Euroklav 23V S: User Manual For The Autoclave
Euroklav 23V S: User Manual For The Autoclave
Euroklav 23V S: User Manual For The Autoclave
for the
Autoclave
Euroklav 23V S
Dear Doctor:
Thank you very much for the trust which you have shown by purchasing this autoclave.
For more than 50 years now, MELAG — a medium-sized family-owned and -operated
company — has specialized in the production of sterilization equipment for medical
practice. During this period, MELAG has succeeded in becoming a leading manufacturer
of sterilization equipment. More than 335 000 MELAG units sold throughout the world
testify to the exceptional quality of our sterilizers. — which are manufactured exclusively
in Germany.
As all other MELAG products, this autoclave was manufactured and tested according to
strict quality criteria. Before placing this unit into operation, please read this User Manual
carefully. The long-term functional effectiveness and the preservation of the value of your
autoclave will depend on careful preparation of instruments before sterilization, and on
proper care of the unit.
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
CONTENTS
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
15
14
1
13
12 Rear-view
2
3
4
11
Front-view 10
9 5
8 6
7
16 17
Side-view
Buttons for selecting, adjusting and Program selection Start - stop buttons to start
displaying special functions: for sterilization programs/ test programs and interrupt programs,
Printing, date/time, pre-heating, and for selecting options (sub-menus) of the drying, and to control special
total loads, conductivity, re-setting special functions functions
Fig. 2 Control panel Euroklav23V-S
1.3 Technical data ______________________________________________________
Sterilization space (diameter x depth ) : 25cm x 47cm
Electric power supply : 3000W / 230V AC / 16 A / 50....60Hz
Sterilization pressure / temperature : 2bar/134°C; 1bar/121°C
Maximum load: : 4kg instruments or 1kg textiles
Further technical details are included in the Annex
1.4 Performance features of this autoclave _________________________________
1.4.1 Prevacuum procedure combined with pulsed flow method _______________________________
With the pre-vacuum procedure, most of the air is evacuated from the sterilization chamber and the load in a
first step.
Then the pulsed flow method is used in which steam flows into and then out of the autoclave to ensure
effective penetration of the items to be sterilized by superheated steam.
This makes it possible to carry out demanding sterilization tasks rapidly and reliably, such as for example the
sterilization of wrapped instruments or textiles.
The stream penetration can be tested by implementing a special test program for the Bowie & Dick Test,
which is the standard test for large-scale sterilization. operations..
1.4.2 Sterilization categories ____________________________________________________________
The Euroklav®23V-S features three sterilization programs for temperatures at 134°C: the “Universal
Program” (for wrapped objects), the “Prion Program” (a special Universal Program), the “Fast Program” for
unwrapped items, and the “Gentle Program” (a sterilization program for textiles and rubber articles at 121°C).
The user can at any time perform additional functional checks of the autoclave by running the Bowie & Dick
Test for steam penetration, and the Vacuum Test for leak testing. The additional program "MELAsteam®" is
available as an option, and functions at a temperature of 136°C.
1.4.3 Integrated steam generation ________________________________________________________
The powerful steam generation in the sterilization chamber makes it possible to sterilize large loads of
instruments or textiles in a short time. This system of steam generation means that excess temperatures in
the sterilized chamber are not possible.
1.4.4 One-way/Closed-loop system/ Conductivity measurement/ Automatic water refilling _________
The Euroklav®23V-S can be operated in the tried and tested one-way system, in which steam, condensed
water and all dissolved impurities are led away at the end of every sterilization cycle, and fresh
demineralized or distilled water is then used. This is particularly good for all the materials used. However, in
some instances it is also important to use less water, and the Euroklav®23V-S can also be used in a water-
conserving closed-loop mode. In this case the used water flows from the left side of the double-chamber
storage container over the separating wall into the right-hand chamber. This water is then used again in the
next sterilization cycle. With the closed-loop operation it is important that the instruments to be sterilized
have been very carefully washed and swilled in purified water. The water in the autoclave must also be
exchanged once a week.
An integrated electrical conductivity meter monitors the quality of the demineralized or distilled water used to
generate the steam. Using the recommended one-way operation for the autoclave, the increased
consumption of demineralized or distilled water can be provided by a water purifier such as the
MELAdem®47 or MELAdem®37, which can be directly connected to the autoclave.
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
Provided that the instruments are prepared carefully for the sterilization, stains on the load and soiling of the
autoclave itself can be prevented.
1.4.5 Electronic Parameter Control EPS ___________________________________________________
The microprocessor in the Euroklav®23V-S makes it possible to monitor pressure, temperature and time
continuously during a program by Electronic Parameter Control The overall operating time can then be
optimised according the load and the temperature of the autoclave.
The process assessment and monitoring system in the program control compare current process parameters
with standard process data and monitors the process relative to limit values for temperatures, times and
pressures. This makes it possible to identify faults as they occur, and provides quality assurance for the
sterilization process.
1.4.6 Combined pressure pulsing and vacuum drying _______________________________________
This method ensures good drying results even for wrapped instruments.
1.4.7 Pre-heating ______________________________________________________________________
By activating the "pre-heating" function, the cold autoclave chamber can be warmed up before sterilization,
or the temperature can be maintained between sterilization runs. This reduces the duration of cycles and
considerably reduces the formation of condensation, thus improving drying results.
1.4.8 Documentation ___________________________________________________________________
The electronic memory stores records of the previous 40 programs.
For effective hard-copy documentation and for checking purposes a MELAprint®42 printer can be connected
to print out a record immediately after completion of a program or to print out records from the memory.
2 Installation
When setting-up and installing the autoclave, please consult the separate instruction leaflet "Installing the
Euroklav®23V-S".
2.1 Setting up the autoclave ______________________________________________
The autoclave should be set up in a dry place which is protected against dust. The base should be stable,
and able to support the weight of the appliance (unloaded weight 43 kg).The space required by the autoclave
can be seen from the external dimensions (as in Section 1.1). A minimum additional space of 10 cm should
be allowed on either side and above the autoclave in order to ensure that heat can escape.
The electrical power supply should be a separate 230V AC circuit with a 16 A fuse.
Should it be decided at some stage to install an automatic one-way water system, it is necessary to have a
connection to the wastewater plumbing near the autoclave, preferably a wall outlet (NW 40) or a sink-trap
(standard length of outflow pipe 2m, 16 mm width). The work surface on which the autoclave stands must be
higher than the outlet, and the outlet pipe must be without bends and twists which could prevent water
flowing out freely. At the same time, the work surface must provide convenient access to the autoclave, and
the display must be clearly visible.
The autoclave can be supplied with demineralized/distilled water from the integrated two chamber storage
tank, with freshwater and wastewater chambers. Alternatively, the Euroklav® 23V-S can also be connected to
an external water purifier - MELAdem®47 or MELAdem®37 (or an equivalent water purification system).
However, please note that this will require additional space.
2.2 Transport ribbons ___________________________________________________
Take the autoclave out of the packaging by means of the transport ribbons. The ribbons themselves are
each removed by undoing two retaining screws, which must then be screwed firmly back in place without
washers.
2.3 Levelling ___________________________________________________________
In order to ensure that condensate can drain out of the autoclave (which is important if it is to operate
properly) the appliance must have be higher at the front than at the back. The autoclave should first be
installed in a horizontal position (this should be checked with a spirit level at the chamber flange) and then
the front feet should be extended by giving them five (5) turns.
2
Rear view
9 4
1 Tank lid
2 One-way outlet
3 Connection for internal supply of demineralized/distilled water
4 Pipe link for internal supply of demineralized/distilled water
5 Y-connection with non-return valve (included in Item 6 )
6 Wall-mounted trap (MELAG- Art.- No.: 37410)
7 Wall outlet (NW 40)
8 Supply line for external supply of demineralized/distilled water
9 Mains power supply
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
3 Initial start-up
3.1 Printer connection/ Initialization (optional)_______________________________
3.1.1 Connecting the MELAprint®42_______________________________________________________
The autoclave can be connected to an external printer, the MELAprint®42. This is not supplied as standard
with the autoclave.
In order to connect the printer to the autoclave follow the description in Section 6.3.1.1.1.
3.1.2 Initialization of the printer / Setting up immediate print-out ______________________________
Initialize the external printer (registering with the processing unit of the autoclave) as described in Section
6.3.1.1.2 .In order to select the immediate print-out option, which means that a record of each sterilization is
printed out automatically as soon as it has finished, proceed as described in Section 6.3.1.3.
3.2 Vacuum test ________________________________________________________
In order to check the operation of the autoclave in the course of the initial start-up, after long periods without
being used, or after moves, as well as periodically during routine use, a vacuum test should be carried out to
check for leaks.
The vacuum test should be carried out as follows, preferably on the cold autoclave:
Program Start-Stop
5. The evacuation
pressure has been Program Start-Stop
reached. Vacu test 00:00
The equalisation period
begins Press.: 240mbar
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
If the leakage rate is above the limit value, then the display (and the print-out) will also show "Test
unsuccessful". In this case, follow the instruction in 7.3.
3.3 Test run____________________________________________________________
In order to check the operation of the autoclave under realistic conditions, a test run should be carried out
with the "Universal Program, 134°C wrapped" and a relevant load. After loading the autoclave and selecting
the program with the "Program" button, sterilization is started by pushing the "Start/Stop“ button. If the
program runs correctly, the following message will appear on the display (see Section 4.7):
Program Start-Stop
Universal-Program
run successfully
with the values for the maximum values for pressure and temperature. If the immediate printout option has
been selected for an external printer a record of the program run will be printed.
3.4 Installation record ___________________________________________________
As documentation that the autoclave has been set-up properly, an installation record should be produced by
an authorised person and a copy sent to MELAG. This is important in the event that you wish to make claims
under warranty provisions.
3.5 Safety instructions __________________________________________________
When opening the door, particularly after interrupting the drying process, residual steam can escape from
the autoclave chamber.
After opening the door, do not touch any metal surfaces - these will be hot! Danger of burns. Always use
the tray lifter to remove trays, or wear suitable hand protectors when taking out other items
If you install the optional water purifier MELAdem®47 or MELAdem®37 we recommend the installation of a
water leak detector (see installation details Section 2).
If you intend to install a water purification unit from another manufacturer, then consult MELAG before
you do so.
The appliance is not suitable for sterilizing liquids.
Under current VDE-regulations, this appliances is not suited for use in areas where there are risks of
explosion.
The appliance must only be serviced and repaired by MELAG or by its authorised representatives
(specialist dealers or customer services) using only original parts and following service instructions.
Before opening the housing always disconnect from the mains power supply!
In order to ensure effective sterilization with the autoclave observe the instructions in this User Manual,
and in particular ensure that the loading of the autoclave is appropriate for the program selected.
4 Instructions for all sterilization procedures
4.1 Electricity and water supplies ________________________________________
4.1.1 Distilled or demineralized feed water________________________________________________
The autoclave automatically monitors the availability of cooling water and purified water, as well as the
quality of the distilled / demineralized water before starting a program.
In order to allow an immediate program start and to avoid error reports or interruptions of programs (see
Sections: 7.3 and 7.4) :
Before the first sterilization at the start of the working day, check that the internal water supply has
sufficient water in the right chamber of the double internal tank. If necessary, refill with water of
appropriate quality (see Section 8.3.2).
If the feed water is drawn directly from a MELAdem®47 water purifier, check that its water supply is turned
on in good time (this may be up to an hour before starting a sterilization program), if the water supply has
been turned off over night, for example.
4.1.2 Power supply ___________________________________________________________________
Switch on the power using the switch on the front of the autoclave (bottom right). About 15 seconds after the
message "Please wait Door release“ the appliance is in the start status:
Program Start-Stop
Time (h:min:s)
14:27:12
Pressure (bar) 0.02bar 25°C
(Steam)-Temperature (°C)
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
Program Start-Stop
Door
closed
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
At the start of the quick program there will be an additional message "Warning: Only unwrapped
instruments". This message must be acknowledged by pressing "Start" again.
4.7 Program progress ___________________________________________________
After starting the program, it will then progress automatically. The display shows the current program status
as follows:
4. Sterilization phase
When the required pressure and Program Start-Stop
temperature have been reached the Sterilization
sterilization proper then begins.
The display shows alternately the pressure 2.18 bar 135°C
and temperature and the time remaining.
Program Start-Stop
Sterilization
still 2 min 12 sec
5. Pressure release
After completion of the sterilization time, the Program Start-Stop
pressure is released and the steam Pressure release
generator emptied.
Pressure and temperature fall. 0.85 bar 96°C
Program status Display message
6. 1st drying phase
(Flow drying) Program Start-Stop
After pressure release the drying phase Current drying
begins.
Throughout the drying phases of the sin. 1' 0.9bar 85°C
program can be ended without an error
report, since the sterilization itself has been
completed. Program Start-Stop
However, with the exception of the "Quick
Program" you should normally wait until the Immediate removal
drying is completed.. Press STOP
8. Program end
After ventilation of the chamber the Program Start-Stop
program is completed. Quick Program
If a printer is attached and print-out "yes" is
selected, the record will be printed-out run succesfully
immediately.
Program Start-Stop
Please wait
Door unlocking
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
------------------------------------------
MELAG Euroklav 23V-S Program
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Mean sterilization temperature/ deviations
PROGRAM PROPERLY EXECUTED!
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
Program Start-Stop
Acknowledge
with button ' - '
Program Start-Stop
the option to terminate the drying phase Immediate removal
Press 'STOP'
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
6.3.1.2.1 Installation_____________________________________________________________________
Records and archives can also be kept by using an external PC. This requires a suitable connection between
the serial port of the PC and the printer port of the autoclave.
For data transfer and data processing then you must first install the program MELAwin® on the PC.
6.3.1.2.2 Downloading to a PC ____________________________________________________________
After connecting the autoclave to a PC the print-out option for "External PC" must be selected. Proceed as
for an external printer (see Section 6.3.1.1.2), , but under Point 5 use the "+" or "-" button to select the
"External PC" option.
6.3.1.3 No printer ______________________________________________________________________
In order to select the option "No printer", proceed as described as in Section 6.3.1.1.2. Under Point 5,
however, use the "+" or "-" button to reach the setting "No printer".
6.3.2 Immed. print-out? Yes/No
When an external printer is fully installed, a print-out can be produced automatically at the end of each
program run by selecting the following options after switching on the autoclave:
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5. To select another
Program Start-Stop
number, press the "-" or
"+" button until the right Last cycle
number is reached, e.g.
here No. 25 print: No. 25
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
Program Start-Stop
Date / Time
Seconds : 13
Program Start-Stop
Date / Time
Day : 14
Program Start-Stop
Date / Time
Month : 05
Program Start-Stop
Date / Time of day
Year : 00
5. After finding the required
Program Start-Stop
option, e.g. "Minute",
press the "Program" Date / Time
button and the current
value flashes Minute : 23
6. Press "+" or "-" to
Program Start-Stop
increase or reduce the
value: Date / Time
Minute : 28
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3. Check that the maximum load has not been exceeded (particularly for textiles), that the autoclave
has been loaded properly (no direct contact with the walls of the pressure chamber), and that the
appropriate tray-rack assembly has been used (see Section 4.2).
4. Activate automatic pre-heating (see Section 6.5).
5. Start with "Additional heating" (see Section 6.2).
6. If none of these measures help to reduce water consumption, please inform your specialist dealer.
7.3 Warning messages __________________________________________________
For the following warning messages, please observe the comments made and restart the program in
question. If the warning occurs repeatedly please consult your specialist dealer.
No start
possible
Acknowledge
with button" - "
This warning appears when the supply of
Warning demineralized/distilled water is set to "external". IN this
case the water will be supplied from an external water
Water supply purifier.
The internal flow monitor for the demineralized/distilled
Check supply water supply has not reacted (when filling the steam
aqua dem/dest generator):
Supply from MELAdem47:
Check the water purifier. If necessary open the water
No start intake tap. If the pressure water storage unit is empty
possible wait approximately 1 hour before restarting the
program. If the message reappears repeatedly, have
the water purifier serviced.
Acknowledge Supply from MELAdem37:
with button " - " Check the water purification system. If necessary
open the water intake tap. If the message reappears
repeatedly, have the water purifier serviced
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
No start
possible
Acknowledge
with button " - "
Warning message Cause / Remedy
WARNING! The pressure for the ventilation drying lies outside the
permitted range. The report comes at the end of the program,
and as the last line of the print-out:
The sterile filter may be clogged or torn. Exchange the
Sterile filter sterile filter (MELAG Art. No.: 53390).
Replace !
Acknowledge
with button " - "
Communication with the printer via the serial interface has
Printer is been interrupted. This message appears when a report cannot
Not ready be printed out. It is displayed for 20 seconds. If the printer
becomes operational during this period the cycle record prints
out:
The autoclave may be operated without a printer. Check
under the "Data transfer" menu that the option "No printer"
has been selected. (see Section 6.3.1.3)
Check the cable connection between the printer and the
autoclave.
Check the power supply to the printer. In the MELAprint®42
the red light should indicate 'power on'
The printer may be "Offline". Select "online"
(MELAprint®42, press "SEL" button, green LED "SEL"
should shine)
The internal printer memory is full (40 cycles recorded), an
Printer memory external printer is registered, and in the "Print" menu the
full option "Immed. print-out? No" is selected. The message is
displayed when a program is started. Pressing the "Start /
Stop" button again deleted the message and the program
starts:
You can continue operations simply by pressing the "Start /
Stop" button twice when you start a program.
Select "Immed. print-out? Yes" (see Section 6.3.1.3)
Delete stored records (See Section 6.3.6), if necessary
print-out all stored cycle records first (see Section 6.3.4)
In the Data transfer menu, select the "No printer" option (see
Section 6.3.1.3)
The service message is activated after a certain number of
Please service loads or a set operating period, when a service is due. The
message appears before the start of every program. If you
press the "Start / Stop" button again the message is deleted
and the program starts.
You can continue operations, by simply pressing the
"Start / Stop" button twice when you start a program.
Have a service carried out as recommended by an
authorised MELAG servicing company or your specialist
dealer.
The cycle counter for servicing should be reset after the
service.
The leak rate during the vacuum test exceeds the limit value:
Test unsuccessful Check and if necessary clean the door seal and the rim of
Leak rate: 3.8 the chamber
Repeat the vacuum test with a completely cold autoclave
If no other error reports occur during operation, you can
continue to use the autoclave until the regular service, when
the cause of the leak will be identified.
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Malfunction 14: The flow monitor for the demineralized / distilled water supply
does not close during the program (see message "Warning no
Water supply feed water" - page 34).
Malfunction 26: The limit deviation for internal analog/digital signal conversion
has been exceeded:
A/D-Converting If this occurs repeatedly, inform your specialist dealer.
Malfunction 27: The limit deviation between the two sensors for the steam
temperature has been exceeded:
Temp. sens. def 1,2 If this occurs repeatedly, inform your specialist dealer.
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Malfunction 34: The minimum sterilization temperature has not been reached:
Reduce the size of the load.
Sterilization TU If this occurs repeatedly, inform your specialist dealer.
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
Consult your dealer of the MELAG Customer Service if you have any questions relating to servicing and
maintenance.
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9 Annex
9.1 Installation options __________________________________________________
Example 1 Example 2
A A
A
Example 3 Example 4
B B
Fig. 4 Installation options for the Euroklav23V-S (A) with double-chamber trap (B)*1)
*1) Alternatively, a separate outflow trap can be installed
Example 1 Example 2
Euroklav23V-S (rear view), basic version Euroklav23V-S (rear view) with one-way water
Water supply be means of internal double chamber outflow installed Double chamber trap
storage tank
Example 3 Example 4
Euroklav23V-S (rear view) with installed MELAdem37 Euroklav23V-S (rear view) with installed
and MELAjet MELAdem47
Double chamber trap Double chamber trap
Leak detector with stop valve (optional) Leak detector with stop valve (optional)
MELAdem37 MELAdem47
MELAjet (optional)
9.2 Additional technical data ____________________________________________
9.2.1 Capacity / Weight ________________________________________________________________
Weight (unloaded)) 43 kg
Chamber volume 22 litre
Maximum load 4 kg instruments or
1 kg textiles
Loading options: Mount "B" with max. 4 standard tray-cassettes or 4 MELAG-trays
Mount "C" with max. 6 standard tray-cassettes or 3 MELAG-trays
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User Manual Euroklav®23V-S
Steam Steam
Heat
Condensate
Formation of condensation on the sterilization container
The steam also heats the objects contained in the sterilization containers. Condensation forms on the objects
being sterilized, and some of the condensation drops to the bottom of the sterilization container.
Steam
Heat
Condensate
Heat
After sterilization, during the drying phase, all the condensation must evaporate from the sterilization
container and from the sterilized items themselves. This is achieved by the transfer to the condensate of heat
stored in the walls of the sterilization container and in the sterilized items themselves. It is preferable that the
sterilization container be made of aluminium, as this metal stores and conducts heat well, ensuring faster
drying than other materials.
Condensate+Heat=Steam
Heat
Drying
For good drying it is essential that surplus heat be transferred to the objects which have been sterilized. In
addition, the condensation must be led out of the sterilization containers. The floor of the containers have
channels and the lid has an arched filter area.
9.3.2 Textiles ________________________________________________________________________
When preparing textiles for treatment in the autoclave, care must be taken that the folds in the textiles are
arranged in parallel, and that the items are packed side-by-side. This vertical configuration ensures that
channels can form between the textile folds for the air to flow out and steam to flow in. Do not stack textiles
on top of each other as this hinders the penetration of steam into the packages of textiles.
When loading sterilization containers with textile items, care should be taken to ensure that they retain their
vertical orientation, but that the items are not squashed together. This would prevent the formation of flow
channels for air and steam. If the packages of textiles cannot be kept upright, then it might be advisable to
wrap them in sterilization paper.
The textiles must not touch the sides or the base of the sterilization container, since they might become
saturated with condensate.
For good drying results, the textiles should also be as dry as possible when they are placed in the autoclave.
The heat stored in the chamber and sterilization container may not otherwise be sufficient to evaporate both
the moisture and the condensation.
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Textiles Textiles
A
Instruments Instruments
Instruments Instruments
B
Textiles Textiles
B
Packing "soft“ sterilization packages in sterilization containers
9.3.6 Stacking sterilization containers____________________________________________________
When arranging sterilization containers, care should be taken that drops of condensate do not wet items
being sterilized beneath, but can flow away to the base of the chamber. The best arrangement is a stack of
sterilization containers of the same size, so that condensate can flow down the sides.