Priorclave RSC User manual

Priorclave Manual: 28138723-EN
30 July 2014
Model(s) Covered
RSC 3 Bolt Steam heated
models –add supplement for
steam generator if required
Priorclave
Installation and
Operating Manual
Filename & Path
H:\Technical\MANUALS\Man
ual System\28138723-
EN.docx
Date of Issue
30/07/2014
Last Update
30/07/2014
Authorised By
Large Rectangular Section Steam
Heated Priorclave Laboratory
Autoclaves
Date
Date Superseded
First Serial No Covered
3864
Author:
Tony Collins
Last Serial No Covered
Version:
1
THIS PAGE IS NOT FOR CIRCULATION
Modification History
Date
Modification
30/07/2014
Manual Created -
31st July 2014

30 July 2014
Priorclave Manual: 28138723-EN
This page is deliberately blank

Priorclave Manual: 28138723-EN
30 July 2014
Installation and Operating Manual
Large Rectangular Section Steam
Heated Priorclave Laboratory
Autoclaves

30 July 2014
Priorclave Manual: 28138723-EN
This page is deliberately blank

Introduction
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1
Introduction
Priorclave autoclaves are a range of general-purpose laboratory autoclaves intended primarily for media
preparation, the making safe of ordinary laboratory and pathological waste and other apparatus sterilisation
purposes. The autoclaves are manufactured to a high standard and feature a number of patented innovative design
features. The sophisticated TACTROL microprocessor control system provides a very simple method of setting even
the most complex cycles. The machines have been designed from the outset for easy and safe operation and
maintenance.
Properly looked after and serviced your autoclave should give years of valuable and trouble free service.
Priorclave Service
Model No:
*
Serial Number:
Date of Manufacture:
Software Version:
Please quote the above when asking for parts or service:
* Model Numbers are in the formatted as PS/RSC/yZnnn
y
E –Electrically Heated, S –Direct Steam from an external steam generator or boiler
Z
V for vertical, H for Horizontal, C indicating Compact model
nnn
Nominal working volume in Litres
PRIORCLAVE LIMITED
129 -131 Nathan Way
West Thamesmead Business Park
London
SE28 0AB
Telephone:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website:
www.priorclave.co.uk
or your local service agent:

Contents
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Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................1
Notices and Important Information.................................................................................................................................5
Symbols used on the product and in this manual and their meanings .......................................................................5
General Safety Instructions .........................................................................................................................................6
Important Notices and Warnings ................................................................................................................................7
EC Declaration of conformity.....................................................................................................................................10
Layout Diagrams ............................................................................................................................................................11
Layout Diagram..........................................................................................................................................................11
Control Panel Details .................................................................................................................................................12
Operating Summary.......................................................................................................................................................13
Cycle Abort and Thermal Lock Override ....................................................................................................................13
Positioning .....................................................................................................................................................................15
Receipt and Unpacking ..............................................................................................................................................15
Positioning .................................................................................................................................................................15
Maintenance access...................................................................................................................................................15
Provision of Space and Access for Accessories..........................................................................................................16
Installation .....................................................................................................................................................................18
Electrical Installation..................................................................................................................................................18
Drainage and Exhaust Gas Ventilation.......................................................................................................................19
Other services ............................................................................................................................................................23
Initial Commissioning.....................................................................................................................................................26
Full Commissioning and Performance Qualification .................................................................................................26
Operation.......................................................................................................................................................................28
Opening the Door ......................................................................................................................................................28
Loading Trolley (Optional) .........................................................................................................................................28
Loading Trolleys and Cassette (Optional) ..................................................................................................................29
Loading.......................................................................................................................................................................30
Settings. .....................................................................................................................................................................30
Automatic Timed Free-Steaming ...............................................................................................................................32
Pulsed Free-steaming ................................................................................................................................................32
Load Sensed Process Timing ......................................................................................................................................33
Rapid Cooling .............................................................................................................................................................33
Media Warming .........................................................................................................................................................34
Delayed Start Time ....................................................................................................................................................34

Contents
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3
Vacuum Options ........................................................................................................................................................34
Multi Program Memory Options ...............................................................................................................................35
Closing the pressure door..........................................................................................................................................36
Starting a cycle...........................................................................................................................................................36
Vent button. ..............................................................................................................................................................37
During the process time. ...........................................................................................................................................37
Power loss during a running cycle. ............................................................................................................................38
Cooling .......................................................................................................................................................................38
Thermal lock ..............................................................................................................................................................38
Cycle complete ..........................................................................................................................................................39
Media Warming .........................................................................................................................................................39
Aborting a Cycle.........................................................................................................................................................39
Emergency «E»Stop Button (where fitted) ...............................................................................................................39
Steam Generator Switch (if fitted) ............................................................................................................................39
Operation with Options & Accessories..........................................................................................................................40
Setting Lock Keyswitch Option ..................................................................................................................................40
Printer........................................................................................................................................................................40
Serial Interface...........................................................................................................................................................42
USB Interface .............................................................................................................................................................42
Air Intake Filter ..........................................................................................................................................................42
Vent Filter ..................................................................................................................................................................42
Accelerated media cooling ........................................................................................................................................42
Chart Recorder / Data Recorder / Data Logger .........................................................................................................43
Air Ballasting ..............................................................................................................................................................43
Internal Validation System ........................................................................................................................................43
Options and Accessories associated with HTM2010 options....................................................................................43
F0Integrator function ................................................................................................................................................45
Changing Date & Time ...................................................................................................................................................46
Warning Indicators & Fault Codes.................................................................................................................................47
Fault Finding & Rectification Guide ...............................................................................................................................50
Steam Table ...................................................................................................................................................................52
Notes..............................................................................................................................................................................53
Routine Operator Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................55
Daily Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................................55
Weekly Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................55

Contents
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Monthly Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................56
Bi-Annual Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................57
Maintenance Log: ..........................................................................................................................................................58
Equipment Specification Tables.....................................................................................................................................60
Circuit Diagrams and Pipe-Work Schematics.................................................................................................................61
Output Board Designations .......................................................................................................................................61
Wiring Diagrams & Schematics..................................................................................................................................62
Pipe-Work Diagrams & Schematics ...........................................................................................................................65
Other Items Fitted .........................................................................................................................................................67

Notices and Important Information
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Notices and Important Information
Symbols used on the product and in this manual and their meanings
WARNING: Mechanical Hazard
In this manual, warnings draw attention to the potential for Danger to personnel up to and including
risk of severe injury or death. Each Mechanical Hazard Warning is emphasised by this icon.
WARNING: Electrical Hazard
In this manual, warnings draw attention to the potential for Danger to personnel up to and including
risk of severe injury or death. Each Electrical Hazard Warning is emphasised by this icon.
WARNING: Bio-hazard
In this manual, warnings draw attention to the potential for Danger to personnel up to and including
risk of severe injury or death. Each Bio-hazard Warning is emphasised by this icon.
Caution: -Heavy
In this manual, cautions draw attention to the potential for injury to personnel where a product or item
has a weight of over 18kg and reference should be made to your in-house procedures for heavy lifting
before attempting to move or lift it. Each Caution Heavy Warning is emphasised by this icon.
Caution: -Please Note
In this manual, cautions draw attention to the potential for Damage to equipment. Each caution
warning is emphasized by this icon.
Hazard - Isolate before Access
When one of these stickers has been placed on a removable panel the power must be switched off
before the panel is removed. There may be a number of areas behind the labelled panel that constitute
a hazard. All such panels are service access panels only and should not be removed unless there is a full
understanding of the equipment.
Electrical Hazard - Isolate before Access
When one of these stickers has been placed on a removable panel the power must be switched off
before the panel is removed. There may be a number of areas behind the labelled panel that constitute
an electrical shock hazard. All such panels are service access panels only and should not be removed
unless there is a full understanding of the equipment.
Electrical Earth Point
This protective label indicates a point at which an electrical earth cable should be connected. When
removing and replacing panels after maintenance electrical earth cables must be reconnected at these
points.
Mechanical Hazard
When one of these stickers has been placed on a removable panel the power must be switched off
before the panel is removed. There may be a number of areas behind the labelled panel that constitute
a mechanical hazard. All such panels are service access panels only and should not be removed unless
there is a full understanding of the equipment.
Caution Hot Surface.
Parts of the surface to which one of these stickers are attached may become uncomfortably hot during
the operation of the equipment. Take care if touching these surfaces without heat protection.

Notices and Important Information
6
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Refer to Manual
General Safety Instructions

All cleaning and servicing requires the autoclave to be isolated from the power source and disconnected.

This equipment weighs in excess of 18kg (40Ibs) and requires at least 2 persons to lift.

Should a fault occur with the autoclave, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power.

When the autoclave is being transported it should be sat firmly on its feet. The machine should be strapped
upright to a flat pallet during transport.

When the machine is not in use, where possible the electrical supply and water supply should be disconnected.

Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorized personnel.

Always isolate the autoclave before cleaning or maintenance

Always ensure the machine is level when in use.

In the event of an emergency press the red 'E'stop button situated on the front of the autoclave.

The autoclave should be used as provided and should not be tampered with or altered as the machine contains
inbuilt safety systems, which could be compromised by any interference.

During operation some autoclave surfaces may become uncomfortably hot. Take care if touching these surfaces
without thermal protection.

Care should be taken when opening the autoclave after a sterilizing cycle as it will be hot and steam may be
released. Heatproof gloves and a face shield should always be worn when unloading autoclaves.

When operating the autoclave contains steam at elevated temperature and pressure. Always take care when
operating autoclaves.

The autoclave should only be used for its intended purpose. You must consult the manufacturer or supplier
before using the autoclave for anything other than its intended purpose.

Notices and Important Information
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Important Notices and Warnings
Before despatch from our works all Priorclaves are subjected to rigorous electrical safety tests to the
appropriate standards. Should you or your contractors carry out further insulation and flash tests as
part of your internal procedures please disconnect the switch mode power supply before testing.
Failure to do so will result in a test failure and may lead to corruption of the microprocessor memory
which cannot be covered by our warranty.
Safety
If you are unclear about any aspects of this manual, the use and operation of the autoclave or your
autoclave process please contact Priorclave or your authorised Priorclave dealer before proceeding.
Always wear gloves, a facemask and adequate protective clothing when unloading an autoclave and
ensure that the workload does not exceed safe limits.
Priorclave are pleased to arrange training for operators in the use of their autoclaves at a small extra
charge.
Thermal Lock
The safety Thermal Lock (80oC door retention device) has been set using a defined average dummy
load.
The relatively light load defined under this procedure may not be appropriate to the load to be
autoclaved in your Priorclave. Therefore, for your safety and to avoid possible injury you are strongly
advised to have your autoclave with its normal working load formally validated, and the thermal lock
set up accordingly by properly trained personnel.
Stainless Steel Pressure Vessels.
Vessels are manufactured from ASME / P.E.D. Coded grade 316L stabilised stainless steel, designed
built and tested in accordance with PD5500 category 3 as required by BS2646 Part 1. Grade 316L
stainless steel is employed to reduce the corrosive effects of substances such as hydroxides and
chlorine. However we recommend that the interior of the vessel is kept free of such potentially
harmful substances and is regularly cleaned out with soft water. The use of chlorine based or other
aggressive cleaners is not recommended. Exposure to such chemicals could damage the surface finish
and the integrity of the pressure vessel and door. Care should also be taken not to routinely introduce
such chemicals where they are used to pre-wash items that form part of the load. In such cases the
items should be thoroughly rinsed before autoclaving.
Product Life
Due to fatigue occurring in normal use the life of all pressure vessels is finite regardless of corrosion,
erosion or other damage. Using calculations from PD5500, and assuming working at the maximum
working pressure of 2.4 bar this gives the autoclave vessel a projected fatigue life of 15,000 operating
cycles. The lifespan of the autoclave will obviously depend upon frequency of use, but for example
(based on a 365 day working year) if the autoclave is used two or four times per day this gives a
working life of 20.5 to 10.2 years respectively. Your own usage of the autoclave should be considered
to determine the actual lifespan of the autoclave.
Cleaning
External cleaning should only be carried out with a damp cloth or with proprietary, non-
abrasive cleaners.
This autoclave has been designed to operate most effectively with softened water.

Notices and Important Information
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Where water requiring systems such as vacuum pumps and/or condensers* are fitted then
connection to a hard water supply can lead to a build-up of scale and may damage parts of the system
and could invalidate the warranty.
RO and Ultra-Pure water can also damage some elements of the system unless the autoclave has been
specified and modified to operate with water of this quality*.
* Please refer to the specification sheet included with the Operation Manual for details.
To be serviced by Priorclave Trained Personnel only.
Priorclave Laboratory Autoclaves are complex pressure systems designed and built to special
regulations and as such should only be serviced or maintained by properly trained personnel.
Priorclave Ltd. cannot be held responsible for hazards or damage resulting from work carried out on
the pressure system by untrained or unauthorised personnel. If in doubt please contact Priorclave
Service or your nearest authorised dealership.
Marking
The mark applied to this autoclave is applied in relation to the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
directive and the Low Voltage directive of the European Community. This indicates that this Priorclave
autoclave meets the following technical standards:
- BSEN61000-6-3:2001
Electromagnetic Compatibility. Generic Emission Standard. Residential, Commercial & Light
Industry.
- BSEN61000-6-1:2001
Electromagnetic Compatibility. Generic Immunity Standard. Residential, Commercial & Light
Industry.
IEC/EN 61010-1
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use - Part 1: General
Requirements.
- BSEN61010-2-040:2005
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory use; Part
2-041, Particular Requirements for Autoclaves using Steam for the treatment of Medical Materials
and for Laboratory Processes.
Pressure Vessels:
The mark applied to this autoclave is applied in relation to the PED (Pressure Equipment Directive)
directive This indicates that this Priorclave autoclave meets the following technical standards:
PD5500 2009
Unfired fusion welded pressure vessels
BS2646 1996
Autoclaves for sterilisation in laboratories
Conformity assessment modules B1 + D of the European Pressure equipment directive have been
applied to ensure compliance with the essential safety requirements.
A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the above standards has been made and is on file
at:

Notices and Important Information
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Priorclave Ltd.
129 /131 Nathan Way
West Thamesmead Business Park
London SE28 0AB
Environmental Conditions
This equipment has been designed for safe operation within the following environmental conditions:
Indoor Use.
Altitude up to 2,000 M (~ 6500 feet).
At this altitude the standard safety valve set at sea level will limit the upper temperature to
around 136oC. Adjustments can be made to compensate for this if required. See Appendix B -
Steam Table for special conditions affecting calibration for operation at elevated altitudes.
Operating temperatures between 15oC and 27oC. - The cooling performance of air cooled
autoclaves, however will be significantly affected at higher temperatures in this range.
Maximum Relative Humidity of 85% at any temperature between 15oC and 27oC, Non
Condensing.
Mains Supply Voltage Variations not exceeding +/-10% of that shown on the Serial Plate.
Electromagnetic Interference
This equipment has been designed to comply with the requirements for immunity from
electromagnetic interference under normal conditions of use. Care should be taken when positioning
the equipment however, to avoid interference from potential extreme sources of interference such as
MR scanners or x-ray equipment.
Quick Opening Doors
Extracts from NON-MANDATORY APPENDIX FF (GUIDE FOR THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF QUICK-
ACTUATING (QUICK-OPENING) CLOSURES) from ASME SECTION VIII DIVISION 1
FF-6 INSPECTION
II is recommended that the user inspect the completed Installation Including the pressure gauges
before it is permitted to operate. Records of this inspection should be retained.
It is recommended that the user establishes, and documents a periodic in-service inspection program,
and that, this program is followed and documented.
FF-7 TRAINING
Many accidents involving quick-actuating closures have occurred because the operators have been
unfamiliar with the equipment or its safety features. The greater safety inherent in current designs
has sometimes been produced by the use of sophisticated mechanical, electrical and electronic
control devices. To ensure these features produce the maximum safety, personnel should be properly
trained in their operation and maintenance.

Notices and Important Information
10
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EC Declaration of conformity
This is a global declaration relating to the entire pressure equipment of the product range identified below
Equipment Manufacturer: Priorclave Ltd
129-131 Nathan Way
West Thamesmead Business Park
London. UK
SE28 0AB
Equipment Description
Model Numbers
Conformity Data
Directive
Relevant standards
Comments
Low Voltage Directive
72/23/EEC
EN61010-1 2001997
BS EN 61010-2-040:2005
EMC Directive 89/36/EEC as
amended by 93/68/EEC
EN50081-1 EN50082-1
EN61326 1997 (+A1/A2)
Technical construction file ref: EMCTCFAU
Competent Body: Inchcape testing Ltd
Manfield Park
Cranleigh
Surrey
Testing conducted in 2004 without certification by a
competent body.
Pressure Equipment Directive
97/23/EC Conformity
assessment Modules B1+D
PD5500 2000
BS2646 1993
Notified Body No:
0037
Zurich Risk Services
Park House
Bristol Road South
Rubery
Birmingham
B45 9AH
Approval references:
Vessel (module B1) Certificate
numbers: SS42059010-3 and
SS42059010-4
Assembly certificate number
SS42059010-21
Interlock certificate number
SS42059010-24
Manufacturing (module D)
certificate number SS42059010-26
Declaration:
Priorclave Ltd declares that the above products conform with the essential requirements of the above directives. Where
appropriate this has been demonstrated by the application of the relevant standard(s). The CE mark was first affixed to these
products in 1996
Signed for and on behalf of Priorclave Ltd
Tony Collins
Managing Director
Priorclave Laboratory autoclaves –RSC series, with Tactrol microprocessor control system.
PS/RSC/EH450 and PS/RSC/EH700. For direct steam heated variants substitute S for E. All models may be suffixed
DBL to denote double entry versions.

Layout Diagrams
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Layout Diagrams
Layout Diagram
Autoclave Pressure
Gauge
Steam Generator On/Off
switch (If fitted)
Upper “Red” Safety Door
Hand-Wheel
Control Panel (For
detail see control
panel layout
diagram)
Access to Cable Ports
Central ‘Black’ Handwheel
Lower “Black” Door Lock
Hand-Wheel
Steam Generator (if fitted)
Pressure Gauge
Door Unlocked Indicator
Lamp

Layout Diagrams
12
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Control Panel Details
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
1
12
11
10
1
Door Button & Indicator
7
Time Display & Setting Buttons
2
Cycle Progress Display
8
Program Buttons & Indicators (Optional)
3
Vent Button & Indicator
9
Printer (Optional)
4
Start Button & Indicator
10
Setting Lock Keyswitch (Optional)
5
Option Setting Buttons & Indicators
11
Thermal Lock Keyswitch
6
Temperature Display & Setting Buttons
12
Hidden ‘till lit fault display

Operating Summary
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Operating Summary
Before proceeding please check the specification sheet at the front of this manual to establish which
options and accessories, if any, are fitted to your Priorclave. This will determine whether you will
need to read the instructions for these options later in this manual.
Check electricity supply is ON, and that the power is switched on.
Check the water supply (if required) is available and is turned on.
Check that the emergency stop button (if fitted) is not pressed in and release if necessary.
For Steam Heated models, check that the steam supply (or Internal steam generator if fitted) is ON and
that there is sufficient pressure (3 to 3.5 Bar) to run a cycle.
Check that the air supply (if required) is available and is turned on.
Press the ‘door’ button on the control panel there will be a bleep and the message ‘HOLD’ will be
displayed in the timer display.
Wait for a short time until the timer display returns to normal, there is
another bleep and the ‘door’ indicator illuminates. The ‘door’ button can
now be pressed again to release the lock. When the lock is released a
green indicator lamp below the lower hand wheel will illuminate
Open the door by undoing the lower black hand-wheel first followed by
the centre black hand-wheel and finally the red safety hand-wheel. With
the door free, carefully pull open.
Load the autoclave.
Set the temperature as required using the up/down keys.
Set the process time as required using the up/down keys.
Set / select other functions i.e. free-steam, rapid cooling etc., as required and if fitted.
Carefully close the pressure door and fully wind in the RED safety hand-
wheel followed by the centre black hand-wheel.
Press the door button there will be an immediate bleep and the door
indicator illuminates along with the door unlocked lamp beneath the
lower hand-wheel, showing that the locking bolt has been withdrawn.
Secure by fully tightening the lower hand-wheel. If any difficulty is
encountered, open the door and check for obstruction.
Wait a few seconds for the ‘start’ indicator to illuminate, and press the ‘start’ button to begin the cycle.
Cycle Abort and Thermal Lock Override
Aborting a cycle
To abort the cycle at any stage press the ‘Start’ Button
Thermal Lock Override
First abort the cycle as above.
After checking that there is no pressure within the autoclave turn the thermal lock key to the right hold
it there.
Press the ‘Door’ button once, keeping the thermal lock key held over.
3
2
1
1
2
3

Operating Summary
14
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Wait during the ‘Hold’ display until there is a bleep and the ‘Door’ indicator illuminates.
Keep the key held and press the ‘Door’ button once to unlock the door.
The key-switch can now be released and the door opened as above.
If the key is released at any stage the procedure must be repeated to open the door and reset the
display.
Steam Generator Switch (if fitted)
The Green switch switches the Steam Generator on or off. When the autoclave is
not being used it is advisable to switch the generator off to conserve electricity.
The generator should be switched on around 10 minutes before the autoclave is
to be used. The indicator LED will illuminate when the generator heaters are on.

Positioning
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Positioning
Receipt and Unpacking
Unpack the autoclave and check against the delivery note that all items ordered have been delivered.
This equipment weighs in excess of 18kg (40Ibs) and requires at least 2 persons to lift. Reference
should be made to your in-house procedures for heavy lifting before attempting to move unpack or lift
it.
Any shortages or damage must be reported to Priorclave within 7 days of delivery.
Positioning
When positioning the autoclave consideration should be given to proper access for servicing and
maintenance purposes. Space must also be allowed for pipe‐work and electrical connections.
The autoclave has castors fitted to assist positioning and should be positioned within easy reach of a
suitable isolatable electrical supply, steam supply (if required) and drain (if required). (See Installation).
Floor loading
A 700 litre autoclave weighs in the region of 1000kg when empty. Particularly in the case of
refurbishment of an older building it will be necessary to consider the strength of the floor on which the
autoclave is stood.
Consideration should also be given to the weight of water in the autoclave reservoir and more
especially to the weight of the anticipated load, which in extreme cases could double the weight.
It is sometimes, although rarely, necessary to fill the autoclave vessel with water at some stage during
its life span in order to conduct a hydrostatic pressure test. It may be prudent to take account of this
additional weight when considering the bench loading.
Sufficient space should be allowed on the left hand side of the machine to allow the door to open fully.
This equipment weighs in excess of 18kg (40Ibs) and requires at least 2 persons to lift. Reference
should be made to your in-house procedures for heavy lifting before attempting to move or lift it.
All autoclaves during their process cycle will release steam and heat, and this should be taken into
consideration when choosing a site in your laboratory in which to install your autoclave
Maintenance access
Minimum Provision of space around the autoclave
When positioning the autoclave consideration should be given to proper access for servicing and
maintenance purposes. Space must also be allowed for pipe-work and electrical connections.
Some standards (mostly related to larger and more complex autoclaves) stipulate that autoclaves
should have 1 metre clear space all round to allow for service access. We recognise that this can be
difficult to provide. We would recommend a minimum of 500mm clear space all round. If it is not
possible to provide this all round it may be acceptable to provide space to one side only provided the
autoclave service connections can be made such that the autoclave (if size permits) can be moved
without difficulty. In the case of all pipe connections provision should be made to ensure that rigid pipe
work can be readily disconnected.

Positioning
16
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A space to the rear of the autoclave of up to 300mm can be required to accommodate pipe-work
connections. This will reduce for more simple installations such as autoclaves without vacuum systems.
For autoclaves with exhaust filters a space of at least 500mm should be allowed at the rear of the
autoclave.
Heat emission
All autoclaves during their process cycle will release steam and heat, and this should be taken into
consideration when choosing a site in your laboratory in which to install your autoclave
Regardless of insulation arrangements etc. employed to reduce the temperature of the autoclave outer
casing all autoclaves will emit heat into the work area. For the comfort of staff it is recommended that
autoclaves are installed in air conditioned areas. Heat output from the autoclave will vary at different
stages of the cycle. For the purpose of calculating loading placed on the air conditioning system by the
autoclave it should be adequate to allow for a figure of one third of the total heater power of the
autoclave, although the actual output will vary according to the autoclave settings used.
Air cooled autoclaves cool more quickly in a cool room, and therefore high ambient temperatures
increase autoclave cycle times. This can become particularly problematic if the ambient temperature
exceeds 35oC
Steam emission
If correctly installed as described below, there should be no steam emitted to the work area during
operation, there may however be some steam emitted when the autoclave door is opened. Under
normal circumstances the thermal cooling lock will prevent the door from being opened until most of
the steam in the chamber has condensed, however under certain circumstances such as the when the
thermal cooling lock override is used significant amounts of steam can be released. Consideration
should be given to how this steam may affect smoke and heat detectors etc.
Extractor Hoods
An extractor hood fitted above the autoclave will eliminate any remaining difficulties related to steam
emission, and will also be beneficial in reducing heat build-up. Autoclaves used for processing waste
materials may produce unpleasant odours, the autoclaving of waste plastic ware may also produce
potentially harmful fumes, the effects of these will also be minimised by an extractor hood. An air flow
rate of 0.5M3/sec is often specified for a medium sized autoclave, although this should be considered
along with the hood size. It is possible to provide an output from the autoclave to boost fan speed
immediately prior to door opening.
The minimum practical size of extractor hood for an autoclave is around 1 metre square. In the case of
top loading autoclaves this should be positioned directly above the autoclave. In the case of front
loading autoclaves the hood should extend beyond the front of the autoclave by approximately
700mm. This will be sufficient to minimise steam and fume emission into the work area, but it may also
be desirable to extend the area of the hood to cover the entire autoclave to reduce the amount of heat
released into the room. In the case of direct steam heated autoclaves it may also be advisable to
arrange the hood or incoming steam supply in such a way as to cover the incoming steam supply pipe
work and reducing valves etc. This will further assist in the elimination of heat build-up within the work
area.
Provision of Space and Access for Accessories
Autoclaves with drain condensers
Drain condensers are usually fitted to the rear panel of and require sufficient space to be allowed for
pipe-work to enter the condenser. On occasion Drain Condensers may be supplied as separate wall