The ESMA E789 is an automatic ultrasonic washer designed to simplify pre-sterilization instrument washing. It performs a hands-free cleaning procedure that includes ultrasonic cleaning, ultrasonic rinsing, and hot air drying. The unit is UL approved and boasts 15 years of successful in-field history.
Function Description:
The E789 automatically executes a cleaning cycle, which involves several key steps: ultrasonic cleaning, ultrasonic rinsing with hot tap water, and hot air drying. The unit is equipped with a chemical metering pump that precisely dispenses liquid detergent concentrate during the fill cycle, eliminating the need for manual pouring. This ensures the correct amount of detergent is used per wash. The process is designed to be "load it and push a button," making it simple and safe for instruments. The result is a finished product ready for subsequent steps like sterilizing, packaging, assembly, or storage. The E789 is particularly effective at virtually eliminating hand scrubbing, thereby reducing the risk of personnel injury and cross-contamination often associated with multiple ultrasonic cleanings in the same tank and solution. It also eliminates the need for rinsing in a sink under running water, as ultrasonic rinsing effectively flushes away dragout contaminants. Furthermore, the hot air drying feature removes the need for open-air towel drying, streamlining the infection control area and preventing messy drip trails.
The unit's operation is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), which allows for custom programming. The control module features a main switch, a run-stop switch, and a fill/clean/full cycle switch. The main switch powers the unit on, while the run-stop switch allows for emergency stopping of the program cycle. The fill cycle fills the tank with heated detergent for soaking, the clean cycle performs the clean/rinse/dry process after a fill step, and the full cycle automatically completes all steps from filling to drying. A safety precaution prevents the ultrasonics from operating without sufficient liquid in the tank.
Important Technical Specifications:
The E789 is composed of three main sections: a Tank Module, a Control Module, and a Power Module, along with a Metering Pump.
- Cabinet Dimensions:
- Tank module: 13" x 20"
- Control module: 12" x 5"
- Power module: 18" x 18" x 8"
- Tank Dimensions: 13" x 11" x 11"
- Tank Volume: 6.5 Gallons
- Ultrasonic Power: 600 watts
- Unit Power: 120VAC, 15amp, 60Hz
- Counter Cutouts:
- Counter top: 18" x 11.25"
- Cabinet front: 10.25" x 4.25"
- Cassettes/Load: 6 (8" x 11")
- Cycle Time: 28 minutes (total 1835 seconds or 30.5 minutes)
- Construction: 18 gauge welded stainless steel tank with a lifetime warranty against leaks. All stainless steel construction for other modules.
- Transducers: Long-lasting potted transducers.
- Water Consumption: 5 gallons for the initial fill cycle, plus an additional 12 gallons for fill-rinse steps, totaling 17 gallons of hot water per cycle.
- Drying Temperature: Incoming air is heated to 160°F.
Usage Features:
The E789 is designed for ease of use with a single push-button activation for the cleaning cycle.
- Hands-Free Operation: The automated cycles eliminate the need for manual scrubbing and rinsing, enhancing safety and reducing cross-contamination.
- Detergent Metering Pump: The integrated metering pump automatically dispenses the precise amount of Esma brand liquid detergent concentrate (approximately 180ml for a 1% concentration) during the fill cycle. Only Esma-brand detergents (Esma-Zyme E1204, Esma-Shine E105, Esma-General Purpose E589) are recommended for use with the metering pump to prevent issues like excessive suds.
- Instrument Loading: Instruments are placed in baskets or cassette racks, which are then lowered onto a support rack in the tank. Parts should never be placed directly on the bottom of the tank.
- Flexible Racking Options: The washer can accommodate various baskets and racking options, from large baskets for loose instruments to racks for cassettes, integrating into existing instrument management systems. Esma Insertion Baskets are available in multiple sizes (9 x 2.75 x 1.25, 11.5 x 3 x 2.5, 11.5 x 4.75 x 3, 6.875 x 2.875 x 2.875, 10 x 2.875 x 2.875, 6.875 x 2.875 x 1.375) and can be nested for cleaning up to 12 at a time.
- Presoaking Capability: The tank can be filled with hot water and cleaning agent to serve as a holding vessel for instruments until a full load is accumulated for cleaning.
- Low-Level Sensor: A safety device ensures that ultrasonics will not activate if there is less than three inches of water in the tank, preventing electronic damage.
Maintenance Features:
- Drain Screen Cleaning: Periodically, the drain screen in the tank needs to be removed and cleaned to prevent lint and debris from slowing down drainage, which could prevent the tank from emptying properly before a rinse cycle.
- Power Module Dust Removal: Once a month, the power module should be opened and vacuumed to remove any dust drawn in by the fan. The unit should never be operated with the power module cover off.
- Exterior Cleaning: The tank is made of 316SS, and the modules are 304SS. They can be cleaned with a commercially available stainless steel kitchen appliance cleaner.
- Low-Level Sensor Probe Cleaning: The stainless probe of the low-level sensor should be periodically wiped off to prevent insulating residues from cleaning agents from accumulating.
- Troubleshooting: In case of erratic behavior or changes in cycle performance, the RUN-STOP switch should be momentarily turned to STOP and then back to RUN to clear the program. If problems persist, the PLC status indicators (POWER and RUN lights) should be checked.
The E789 is backed by an unprecedented warranty and quality assurance from Underwriters Laboratories. ESMA provides customer support for assistance and inquiries regarding the unit.