MELAG Vacuklav 31-B User Manual

EN 1717
User Manual
for the
Autoclave
Vacuklav

31 B
with device software version 3.20 et sqq.
Dear Doctor:
Thank you very much for the trust which you have shown by purchasing this autoclave.
For 50 years now, MELAG — a medium-sized family-owned and -operated business —
has specialised in the production of sterilization equipment for medical practice. During
this period, MELAG has succeeded in becoming a leading manufacturer of sterilization
equipment. More than 335,000 MELAG units sold throughout the world testify to the ex-
ceptional quality of our products — which are manufactured exclusively in Germany.
As all other MELAG products, this autoclave was manufactured and tested according to
strict quality criteria. Before placing this unit into operation, please carefully read this
User Manual. The long-term functional effectiveness and the preservation of the value of
your autoclave will primarily depend on careful preparation of instruments before steriliza-
tion, and on proper care of the unit.
The staff and management of MELAG

MELAG Vacuklav 31-B Specifications

General

Type	Steam Sterilizer
Class	B
Power Supply	230 V
Voltage	230 V
Frequency	50-60 Hz
Sterilization Temperature	134°C
Control System	Microprocessor-controlled
Drying System	Vacuum drying
Water Supply	Integrated water tank

Summary

1 Description of the Unit

1.1 Views of the unit

1.2 Technical data

Provides detailed technical specifications, including dimensions, power, and operational parameters.

1.4 Control panel

Describes the autoclave's control panel layout, buttons, and display functions.

1.5 Performance features of this autoclave

Details the key performance features such as air removal, sterilization categories, and vacuum drying.

2 Installation

2.1 Requirements for installation

Outlines the necessary conditions and space requirements for properly installing the autoclave.

2.4 Mains power supply

2.5 Outlet connection for one-way water

3 Placing the Autoclave Into Operation

3.2 Vacuum test

Provides a step-by-step guide for performing a vacuum test to check for leaks.

3.3 Trial run

3.5 Safety instructions

Lists critical safety warnings and precautions for operating the autoclave.

4 For Each Sterilization Cycle

4.1 Water and power

Discusses the importance of water quality and power supply for sterilization cycles.

4.2 Preparation of instruments

Essential guidelines for cleaning and preparing instruments to ensure effective sterilization.

4.3 Loading the autoclave

Instructions on correct loading procedures for optimal sterilization and drying results.

4.5 Selection of the program

Explains how to choose the appropriate sterilization program based on load type.

4.6 Start of program

4.7 Program sequence

4.11 Manual abort of the program

Instructions on how to safely stop a running sterilization program.

4.12 Response in case of warnings and error messages

Guidance on how to interpret and respond to system warnings and error messages.

6 Special Functions

6.1 Display of water quality and pre-heat temperature

6.2 Additional drying selection

6.3 Logging and documentation of sterilization cycles

Information on archiving and printing sterilization cycle records using internal memory or external devices.

6.3.1 Output of logs

6.3.1.1 External printer

6.3.1.2 Connection to an external PC

6.4 Setting the date and time of day

6.5 Automatic pre-heating

6.7 Changing the setting for supply of demineralized / distilled water

7 Faulty Operation / Malfunctions

7.1 What to do in case of malfunctions

General advice on troubleshooting and handling malfunctions.

7.2 Malfunctions without an error message

Specific troubleshooting steps for issues not accompanied by error codes.

7.2.1 An empty display window

7.2.2 The autoclave uses too much demineralized / distilled water

7.2.3 Poor drying

Steps to take when the autoclave fails to dry items properly.

7.3 Warning messages

Explains common warning messages and their corrective actions.

7.4 Error messages

Lists various error messages, their causes, and recommended corrective actions.

8 Preserving the Value of this Device

8.1 Preparation of instruments

Guidelines for preparing instruments to prevent rust and ensure sterilization effectiveness.

8.2 Drag-in rust (rust brought into the autoclave)

Information on identifying and removing rust contamination brought into the autoclave by instruments.

8.3 Regular care of the Vacuklav®31-B

Routine maintenance procedures for cleaning and caring for the autoclave.

8.3.1 Cleaning

8.3.2 Use of demineralized / distilled water

8.4 Monitoring the functions of the autoclave

9 Annex

9.1 Instructions on drying

Detailed guidance on the drying process and how to achieve optimal results.

9.1.1 The drying process in sterilization containers

9.1.2 Textiles

9.1.3 Instruments

9.1.4 Loading the autoclave

Rules for loading textiles and instruments to optimize the sterilization and drying process.

9.1.5 Loading of containers with soft sterilization packages

9.1.8 Further improvement of the drying process