
cycle printout. A leak rate of 0.001 bar (0.04 inHg) per minute or less
is considered acceptable.
1. Before running Leak Test cycle, refer to S
ECTION 6.1, BEFORE
O
PERATING THE STERILIZER, PAGE 6-1 (at the beginning of this
section).
NOTE: The sterilizer should be warm before running this test
cycle. If no other cycle has been run on the sterilizer before the
Leak Test, run a Warm-up cycle.
2. Press the right arrow button in the lower right hand corner of the
cycle select screen to access the test cycle screen. The Test
Cycles screen appears on display.
3. To start the Leak Test, press the Leak Test button. Printer
records cycle start. Cycle runs automatically as follows:
NOTE: Cycle requires 30-35 minutes to complete.
LEAK TEST/EVACUATING – Vacuum is drawn until chamber vacuum
level reaches 60 mbar. Printer records temperature and vacuum at
end of evacuation time.
LEAK TEST/STABILIZING – Five-minute stabilization period begins
after 10-minute evacuation is completed.
LEAK TEST – Ten minute Leak Test period begins after five-minute
stabilization is completed. Printer records calculated leak rate (mm
Hg per minute) after 10-minute leak time.
AIR BREAK – Chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure,
complete tone sounds and cycle summary and end of cycle
messages are printed.
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.
4. Once the sterilizer completes and passes the leak test, the unit
can be used.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
• Sterilizer, shelves and loading
carrier 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 – STERILITY
ASSURANCE HAZARD:
According to EN 285:2006
standards, a measured leak
rate greater than 0.001 bar/min
(0.04 inHg/minute) indicates a
problem with the sterilizer.
Refer the situation to a
qualified service technician
before using the sterilizer
further.
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