1 of 6 TUTTNAUER OLD AUTOCLAVE OPERATING PROCEDURE Aim The aim of this operating procedure is to equip the user with the knowledge to safely and successfully operate the old pressure chamber. This autoclave is equipped with manual pressure release knobs, timer and gauges for pressure (atmosphere units) and temperature (celcius) and two baskets which are stacked one on the other. It is prohibited to use the pressure release knobs to lower the pressure! Materials & Equipment Room -171 key Autoclave s Switch key 1 Heat resistance gloves See appendix A for images of the device and it s parts Operating procedure 1. Lift the hatch and place the items in the two baskets see that it is possible to close the hatch safely without damaging any large glassware such as Erlenmeyer flasks. It is possible to place 3x5L Erlenmeyer in the lower basket (one will be tilted) and 2x5L at the top basket. 2. Check the water level is in between the minimum and maximum water level limits use a flashlight if it s difficult to see the position of the water level In case there is a need to add more water, use the filling water hose to add more water (filling is performed directly into the autoclave chamber). It may take as much as 15 or more seconds till the water will reach the end of the hose, so be patient. 1 Both keys can be obtained at the student s office
2 of 6 3. Check that the pressure release valves (see #2 in the images) are secured (clockwise). Mind that the upper release valve knob might be turning on it s axis. 4. Using the hatch handle carefully close the hatch and lock it s position by pulling the hatch lock handle toward you. 5. Seal the hatch by swiveling the four-handle hatch seal clockwise till it feels secure and can not be turned no more. 6. Insert the operating key into the on switch (#6) and turn it clockwise till you hear a click sound and the heating indicator is turned on. 7. Return the on switch to it s original position by turning the key counterclockwise and remove it from the key slot. 8. When leaving the room, lock the room s door. 9. Return to the room after ~1hr to see that the autoclave is functioning properly (pressure and temperature is rising, with no events of pressure release) In case there is an uncontrolled pressure release, call Yehuda Feldman (#08-64-61372 or 08-64-72632) or one of the lab members. It will take approximately 3 hours from this point till the pressure returns to zero 10. Only when the pressure returns to zero press the off button (red colored, #7). 11. It is now possible to release the hatch seal (counter clockwise). 12. Unlock the hatch by pushing the locking handle away from you and lift the hatch with the hatch handle. Watch out, heat steam will be released! 13. Remove the items with heat-resistant gloves and leave the hatch open for ventilation purposes. 14. Lock the door and return both keys to the student s office.
3 of 6 Appendix A Pictures of the Tuttnauer pressure chamber 1 Control Panel 2 Release valves 3 Water level indicator 4 Hatch 5 Water filling valve
4 of 6 6 On switch 7 Off switch 8 Pressure gauge (kgf/cm 2 ) 9 Temperature Gauge ( C) 10 Locking handle 11 Hatch seal 12 Locking pins
5 of 6 Appendix B - Autoclave Temperature and Time Pressure Chart (next page 2 ) STERILIZER TEMPERATUREPRESSURE TIME Steam autoclave 121 C (250 F) 15psi 15min unwrapped items 132 C (270 F) 30psi 3min lightly wrapped items 132 C (270 F) 30psi 8min heavily wrapped items 132 C (270 F) 30psi 10min Dry heat wrapped 170 C (340 F) 60 min 160 C (340 F) 120min 150 C (300F) 150min 140 C (285F) 180min 121 C (250F) 12hrs Dry heat (rapid flow) 190 C (375F) 6min unwrapped items Dry heat (rapid flow) 190 C (375 F) 12min packaged items Chemical vapor 132 C (270 F) 20-40 psi 20min Ethylene oxide Ambient 8-10 hours As published by Jada, (Journal of American Dental Association) Vol 122 December 1991 kgf/cm 2 PSI 1 kgf/cm 2 = 14.22 PSI 2 Adapted from Alfa Medical http://www.sterilizers.com/
6 of 6