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which functions as a thermostat. This valve is located in the bottom of the container, which is produced with
a slope for runoff of the condensate. A bimetallic element controls the condensate valve, and opens at tem-
peratures over 110°C. This enables the condensate to run off. This also allows the release of heat from the
instruments and from the sterilization containers to be fully utilized to dry the instruments.
Sterilization container with condensate valve
8.8 Removing the sterilized items _____________________________________________
Immediately after the sterilization process, part of the condensate may still remain on the sterilized objects.
The continued transfer of heat from the sterilized objects to the remaining condensation can, however,
evaporate the rest of the condensate after the sterilization process has been completed.
German Standard DIN 58953, Part 7, Section 7, contains the following information concerning moisture
which may remain on paper bags or transparent sterilization paper after sterilization:
"... Small amounts of water on the upper side of the packages do not represent cause for concern,
insofar as they dry completely within thirty minutes after removal from a steam-sterilization system."
8.9 Enhancement of the drying process ________________________________________
The following measures can improve the drying process:
Preheating, or first running a sterilization cycle with an empty autoclave
The use of transparent sterilization packages, and paper packages, with vertical arrangement (as in a
card catalog), as described above
Setting the program to provide longer drying times (please get in touch with your your MELAG dealer)
Setting the program to provide a greater drying vacuum (please get in touch with your MELAG dealer).
