Operating Manual for Euroklav
®
23V-S
Page 41
Error report
Cause / remedy
The monitoring time for vacuum generation during vacuum
drying was exceeded:
•
Check that the flow filter in the chamber directly behind the
door is not blocked
If this occurs repeatedly, inform your specialist dealer.
8
Taking care of your autoclave
8.1
Preparation of instruments
____________________________________________
MELAG - rust-free materials
All parts of the Euroklav
®
23V-S which come into contact with steam are made on non-rusting materials: the
pressure chamber and the door of stainless steel, steam pipes of Teflon, and screws and magnet-valves of
bronze.
Film rust
The use of these materials means that no parts of the autoclave can initiate rust formation. Where rust does
attack the autoclave or instruments sterilized in it, tests repeatedly show that this has been brought into the
autoclave on instruments (film rust).
Even top-quality stainless steel instruments can form rust if they are not handled properly, e.g. if they are
treated with the wrong chemical cleaning or disinfecting agents.
Preparing items for sterilization
The example of the formation of film rust shows how important it is to prepare items properly before
sterilization.
Handpieces and contra-angles must be cleaned before sterilization and maintained (e.g. by oiling). Other
instruments must be disinfected and cleaned immediately after use in accordance with UVV/VBG 103, or
similarly strict national codes of practice in a disinfectant and/or cleaning solution at the correct concentration
for the correct length of time
MELAG recommends the use of cleaning aids such as ultrasonic baths, cleaning and maintenance
equipment for handpieces for contra-angles, as well as thermo-disinfecting devices.
It is essential that the instruments are well cleaned in order to avoid dirt and contamination being separated
from the load in the autoclave and clogging filters, valves, and nozzles. In particular locks, joints, and hinges
must be cleaned thoroughly with a brush before sterilization. No traces of cleaning and disinfecting agents
should be allowed to enter into the sterilization chamber of the autoclave, since this can give rise to
corrosion! The instruments should be swilled off with demineralized water and then dried off before being
loaded in the autoclave. Turbines and handpieces must be oiled in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions in order to ensure their long working life.
Brand-new instruments
The cleaning procedures described above must also be followed before sterilizing brand-new instruments.
These often carry small amounts of grease, oil and soiling from the manufacturing process.
Important:
Carefully follow all instructions provided by manufacturers of instruments for the preparation of
their products for first-time sterilization and for subsequent sterilizations.
8.2
Rust formation = Drag-in rust
__________________________________________
As already explained, the non-rusting materials used in the autoclave cannot cause rust formation in the
autoclave!
Where rust forms this is "drag-in rust". This originates from instruments or other metal items carrying traces
of rust, even though they are made of stainless steel, or which are made of normal steel but which have a
damaged galvanic coating. Often, a single rusty instrument is enough to pass rust on to other instruments or
to lead to film rust forming in the autoclave resulting to corrosion damage. Drag-in rust must be removed
from the affected instruments or from the autoclave and tray assembly using a mild commercial cleaning
agent for stainless steel. (This should not contain of chlorine).. Do not use steel wool, a wire brush or other
abrasive cleaners! Spots can be removed with a damp, lint-free cloth or a cloth with surgical spirits or
alcohol.
M a l f u n c t i o n 4 3 :
D r y i n g V a c . - p u m p
