MELAG MELAtronic 15 EN+ User manual

Dear doctor,
We thank you for your confidence demonstrated by the purchase of this MELAG product.
As an owner-run and operated family concern founded in 1951, we have a long history of successful
specialization in hygiene products for practice-based use. Our focus on innovation, quality and the highest
standards of operational reliability has established MELAG as the world’s leading manufacturer in the instrument
treatment and hygiene field.
You, our customer are justified in your demand for the best products, quality and reliability. Providing
"competence in hygiene" and "Quality – made in Germany", we guarantee that these demands will be met. Our
certified quality
management system is subject to close monitoring: one instrument to this end is our annual multi-day audit
conducted in accordance with ISO 13485. This guarantees that all MELAG products are manufactured and tested
in accordance with strict quality criteria.
The MELAG management and team
User Manual
Autoclave
MELAtronic® 15 EN+
as of software version 5.15

For doctors, physician’s assistants and service personnel
Please read this user manual carefully before commissioning the autoclave
.
The
instructions include important safety information. Please store these operating
instructions carefully and in close proximity to your autoclave. It represents a
component of the product.
MELAtronic®15 EN+
as of software version 5.15
Responsible for the contens:
MELAG Medizintechnik oHG
Geneststraße 6-10
10829 Berlin
Germany
E-Mail: [e-mail]
www.melag.com
Dokument: BA_15EN+_10615_EN_v7.docx / Revision: 7 – 18/1847
Date of update: 2018-09-11
Subject to technical changes

Foreword
Thank you for having chosen this MELAG autoclave.
Device description
This manual uses the device description "autoclave“ for the steam
sterilizer MELA
tronic15 EN+.
User manual
The user manual includes important safety information required for
operation of the autoclave. Read all the instructions carefully and in the
correct order.
Hazard avoidance
Please read the safety information carefully before using the autoclave.
About this manual
Symbols
Meaning
Explanation
Warning!
Health hazard
Indicates a dangerous situation, the non-avoidance of
which could result in injuries ranging in seriousness
from light to life-threatening.
Notice
Observe without
fail
Draws your attention to a situation, which if not
avoided, could result in damage to the instruments,
the practice fittings or the autoclave.
Important
information
Draws your attention to important information.
Accentuation of an example
Meaning
Explanation
Conductivity measurement
Glossary entry
Words or phrases marked with an arrow are explained
in the glossary. The glossary is listed alphabetically. It
can be found at the end of this manual.
Universal-Program
Software citation
Words or phrases appearing on the display of the
autoclave are marked as software citations.
Chapter 6 - Logging
Cross reference
Reference to another text section within this manual.
Figure 1/(5)
Cross reference
Reference to a detail in a figure
–
in the example, to
part no. 5 in figure 1.
Symbols on the autoclave
Symbols on the autoclave
Meaning
Explanation
Health hazard
Indicates a hot surface or hot steam which could be
emitted from the aperture marked.
Health hazard
Indicates the necessity to observe the safety
instructions contained within the user manual before
operating the autoclave.

Disposal
Electrical and electronic
equipment
MELAG devices are synonymous for long-term quality. When you
eventually need to decommission your MELAG device, we offer a special
disposal service. Simply contact your stockist.
Accessories and
consumption media
Dispose of accessories and consumption media which you no longer
require in the appropriate manner. Comply with all relevant disposal
specification in terms of possibly contaminated waste.
Packaging
The packaging protects the device against transport damage. The
packaging materials have been selected for their environmentally-friendly
and recycling properties and can be recycled. Returning the packaging to
the material flow reduces the amount of waste and saves raw materials.
Dispose of all non-required packaging materials at the collection points of
the dual system.
Symbols on the steam sterilizer
In affixing this CE mark, the manufacturer declares that this medical
product fulfils the basic requirements of the medical device directive. The
four
-digit number confirms that this is monitored by an approved
certification agency.
In affixing the CE mark, the manufacturer declares that this medical
product fulfils the basic requirements of the medical products directive.
The four
-digit number confirms that this is monitored by an approved
certification agency.
Manufacturer of the medical device
date of manufacture
of the medical device
Serial
number of the medical device by the manufacturer
Indication of the scale of the chamber volume
Op
erating temperature of the device
Operating pressure of the device
Draws your attention to a hot surface. During operation the twist grip may
become hot.
Let the steam sterilizer cool down after program completion.

Please read this user manual carefully before commissioning the device.
The manual includes important safety information. The functionality and
value
-retention of this sterilizer depends on the care accord
ed to it. Please
store this user manual carefully and in close proximity to your sterilizer. It
represents a component of the product.
This User Manual contains important safety information.
Failure to comply of the safety instructions could result in
human and
material damage.
The symbol of the struck out waste bin identifies a device that may not be
disposed in the domestic waste. The vendor is responsible for appropriate
disposal of the device
- it must be delivered to the vendor to be disposed
of. With the designation of an apparatus with this symbol, the
manufacturer furthermore declares that he satisfies all requirements of the
law concerning the release, redemption and environmentally sound
disposal of electric and electronic appliances.

Safety Instructions
When operating the autoclave, please observe the following safety
instructions as well as those contained in subsequent chapters.
Appropriate use
■Never use this autoclave to sterilize any fluids.
■
Use the autoclave only for the purpose named in the user manual.
Power cable and mains
socket
■Never damage or alter the plug or power cable.
■
Never operate the autoclave if the plug or power cable are damaged.
■
Never unplug by pulling on the power cable. Always take a grip on the
plug.
Set-up installation and
commissioning
■The autoclave should only be set-up, installed and commissioned by
MELAG authorized persons.
■
Never operate the autoclave in areas exposed to the danger of
explosion.
■
The connections for electrical provision and water supply and
discharge must be set-up by trained personnel.
■
Documentation media (computer, CF card reader, etc.) must be
placed in such a way that they cannot come into contact with liquids.
Treating and sterilizing
textiles and instruments
■Follow the manufacturer instructions of your textile articles and
instruments regarding their treatment and sterilization.
■
Observe the relevant standards and directives applicable to the
treatment and sterilization of textiles and instruments e.g. from the
RKI, and DGSV.
■
Only ever use packaging material and systems which have been
cleared by their manufacturer for steam sterilization (consult the
manufacturer’s instructions).
Program abort
■Please observe that depending on the time of the program abort,
opening the door following a program abort can lead to hot steam
leaving the chamber.
■
Depending on the time of the program abort, it is possible that the
load is unsterile. Observe the clear instructions on the autoclave
display. It may be necessary to re-pack and re-sterilize the
sterilization material.
Removing the sterilized
equipment
■Never use force to open the door.
■
Use a tray lifter to remove the tray. Never touch the sterilized
equipment, the chamber or the door with bare hands. The
components are hot.
■
Check the packaging on the sterilized equipment for damage when
removing it from the autoclave. Should a piece of packaging be
damaged, re-pack the sterilization material and re-sterilize it.
Maintenance
■Maintenance should only be performed by authorized personnel.
Carrying the autoclave
■The autoclave should always be carried by two people.
■
Use the correct carrying strap to carry the autoclave.
Malfunctions
■Upon the incidence of repeated error messages in the autoclave, turn
off the autoclave and if necessary, inform your stockist.
■
The autoclave may only be serviced by authorized personnel.

CONTENTS
Chapter 1 – Performance Specifications............ 8
Proper Use ............................................................. 8
User Benefits.......................................................... 8
Overview of the Sterilization programs................. 10
Chapter 2 – Device Description......................... 11
Scope of delivery.................................................. 11
Views of the device............................................... 12
Packing space...................................................... 13
Mounting for the load............................................ 13
Operating panel.................................................... 13
Feed water supply................................................ 14
Chapter 3 – Commissioning.............................. 15
Pre-conditions for the set-up, installation and
commissioning...................................................... 15
Removal from the packaging................................ 15
Requirements of the installation location.............. 15
Establishing connections...................................... 16
Connecting the external condensate container..... 17
Program modifications.......................................... 17
Preconditions for commissioning.......................... 17
Installation and setup protocol.............................. 18
Switching on the autoclave................................... 18
Chapter 4 - Sterilizing......................................... 19
Filling the feed water ............................................ 19
Preparing the sterilization material ....................... 19
Loading the autoclave .......................................... 20
To observe before every sterilization run.............. 22
Closing the door................................................... 22
Selecting the program .......................................... 23
Selecting automatic pre-heating........................... 23
Selecting additional drying.................................... 24
Starting the program............................................. 24
Program run.......................................................... 24
Manual program abort.......................................... 25
Sterilization phase is finished............................... 26
Drying phase ........................................................ 26
Program is finished............................................... 27
Displaying the batch number................................ 27
Removing the sterilized equipment....................... 28
Storing sterile instruments.................................... 28
Chapter 5 - Logging............................................ 29
Batch documentation............................................ 29
Setting the date and time...................................... 29
Use printer as output medium............................... 30
Use MELAflash as output medium ....................... 31
Use MELAnet Box as output medium................... 31
Use the computer as output medium.................... 31
Automatic immediate log output........................... 31
Subsequent log issue........................................... 32
Displaying the log memory................................... 34
Reading logs correctly.......................................... 34
Chapter 6 - Maintenance.................................... 36
Cleaning............................................................... 36
Avoiding the development of stains...................... 38
Always use high-quality feed water ...................... 38
Changing the fuse................................................ 39
Maintenance......................................................... 39
Chapter 7 – Operating Pauses........................... 40
Frequency of sterilization...................................... 40
Pause times.......................................................... 40
Decommissioning................................................. 41
Transport.............................................................. 41
Recommissioning after relocation......................... 41
Chapter 8 – Functional Checks......................... 42
Automatic functional checks................................. 42
Manual functional checks..................................... 42
Checks in daily operation ..................................... 42
Bowie & Dick test.................................................. 42
Displaying the water quality.................................. 43
Chapter 9 – Malfunctions................................... 44
Warning messages............................................... 44
Error message...................................................... 44
Before you call...................................................... 44
Empty display....................................................... 49
The door lock is jammed ...................................... 49
Leaks in the door.................................................. 49
Too high feed water consumption......................... 49
Bad drying results................................................. 49
Technical Data.................................................... 51
Glossary.............................................................. 52
Appendix A - Accessories ................................. 55

Chapter 1 – Performance Specifications
8
Chapter 1 – Performance Specifications
This chapter informs you as to
The purpose and under which conditions you can use this autoclave.
The benefits of using this autoclave
The sterilizing programs which you can use
Proper
Use
Area of application
The autoclave is designed for use in a general medical environment in
which the packaging type and instruments used and do not require a class
B autoclave.
Sterilization tasks
According to DIN EN 13060, this autoclave is a Class S sterilizer. As a
Unive
rsal autoclave, it is suitable for the sterilization of unwrapped or
single wrapped massive instruments and
simple hollow items
(hollow
body B) and smaller amounts of textiles.
Danger of burns
Please observe the following provisions for the use of the
autoclave:
■Never use this autoclave to sterilize any fluids. It is not licensed for
the sterilization of fluids.
Failure to observe this can result in a delay in boiling, which could
result in damage to the autoclave and burns.
Notice
■Only ever use the autoclave for the applications as foreseen in the
technical documentation and only in connection with the devices and
components as cleared for use by MELAG.
■As with the preceding instrument treatment, the sterilization of
instruments and textiles using this autoclave may only be carried out
by competent personnel.
■When conducting sterilization procedures, only use instruments,
packaging and textiles which the manufacturer has cleared for steam
sterilization.
Failure to observe these provisions can result in damage or can
compromise safety.
User Benefits
Universal use
The autoclave sterilizes on the basis of the fractionated flow procedure.
This procedure guarantees the
complete and effective wetting/penetration
of the sterilization material with saturated steam. This procedure can also
be used to sterilize single wrapped instruments or small amount of textiles
quickly and safely.
Short time frame
Overheat control
The autoclave uses the integrated steam generation process to generate
sterilizing steam.
The sterilization chamber is protected against overheating.
Automatic pre-heating
Activation of the pre-heating function pre-warms the cold chamber or holds
it at
a specific temperature between two sterilization runs. This reduces
program times and reduces the accretion of condensation, thus improving
drying results.

Chapter 1 – Performance Specifications
9
Internal feed-water provision
in a circulation and one-
way
system.
The autoclave uses both a feed-water circulation system and a feed-water
one
-way system, using the external condensate container (p. 17,
Connecting the external condensate container
)
When using the feed water circulation system, the autoclave saves water,
as the feed water
is used for multiple sterilization cycles.
The one
-way system uses fresh feed water for each sterilization
procedure.
The quality of the feed water is subject to permanent monitoring via an
i
ntegrated conductivity sensor. If combined with careful preparation of the
instruments, this serves largely to avoid stain accretion on the instruments
and soiling of the autoclave.
Feed water supply
The feed water supply for steam generation is conducted automatically via
an internal storage tank.
Optimal drying for wrapped
sterilization material.
The sterilization material is dried using pulsing over-pressure drying. This
brings the best drying results even when using wrapped sterilization
material.
Optimal total operating time
The autoclave uses electronic parameter control. This enables the
autoclave to optimize the total operating time of a program in dependence
on the load.
High safety via
comprehensive safety
features
The autoclave constantly checks pressure and temperature in the
chamber. The door lock
ing system prevents the door from being opened
when exc
ess pressure has been built up.
The autoclave electronics has an integrated process
evaluation system. It
compares the process parameters (such as temperature, time and
pressure) during a program run. It monitors the parameters in terms of
their threshold values during control and regulation and guarantees safe
and successful sterilization.
If one
or more parameters depart from the threshold values determined,
the autoclave issues warning or error messages and if necessary, aborts
the program. In the case of a program abort, follow the instructions on the
display.
Additional function controls
The test program enables you to perform additional function controls at
any time.
The Bowie & Dick test enables you to check the autoclave for the sufficient
steam penetration of porous sterilization material (e.g. textiles).
You can monitor the quality of th
e feed water using the conductivity
measurement.
Effective batch
documentation
The autoclave is equipped with a log memory which can save up to 40
program cycles. This saves all the data regarding the program run
automatically.
You can read out the
internal log memory immediately after the program
end or at a later point.

Chapter 1 – Performance Specifications
10
Overview of the Sterilization programs
Type tests
Universal-
Program
Prion-
Program
Gentle-
Program
Quick-
Program S
Program type in accordance with
DIN EN 13060
Type S
Type S
Type S
Type S
Dynamic pressure test of the
sterilization chamber
X
X
X
X
Empty chamber test
X
X
X
X
Massive load unwrapped
X
X
X
X
Massive load single wrapped
X
X
X
---
Porous load single wrapped
X
X
X
---
simple hollow items
(Hollow body B)
X
X
X
X
Drying massive load
X
X
X
X
Drying, porous load
X
X
X
---
X = Complies with all applicable sections of the standard DIN EN 13060

Chapter 2 – Device Description
11
Chapter 2 – Device Description
This chapter informs you as to
Which components are included in a standard scope of delivery
The constituent components of the autoclave
The safety features of the autoclave
The assembly of the operating elements and how to operate them.
The type of water supply required by the autoclave
Scope of delivery
Standard scope of delivery
MELAtronic15 EN+

User Manual

Record of installation and setting up

Declaration of conformity

Pressure Device Directive certificate

Guarantee certificate

Manufacturer’s inspection report

1 Mounting for trays

1 tray lifter

1 hose for emptying the interior water storage tank

TORX spanner for removing the carrying strap

1 chamber filter key

2 replacement fuses
Optionally
Trays

MELAflash CF card printer with CF card and card reader

MELAnet Box

MELAprint42/44 log printer

Chapter 2 – Device Description
12
Views of the device
Front
(5)
(3)
(1)
(4)
(7)
(2)
(6)
(1) Operating and display panel
(2) Mains switch
(3) Front device foot (adjustable)
(4) Reset
key overheating protection
(5) Storage tank drain valve
(6) Door, pivots to the left
(7) Twist grip
Rear
(11)
(9)
(14)
(8)
(13)
(10)
(12)
(8
) Sterile filter
(9
) Device foot, rear
(10
) Mains cable
(11
) Fuses – 2x 16A/gRL
(12
) Connection to external condensate
container
(13
) Serial data and printer connection
(RS232)
(14
) Ventilation hose from storage tank
View from above (open)
(17)
(16)
(23)
(21)
(22)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(15)
(15) Internal storage tank
(16
) Spring safety valve
(17
) MAX mark
(18
) Float switch feed water
(19
) Discharge outlet (leads to drain valve)
(20
) Water intake filter
(21
) Quick coupling for connection of the
evaporator coil
(22
) Evaporator coil
(23
) Conductivity sensor
Fig. 1: Views of the device

Chapter 2 – Device Description
13
(7)
(1)
(8)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(1) Upper tank
cap with grate
(2) Lower tank cap
(3) Internal storage tank for feed water
(4) Latch
(5) Door contact
(6) Chamber
(7) Door plate
(8) Grey door seal
Fig. 2: View of the interior
Packing space
Device type
Diameter
Depth
Volume
MELAtronic15 EN+
∅15 cm
38 cm
7 Litres
Mounting for the l
oad
The autoclave is always delivered with a mounting for holding trays or
cartridges.

The mounting is standard and can accommodate three trays.
Figure 1: Tray mount
Operating panel
The operating panel consists of a two-line alphanumerical LED display and
four membrane keys.
Function keys (+) and (–)
to sele
ct, set and display special
functions:print, date/time, pre-
heating,
total batches, conductivity,
acknowledge error, KEY
(+) for
unlocking door
Program selection key (P)
to selec
t the sterilization
programs/test programs
2-line LED display
for program status display and
parameter display
Start – Stop key (S)
to start programs, terminate
programs/drying as well as control
of the special functions

Chapter 2 – Device Description
14
Basic state
The display switches to the basic state after every activation of the device.
This displays the current time and chamber pressure in bar and the
(steam) temperature in °C.
Feed water supply
The autoclave requires demineralised or distilled feed water in accordance
with
DIN EN 1360 to generate steam. The supply with feed water is
effected from the internal storage tank.
The autoclave draws in the feed
water automatically.
Feed water via the internal
storage tank
When using the internal storage tank for the feed water supply, it is
necessary to refill it periodically. The autoclave will issue a maintenance
message at the relevant time. Only use water as feed water in
accordance with
DIN EN 13060.

Chapter 3 – Commissioning
15
Chapter 3 – Commissioning
This chapter informs you as to
Who is permitted to set-up, install and commission the autoclave
The requirements for the set-up, installation and commissioning of the autoclave.
How to switch on the autoclave
Pre
-conditions for the set-up, installation
and commissioning
■The autoclave should only be set-up, installed and commissioned by
MELAG authorized persons.
Warning
■In accordance with current VDE specifications, the autoclave is
unsuitable for operation in areas exposed to the danger of explosion.
■The autoclave is conceived for use outside the patient area. The
device should be located a minimum of 1.5 m radius away from the
treatment area.
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in damage to the
autoclave and/or human injury.
Removal from the packaging
Unpacking the autoclave
Remove the autoclave from the box using the carrying straps.
Removing the
carrying straps
Unscrew the four screws from each side of the housing to remove the
blue carrying straps.

Re-
screw these screws without the washers. Store the carrying straps
and washers in a safe place.
Requirements of the installation location
Location
Install the autoclave in a dry and dust-protected location. Humidity should
amount to betwee
n 30 - 60 % and the surrounding temperature 16 - 26°C.
Horizontal position
To ensure malfunction-free operation, the autoclave must be held in a
horizontally and vertically level position through extending or retracting the
device feet. Check this with
a spirit level.
Notice
■Make sure to maintain the prescribed distance between the back,
sides and top of the autoclave and the surrounding surfaces.
■As steam can issue from the ventilation hose at the back of the
autoclave, it is necessary to ensure that there are no electrical
connections on the wall at this location.
Failure to observe these provisions can result the build-up of heat.
This could restrict the functionality of the autoclave and result in a
reduced life-expectancy of the pressure pump and lengthened
program times.

Chapter 3 – Commissioning
16
Distance to the
surrounding surfaces
The distance between the surrounding surfaces and the sides and the rear
of the autoclave must amount to a minimum of 5 cm. The top of the
autoclave should be freely
-accessible so that the inbuilt storage tank can
be
filled and good ventilation in ensured. A minimum of 30 cm clearance
should be maintained.
Space requirements
Width
Height
Depth
A=44 cm
B=33 cm
C=50 cm
D=36 cm
E=8.2 cm
F=5 cm
G=5 cm
Additional space for an
external condensate container
(optional)
In addition to the space required for the autoclave, you may also need
additional space underneath the autoclave for an external
condensate
container (HxWxD: 35.6 x 28 x 17.5 cm).
Establishing connections
Warning
■Only allow an electrician to fit the electrical connection.
Failure to observe this provision can result in a short-circuit and/or
fire and/or water damage and/or electric shock. This could result in
serious injury.
Electrical connection
The mains socket must be freely accessible after installation so that the
device can be taken from the electricity supply at any time.
Provide the following electrical connection for the autoclave:

A 220 -240V circuit (max. voltage range 207-253V)
and 50/60 Hz

16 A separate fuse – a minimum of the automatic type B

FI protection 30 mA

Connected rating 1500 W.
Observe the following safety measures when dealing with the mains
cable and plug:
Warning
■Never change, bend or twist the power cable.
■Never remove the plug by pulling on the power cable. Always take a
grip on the plug.
■Never place any heavy objects on the power cable.
■Never run the cable over areas in which it could become trapped
(e.g. doors or windows).
■Never lead the cable along a source of heat.
■Never use any nails, paper fasteners or similar objects to fix the
cable.
Should the cable or plug become damaged, switch off the autoclave. The
power cable and plug should only be replaced by authorized personnel.
Failure to observe these provisions can result in damage to the
cable or plug and/or a fire or an electric shock. This could result in
serious injury.
Connecting the plug to
the mains
Plug the mains plug into the mains socket.

Chapter 3 – Commissioning
17
Connecting the external condensate
container
External condensate
container (optional)
Following frequent use, the water in the storage tank can heat up so that
complete condensation on the evaporator coil is no longer possible. This
can result in an ejection of steam from the ventilation hose on the rear of
the autoclave.
In such a case, w
e recommend using an external condensate container.
The autoclave will then work using the feed water one way
system as the
feed water used no longer condenses in the
storage tank, rather is
collected in the external
condensate container.

Unscrew the lock nut on the rear of the autoclave and replace it with
the outlet hose (included in the scope of delivery of the condensate
container). Screw it tight with the union nut.

Fill the condensate container with tap water up to the MIN mark.
Screw on the cap and position it underneath the autoclave.

Plug the other end on the outlet hose on the plug-in coupling in the
condensate container cap to its fullest extent.

Remove the evaporator coil from the storage tank by pressing the
quick coupling (Fig. 1/(21)) on the pressure release backwards.
Retain the evaporator coil in case you need to return it.
NOTE
The water from the external
condensate container may not be used for
further steriliz
ation.
The
condensate container must be fitted underneath the autoclave. The
outlet hose must be fitted with a constant incline.
Program modifications
The stages of the autoclave programs fractionating, heating, sterilizing,
pressure release, drying
and aeration and its parameters pressure,
temperature and time, correspond to the usual requirements placed on a
practice environment.
Pre-warming
The function "pre-heating“ provides a standard possibility of influencing the
course of the program.
Further alterations to the program run are possible in each individual case
and will still ensure the effectiveness of the sterilization, but may only be
per
formed by authorized persons. Please consult your stockist or MELAG.
Preconditions for commissio
ning
The following requirements must be satisfied to commission the autoclave:

The feed water supply must be switched on.

The autoclave power supply must be switched on.

Chapter 3 – Commissioning
18
Installation and setup protocol
Important
The set
-up protocol from the responsible person must be filled out and a
copy sent to MELAG as proof of the correct setup, installation and
commissioning. This is a constituent part of any guarantee claim.
Switching on the autoclave
Switch on at the mains
Switch on the autoclave at the mains (Fig. 1/(2).
After switching on
After the autoclave has been switched on at the mains, the display will
alternate between the basic state and the message Unlocking
door with key ’+’
(If the door is locked).
The trays and accessories must be removed from the chamber
directly after the autoclave having been switched on for the first time
and before commissioning.

Press the (+) key
to unlock the door. Only now can you open the door.

Chapter 4 - Sterilizing
19
Chapter 4 - Sterilizing
This chapter informs you as to
How to fill fresh feed water
What you should be aware of when preparing the sterilization material
How to load the autoclave correctly
Which program serves which purpose
How to start a program
Which phases a program runs through
How to abort a program
How to recognize that sterilization has ended successfully
What you can do to improve the drying outcome
What you must observe when removing the sterilized equipment
Filling the feed water
Supply from an internal
storage tank
Fill the internal storage tank with feed water of the correct quality (see p.
38
, Always use high-quality feed water).

Remove the upper and lower tank cap and fill with approx. 3 litres of
fresh feed water up to the MAX mark in the storage tank.
NOTE
Ensure that the water level does not rise above the MAX mark.
Notice
■In order to allow the off-flowing steam to condense entirely, to
prevent an undesirable steam ejection from the storage tank and to
avoid increased feed water consumption, the evaporation coil in the
storage tank should always be covered with feed water.
The storage tank should always be filled promptly or in the optimal
case, should be drained via the drain valve before refilling.
Switch on
If the autoclave has not yet been activated, switch it on at the mains.
Preparing the sterilization material
The most important precondition for the safe disinfection and sterilization
of sterilization material is the correct preparation (cleaning and care) of the
sterilization material in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
The choice of materials, cleaning fluid and treatment procedures use
d are
also of great significance.

Chapter 4 - Sterilizing
20
NOTE
Wherever possible, please ensure the
separate sterilization of textiles and
instruments in separate sterilization containers or sterilization packaging.
This leads to better drying results.
Textiles
Please observe the following points when treating textiles and
putting the textiles in sterilization containers:
Danger of infection
■Observe both the textile manufacturer’s instructions regarding
treatment and sterilization as well as the relevant standards and
directives e.g. from the RKI, and DGSV.
■Only ever sterilize dry textiles.
■The textiles must not be permitted to come into direct contact with
the floor or walls of the sterilization chamber; otherwise they will
become saturated with condensate.
■Observe the maximum load quantities for textiles.
Failure to observe this can prevent the steam penetration of the
textiles and/or produce poor drying results. It could also result in
unsterile textiles. This could endanger the health of patient and
practice members.
Instruments
Please ensure the following when treating used and brand-new
instruments:
Danger of infection
■Follow both the instrument manufacturer’s instructions regarding
treatment and sterilization and comply with the relevant standards
and directives e.g. from the BGV A1, RKI and DGSV.
■Clean the instruments exceptionally thoroughly e.g. using a washer-
disinfector.
■Rinse the instrument
s after washing and disinfecting, where possible
with de-mineralized or distilled water and then dry the instruments
with a clean, non-fuzzing cloth.
■Use only those cleaning agents suitable for steam sterilization.
Consult the manufacturer of the agents.
Failure to observe these provisions could result in any dirt residue
being loosened by the steam pressure during sterilization. Residual
disinfection and cleaning fluids result in corrosion.
This could result
in increased maintenance requirements and a restriction of the
autoclave function.
The use of unsuitable cleaning agents e.g. water repellent agents or
oils impermeable to steam could result in unsterile instruments.
This represents a danger to the health of both patients and yourself.
When using ultra-sound devices or washing and disinfection devices,
please observe the manufacturer’s treatment instructions.
Loading the autoclave
Only when correctly loaded is effective sterilization and good drying
possible.
The
maximum load may never under any circumstances be exceeded.