70-2011-5643-0 Issue Date: 10/2015
3M
™
Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series
Site Planning and Installation Guide
DANGER
To reduce the risks associated with
exposure to ethylene oxide,
ensure
compressed air supply is clean, with a maximum
allowable dirt particle size of 0.5 microns, and
oil-free. Ensure air filters on compressed air
supply contain a water trap and are cleaned
and maintained properly.
Compressed Air Requirements
Compressed air is used to operate a venturi vacuum generator and to operate the air-controlled pistons
that both lock and unlock the 3M
™
Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series door. Table 4 provides
the compressed air requirements. The vacuum operates during the sterilization cycle to remove air
and ethylene oxide (EO) from the GS Series sterilizer chamber. The vacuum also operates during the
Aeration stage, which may last in excess of 12 hours.
Moisture in the compressed air line will not be removed by the supplied filter. A refrigerated air dryer
may be needed to meet the dew point requirement in Table 4 and should be a non-cycling hermetic
type compatible with the flow and pressure of the selected compressor. The air dryer should be
capable of accepting saturated air and drying it to 10°C (50°F) dew point at 38°C (100°F) ambient.
The air dryer would typically have an automatic drain trap and be wired from the compressor controller.
Table 4 – Compressed Air Specifications
Specifications Value/Range
Pressure
7.0 kg/cm
2
(100 psig) minimum
10.5 kg/cm
2
(150 psig) maximum
Flow Rate
2.2 liters per second at 5.6 kg/cm
2
(4.7 cubic feet per minute at 80 psig)
per Sterilizer/Aerator based on 100% duty cycle compressor
Quality
Moisture Content
Clean air supply with a maximum allowable dirt particle size of 0.5 microns and free of oil
Less than 10°C (50°F) dew point
If the compressed air source does not meet the specifications, it can cause early equipment failures.
The GS Series sterilizer warranty and preventive maintenance agreements do not cover equipment
failures caused by an improper compressed air source. Contact the 3M Health Care Service Center or
your local 3M office for additional information regarding warranty and preventative maintenance plans.
The following refrigerated air dryer is an example of equipment that may be used:
Model: Arrow F-10
Supplier: Arrow Dryers
Website: www.arrowpneumaticdryers.com
Telephone (U.S.): 1-800-761-4298
Compressor System
The following recommended compressor manufacturer can provide additional information about
compatible compressor systems:
Supplier: Powerex
Website: www.powerexcompressors.com
Telephone (U.S.): 1-800-761-4298
Outside of the U.S., contact your local 3M Health Care
service personnel or authorized 3M service personnel
for local suppliers of equipment that meets the
required specification.
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