Revised 10/02/2012 1.9
Vacuum Stations (Retorts #3 and #4)
NOTE: Retort #3 and Retort #4 are identical.
These Vacuum Stations (Retorts #3 and #4) (..20..,
..21.., Figure 1-I) are where the paraffin impregnation
processes are performed. The vacuum in the vacuum
retort increases removal of the Microwave Station
reagents from the tissue specimens, and improves
paraffin impregnation of the specimens. Each Vacuum
Station is comprised essentially of a vacuum retort with
integral retort heater, vacuum pump, paraffin oven, and
overflow bottles.
Vacuum Retorts (Figure 1-I)
Figure 1-I
Each vacuum retort supports the processing of a single
basket or two Paraform magazines containing a maximum
of 40 cassettes. Each vacuum retort has a maximum
reagent capacity of approximately 2.0 liters. Filling of the
retorts is accomplished by a vacuum pump and reagent
flow circuit operating under software control. An ultrasonic
sensor is provided for reagent level detection. The sensor
is used to stop supplying reagent (at approximately 1.7
liters), when replenishing. The retorts utilize gravity to
drain reagent to the paraffin oven.
A software-controlled temperature regulation allows
control of reagent temperature at 65°C. An over tempera-
ture control (thermal fuse) prevents overheating of the
reagent.
A hinged lid protects the retort contents during pro-
cessing. The lid is opened automatically during transfer
operations, and may be opened manually when no power
is applied to the motor to allow for cleaning and mainte-
nance of the retort.
Vacuum pumps are used to pump reagent (melted
paraffin) into the Vacuum Station retorts. The vacuum
pump for Vacuum Retorts applies vacuum for 80 seconds,
and then is off for 10 seconds (no vacuum applied). This
cycle is repeated continuously.
Reagent is drained from the Vacuum Station retorts to
the paraffin oven by gravity. Drain time is approximately
five minutes.
Paraffin Oven (Figure 1-J)
Figure 1-J
The paraffin oven
..26
.. is accessed through a door in
the cabinet front (see “Cabinet Front (Figure 1-A)” on page
1.3 for details). The paraffin oven is a two-compartment,
drawer-mounted container that provides for the storage
and heating (melting) of the Vacuum Station reagents.
The oven has the capability to melt paraffin at a rate of 2.4
kg (3.0 liters) within 4 hours. Temperature of the paraffin
oven is controlled at the set temperature of Vacuum
Stations Retorts #3 and #4 by a software-controlled
temperature regulation unit. An over temperature control
(thermal fuse) prevents overheating of the reagent.
The oven incorporates separate compartments for
Vacuum Station Retort #3 and Vacuum Station Retort #4
reagents. Each compartment has a capacity of approxi-
mately 3.0 liters of paraffin chips. A reagent level mark in
each compartment indicates the proper reagent level
inside the compartment (approximately 3.0 liters).
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