Frequently Asked Questions: Services

1. What is the heat output of my autoclave?

The thermal loading placed on your air conditioning and ventilation systems by your autoclave is approximately one third of the total heater power for the first hour of operation or per hour of operation. The output from the autoclave is cyclic and varies throughout the cycle, but this figure is a good guide for a thermal loading calculation. In the case of a direct steam heated unit simply look up the wattage of the corresponding electrically heated unit.

2. Do I need to have my autoclave examined regularly?

Yes. Local regulations may vary, but regular inspections are highly recommended. In the UK it is a requirement of the UK Pressure Systems Safety Regulations that all pressure equipment is regularly examined by a surveyor working for a competent body.

3. How often does my autoclave need to be examined in this way?

Local regulations vary, but a minimum of once per year is recommended.

4. Can Priorclave carry out the statutory examination?

No. We believe it is in your best interest to have this conducted by an independent third party. This is usually done by an insurance company. We can arrange for your routine service to coincide with the examination, which is a big help for the surveyor, since we can advise and assist where appropriate.

5. How often should my autoclave be serviced?

We recommend all autoclaves should be properly serviced by a trained person familiar with the specific machine every 6 months, or sooner, if the work load demands. Hospital standards normally require 4 services per year.

6. My printouts are showing the wrong time. Can the time be adjusted?

Yes, the time and date settings, along with other functions, can be adjusted by following a simple procedure from the control panel. Please refer to your Operation Manual for a full list of functions and settings. Alternatively a list can be downloaded in PDF format from the Downloads section of the website – Priorclave Customer Setting Instructions Version 2.

7. I want to start my autoclave cycle before I arrive in the morning, is that possible?

Yes, a delayed start, along with other functions, can be adjusted by following a simple procedure from the control panel. Please refer to your Operation Manual for a full list of functions and settings. Alternatively a list can be downloaded in PDF format from the Downloads section of the website – Priorclave Customer Setting Instructions Version 2.

8. I’m using a lot of paper in my printer. Can it be set to print out less often?

Yes, you can alter the interval at which the autoclave printer prints during the process time. It is normally set to print relevant data every 3 minutes. The Print Interval, along with other functions, can be adjusted by following a simple procedure from the control panel. Please refer to your Operation Manual for a full list of functions and settings. Alternatively a list can be downloaded in PDF format from the Downloads section of the website – Priorclave Customer Setting Instructions Version 2.

9. I’m using media warming on my autoclave but the media is not fully liquid when I open the autoclave. Can I adjust the set temperature for this function?

Yes, Priorclaves with the Tactrol 3 controller (generally June 2005 or after) can have this setting adjusted through the Serial Communications Interface.

10. After I press start nothing happens and no lights on the progress display light up.

This is because the control system is waiting for a response from the printer before starting the heater. Either the printer is not fitted correctly, or the connection to the printer has been lost. Please follow this procedure:
a. Press the UP and Down buttons under the TIME display (green) together. The autoclave should beep and the display will change to 0 on the temperature display and 000 on the time display.
b. Press the UP button under the TIME display until it reads 011.
c. If the temperature display is showing anything other than 0 adjust it down to 0.
d. To return to the normal display press the small black reset button (labeled ‘TACTROL RESET’) on the back of the autoclave at the top. Alternatively, if a programmer is fitted to your autoclave, turn the setting lock key from position 1 to position 3 and back again to reset the autoclave. The autoclave should now function correctly.

11. The message F00 and a number has come up on the temperature display of the autoclave, with ‘fault’ lit up on the panel. What does this mean?

A listing of fault codes is given in your Priorclave manual. If a printer is fitted to your autoclave, the code and a short explanation will be printed out.  Alternatively, a list can be downloaded in PDF format from the Downloads section of the website – Priorclave Tactrol Controller Fault Codes Listing.

12. Where is the Manual?

The Manual is shipped in the chamber of your Priorclave. Initial Opening Instructions are attached to the outside of the packing film and bubble wrap packaging. If you have lost them you can download them in PDF format from the Downloads section of the website. Chose the one for your model and print it out. Replacement manuals can be ordered by contacting Priorclave Service.

If your question is not listed above, please Contact Us.  We will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.