TAU STERIL s.n.c Data: 08.01.

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Via Gorizia, 6/a Istruzioni d’uso Pag. 1 di 12
Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Operating Instructions
Tau Clave 3000

0426
DIRETTIVA 93/42 CEE

DISPOSITIVIMEDICI

Instructions n°2 Tau Clave 3000 Rev1 08.01.10

 TAU STERIL s.n.c Data: 08.01.10
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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

INDICE

Chapter Subject Page

1 Warnings 3
2 Introduction 4
2.1 Door opening and closure 4
2.2 Expected use of materials to sterilize 5
2.3 Manufacturer’s responsibility 5
3 Installation 7
4 Characteristics 7
4.1 Technical data 7
4.2 Environmental working conditions 7
4.3 Recommended times and characteristics of 7
programmes
5 Operating modes 9
5.1 General information 9
5.2 Visualizations 9
5.3 Alarms visualization modes 10
5.3.1 Alarms and corresponding summary codes 11
5.4 Operating instructions 12
5.5 Setting date & time on printer 13
5.5.1 Using the printer 13
5.6 Description of Tau Clave 3000 cycle 14
6 Transport and storage conditions 15
7 Maintenance and cleaning 15
8 Wire diagram 17
9 Control panel 18
10 Safety rules and precautions 19
10.1 Decommissioning and scrapping of the 20
appliance
10.2 Legend of symbols 20
11 Circuit Hydraulic 21

Instructions n°2 Tau Clave 3000 Rev1 08.01.10

 TAU STERIL s.n.c Data: 08.01.10
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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

1) Warnings
Tau Clave 3000 is an Autoclave. Carefully clean the sterilization chamber and the instruments to sterilize. USE
ONLY DEMINERALIZED WATER.
For a correct maintenance, please follow these indications when the machine is cold. Execute maintenance
frequently in order to have an always efficient and clean autoclave.

• Clean the sterilization chamber with water and alcohol. If there is some limestone, remove using a
rough sponge and vinegar. Rinse with water and alcohol.

• Clean the seal with alcohol and make sure no dust is present on the rabbet (stainless steel
counteracting ring). In case of dust clean with alcohol

• Make sure that the seal is always in its exact position on the edge of the disk containing it. (always
perform this operation when the machine is cold). If it has shrunk, (which is quite normal due to the
characteristics of silicone), replace with a new one.
Slight water leaks may occur when seals shrink.

• THOROUGHLY clean the tiny filter inside the sterilization chamber with some vinegar. If the
filter is clogged and cleaning is no longer possible, replace with a new one. Carefully follow the filter
assembly / disassembly instructions in the operating instructions manual on page 15 - 16.

2) Introduction
a. Normative References

All TAU STERIL products are manufactured in compliance with the EEC Medical Devices Directives and
according to the Company Quality System, certified in accordance with UNI EN ISO regulations.

b. Door opening and closure

Figure 1

c. Expected use of materials to sterilize

The equipment is used to sterilize surgical instruments in the medical-paramedical sector. The materials to
be sterilized must withstand operating temperatures ranging from 105°C to 134°C.

Instructions n°2 Tau Clave 3000 Rev1 08.01.10

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Do not load toxic materials into the autoclave. TAU STERIL shall not assume any responsibility in
this respect.

d. Manufacturer’s responsibility

The equipment is manufactured in compliance with European regulations.

The use of this equipment is restricted to the functions for which it was originally designed and
manufactured. The user shall be responsible in case of any possible risks and dangers caused by an
improper use of the autoclave.

3) Installation

Carefully remove the autoclave from its packing and make sure there are no signs of damage. Make sure earthing is
correctly made. Put the autoclave on a flat and horizontal surface, to facilitate aeration. Always respect a distance of
at least 10 cm from any wall or other equipment, to allow suitable ventilation.

Do not put objects or other items in the vicinity of the door, to prevent them from hindering opening of same.
To check that the tension of suitable feeding on the back label corresponds to that in hand in the place of
installation (maximum variation of the tension of net: ± 10%).
To insert the thorn in the attack of the electric net. To press the general interrupter bringing him/it in position
“The” and to verify the lighting of the same.
In case of missed observance of these dispositions TAU STERIL declines every liability.

Connect the autoclave to a nearby and easily accessible plug. Press the main switch setting it to “I” and make
sure the autoclave switches on.

Figure 2

Warning: It is recommended before using the autoclave load (in the first place water loading) of looping
"Unwrapped" (empty chamber without load) in order to sterilize the chamber.

The autoclave is usually delivered with two shims under the front supporting feet to facilitate tilting of the
autoclave. IMPORTANT: Do not alter the shims. A tube on the back of the autoclave allows vapour emission.
IMPORTANT: The tube must be positioned as indicated in figure 2.

Figure 3

When the machine is empty

Instructions n°2 Tau Clave 3000 Rev1 08.01.10

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Fill the bottle with 2.5 lt. of demineralized water. Close the bottle with the suitable cap (see fig. 4).

Insert the small cane in the autoclave’s loading orifice. Slightly unscrew the cap until water starts flowing out. The
indication STOP on the time display, followed by some beeps, indicates that the machine is full.

Figure 4

When A01 alarm is displayed again, indicating a low water level, proceed as follows:

Fill the bottle with demineralized water.

Insert the small cane into the autoclave’s loading orifice and unscrew the cap. When the indication STOP appears
on the time display, loading is completed (about 1,5 / 2 lt. of water after the alarm
A 01 is visualized).

How to empty the recovery tank: the alarm A02 is visualized on the time display; this means the machine must be
emptied (see fig. 3). Without this procedure the machine remains in the alarm condition and cannot be used. For a
better operation of the autoclave, frequently empty the recovery tank (dirty water).

4) Characteristics
a. Technical data

Weight: 50 Kg.

Outer dimensions: Width cm. 44 – Height cm. 38 – Depth cm. 43

Inner dimensions: Diameter of chamber cm. 24 – Depth cm 35.

Absorption: 1250 Watt

Power supply: 220 V. 50 – 60 Hz

b. Environmental working conditions

Temperature 5° - 40°

Moisture (with max. T° 31°) 80%

Moisture (with max. T° 40°) 50%

c. Recommended times and characteristics of programmes

The autoclave has five sterilisation programmes.

The autoclave has five sterilisation programmes.

N.B: All the cycles have a DRYING TIME of 15 min.
In the liquids programme the drying stage is substituted by slow decompression. This is obtained by gradually
decreasing the pressure (40 min.), avoiding damage to the materials.

Instructions n°2 Tau Clave 3000 Rev1 08.01.10

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

PROGRAMME STERILIZATION DRYING SLOW

DECOMPRESSION
UNWRAPPED 134°
( Unwrapped 4 minutes 15 minutes NO
tools ) 2.11 bar
WRAPPED 134°
(Wrapped trays) 12 minutes 15 minutes NO
2.11 bar
PACKS 121°C
(Gauzes and 30 minutes 15 minutes NO
woven) 1.08 bar
LIQUIDS 121°C
( reversibile 30 minutes NO YES
gelatine) 1.08 bar
SPECIAL
(delicate 105°/134° C
materials) 1/20 minutes 15 minutes NO
0.20 / 2.11 bar

N.B. In the LIQUIDS program there is no drying phase (DRY) substituted by SLOW DECOMPRESSION, which stops
the temperature and waits for the pressure to decrease.
This prevents liquid substances from boiling. In the SPECIAL program again there is no drying phase (DRY) in the
selected temperature is 105°C.

5) Operating modes

a. General information

Commands and visualizations are indicated in the drawing on page18. They are:

SELECT To select sterilisation programme

START / STOP To start / stop sterilisation cycle
TEMPERATURE To reduce sterilisation temperature in the special
DECREASE programme. (- TEMP.)
TEMPERATURE To increase sterilisation temperature in the special
INCREASE programme. (+ TEMP.)
TIME DECREASE To reduce sterilisation time in the special programme.
( - TIME)
TIME INCREASE To increase sterilisation time in the special
programme.
(+ TIME)

b. Visualizations
i.Pressure

It indicates pressure in BARS

ii.Temperature

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

It indicates the temperature of vapour inside the chamber by pressing the righ push button (+TEMP.) it indicates
temperature of the heating element. Moreover, by pushing the left push button ( - TEMP. ) you can visualize the
selected cycle temperature.

iii.Time

It indicates the sterilisation time of selected programme.

The alarms identification codes are now displayed, as well as indication “FILL” indicating that water is flowing
into the sterilisation chamber.

iv.Leds indicating operation (Green)

They indicate the programme status:

The led is switched off : the phase has not been executed yet

The led is blinking: the phase is under way

The led is lit: the phase is over

They are:

• READY (drying phase)

• FILL ( loading)
• VACUUM (vacuum)
• HEATING (heater)
• STERILIZE (sterilization)
• DRY(drying phase)
• END (end of cycle)
• PRINT (printing phase).

v.Leds indicating Alarm (Red)

They indicate possible defects

They are:

DOOR ( the door is open)

LOW H2O LEVEL (low water level)

ALARM ( generic alarm – it can be identified by the visualized code on the time display).

The front panel is endowed with a connector (optional) suitable for connection to an external printer. Moreover it is
equipped with a main switch with fuses (2 x 10A. 6,3x32)

c. Alarm visualization model

The machine visualizes every alarm in the following way:

The time display visualizes the alarm code (i.e. A01, A02 etc)

A long “beep” is heard, followed by 10 short beeps (these can be silenced if necessary)

In case of alarm A00 (the door is open) or A01 (low water level), which are the most frequent, the corresponding
DOOR and LOW H2O LEVEL LEDs will also blink.

In the other cases, the ALARM led blinks and the cause of the alarm can be found by checking the code on the
display or by reading the detailed printout from the printer (if this is present).

The machine remains in this status until termination/silencing condition occurs, specified individually for each alarm.

i.Alarms and corresponding summary codes

ALARM INDICATIONS
CODES
A00 Open door: it checks if the door is open when the cycle starts. It disappears by pushing any
push button or by closing the door.
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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Low water level: it checks if, when the cycle starts, the water level in the loading tank is not
enough. It disappears by pressing any push button or restoring the level. If during topping up the
max. level is reached, the time display visualizes “STOP” and the beeper sounds like an alarm.
A01
When the two beepers are silenced the indication “STOP” disappears and you go back to normal
operation.
A02 Discharging tank is full: it checks if the water level in the recovery tank is excessive. It
disappears only after emptying the tank.
A03 Blackout: it occurs in case of a cycle previously interrupted by a BlackOut.
It disappears after opening the door or by pressing any push button*
A04-A05 Heating excessive time: it disappears by pressing any push button*
A06 High pressure: it disappears by pressing any push button*
A07 High temperature: it disappears by pressing any push button*
A08 Anomalous pressure: it disappears by pressing any push button*
A09 Anomalous temperature: it disappears by pressing any push button*
A12 High temperature PTV: it disappears by pressing any push button*
A 13 High temperature PTC: it disappears by pressing any push button*

* = Repeat the cycle, the material to sterilize is not sterilized. If the problem persists, please contact the
manufacturer.

N.B: A00, A01, A02 do not cause any printing activity (if there is a printer)

Moreover there are other alarms connected to the components of the electronic card. They are:

ALARM CODE INDICATIONS

A20 Loss of data*
A21 Watchdog improper functioning*
A22 Probes*
A23 Watch batteries*
A24 Software*

d. Operating instructions

Carefully clean and wipe the instruments to sterilize

Open the door and switch on the main switch.

Load the loading tank (capacity 2,5 lt. when the machine is completely empty) until “STOP” is visualized on the
time display.
Every time the alarm Low H2O level intervenes, add 1.5 lt. of demineralised water. If you exceed this quantity,
“STOP” is displayed, indicating that the tank is full; extract the small cane from the loading orifice.

Every time the alarm A02 intervenes, discharge the recovery tank (it is better however not to wait for the alarm - you
can discharge it at any moment you like) by using the appropriate small tube.

Select your programme by pressing the “select” button. A single pressure on the push button does not change the
programme; it merely visualizes on the temperature display the temperature of the programme. After 5 seconds the
temperature display resumes its normal display. If the “select push button is pressed again within 5 seconds,
the programme changes (this is indicated by the led). If you select the special programme, the content of the
temperature display blinks to indicate that the sterilization temperature can be chosen between 105°-134° by using
push buttons +-temperature. The same holds true for time, by using push buttons +-time. These variations can be
performed simultaneously both for time and temperature.

Close the door only after performing these operations

Press start: the chosen cycle starts up.

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Keep the area in front of the door free from any obstacles to avoid burns or any damage when the door is opened and
the machine is hot.
Warning: wear protective gloves when using the autoclave

N.B. The cycle can be stopped whenever you want (i.e. during sterilization or drying) by pressing “STOP” a buzzer will
emit some beeps and if there is any pressure this will be automatically discharged.

e. Setting date and time on printer

The autoclave may be fitted with a printer (optional) for creating labels containing the data relative to each sterilisation
cycle.
Setting: Switch the machine on holding key-time pressed and with the door open. A long beep is heard and, when the
key is released, setting mode is available.
The pressure display indicates the current value which is to be modified.
The + time key increase this value within permitted limits (e.g. increasing the hour from 23 the next value is 00,
increasing the day value after the number 31 the next value is 01 etc.).
The – time key is used to pass on the next value that is to be modified. Values are modified in this order: YEAR,
MONTH, DAY, HOUR, MINUTES.
The UNWRAPPED ----SPECIAL leds come on in the same order. After setting the HOUR, pressing key –time the
automatic adjustment of summer / winter time may be activated or deactivated. The READY led comes on and the
pressure display indicates “on” or “off”.
Pressing the key + time toggles between on and off.
When “on” is active the clock automatically adjusts between summer and winter time ( effected at 2 a.m on the last
Sunday of October and on the first Sunday of April ).
Pressing – time the clock runs again and the machine returns to normal state.

i.Using the printer

Connect the printer using the plug provided. Insert the power supply plug into the mains socket.

Switch the printer on.

Printer is now ready to print.

Switch the autoclave on; the printer is automatically prepared to print.

f.Description of Tau Clave 3000

At the beginning of the cycle ( when start is pressed), the water intake phase follows ( indicated by message FILL time
display). The machine temperature now begins to rise until 98°C degrees. At this point the valve close, permitting the
machine to enter sterilisation phase. During and after the closure of the valves excess air may be expelled by an
electronic system.
When required temperature is reached there is a further expulsion of air (stabilisation of pressure).
The cycle is concluded with the drying phase ( DRY).

Figure 4

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Graphic cycles Tau Clave 3000

6) Transport and storage conditions

The autoclave is equipped with packing requiring normal transport precautions necessary for fragile materials, as
indicated on the cover itself. Make sure you retain the packaging materials for future shipment or should the machine
need repairing. In case of storage, put the machine in a moisture-free area to protect electrical parts.

7) Manteinance and cleaning

Replace the filter every 6 months.

If it is dirty (it inhales outdoor air during the cycle of sterilization) replace it as soon as you notice it.
Monthly, keeping the machinery cool, verify that that the gasket of the counter is precise in the disk (inox) that contains
it: if not, please replace with a new one. We advise to replace the gasket with half yearly frequency or after 200 cycles of
sterilization however. Daily clean the gasket (keeping the machinery cool) with alcohol, repositioning it correctly in its
centre.
Monthly verify the cable of power supply to ensure that it is in good conditions.
In case of malfunction please consult the manufacturer.
For potential reparations it is recommended to make reference directly to the manufacturer, send the machinery back to
him inside its original package.
Always clean the instruments before loading them into the autoclave. Always clean the chamber (when the machine is
cold) with some vinegar, rinse with water and alcohol.
To protect components from dust, a special tiny filter (which can be unscrewed) is mounted on the small tube next to the
probe inside the sterilization chamber (see fig. 5).

Figure 5

Disassembly: when the machine is cold – turn the stainless tiny tube from left to right (using pliers if necessary),
paying attention to the nearby probe.
Remove the piece from the chamber, unscrew the filter, clean it with vinegar or replace with a new one if it is too dirty.
You don’t need to disassemble the tube with the filter. Just pour (always when the machine is cold) some vinegar on the
filter itself. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Assembly: follow the operations in the same reversed order, always paying extreme attention to the probe.

IMPORTANT: when a tube with a new filter is positioned, make sure this is well fixed, keeping a
distance from the probe of about 2.5 cm.

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

8) Wire diagram
1. Line filter
2. Extra-quick fuse 5x20 4A
3. Semi-delayed fuse 5x20 3.15A
4. Semi-delayed fuse 5x20 1.6A
5. Transformer
6. Inner probe PT 100 (vapour temperature)
7. Outer probe PT 100 (resistor temperature)
8. Pressure switch
9. Coupling for printer connector
10. Coupling for display connector
11. Float discharge max. level.
12. Float loading min. level
13. Float loading max. level
14. Common use max.min fill
15. Door microswitch
16. NO (normally open) 2-way solenoid valve – 24 V. cc.
17. Optional 24 V cc.
18. NC 2-way solenoid valve – 24 V. cc.
19. NC 2-way solenoid valve – 24 V. cc.
20. Power supply 220 V. (for a version witch vacuum pump )
21. Bimetallic safety thermostat
22. Power supply 220 V. 50 - 60 Hz.
23. Resistor 220 V. 1250 watt.
24. Main switch
25. Quick fuse 6.3x32 10 A.
26. Quick fuse 6.3x32 10 A.
27. Condenser 0,1 mF 250 Vca class x2
28. Feeding cable terminal
29. Earthing
30. Earthing
31. Optional 24 V.cc.
32. Power supply 220 V.(it supplies the water pump)

9) Control panel

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Legend
Tau Clave 3000
1. Pressure Display
2. Temperature Display
3. + Temperature
4. – Temperature 1
5. Time Display
6. + Time
7. – Time 2
8. Start \ Stop 3
9. Programme Selection
10. Programme Led 4
11. Fuses 5
12. Printer coupling
13. Main switch 6
14. Operation Led 7
15. Programme Led 15 8
9
10
14

11
13
12

Figure 6

To modify Printer settings ( 5.5 page 13 )

n° 6 = To change YEAR – MONTH – DAY – HOUR – MINUTES

n° 7 = To move on to next parameter to modify

10) Safety rules and precautions

When operating the autoclave always wear protective gloves to avoid possible burns (a precautionary nameplate
“WARNING: DANGER OF BURNS can be found on the outer frame of the machine).
The autoclave must be used only by an expressly authorized personnel, informed about the “Sterilization
techniques”, the materials that can be sterilized and the recommended times and temperatures to follow.
This equipment must be used uniquely for the purpose for which it was originally designed and manufactured, i.e.
sterilization of surgical instruments to be used in the medical and paramedical field.
All precautions must be absolutely taken to avoid an improper use of the machine by unauthorized people. Modification,
removal or disconnection of existing thermal and electric protections is strongly forbidden. The operator must not
perform any repairs on the machine.
Always disconnect the autoclave during cleaning and maintenance of same. Moreover it must always be completely
cold.
When sterilizing surgical instruments (such as scalpels or pointed instruments) safety shoes should be preferably worn.
Check periodically that the power supply cable is not damaged.

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

a. Decommissioning and scraping of the appliance

The autoclave Tau Clave 3000 is built with material ferrous, component electronic and plastic subjects. In case the
instrument is no more repairable and functioning, please separate the different components according to the material of
which they are constituted, in order to simplify a potential re-use or the diversified spare parts. When the instrument is
demolished there are no particular instructions to be followed.
Don't store the instrument in places not guarded.

b. Legend of symbols

WARNING: READ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: DANGER OF BURNS

WARNING: DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCKS

WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES

NOT TREATED AS MUNICIPAL WASTE.

FOLLOW RULES FOR MUNICIPAL DISPOSAL.

11) Circuit hydraulic

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Fino Mornasco ( CO ) TAU CLAVE 3000 Rev. 1 N° 2

Legend

N° DESCRIPTION N° DESCRIPTION
1 WATER INLET 13 SERPENTINE
2 LOAD TANK FLOAT 14 ELECTRO-VALVE 2 WAY n.o. 24 V. cc.
3 TANK DEMINERALIZED WATER 15 STERILIZATION CHAMBER
4 TUBE COMMUNICATION AIR TANK 16 ELECTRO-VALVE 2 WAY n.o. 24 V. cc.
5 TUBE COMMUNICATION PUMP WATER 17 SAFETY VALVE
6 WATER PUMP 18 PRESSOSTAT
7 WATER OUTLET
8 ELECTRO-VALVE 2 WAY n.c. 24 V. cc.
9 STEAM OUTLET
10 OVERFLOW TANK FLOAT
11 OVERFLOW TANK
12 DIRTY WATER OUTLET

Instructions n°2 Tau Clave 3000 Rev1 08.01.10