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Astell Autoclaves/Sterilisers – AMB220 | AMB230 | AMB240 | AMB420 | AMB430 | AMB440 | AMA240 | AMA440
MAINTENANCE
The European PED and many similar regulatory regimes
require the user to set out and comply with a formally
agreed maintenance procedure.
This information is provided in good faith to assist this
process but it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all
statutory regulations are complied with.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
There are very few moving or wearing parts in these
sterilisers, however, it’s essential that the unit is kept clean,
especially chamber and the gasket.
Clean out chamber
weekly
and inspect for damage to
sensors etc. Drain if water is contaminated.
Maintain the following in every 3 months
•
Safety valve testing
Astell Scientific advise that the safety valve should be
regularly tested at 3 month intervals. The controller
will warn you on screen when this is needed. This can
be changed if required to suit local pressure vessel
regulations.
In the UK Health and Safety Legislation requires that this
is carried out at intervals not exceeding 3 months.
See “safety valve testing” section
•
Gasket
Keep the mating surface of the chamber flange clean.
This bears on the gasket to seal the chamber if necessary
apply silicone grease. Check that gasket is not bulging
out of the groove and, that the edge is smooth without
any cuts or abrasions.
Check that the gasket is fitted correctly - the small holes
(4) should be on the outside lip.
Replace gasket regularly. Astell advise that the gasket
is a wearing part and will require replacing at 12 month
periods or 6 months if the machine is used intensively or
for many high-temp cycles.
•
Clean chamber
Clean out chamber and inspect for damage to sensors
etc.
•
Door interlock tests
Carry out the door interlock test described on previous
pages. If necessary lubricate locking pins with disulphide
high-temp grease.
THERMOCOUPLE ACCESS PORTS
A screwed thermocouple access port is provided as
standard for testing thermocouples. This comprises a
hexagonal thermocouple port cover cap which screws
onto a male fitting. There are slots in the sides of the
male fitting to allow the wires to emerge under the cap.
The cap clamps a 12mm silicone seal against the hole
in the male fitting. The seal deforms around the thin
thermocouple wires.
Front-load models:
The port is fitted at the left-hand side of the machine
approx. on the boiler centre line (remove the small cover
for access).
Top-load models:
The port is fitted at the right-hand side of the machine on
the boiler side. Remove the small cover for access
Inserting thin-wire thermocouples:
• To insert test thermocouples in the fitting release the
cover-cap nut and remove the seal
• Pass the thermocouples through the split seal and out
one side slot
• Fit the cover cap nut and tighten to seal
• Ensure that the thermocouples are not damaged when
screwing on the cap nut