Tuttnauer 3840 ELVG-D Manual

OPERATION
&
MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
Electronic Table–top Autoclave
models 3840, 3850, 3870
ELC-DStandard Autoclave
ELCPV-D Including Pre-Vacuum
ELCPVBH-D – Including Bio-Hazard
Cat. No. MAN205-0466001EN Rev J
Tuttnauer Europe B.V., Hoeksteen 11 4815 PR P.O. Box 7191 4800 GD Breda, The Netherlands
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Page 1 of 110 Pages
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARAGRAPH PAGE NO.
1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................5
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................5
1.2 Incoming Inspection....................................................................................6
1.3 Warranty ......................................................................................................6
1.4 Warranty Statement .....................................................................................7
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................8
3. TECHNICAL DATA........................................................................................... 10
3.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................10
3.2 Storage Conditions.....................................................................................11
3.3 Operating Conditions.................................................................................11
3.4 Directives and Standards ...........................................................................11
3.5 Electrical Data ........................................................................................... 12
3.6 Specifications.............................................................................................12
3.7 Utilities.......................................................................................................15
3.8 Construction .............................................................................................. 16
3.9 Environment Emission Information .........................................................16
3.10 Safety Features ..........................................................................................16
3.11 Water Quality.............................................................................................16
3.12 Symbol Description....................................................................................18
4. CONTROL PANEL ............................................................................................24
4.1 Description and Functions of the Front Panel Keyboard .........................25
4.2 Displayed Error Messages / Symbols.........................................................27
4.3 Displayed operational messages / Symbols................................................28
5. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS......................................................................29
5.1 Operations sequence ..................................................................................29
6. STERILIZATION PROGRAMS.........................................................................31
6.1 Program 1: Glass .......................................................................................33
6.2 Program 2: Plastic .....................................................................................34
6.3 Program 3: Liquid A..................................................................................35
6.4 Program 4: Liquid B – Waste ....................................................................36
6.5 Program 5: Liquid A – Cooling (ELC – cooling models only)..................37
6.6 Program 9: Vacuum Test (PV, pre-vacuum model only)..........................38
6.7 Optional Program 10: Bowie and Dick Test (PV, pre-vacuum model only)
....................................................................................................................39
6.8 Program 11: Bio Hazard Liquid Cooling (BH, bio-hazard models only) .40
6.9 Program 12: Bio Hazard Liquid (BH, bio-hazard models only)...............41
6.10 Program 13: Bio Hazard 1 (BH, Bio-Hazard models only) ......................42
6.11 Optional Program 14: Warm-Up...............................................................43

Page 2 of 110 Pages
6.12 Program 15: Isothermal ............................................................................44
7. SCREENS ...........................................................................................................45
7.1 Screens following a completely successful cycle – "Cycle Ended" ..........45
7.2 Screens following aborted cycles after complete sterilization stage ..........46
7.3 Screens following a fail cycle: ...................................................................47
8. PRINTER............................................................................................................48
8.1 Printer Output............................................................................................48
8.2 Printer Handling........................................................................................50
8.3 Filling the Water Reservoir .......................................................................53
8.4 Condense collecting tray............................................................................53
10. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................ 54
10.1 Placing .......................................................................................................54
10.2 Lifting and carrying...................................................................................54
11. PREPARATION BEFORE STERILIZATION..................................................55
11.1 Instruments ................................................................................................ 55
11.2 Wrapped Instruments ................................................................................56
11.3 Packs ..........................................................................................................57
11.4 Tubing........................................................................................................58
11.5 Liquids .......................................................................................................58
12. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................60
12.1 Turning on the autoclave...........................................................................60
12.2 Opening the door .......................................................................................60
12.3 Safety..........................................................................................................61
12.4 Loading ......................................................................................................61
12.5 Operation ...................................................................................................61
12.6 Closing the door.........................................................................................61
12.7 Starting cycle ............................................................................................. 63
12.8 Unloading ..................................................................................................64
12.9 Stopping the process and cancelling the ERROR message.......................64
12.10Unloading ..................................................................................................65
12.11Cycle by Clock mode ..................................................................................65
13. CHECKING AND CHANGING PARAMETERS AND OTHER DATA ...........67
13.1 Quick options screen..................................................................................67
13.2 Entering the main menu............................................................................77
13.3 Directories and subdirectories ...................................................................79
13.4 Cycle Parameters (Custom program = duplicate cycle) ............................80
13.5 System Parameters.....................................................................................87
13.6 Maintenance ..............................................................................................89
14. DOOR SAFETY SYSTEM..................................................................................96
14.1 Electric door locking system ......................................................................96
14.2 Pressure switch ..........................................................................................96

Page 3 of 110 Pages
15. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .......................................97
15.1 Preventive and Scheduled Maintenance ...................................................97
15.2 Replacing the Air Filter.............................................................................99
15.3 Draining the Reservoir ............................................................................100
15.4 Cleaning water strainer ...........................................................................101
15.5 Checking the Safety Valve .......................................................................102
15.6 Cleaning the water sensor .......................................................................103
15.7 Moving the Autoclave ..............................................................................104
16. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................105
17. SPARE PARTS LIST........................................................................................ 110
18. ACCESSORIES LIST....................................................................................... 110

Page 4 of 110 Pages
TABLE OF CONTENT (Cont.)
DRAWINGS PAGE NO.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS , Models 3870...................................................................14
Models 3840 .................................................................................................................15
FRONT VIEW, Models EL/ELPV3870.......................................................................19
FRONT VIEW, Models EL/ELPV3840, EL/ELPV3850 .............................................20
REAR VIEW (MODELS WITHOUT BH) ..................................................................21
REAR VIEW (BH MODELS)......................................................................................22
REAR VIEW FOR THE FAN CONFIGURATION. ..................................................23
CONTROL PANEL DRAWING ..................................................................................24
BASKETS AND CONTAINERS ...............................................................................109

Page 5 of 110 Pages
1. GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
Model 3870 ELCPVGBH-D is a laboratory sterilizer designed especially
for the sterilization of instruments, liquids, and other materials in hospital
laboratories, medical laboratories (including the medical waste), research
institutes, food laboratories and pharmaceutical facilities.
The PV (pre-vacuum) models are equipped with a vacuum pump.
The advantages of the pre-vacuum sterilizer in comparison to the regular
gravity displacement steam sterilizer are as follows:
— Removal of air pockets from packs and porous loads and most kinds of
tubes (rubber, plastic etc.) by vacuum at the first stage of the cycle.
— Better steam penetration into the load; resulting in effective
sterilization.
— Better temperature uniformity.
— Better drying of materials with closed doors due to the vacuum
achieved in the chamber at the end of the sterilization cycle.
A special feature of the autoclave is fast cooling stage for liquids. In this
stage pressure in the chamber is increased by means of compressed air to
compensate the fast decreasing of pressure due to the fast cooling. The fast
cooling shortens the time required for safe handling of bottles.
In BH (bio-hazard) models, a bio-hazard filter installed in the chamber
enables sterilizing bio-hazard load without contaminating the surrounding.
A computerized control unit ensuring a fully automatic sterilization cycle
controls the autoclave.
The temperature and pressure are controlled through sensors placed inside
and outside the media container or bottles.
The sterilizer is fully automatic with a choice of 15 programs, eliminating
any need for operator intervention during a cycle (programs 9-10 are for
vacuum testing only). A computerized control unit enables precise control
and monitoring of physical parameters and clear documentation of the
sterilization cycles.
The autoclave is equipped with a safety valve, which will discharge at an
overpressure of over 2.8 Bar (40 psi), which is located on the chamber
near the pressure switch and the steam pressure gauge. The control system
provides adequate protection, to ensure the safety of personnel and
reliable operation with a minimum of down time.
The sterilizer has multiple built - in safety devices, which provides
adequate protection to ensure the safety of operating personnel.
The printer prints the preset and actual parameters of the cycle
(temperature, time and pressure).
The autoclave is provided with a pressure gauge that is used as guide only.
Should there be a power failure during the operation of the autoclave, the
pressure gauge indicates to the operator that there is pressure in the
chamber.

Page 6 of 110 Pages
A deviation of +1.6% is accepted.
NOTE:
After operating the sterilizer, brown stains might appear on the bottom of
the chamber. These stains are a result of the heating elements that are
located at the lower external part of the chamber. The brown color is a
common phenomenon, can easily be removed, and will not have any effect
on the sterilized goods.
This manual is intended to give the user a general understanding of how
the autoclave works and indicates the best ways to operate and take care of
it in order to obtain optimum results and a trouble-free operation. After
reading this manual, operating the autoclave should be straightforward.
However, since the autoclave is built using high technology sensitive
components, no attempt should be made by the user or any other unauthorized
person to repair or recalibrate it.
Only technical personnel having proper
qualifications, holding technical documentation and adequate test
instrumentation are authorized to undertake repair or service.
1.2 Incoming Inspection
The autoclave should be unpacked and inspected for mechanical damage upon
receipt. Observe packing method and retain packing materials until the
unit has been inspected. Mechanical inspection involves checking for signs
of physical damage such as: scratched panel surfaces, broken knobs, etc.
If damage is apparent, contact your dealer or point of purchase, so that
they may notify the manufacturer and file a claim with the appropriate
carrier.
All Tuttnauer products are carefully inspected prior to shipment and all
reasonable precautions are taken in preparing them for shipment to assure
safe arrival at their destination.
1.3 Warranty
We certify that this instrument is guaranteed to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for one year against faulty components and
assembly with the exception of glassware, lamps and heaters.
The warranty does not include and does not replace routine treatment
and preventive maintenance to be performed according to instructions
in sec. 11.1 Preventive Maintenance.
Our obligation is limited to replacing the instrument or parts, after our
examination, if within one year after the date of shipment they prove to be
defective. This warranty does not apply to any instrument that has been
subjected to misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation or
application, nor shall it extend to products that have been repaired or
altered outside the factory without prior authorization from us.
The Autoclave should not be used in a manner not described in this
manual!

Page 7 of 110 Pages
1.4 Warranty Statement
The warranty registration must be completed and returned to our service
departments; within fourteen (14) days of purchase or the warranty will be
void.
Our Technical Service Depts can be reached at:
Tuttnauer Europe B.V., Hoeksteen 11 4815 PR P.O. Box 7191 4800
GD Breda, The Netherlands
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Note:
If there is any difficulty with this instrument, and the solution is not
covered in this manual, contact our representative or us first. Do not
attempt to service this instrument yourself. Describe the difficulty as
clearly as possible so we may be able to diagnose the problem and provide
a prompt solution.
If the autoclave is equipped with a printer, send along a copy of the last
printout for our inspection. If replacement parts are needed, stipulate the
model and serial number of the machine.
No products will be accepted for repair without proper authorization from
us. All transportation charges must be paid both ways by the owner. This
warranty will be void if the unit is not purchased from an authorized full
service Tuttnauer dealer.

Page 8 of 110 Pages
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The autoclave has unique characteristics. Please read and understand the operation
instructions before first operation of the autoclave. The following issues may
require instructions guidance provided by the manufacturer: how to operate the
autoclave, the door safety mechanism, the dangers involved in circumventing
safety means, how to ensure that the door is closed, and how to select a correct
sterilization program.
Make sure that you know where the main power switch is, where the water cut-off
valve is and where the steam and compressed air disconnection valves are located.
Autoclave maintenance is crucial for the correct and efficient function of the
device. We enclose a log booklet that includes maintenance recommendations,
with every device.
The weekly spore test is part of the preventive maintenance plan, along with the
annual validation of the sterilization processes that ensures appropriate
temperature dispersion within the chamber.
Never use the autoclave to sterilize corrosive products, such as: acids, bases and
phenols, volatile compounds or solutions such ethanol, methanol or chloroform
nor radioactive substances.
1. Never start using a new autoclave or a new steam generator, before the
safety, licensing and authorization department has approved it for use.
2. All autoclave users must receive training in proper usage from an
experienced employee. Every new employee must undergo a training
period under an experienced employee.
3. A written procedure must be established for autoclave operation,
including: daily safety tests, seal inspection and door hinge inspection,
smooth action of the closing mechanism, chamber cleaning, prevention of
clogging and preservation from corrosion, what is permitted and what is
prohibited for sterilization and choosing a sterilization program.
4. Liquids may be sterilized only with the “liquids” program. The container
must be covered but not sealed. Sealed bottles may only be sterilized using
a special program. The bottle must be either Pyrex or a Borosilicate glass
bottle.
5. When sterilizing plastic materials, make sure that the item can withstand
sterilization temperature. Plastic that melts in the chamber is liable to
cause a great deal of damage.
6. Individual glass bottles may be placed within an appropriate container that
will be placed on a tray. Never place glass bottles on the floor of the
autoclave. Never fill more than 2/3 of the bottle volume.
7. On closing the autoclave's door, make sure it is properly locked before
activating.
8. Before withdrawing trays, wear heat resistant gloves.
9. Before opening the door, verify that there is no pressure in the chamber
(chamber pressure gauge is located on the autoclave's front panel).
10. Open the door slowly to allow steam to escape and wait 5 minutes before
you remove the load. When sterilizing liquids, wait 10 minutes.

Page 9 of 110 Pages
11. Once a month, ensure that the safety valves are functioning, and once
annually a certified tester must conduct pressure chamber safety tests.
12. Once annually, or more frequently, effective tests must be performed, i.e.,
calibration and validation.
13. Examine the condition of assemblies on a regular basis. Make sure there
are no leaks, breaks, blockages, whistles or strange noises.
14. It is required to conduct maintenance operations as instructed.
15. Immediately notify the person in charge of any deviation or risk for the
proper function of the device.

Page 10 of 110 Pages
3. TECHNICAL DATA
3.1 Introduction
Models 3840, 3850, and 3870 EL-D and ELPV are table-top sterilizers
designed especially for sterilization of instruments, liquids medical waste,
and other materials in hospital laboratories, medical laboratories, research
institutes, food laboratories and pharmaceutical facilities.
A computerized control unit ensuring a fully automatic sterilization cycle
controls the autoclave.
The temperature and pressure are controlled through sensors placed inside
and outside the media container or bottles.
Special feature of ELCPV-D model is the vacuum pump that enables air
removal prior to sterilization and during the drying stage.
The advantages of the pre-vacuum sterilizer in comparison to the regular
gravity displacement steam sterilizer are as follows:
— Removal of air pockets from packs and porous loads and most kinds of
tubes (rubber, plastic etc.) by vacuum at the first stage of the cycle.
— Better steam penetration into the load; resulting in effective
sterilization.
— Better temperature uniformity.
— Better drying of materials with closed doors due to the vacuum achieved in
the chamber at the end of the sterilization cycle.
The sterilizer is equipped with a fan on the door to shorten the cooling
operation.
There is a configuration equipped with fan that allows to shorten the
cooling operation.
The sterilizer is fully automatic with a choice of seven programs
(including vacuum test program), eliminating any need for operator
intervention during a cycle. The custom programs are programs that may
be changed by an authorized person. A computerized control unit enables
precise control and monitoring of physical parameters and clear
documentation of the sterilization cycles.
The autoclave is equipped with a safety valve, which blows off at 280 kPa
(40 psi) (max. working pressure). The safety valve is located in the mineral
free water reservoir. The control system provides adequate protection, to
ensure the safety of personnel and reliable operation with a minimum of
down time.
On all models, a printer is an optional addition to the autoclave. The
printer prints the preset and actual parameters of the cycle (temperature,
time and pressure/vacuum).
The autoclave is provided with a pressure gauge that is used as guide only.
Should there be a power failure during the operation of the autoclave, the
pressure gauge indicates to the operator that there is pressure in the
chamber.
A deviation of +1.6% is accepted.

Page 11 of 110 Pages
After operating the sterilizer, brown stains might appear on the bottom of
the chamber. These stains are a result of the heating elements that are
located at the lower external part of the chamber. The brown color is a
common phenomenon, can easily be removed, and will not have any effect
on the sterilized goods.
This manual is intended to give the user a general understanding of how
the autoclave works and indicates best ways to operate and maintain it in
order to obtain optimum results and a trouble free operation.
After reading this manual, operating the autoclave should be straight
forward. However, since the autoclave is built using high technology
sensitive components, no attempt should be made by the user or any other
unauthorized person to repair or re-calibrate it.
Only technical personnel having proper qualifications, holding
technical documentation and adequate test instrumentation, are
authorized to undertake repair or service.
3.2 Storage Conditions
Packed or unpacked, the autoclave shall be retained in indoor
conditions!
3.3 Operating Conditions
The autoclave is intended to work in ‘indoor’ conditions only.
Only autoclavable materials shall be used.
The environment shall not exceed an ambient temperature range of
5ºC (41ºF)-40ºC (104ºF) and a relative humidity of 85%
respectively.
The operation altitude shall not be over 2000 meters (6561 feet)
(ambient pressure shall not be lower than 80 kPa (11.6 psi)).
Cautions!
Waste water should be brought into the public net in accordance with
the local rules or requirements i.e. oNLY NON-HAZARDOUS
LIQUIDS SHALL BE DISPOSED IN PUBLIC SEWAGE!
The autoclave shall not be used in a manner not specified in this
manual! If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not use the autoclave in the presence of dangerous gases.
3.4 Directives and Standards
Every autoclave meets the provisions of the following Directives and is
constructed in compliance with the following Standards:

Page 12 of 110 Pages
3.4.1 Technical Standards
1. ASME Code, Section VIII Division 1 for Pressure Vessels.
2. IEC 61010-1:2001 2nd Ed. – Safety of Electrical Equipment
…… General Requirement.
3. IEC 61010-2-040:2005 – Particular Requirement for Steam
Autoclaves.
4. EN 61326-1:2006– EMC Regulations.
3.4.2 Quality standards
The manufacturing plant meets the following quality standards:
1. EN ISO 9001:2008– Quality System
2. ISO 13485:2003 – Quality systems – Medical devices.
3.5 Electrical Data
Property
Value:
3840
Value:
3850
Value:
3870
Total Power
2400W
3000W
4500W
Voltage
1Ph,
230VAC
1Ph,
230VAC
3Ph,
400VAC
Amperage
11A
13A
7A
Protection against electrical shock
Class I (IEC 60601-1)
Mains supply fluctuation
+/- 10%
Degree of protection by enclosure
IP31
3.6 Specifications
Property
Value:
3870
Value:
3850
Value:
3840
Chamber
Dia.
38 cm
(15")
38 cm
(15")
38 cm
(15")
Depth
76 cm
(30")
56 cm
(22")
46 cm
(18")
Chamber volume
85 liters.
(22 US
gal.)
65 liters.
(17 US
gal.)
52 liters.
(11 US
gal.)
External dimensions (see
figure below)
Width
Value: 3870
Value: 3850/40
72.0 cm
(28.3")
72.0 cm
(28.3")
Height
53.5 cm (21")
53.5 cm (21")

Page 13 of 110 Pages
Length
92.0 cm
(36.2")
76.5 cm (30")
(For 3840 PV,
92.0 cm
(36.2")
Maximum dimensions (door
open)
Length
141 cm (55.5")
126 cm (49.6")
Width
80.0 cm
(31.5")
80.0 cm
(31.5")
Distance between supporting
legs
Rear to
front
72.0 cm
(28.3")
54.0 cm
(21.2")
Front legs
48.0 cm
(18.9")
48.0 cm
(18.9")
Rear legs
62.0 cm
(24.4")
62.0 cm
(24.4")
Value: 3870
Value: 3850/3840
Weight
78 kgs (172 lbs.)
58 kgs (128 lbs.)
Weight per support area
(max. load)
126 kgs (278 lbs.)
106 kgs (234 lbs.)
Shipping weight
102 kgs (225 lbs.)
82 kgs (181 lbs.)
Shipping
dimensions
Width
80 cm (31.5")
80 cm (31.5")
Height
80 cm (31.5")
80 cm (31.5")
Length
120 cm (47.2")
120 cm (47.2")
Volume
77 cm3(4.7"3)
77 cm3(4.7"3)
Mineral-free
water reservoir
Max.
water
volume
6.0 lit. (1.58 gal.)
6.0 lit. (1.58 gal.)
Min.
water
volume
2.0 lit. (0.53 gal.)
2.0 lit. (0.53 gal.)
Maximum load per tray
Unwrapped
6 kgs (11 lbs.)
Unwrapped
6 kgs (11 lbs.)
Maximum solid load
Unwrapped
30 kgs (66 lbs.)
Unwrapped
10 kgs (22 lbs.)
Tray dimensions
19.5 x 69.0 cm
( 7.7" x 27.2" )
19.5 x 51.0 cm
(7.7" x 20.1 ")
Max. Allowable Working
pressure (MAWP)
2.8 bar (40 psi)
2.8 bar (40 psi)
No. of trays
2
2
IMS cassettes (optional)
15
15

Page 14 of 110 Pages
OVERALL DIMENSIONS , Models 3870

Page 15 of 110 Pages
Models 3840
3.7 Utilities
3.7.1 Electrical utility
Property
Value: 3850/3840
Value: 3870
Power supply
208/230VAC
±10%, 50Hz
400VAC ±10%,
50Hz
Recommended
circuit breaker
15A
10A
3.7.2 Other Utilities
Tap water
1/2", 2-3 Bar (29-44 psi)
Mineral free water
1/2", 2-3 Bar (29-44 psi)
Drain
2" Minimum Withstanding
temp. of 80°C (176°F)
Attention:
A switch or circuit-breaker must be included in the building
installation. This switch or circuit-breaker shall be in close proximity
to the equipment, within easy reach of the operator; and marked as the
disconnecting device for the equipment.
The electrical net must be protected with a current leakage safety
relay.
The electrical network must comply with local rules or regulations.

Page 16 of 110 Pages
Verify that there is an easy access to the main power switch, to the
water cut-off valve and to the current leakage safety relay.
Make sure while placing the autoclave, to leave space around the
machine, to give the technician access to service the machine.
All water connections to autoclave must be performed through
"BACK FLOW PREVENTION SYSTEM" only, as per IEC 61770.
3.8 Construction
The main parts of the autoclave are made of materials as indicated below:
Chamber and door are made of stainless steel
Trays are made of stainless steel.
Water reservoir is made of hard plastic material.
Door handle is made of hard plastic material, which is safe to touch
and thermo-insulated.
3.9 Environment Emission Information
The peak sound level generated by the autoclave is less than 70 dBa
with background noise of 60 dBa.
The total heat per hour transmitted by the autoclave is < 100 W/h for
all models.
3.10 Safety Features
This autoclave includes built-in safety features such as:
Error message display.
Temperature dependent door locking system according to European
standards.
Electronic pressure and temperature measurement.
Safety relief valve to avoid build-up of excessive pressure.
Door switch enabling operation to be started only when the door is
closed.
Water level safety device.
Excess temperature protection.
3.11 Water Quality
3.11.1 Water for Steam Generation
The distilled or mineral – free water supplied to the autoclave
should have the physical characteristics and maximum
acceptable level of contaminants indicated in the table below:

Page 17 of 110 Pages
Physical Characteristics and Maximum acceptable
contaminants levels in steam for sterilizers
(According to EN 13060:2004).
Element
Condensate – allowable
content
Silicium oxide. SiO2
≤0.1 mg/kg
Iron
≤0.1 mg/kg
Cadmium
≤0.005 mg/kg
Lead
≤ 0.05 mg/kg
Rest of metals except iron,
cadmium, lead
≤0.1 mg/kg
Chloride (Cl)
≤0.1 mg/kg
Phosphate (P2O5)
≤0.1 mg/kg
Conductivity (at 20°C)
≤3 μs/cm
pH value (degree of acidity)
5 to 7
Appearance
Colourless clean
without sediment
Hardness (Σ Ions of alkaline earth)
≤0.02 mmol/l
Compliance with the above data should be tested in accordance
with acknowledged analytical methods, by an authorized
laboratory.
Attention:
We recommend testing the water quality once a month. The use of water
for autoclaves that does not comply with the table above may have severe
impact on the working life of the sterilizer and can invalidate the
manufacturer’s guarantee.
3.11.2 Drain Cooling
The feed water supplied to the drain cooling must meet the
following requirements:
Hardness: 0.7 - 0.2 mmol/l.
Water temperature shall not exceed 15°C (59°F).
3.11.3 Reverse Osmosis
A Reverse Osmosis (RO) system may be used to improve the
quality of the water used to generate steam in the autoclave
chamber.
In RO, the water is forced through a semi-penetrable membrane,
which filters out contaminants to a high degree of efficiency. In
deionisation (DI) ions and charged particles are removed either
by electric fields or by ion exchange in resin beds.

Page 18 of 110 Pages
Although the RO cannot normally attain the degree of purity
possible with the DI methods, it is more than adequate for the
feed water intended for clean-steam generators.
Moreover the RO has several advantages:
1. RO is cheaper to install and to run than DI.
2. RO removes particulate matter, organic molecules and
pyrogens that DI cannot remove
3. RO water is less corrosive to steel and copper than DI
water.
4. RO maintenance requirements are less demanding than
those of the DI units.
Therefore the use of mineral free water will contribute to better
performance and longer life of the autoclave.
3.12 Symbol Description
Caution! Consult accompanying documents
Caution! Hot surface.
Caution! Hot steam.
Protective earth (Ground)
On-Off