AD25 GB Issue 04
9
9 Routine Maintenance
9.1 Changing the pump tube:-
The peristaltic pump will need to have its tube replaced about every 3 months. Cut a length of
the thick silicone tube to about 160mm. Remove the connectors and pull off the old tube.
Replace with the new tube, avoiding twists. See 5.1 for details. Use the diagram on the product
label to thread the tube exactly as shown over the pump head. The tension must be sufficient to
ensure complete occlusion of the tube without unnecessary flattening between the pump rollers.
Adjust tube length as necessary. Ensure that the tube does not stick together if left for long
periods by unhooking it during storage.
9.2 Changing the evaporation block:-
Change the block as necessary to maintain good evaporating efficiency. Change the block
regularly to avoid bacterial contamination.
9.3 No lubrication or further servicing is required beyond the instructions above.
10 Troubleshooting
The control system may be set to control between 20 and 80% RH. In practice the minimum and
maximum levels of humidity achievable depend upon several factors, particularly the fresh air
ventilation rate. You may need to allow 24 hours for humidity to stabilise after making changes.
If you cannot get the level of RH you want, consider these notes:
10.1 Humidity will not go low enough:-
First increase the fresh air ventilation level. This will help to dilute the moisture given up by the
eggs or animals. There will still remain a lower limit determined by the moisture content of the
ambient air, particularly in warm humid conditions. This can only be countered by
dehumidification of the room air outside the incubator with proprietary dehumidifier but is rarely
a problem in practice except with ratites.
10.2 Humidity will not go high enough:-
Restrict fresh air ventilation to the minimum safe level. Remember even embryos need to
breathe!
Check that water is reaching the evaporation block when the pump runs –if not check the whole
length of the tubing for kinks and check that the tubing around the pump has not become
permanently flattened. If it has, replace the pump tube. Silicone tubing is very flexible but can be
damaged by sharp finger nails. A tiny perforation on the suction side of the pump will let in air
and prevent the pump drawing water.
