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Astell Autoclaves/Sterilisers – AMB220 | AMB230 | AMB240 | AMB420 | AMB430 | AMB440 | AMA240 | AMA440
LOAD SENSED TIMING
(OPTIONAL EXTRA)
All sterilizer loads have thermal mass. This means that the
load will always heat up more slowly than the sterilizer
chamber. If this is not allowed for in timing of the sterilize
program profile, the load will not be subject to correct
sterilizing conditions, i.e. it will be exposed to the set
temperature for too short a time. Load sensed timing
avoids this problem.
Load sensed timing is selected in the cycle settings
sterilise stage by setting a load temperature.
If set to an appropriate temperature such as 121°C then
the load sensed timing is ON.
If this is set to 0°C then the load sensed timing is OFF.
Please see the programming manual for full details
Important
The position of the load sensing probe is very important.
The probe must be in the same place for running cycles as
it was when the cycle was commissioned, so you will need
to set up a laboratory procedure to ensure it is always
placed correctly.
If correctly positioned the load sensing probe detects the
temperature within the load and so will ensure that the
load experiences the set conditions for the set time.
If it is just put to one side of the chamber instead of in the
load then fluid loads will experience only a very short time
at sterilise temperature or may not reach sterilising at all.
Special load sensors
The load sensor provided with this system is a 5-6mm
diameter flexible type. This may be too stiff or solid to use
for some loads.
Alternative probes may be available. Please consult
service department or your dealer.
COOLING LOCKS AND LOAD SENSED
TIMING
Selection of the load sensed timing function in a liquid
or waste destruct cycle also implements a load sensed
cooling lock for that cycle. In this case the cooling lock
senses and acts upon the actual load temperature
The cooling stages operate normally but the complete
stage cannot be reached until the load, and hence the
load sensing probe has cooled to a temperature below
the cooling lock temperature set for that program.
Set the cycle’s cooling lock temperature to the actual
temperature of the load at which the cooling lock is to
release and allow the door to be opened. It is advisable to
err on the cooler side, for safety.