Chapter 9 – Function descriptions
Chapter 9 – Function descriptions
Sterilization procedure
The autoclave sterilizes using the fractionated pre-vacuum method. This ensures complete removal of air
and effective wetting or penetration of the items to be sterilized with saturated steam. This method can be
used to sterilize all types of loads in a medical practice.
The autoclave uses a separate steam generator to generate the sterilization steam. At the start of the
program steam is generated and fed into the sterilization chamber. In this way a defined pressure and
prescribed temperature are ensured.
The items being sterilized are dried using the post-vacuum method (vacuum drying). This ensures that
optimal drying results are achieved even when wrapped items are sterilized.
Type of feed water supply
The autoclave works using a feed water one-way system. This means that it uses fresh feed water for
every sterilization cycle. The quality of the feed water is monitored by an integrated conductivity meter.
Internal process monitoring
The electronics of the autoclave has an integrated process evaluation system. It monitors process
parameters such as temperature, time, and pressure during a program. Opening the door while there is
positive pressure in the sterilization chamber is therefore not possible. The sterilization chamber is
protected against overheating and the total operating time of a program is optimized depending on the
load.
It also monitors the parameters in terms of their thresholds when controlling and regulating and ensures
reliable and successful sterilization. If one or more parameters deviate from the defined thresholds, the
autoclave issues a warning or error message and, if necessary, interrupts the program.
Programs
Program sequences
Normal sterilization program
Program phase
1. Venting phase
2. Heating phase
3. Sterilization phase
4. Drying phase
5. Ventilation
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Description
In the venting phase (fractionation), the air is repeatedly suctioned off until the
pressure defined for the program is reached. This is achieved by alternating
with the influx of steam until a slight positive pressure is reached.
Depending on the program selected and the current chamber temperature at
the start of the program, the fractionation may be repeated.
After the venting phase, the heating phase starts. The steady influx of steam
into the chamber increases the pressure and the temperature until the
sterilization parameters are reached.
After reaching the parameters for the sterilization pressure and temperature,
the sterilization phase starts.
After the pressure has been released, the drying phase starts. At the end of
the drying phase, the chamber is ventilated while the pressure is equilibrated.
At the end of a program the chamber pressure is equilibrated to the
atmospheric pressure. A corresponding message "Ventilation" is shown on the
display.