operator
manual
REVISION: 09/2014 | page 13 of 16
Food Waste Bio-Digester
5.2.6
Is there anything else I need to do to keep the appliance running?
Yes. You must ensure that there is always a box of bio-fluid (microorganisms) in the appliance and that the box is
properly connected. This is essential because every time the appliance hatch is opened, a tiny amount of the
microorganism is sprayed onto the food waste. If the microorganisms are not regularly topped up in this way, they will
eventually die out and the appliance will not be able to function. Annually, a ‘booster block’ of microorganisms is also
required to maintain a healthy level of microorganisms in the chamber.
5.2.7
When does the bio-fluid need replacing?
The blue ‘REPLACE FLUID’ light on the control panel will illuminate and a buzzer alarm will sound. See Section 5.3.3.
Follow the replacement instructions on the fluid box. For more fluid, contact Mechline or your dealer. Always keep a
spare box of fluid in stock to avoid running out.
5.2.8
How will I know the appliance is overloaded or jammed?
If the appliance senses that too much food waste is added at one time and/or the rotor is jammed, the appliance will
move into ‘Service’ mode. The red ‘SERVICE - OVERLOADED’ button will illuminate and a buzzer alarm will sound. The
excess food waste or blockage will have to be removed in order to restart the machine. See Section 5.3.6.
5.2.9
Is it safe to remove excess food waste, non-organic items or free a jam or blockage inside the machine
by hand?
Yes, but disconnect the appliance from the power source first and ensure that rubber gloves are worn before retrieving
anything from inside the appliance. When finished, close the lid and turn on the power to restart the machine.
Follow re-start proceedure advice in Section 5.2.15.
5.2.10
Why are there poly-chips in the appliance?
The poly-chips become impregnated with the specially blended microorganisms that break up the food waste. They
must stay in the machine to host the microorganisms and only need topping up if some are lost through any repairs over
the course of its service life.
5.2.11
Can I put refrigerated or frozen food waste into the appliance?
No. Please allow for the food waste to come to room temperature before adding. If very cold food waste is added it will
change the conditions in the chamber and could kill the microorganisms that break up the food waste.
TEMPERATURE IS IMPORTANT. In order to maximise the performance of the appliance, the chamber temperature must
be maintained at between approximately 40°C and 45°C (104°F and 113°F).
• Do not place large quantities of chilled or frozen food in the chamber.
• Do not store food waste outdoors in winter months.
5.2.12
Is there any sludge or by-product to manage?
No. All of the organic food waste will be digested and will run away to drain as waste water. The only items that will need
removing from the appliance from time to time are non-digestible items that may accidentally fall into the appliance.
5.2.13
Why is a continuous, 24-hour supply of warm water important?
The microorganisms require a warm, moist environment to survive and perform at maximum efficiency. Failure to ensure
the appliance has a continuous, warm-water (50°C/122°F) supply could void the warranty. If a dedicated boiler/heater is
installed, it must be a minimum 3-kW water boiler/heater with a 50-litre (13.5 US gallons) storage capacity. Install the
localised water boiler/heater as close to the inlet point of the appliance as possible. Do not connect other appliances or
fittings to the hot or warm water supply to avoid the possibility of them drawing off the hot water. The use of a
thermostatically-controlled mixer valve to provide a controlled blended supply is recommended. Mixing-valves can be
supplied at additional cost, if required. Contact your dealer for more information.
5.2.14
What if small puddles of water sometimes appear under the appliance?
If the appliance is installed in an area where the temperature and relative humidity can fluctuate, condensation may
form on the appliance’s inner panels which can result in puddles on the floor under the appliance. This will not damage
the appliance and does not require a service call.
5.2.15
What if there is a power cut, or someone turns off the power to the appliance or someone presses the
emergency knock-off (STOP) button?
The machine will not automatically restart. Once the power is restored, follow the procedure:
5.2.15.1 Turn the isolator on the front of the appliance to the ‘ON’ position.
5.2.15.2 Ensure the emergency knock-off (STOP) button is pulled out.
5.2.15.3 Press the green ‘RESTART’ button on the control panel to restart the machine.
NOTE:
The yellow ‘WAIT’ light will illuminate for 20 minutes while the appliance warms up. After 20 minutes
the appliance can be used in the normal way.
5.2.16
What if the appliance is left unused for a long period of time?
It is important to have a constant supply of food waste. If the appliance is not used (lid is not opened) for 1 month,
the microorganisms inside the appliance chamber will die and any newly introduced food waste will not be properly
digested. In this situation a ‘BOOSTER BLOCK’ of microorganisms must be added to the appliance chamber before the
appliance is used. ‘Booster blocks’ can be purchased from your dealer, reference: W20.BOOST. A ‘booster block’ also
needs to be added every year to help boost the general microorganism population.
5.2.17
What does it mean when the green light flashes?
The green light flashes when the machine lid has not been opened in 6 hours or more. This indicates the machine is in
‘energy-saving’ mode. See Section 5.3.4.
