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Astell Autoclaves/Sterilisers – AMB220 | AMB230 | AMB240 | AMB420 | AMB430 | AMB440 | AMA240 | AMA440
CYCLE DETAILS AND
DISPLAYS
Each cycle has a set of pre-defined settings and the
cycle stages are selected to suit the load.
Different cycle types have different combinations of
stages.
The engineer / supervisor security level and above can
access the adjustable parameters which can be changed
to suit the size and nature of the load.
Features of the cycle stages
• Free steaming: The water in the chamber is heated and
when the internal pressure exceeds 1.0barabs the air/
steam is exhausted at up to 100°C through the vent
valve.
• Heating to sterilize: The chamber heats until the
sterilize threshold is attained; either the chamber or the
load reaches set temperature. See load sensing.
• Stabilization: A short one minute delay to allow the
system to stabilise before sterilizing continues.
• Sterilizing: The sterilizing time starts automatically
under program control when the system attains the set
temperature, or see load sensing.
• Load sensed timing: If load sensed process timing is
fitted and set up correctly then the system will ensure
that the load heats to process temperature as quickly
as possible and is processed at the set temperature.
• Cooling: A period of natural cooling for fluid loads on
models with cooling option cooling fans are helping to
cool the load down.
• Cycle complete: Chamber is cooled to a point where it
is safe to open. Open door and load may be removed.
Note:
Correct sterilization is dependent upon the cycle
being suitable for the load and type of processing
required.
FREESTEAM STAGE
Not all machines will have all the stages that are
listed here. Different cycle types may have different
combinations of stages. If special custom stages required
they can be created for special purposes.
This stage is used for air removal to gradually warm up the
autoclave and load (< 100°C).
• Hold time = the free steam time
• Chamber temperature will rise towards 95°C
• When this temperature is reached the free steaming
period starts
The chamber temperature will stabilise and slowly rise -
typically 97-103°C depending on altitude and the boiling
point of water. After free steam time ends, the system
goes to heat to sterilize stage.