JULY 19, 2017
9
STM-E, STM-EL, STM-EX & STM-ELX STERILIZERS
MISCELLANEOUS COMPONENTS
TO REPLACE A THERMOSTATIC ELEMENT:
1. Remove the cap of the steam trap (turn it counter-
clockwise).
2. Unscrew the diaphragm and seat and discard.
3. Wipe all dirt and scale from the inside of the steam
trap.
4. Place a new diaphragm and seat securely into the
steam trap and replace the cap (New Style - Part No.
98-1719).
Figure 8
THE STEAM TRAP
The Steam Trap has the very important automatic, dual
function of exhausting all air from the sterilizing compart-
ment, and of making a suitable seal to allow a pressure
build-up of live steam during a cycle of sterilization. Also,
a slot is milled at an angle through the seat to allow a
constant bleed-off of a slight amount of steam during the
cycle to completely eliminate any air pockets in the cylin-
der. Failure of the trap to operate properly will result in an
uneven distribution of live steam within the compartment.
How it works
With the introduction of steam into the sterilizing com-
partment, cold air will escape. When sufficient generated
steam displaces the cold air, it will then start to exhaust
through the steam trap to heat the thermostatic element.
The expansion of the thermostatic element will make a
seal against the seat to enclose the live steam within the
sterilizing compartment and a steam pressure build-up
will occur.
Figure 9