20
Start up of cassettes
t
Vent system through upper permeate valve V
3
. Do not open V
3
completely only
vent excess pressure. If sterile air venting is required, please implement a sterilizing
air filter.
t
Using a torque wrench, alternately retighten the stainless steel pressure compen-
sating nuts to the torque indicated [
Æ
Chapter “5.2 Clamping Forces”, page 12].
t
After steam sterilization flush filter cassettes with RO water until system has reached
room temperature, this will also ensure that the membranes will not dry out.
5.6.3 Autoclaving the Filter Cassette
t
Tighten the filter cassettes along with the pressure compensation nuts of the hold-
ing device.
t
Flush the filter cassettes with purified water as described under ”Rinsing Cassettes“
section 2.3.
t
Use the torque wrench to tighten the pressure compensation nuts alternately up
to the first notch (autoclaving position).
t
Connect a hose to each connection of the holding device.
t
Place the holding device in the autoclave.
t
Fill the hoses with purified water. Immerse all hose ends in a container filled with
5 l of purified water. Place this container in the autoclave as well. This will prevent
the filter cassettes from drying out during autoclaving.
t
Start the autoclave. To avoid damage of the filter cassette, autoclave the system
without final vacuum.
t
Autoclave the holding device and filter cassettes for 30 min. at 121°C.
t
Seal the ends of the hoses immediately after you have opened the autoclave.
For this purpose, you can use either hose clamps or valves. This will prevent
contamination and will protect the filter cassettes from drying out.
t
Allow the holding device to cool off.
t
Use the torque wrench to tighten the pressure compensation nuts alternately up
to the second notch [
Æ
Chapter “Cassette Disinfection”, page 23].
Pressure compensating torque nuts
First notch
(steaming position)
Second notch
(processing position)