Owner`s manual

11
SECTION 2 WATER CONDITIONS
Market Forge from time to time is asked the question
about using distilled or deionized water for use with our
Sterilizer models STM-E and STM-EL. We are always
asked why these water choices are not allowed for use
with our units and what would be recommended. To
address this situation, we have complied the following
as a means of satisfying these questions:
We have found that the use of distilled or deionized
water will aggressively attack the pure coat of Alu-
minum Alclad, which protects the bottom surface
from oxidizing and then eventually pitting (refer-
ence: Operating and Maintenance Instructions).
In addition pitting can also be caused by several
other external environmental factors. Few exam-
ples are as follows. These conditions have been
highlighted in our documentation.
Grains of hardness in the water supply should be
as follows (.25 to 2).
A pH imbalance in the water supply can greatly af-
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fect the life to the aluminum cylinder. The pH range
that would be recommended is between 7.0-8.5.
The lack of a positive electrical ground can cause
an electrolytic reaction that will accelerate pitting.
Another contribution to accelerate pitting is the
type of cleaning solutions used or the abrasive
scrubbing pads. If a low pH is present with the de-
tergents being used or an abrasive pad, the pro-
tective Alclad coating will be removed during the
cleaning process.
Spillage of media being sterilized can also contrib-
ute to the accelerated pitting if it is corrosive.
CHLORINE LEVEL ≤ 1 PPM.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Market Forge will not be responsible for damage
resulting from the use of hard or corrosive water,
from failure to drain the unit daily, or from inad-
equate cleaning procedures.
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SECTION 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
IMPORTANT: Make sure the drain valve is closed.
Fill bottom of the sterilizer chamber with approxi-
mately six quarts of water or just below ledge at
bottom of door opening. (If water supply is known
to be hard or corrosive, a source of treated water
should be used.) DO NOT USE DISTILLED OR
DEIONIZED WATER. (See section 2)
LOAD STERILIZER: Use proper sterilizer load-
ing procedures when placing materials in sterilizer
chamber. All solid containers or instruments must
be placed so that water or air will not be trapped
in them.
CLOSE DOOR: Grasp handle, and holding it
in vertical position, pull door down until bottom of
door rests in the bottom of door opening. Then
rotate handle forward, engaging the lower curved
portion under the horizontal rod in the casting at
the bottom of the door opening. Push handle all the
way down and back until door is locked securely in
position.
SET EXHAUST SELECTOR: Located at cen-
ter of the control housing mounted on top of the
unit, to correct position. Unit is now ready to start.
All items, other than solutions, may be sterilized
with selector at “Instruments”. Solutions require a
low exhaust. Place selector at “Liquids”.
DETERMINE CORRECT STERILIZATION
TIMES: (Referring to page 11 for minimum re-
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quired times in the sterilization guide and times
table.) NOTE: In no case should the timer be set
to less than 15 minutes. Sterilization will not be
accomplished in less than 15 minutes exposure
time.
TURN TIMER: Located at upper right front of
sterilizer. Select desired length of sterilizing peri-
od. This turns power supply on and starts the cycle
after pressure-temperature combination has been
reached. Amber pilot light indicates that the timer
is running.
When the sterilizer chamber reaches the selected
temperature, the timed exposure cycle will begin.
When the exposure cycle is completed, the elec-
tric supply will be opened automatically. When
the chamber pressure gauge located at the top
of the control housing reads “0”, the door may be
opened. (Release handle and let go to avoid possi-
ble contact with remaining steam.) When opening
the door, allow a few seconds for steam to escape
from chamber before opening completely.
To assist in drying racks, release door handle af-
ter pressure has been attained at start of cycle.
Pressure in chamber will keep door closed. The
use of a wire basket will provide better drying for
dressings. At end of sterilizing cycle, release door
handle and open slightly. Do not lift door to open
position. This will allow steam and moisture to es-
cape. Allow door to remain in this position for 15
to 20 minutes before removing load. Small packs
can be dried successfully with this procedure. We
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