Touchclave Ecotech
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2.3 The cycle sequence
The main stages of the sterilising cycle are as follows:
Water fill
Water is pumped into the system from the mains water supply or optional water fill tank at the beginning
of the sterilisation cycle. A quantity of water will be taken from the water supply and this will be
sufficient for the whole cycle.
Air removal
Depending on the load, the air will be removed from the chamber using 2 methods- Steam Purge or
Pre-vacuum.
Steam purge
Steam purge is the standard form of air removal on Touchclave Ecotech autoclaves. Saturated steam
is produced in the steam generator and released into the chamber. The chamber vent is fully open
and so forces the air from the chamber and replaces this with saturated steam, causing the
temperature inside the chamber to increase. The autoclave control system monitors the temperature
of the chamber vent and load and uses feedback from these temperature sensors to determine when
all air has been removed from the system.
Pre-vacuum (Requires Vacuum system option)
For loads likely to trap air, such as pipette tips, tubing etc. A vacuum system is required to provide
effective air removal. During pre-vacuum stage a vacuum is pulled in the autoclave chamber, removing
air from load. The pre-vacuum stage completes when the pressure in the chamber has been below a
set value for a set period of time.
Heat up
The autoclave raises chamber pressure and temperature to the set sterilising values specified for the
cycle. The time taken by this stage depends on the value of the temperature set points and the contents
of the load to be sterilized. The load probe should be placed either in the load to be sterilised or in a
simulated load device. The stage will be complete when the sterilising temperature and pressure have
been reached.
Sterilisation
During this stage, the cycle achieves its objective. The sterilising temperature can be set for any given
cycle at any value between 105
0
C and 136
0
C. If the printer option is fitted, its output during this stage
will provide proof that the load has been sterilised. The length of time for sterilisation is set during cycle
set-up.
Cooling
LTE Smart Cooling
The final stage is “Cooling”, the Touchclave Ecotech circulates condensate in the chamber through a
fan cooled heat exchanger and so effectively removes heat from the chamber.
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