Page 19 of 58 Pages
3.12 Description of Operation
3.12.1 Heat
The ELV vertical autoclaves are equipped with immersion type,
heating elements. After water has been introduced to the
chamber and the unit has been activated, the heating elements
begin to heat. The temperature and pressure in the chamber
increase until appropriate levels are reached. Sensors located
inside the chamber control the temperature and pressure levels.
3.12.2 Sterilization
The sterilization temperature is factory set at 134C (273F) for
instruments and at 121
C (250F) and 105C (221F) for liquids
and other materials for which this temperature is appropriate.
These settings may be modified before each cycle. When
sterilization temperature is reached, the timed sterilization cycle
begins.
3.12.3 Exhaust
When the timed sterilization cycle is complete, the unit enters
into the exhaust stage, provided that a program other than the
liquid program was selected. The steam is exhausted from the
chamber, bringing the internal pressure down to atmospheric
pressure.
3.12.4 Cooling
The autoclave is designed to operate two liquid cooling cycles,
as follows:
3.12.5 Sealed bottles (cooling with compressed air)
On completion of the sterilization stage, feed water starts
flowing through the cooling coil mounted around the outer side
of the chamber.
Compressed air is injected inside the chamber and keeps a
constant air pressure to balance the internal pressure of the
liquids inside the bottles. Compressed air is passed through a
0.2µ microbiological filter. When temperature of the liquids
reaches the final set temperature, the cooling stage is completed,
flowing water and compressed air is stopped, pressure in the
chamber goes down to atmospheric pressure.
At this stage, the door of the autoclave can be opened and the
sterilized materials can be taken out of the chamber.
3.12.6 Unsealed bottles (cooling without compressed air)
On completion of sterilization, steam is exhausted from the
chamber at a slow rate. When chamber pressure goes down to
atmospheric pressure, water starts flowing through the cooling
coil mounted around the outer side of the chamber. On
conclusion of the cycle the water flow is stopped automatically,
process is completed and it is possible to open the door and take
out the sterilized goods from the chamber.
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