The Tuttnauer T-Classic is a portable steam sterilizer designed for professional use, ensuring the sterilization of instruments through a controlled steam process. This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, emphasizing safety and proper usage.
Function Description:
The T-Classic autoclave is engineered to sterilize instruments using high-pressure steam. The sterilization cycle involves heating water to produce steam, displacing air, and maintaining a specific temperature and pressure for a set duration to kill microorganisms. After the sterilization phase, the unit depressurizes and cools, allowing for the safe removal of sterilized items. The device is designed for ease of use, with clear indicators for each stage of the sterilization process.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Capacity: 9 Liters / 2.4 Gallons
- Height: 13 inches
- Width: 13.4 inches
- Net Weight: 12.3 lbs
- Internal Chamber Dimensions (d/h): 8/9 inches
- Max' Instrument length: 8.9 inches
- Max' Load Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Body Material: Deep drawn aluminum
- Lid Material: Stainless Steel
- Heater: Externally surface-mounted mechanically fixed electric element
- Temperature Cut Out: Thermal fuse
- Pressure: Calibrated pressure release valve
- Max. Single Fault Temperature: 271°F
- Rating: Continuously for intermittent use
- Environmental Conditions: Indoor use, temperature 41°F to 104°F, altitude up to 2000m, maximum relative humidity 80% (decreasing linearly to 50% at 104°F), mains supply voltage fluctuations not to exceed +10%.
- Connections: Mains inlet socket 'hot' format conforming to IEC 302.
- Approvals: BS EN 61010-1 (Safety standard for electrical equipment), BS EN 50081-1 (Electromagnetic compatibility), ASME VIII Division 1 (Pressure Vessel), FDA 510(K) – Number K962903 (120v Model), CSA / UL (120v Model), TSSA Canadian Design Registration (120v Model).
Usage Features:
The T-Classic is designed for straightforward operation, guided by a series of controls and display lights.
- Controls:
- Depressurization Valve (A): Used to release pressure after a cycle. It should be open when placing the lid and closed during sterilization.
- Start Cycle Button (B): Initiates the sterilization process.
- Pressure Rise Indicator (C): Visually indicates when the unit is pressurized.
- Display Panel (D): Houses the various indicator lights.
- Top Handle (E): Used for opening and closing the lid. Caution is advised as it can become hot.
- Steam Duct (F): A hot part from which steam is released during depressurization.
- Display Lights:
- L1 (Power "On"): Illuminates GREEN when powered. Flashing GREEN indicates an error.
- L2 (Heating): Illuminates ORANGE when heating. Flashes ORANGE when sterilizing temperature is reached.
- L3 (Sterilizing): Illuminates YELLOW when sterilizing temperature is reached.
- L4 (Sterilizing Complete): Illuminates GREEN when the cycle is finished. Remains GREEN until a new cycle or power disconnection.
- L5 (Fault): Illuminates RED to indicate an error, such as a "Boil Dry Error."
- Getting Started:
- Water Filling: Fill with 0.75 Liters of distilled or de-ionized water to the water level line inside the chamber. Tap water or overfilling should be avoided. Water level must be checked after every cycle.
- Loading: Place instruments in the basket or cassettes and then into the unit. Maximum load weight and instrument length specifications must be observed.
- Closing: Place the lid with the depressurization valve open, aligning the black triangles on the cover and body. Turn clockwise to close completely, then close the depressurization valve by aligning it with the top handle.
- Power Connection: Connect the supplied cable to a GROUNDED main electrical socket of the correct voltage. L1 should illuminate GREEN.
- Starting: Press button (B) to start. L1 (GREEN) and L2 (ORANGE) will illuminate. Air is displaced by steam, and the Air Bleed Device closes with an audible "click." The Pressure Rise Indicator (C) rises.
- Sterilizing Temperature Reached: L1 (GREEN), L2 (flashing ORANGE), and L3 (YELLOW) indicate this stage.
- Sterilizing Cycle Completed: L1 (GREEN) and L4 (GREEN) illuminate.
- Depressurizing: Slowly open the Depressurization Valve (A) by turning it anti-clockwise. The Pressure Rise Indicator (C) will drop as steam is released. A visual and audible release of steam from the Steam Duct (F) will occur.
- Unlocking and Unloading: Once pressure is released and the depressurization valve is open, turn the lid anti-clockwise to remove it. Lift off the lid, place it upside down on a solid work surface, and allow it to cool. The sterilized instruments can then be removed.
- Cycle Verification: The use of a chemical indicator strip with the load is recommended to verify the sterilization cycle.
- Safety Features:
- Gasket Offset Device (GOD Spring): Located in the rear of the lid, prevents pressure buildup if the lid is incorrectly fitted. Tampering with this device is strictly prohibited.
- Temperature Monitoring: If the temperature falls below the minimum required sterilizing temperature, L5 (RED) will illuminate. The unit should be switched off, allowed to cool, and then restarted after checking water and gasket.
- Pressure Relief Valve: Installed in the lid handle, it loudly and rapidly "Vents" steam if pressure exceeds normal operating levels due to electrical or electronic failure.
- Gasket Extrusion: The gasket will "extrude" through a slot in the rear of the lid, rapidly releasing excess pressure and steam in case of overpressure.
- Non-resettable Thermal Fuse: Located in the base of the unit, it activates automatically in case of an error.
- In case of any safety feature activation, users are instructed not to touch the unit, switch off and unplug, allow temperature and pressure to drop, and arrange for immediate service.
Maintenance Features:
Regular daily care and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of the T-Classic autoclave.
- Green Sealing Gasket:
- Remove the gasket from the lid and clean with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly, shake dry, and replace, ensuring it sits against the Gasket Offset Device.
- Replace the gasket if it shows signs of degradation or leakage.
- DO NOT LUBRICATE THE GASKET.
- Autoclave Body and Lid:
- If a new gasket leaks or a persistent leak occurs, gently clean the sealing surfaces of both the lid and body with a light nylon pan scorer, avoiding metal removal. Rinse both surfaces but do not dry.
- Clean both interior and exterior with warm, soapy water, ensuring electrical parts remain dry.
- Monitor the Air Bleed Device during the first cycle of the day to ensure it "clicks" shut.
- Lubricate the underside of body lugs with "Vaseline" if the lid becomes stiff.
- Water Level: Maintain regularly with clean distilled or de-ionized water only.
- Professional Service: Tuttnauer recommends annual servicing and calibration by a qualified service technician.
- Cleaning Materials: Mild washing-up liquid, non-abrasive cream cleaner, and disinfectant diluted in water (non-chlorine base) are suitable.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common errors, including "No Power to unit," "Boil Dry Error," "Sterilization failed to be achieved," "Incomplete sterilization cycle," "Steam or water leaks from under the lid," "Excessive steam or water leaking from depressurization valve (A)," and "Settings Issue." Each error is associated with specific light indicators and recommended steps for resolution. Users are advised to contact Tuttnauer for assistance if issues persist.
- Spares: Only Tuttnauer-supplied or specified spare parts should be used to maintain warranty and ensure performance and safety. Available accessories include a lifting device, 9 Liter Basket, Cassette Box / Cassette Rack, 3 Cassettes & Cassette Carrier, and Green Silicone Sealing Gasket.
- Warranty: The device is covered by a 1-year parts and labor warranty. The warranty is void if the device is misused, instructions are not adhered to, or if the autoclave is mishandled, interfered with, altered, repaired, or serviced by unauthorized parties. The warranty excludes the gasket, internal furniture, and consumables.
- Packaging: All packaging materials are recyclable.
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