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Astell Autoclaves/Sterilisers – AMB220 | AMB230 | AMB240 | AMB420 | AMB430 | AMB440 | AMA240 | AMA440
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Q:
Screen contrast low.
A:
Screen contrast is adjustable in the system info
page.
Q:
RCD earth leakage trip we have installed for the
machine keeps tripping out.
A:
The type of heater used in this machine means that
operation from a RCCD residual or earth-leakage trip
may cause tripping problems. This may occur especially
if the machine is not operated for some time and is due
to moisture ingress to the Inconel-sheathed heaters. If
this happens connect to a non- protected supply and run
for 5-10 cycles. Then revert to protected supply. If the
tripping then continues please consult the manufacturer.
Q:
Why can I not fast-exhaust the steam when I
want to?
A:
This action would however probably be dangerous
and could be in breach of health and safety legislation.
Firstly the amount of steam produced when a chamber
pressurised to 121°C is exhausted is very large and
constitutes a serious hazard. Unless special high
temperature exhaust pipework is installed in the building
to take this exhaust away to a safe discharge, then this
would be unsafe. If the load being processed contained
any fluids then the action of exhausting the steam from
121°C would cause the entire fluid load to flash-boil. This
would cause the load to violently boil over and empty the
load contents into the chamber, which quickly will “gum-
up” the valves and pipework. Also if such a load was
removed even after it had appeared to stop boiling over
then it would be very likely to flash-boil again into the face
of the user carrying the load.
Q:
I have filled the chamber up with deionized
water and the unit does not work.
A:
Please use the correct type of water - not deionized
or distilled. See filling with water section.
Q:
Locked the handle with door open.
A:
Press the door button and rotate the handle to the
unlocked position
Q:
Power on at wall but display dead.
A:
Check that the power switch is illuminated or for
rotary switches in on position. Check that the unit is
plugged in and there is power available at the mains
socket. If these are all ok call a service engineer.
Q:
Difficult to close door against gasket (1).
A:
This could be trapped air expanding. If chamber is
still very hot allow it to cool down and try again.
Q:
Difficult to close door against gasket (2).
A:
If gasket is more than 6 months old consider a
replacement.
Q:
Steam leaks from around Gasket (1).
A:
Gasket must be fitted correctly into groove and
must have no damage to the edges of the lips or cuts or
abrasions. The opposite sealing face that it touches must
be clean with no cuts or damage.
Q:
Steam leaks from around Gasket (2).
A:
Possibly gasket needs replacing. It must be
replaced before the silicone rubber loses its sealing
properties. Any time after six months of use.
Q:
Gasket changed but steam leaks.
A:
Gasket must be fitted correct way round. There are
four small holes on the gasket lip. These must be on the
outside edge.
Q:
Programs not suitable for my loads, that are
provided pre-set as delivered.
A:
Consult the sections on selecting times ,
temperatures , etc., then in supervisor level follow the
instructions in the programming manual and enter the
new values you require.
Q:
Delayed start would be useful / is not required.
A:
Turn on or off delayed start. See programming
manual.
Q:
Forgotten the password.
A:
The default numbers are operator 111111,
supervisor 222222, site engineer 333333. If in doubt
consult Astell.
Q:
“Safety test overdue” appears.
A:
You have not carried out a safety valve test. See
“safety valve testing” section.
Q:
My Printer does not print properly.
A:
See printer faults in the “optional printers” section.
Q:
How do I clean the machine?
A:
See “maintenance and cleaning” section.
Q:
Unlock the door in emergency.
A:
Please see the photo-instructions in the section
“manual unlocking”.
Q:
Machine needs to be calibrated.
A:
You will need a calibration organisation that can
carry out the appropriate tests with known calibrated
thermometers and pressure gauges.
Astell Scientific or your agent will be able to assist, and
Astell provides a separate manual on calibration.
Q:
System starts to heat immediately without taking
any water and the heating is unstable.
A:
The water level sensor in the chamber is damaged
or contaminated. See faults section “water level sensors”.