5
the trays and the trays are placed
inside the sterilizer chamber. (Certain
parameters such as positioning and
size of the load must be observed for
proper operation and satisfactory
result.) Then, the door is closed and
latched, and the “START” button
pressed to start the cycle.
What happens when the cycle starts?
•
The water fill valve opens and the
proper amount of water automatically
flows from the reservoir into the
chamber.
•
The water in the chamber begins to
heat. As the water turns to steam, the
temperature and pressure increase,
forcing air from the chamber.
•
When the temperature in the chamber
reaches the proper temperature (121
or 135
°
C) the exposure timer begins.
During this exposure time, the
temperature in the chamber is
automatically maintained at either 121
or 135
°
C, plus or minus about two
degrees.
•
At the completion of the exposure time
a solenoid valve opens, allowing the
steam and water to vent back into the
reservoir. The steam reenters the
I
NTRODUCTION