• EN 285, 2016, +A1 2021 Sterilization - Steam sterilizers - Large sterilizers​
• EN 13445, 2021, Unfired Pressure Vessels​ (parts 1-5)
• EN IEC 61010-2-040, 2020, edition 3, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use - Part 2-040 Particular requirements for sterilizers and washer-disinfectors used to treat medical materials
• ISO 17665-1, 2006, edition 1, (confirmed 2016) Sterilization of health care products - Moist heat - Part 1: Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices

• Vertical model
• Stainless steel
• Inner dimensions: 40 cm Ø x 70 cm high

Heating

• Electricity (220 V - 380 V, power: 4.5 kW)
• Kerosene
• Gas

These heating sources can be used separately or together (electricity + kerosene, or electricity + gas). This is especially useful in MSF contexts where the power supply is often unreliable.

The autoclave can be set by simple switching to operate

• normally with a power of 4,500 W
• with a reduced power of 3,000 W
• with 1,500 W to supplement another heating source.

Drying

The condensation system incorporated in this autoclave is specially designed for use without electricity or running water, as both are liable to be available only intermittently in many outlying hospitals.

Use

The valves are of different colours to make the use easier. Operating instructions in English and in French are attached to the autoclave. Pressure and temperature measurements are indicated in the different units that are used in the world.

Construction

All the mechanisms were designed to keep maintenance to a minimum and prevent breakdowns.

Since several years, TBM/Aftech/Sterimed does not manufacture the doors (or covers) anymore, but buys an existing product and welds it on its autoclave.

4 kinds of covers were successively used:

• cover TBM Daguerre
• this rectangular gasket became obsolete
• cover Boyer
• round profile gasket Ø 6 mm
• internal Ø 403 mm
• MSF code: ESTEAUTS927/ ESTEAUTO90M ref. 190095
• cover OPA
• round profile gasket Ø 9 mm
• internal Ø 408 mm
• MSF code: ESTEAUTS928/ ESTEAUTO90N ref. 190089
• New cover 2011
• gasket ref. 191019
• MSF code: ESTEAUTS904/ ESTEAUTO904

When ordering a spare gasket, please specify the dimension of the gasket and/or the serial number of the autoclave.

• 4 HEPA filters
• supplier's user manual

• timer
• TST indicator strips
• autoclave steam indicator tape
• plastic jerry can (20 litres)
• crepe paper sheets

• WARNING: never heat the autoclave without water or when the water level is insufficient.
  All models have a safety device which switches off the power supply if the water level is insufficient. In this case, after cooling down with the green valve open, add water until the surplus evacuates through the green valve and wait until the system resets (the sensor must be cold). However, this safety is not total, and heating with an insufficient water level will always end by destroying the heater elements and the security thermostat.
• Use FILTERED water, non salt, low or non chlorinated, and preferably soft water, for example tap water or rainwater (never the water recovered in the autoclave from a previous sterilization cycle since the limestone concentration is particularly high).
• Once a week, remove limestone build-up by heating the (empty) autoclave with water and vinegar.
• Never use chlorinated products for cleaning the autoclave.
• It is recommended to unscrew the box for cotton (or gauze compresses) located on the lid of the autoclave and to replace it with an air filter to filter the air which is reintroduced into the autoclave after drying. Change the HEPA filter every 6 months (see related articles below).
• As this is a completely manual-driven apparatus, the operators must absolutely follow the instructions in every detail to guaranty a proper sterilization and prevent accidents (burns, explosion, etc.).
• Before loading the autoclave, be sure that the articles to be sterilized were correctly pre-disinfected, washed, dried, controlled and packed.

Heating recommendations

Combined heating

Some electrical systems (with a low power generator) are not powerful enough for position 3 (4,500 W). In this case, position 2 (3,000 W) should be used.

Position 1 (1,500 W) does not give enough heat for a sterilization cycle, but can be used in combination with another power source: electricity 1500 watts + kerosene (or gas) to give faster heating than with kerosene (or gas) alone.

Recommendations for reducing heat losses when using a burner

• Avoid exposing the autoclave to drafts.

• Find a balance between sufficient supply of air for good combustion and keeping hot air round the autoclave
  (try closing halfway the heater door and/or the gas outlet.)
• A sterilization cycle takes a ± long time, depending on the power of the heating source. Allow at least 2 hours with electric heating or kerosene heating with a correct burner (strong enough, foot pump). A less powerful burner without foot pump, can increase the time of the cycle up to 4 hours and even more.

Kerosene heating

• Use only a single burner heater. Never use a multiple burner heater (risk of fire).
• Fill 2/3 of the tank with filtered kerosene (do not use diesel).
• Make sure the different parts of the burner and tank are properly tightened together.
• Pump up the pressure (if foot pump, 3 bars maximum). Light the burner.
• Pump up the pressure again every 30 min; maximum heating requires maximum pressure.

NB: Certain models have a connection for an external pump. Such a pump is easier to use, but never exceed a pressure of 3 bars.

Heating settings

0: power off.

1: first element switched on (1,500 W at 220 V)

2: two elements switched on (3,000 W at 220 V)

3: three elements switched on (4,500 W at 220 V)

Electrical connections

The electrical connecting and the position of the strips must correspond to the type of current.

In any case, connect the earth (green/yellow terminal) to the common earth of the building using a conductor of 4 mm² diameter. If there is no common earth, sink an iron spike of minimum 1 cm diameter and 150 cm long (e.g. a concrete reinforcing rod) into the earth at the dampest possible spot.