MELAG MELAtronic 23EN, User Manual, Page: 13 / 55

MELA tronic 23EN
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2.3 Performance features of this steam sterilizer ____________________________
2.3.1 Conformity to European standard ___________________________________________________
The steam sterilizer fulfills the stipulations of the European standard for Small Steam Sterilizers EN 13060 for
steam sterilizers with sterilization cycle of the type S.
Regarding the sterilization performance the steam sterilizer MELAtronic 23EN is usable for the sterilization of
unwrapped solid instruments, for the sterilization of single wrapped solid instruments and unwrapped simple
hollow items.
NOTICE
Use the steam sterilizer only for the intended purposes outlined in the related technical
documents and only in connection with the devices and components approved by
MELAG.
The sterilization of instruments with this steam sterilizer, like the foregoing instrument
sterilization, is only to be done by competent personnel.
Only use instruments and wrappings which are suitable for steam sterilization
according to the manufacturer's information.
Failure to observe these provisions could result in damage or can compromise safety.
2.3.2 Fractionated flow method __________________________________________________________
With the fractionated flow method which is used steam flows into and then out of the steam sterilizer to ensure
effective penetration of the items to be sterilized by saturated steam.
2.3.3 Operating range for sterilization ____________________________________________________
The steam sterilizer features three sterilization programs for temperatures at 134 °C: the “Universal-Program”
(for wrapped objects), the “Prion-Program” (a special Universal-Program), the “Quick-Program S” for
unwrapped items. The “Gentle-Program” is a sterilization program for unwrapped rubber articles at 121 °C.
2.3.4 Integrated steam generation ________________________________________________________
The powerful steam generation in the sterilization chamber makes it possible to sterilize large loads of
instruments in a short time. This system of steam generation means that excess temperatures in the sterilized
chamber are not possible.
2.3.5 One-way / Closed-loop system / Conductivity measurement _____________________________
The steam sterilizer operates in the standard installation mode, as a circulatory flow system. This means that
the water evaporated during each sterilization process is condensed and returned to the water storage tank.
This takes place during sub-atmospheric pulsing, and during pressure release. This type of operation is
effective for sterilization rates of approx. 2 … 3 sterilization cycles per work day, if sufficiently long pauses
between sterilization are observed. In work with a circulatory water system, however, it is very important to
ensure that the instruments to be sterilized have been especially carefully cleaned and rinsed before
sterilization. In addition, the water should be checked for dirt and debris every day, and the water must be
changed at least once a week.
If the sterilizer is used often, the water in the water storage tank becomes extremely hot, so that complete
condensation in the tank is not possible, and steam will exit from the vent openings (Fig. 1, Pos. 13) on the
back wall of the steam sterilizer. Under these conditions, an external condensate container (art. no. 00356)
can be connected to the steam sterilizer, and the condensing coil (Fig. 1, Pos. 18) can be removed from the
water storage tank. The steam sterilizer will now operate with a single-use (non-reusable) water system, and
the evaporated water for each sterilization will be condensed in the external condensate container. This
configuration has the advantage that the water in the storage tank will not become too hot, and the steam will
not be ejected from the steam sterilizer. Another advantage of this installation alternative is that impurities
dissolved in the steam will not get into the water of the storage tank – and this means that clean distilled or
demineralized water will once again be used for sterilization in the following program cycle.
An integrated electrical conductivity sensor monitors the quality of the demineralized or distilled water used to
generate the steam. Using the recommended one-way operation for the steam sterilizer, the increased
consumption of demineralized or distilled water can be provided by using a water treatment unit (e.g. the
MELAdem 40) with the MELAjet spray gun.