ATTENTION! THE MUST DO LIST FOR YOUR AUTOCLAVES

ATTENTION!

THE MUST DO LIST FOR YOUR AUTOCLAVES

The following maintenance work and checks must be done on autoclaves you use

Since the autoclaves operate under high temperature and pressure and they have been classified as high-risk equipment. The following safety factors must be considered:

Calibration

Autoclaves work together with various accessories. Thus, calibration becomes very important, and should be done by accredited institutions to measure the operation of this equipment in the specified periods. Furthermore, before each cycle, the autoclave should be checked to ensure it is working properly. The calibrations should be made at least once a year.

• Calibration of safety valve: If the autoclave internal pressure exceeds the determined critical value, the safety valve opens and reduces the pressure. This valve must be calibrated once a year.

• Calibration of measurement sensors: The sensors that measure the critical values such as temperature, pressure and vacuum used in the autoclave must be calibrated once a year.

• Calibration of low- and high-pressure switches: The switches that control the low and high pressure on the autoclave should be calibrated once a year.

• Calibration of temperature protection switch: The temperature sensor and control device that detects high temperature in the autoclave must be calibrated once a year. The shutter function of the controller should be tested and the determined critical upper limit value should be checked.

Visual Inspection

• Paint crack control: Painted parts of the autoclave, especially around the flange/nozzle connections, should be checked periodically. If there are cracks, immediate action should be taken and authorized people should be informed.

• Condense control under insulation: The part where the condense outlet is located on the floor of the autoclave may rust and crack as a result of the collection of condensate water. Corrosion and crack control should be done by removing the insulation on the floor every 6 months. If there is any problem, necessary precautions should be taken and authorized people should be informed.

• Control of electrical connections inside the autoclave: Especially in electrical autoclaves, there may be loosening of electrical connections due to effects of temperature, pressure and vacuum. Electrical connections should be checked according to the frequency of use of the autoclave. If an inspection is required, it should be done by authorized people.

• Cable control of electrical panel: The electrical cables between the electrical panel and the autoclave should be checked by authorized people once a year, after all electrical power is turned off and all cable connections should be tightened to prevent short circuit.

• Compressor oil leakage control: The amount of oil and oil leakage of the compressor that is used with the autoclave should be checked every 6 months.

• Compressor dryer control: In order to dry the humidity in the system and increase the efficiency, it should be checked every 6 months.

Periodic Maintenance and Inspection

• Corrosion measurements: All types of autoclaves should be measured once a year by authorized people. In case of corrosion, precautions should be taken before it progresses.

• Door teeth crack control: Cracks that may occur in the teeth on the door, which is one of the most important safety elements, prevent the autoclave from working safely and efficiently. Door teeth should be checked by authorized personnel once a year.

• Water and air filter cleaning: The water and air filters used in the autoclave piping should be cleaned once a year to prevent clogging.

• Annual periodic inspection approval control: Periodic inspections of the autoclave should never be skipped, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the autoclave. Each periodic inspection must be carried out and registered by authorized institutions and people.

• Regular maintenance by authorized people: Annual inspection and maintenance of autoclaves must be carried out by authorized people, and this maintenance and operations must be registered.

Usage-related Factors

• Cleaning cycle: In order to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of fire, the autoclave's interior should be cleaned by a “cleaning cycle" which should be done after every 50 cycles, especially for glass lamination autoclaves which emit flammable gas into the autoclave during the process phase.

• Insulation change: Autoclave insulation must be completely renewed after 10,000 cycles or 5 years of use (whichever comes first) in internally insulated autoclaves, and after 10 years of use in externally insulated autoclaves.