This article is a review of the control panel on the Tuttnauer T-Edge B-Class Steam Sterilizer

Tuttnauer T-Edge Control Panel Review Leave a comment

Our Tuttnauer T-Edge Control Panel Review is a quick guide to follow up on our Intro to the Tuttnauer T-Edge, and Tuttnauer T-Edge Operating Instructions blogs. In this article we will cover the home screen description, door and cycle operations, as well as water levels and draining the reservoirs. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.

Control Panel

The display is a graphic Touch screen LCD panel used to display the autoclave current status, any Operational or Error Messages, and for operating the machine.

Home Screen – Program Select Screen

This screen will be presented when the autoclave is switched on:

The Tuttnauer T-Edge control panel screen.

#IconNameDescription
1The home icon on the control panel screen.Home IconImmediate Use Only
2The menu selection icon on the control panel screen.MenuMenu Selection Icon
3The unwrapped 134 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Unwrapped 134Exposed Unwrapped load program
4The pressure icon on the control panel screen.PressureMomentary Pressure in the chamber
5The temperature icon on the control panel screen.TemperatureMomentary Temperature in the chamber
6The load number display on the control panel screen.Load No. IDLoad Cycle Number
7The date and time display on the control panel screen.Date and TimeIt enables the operator to set the machine date and time screen
8The water full icon on the control panel screen.Water FullThe Waqter is full in the demineralized water reservoir
9The waste water icon on the control panel screen.Waste WaterThe Water is empty in the waste reservoir
10The door condition icon on the control panel screen.Door ConditionDoor is locked
11The unwrapped 134 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Unwrapped 134Unwrapped 134 sterilization program
12The Side Arrow Right icon on the control panel screen.Side Arrow RightPaging forward to the next program will display the next screan item 16, 17, and 18.
13The wrapped 121 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Wrapped 121Wrapped 121 Load Program
14The Warnings icon on the control panel screen.WarningsIt indicates the Alerts
15The unwrapped 121 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Unwrapped 121Unwrapped 121 Load Program
16The Side Arrow Left icon on the control panel screen.Side Arrow LeftPaging backward to the previous programs

Please Note: Prion Program requires the demineralized water level in the reservoir to be filled to the in maximum level in order to start the program, otherwise an alert will be prompted “please fill water tank to full for start“.

#IconNameDescription
17The Bowie and Dick Test icon on the control panel screen.Bowie and Dick TestPeriodic testing as referred to in ISO 17665-1
18The Vacuum Test icon on the control panel screen.Vacuum TestSee the screen above
19The Prion icon on the control panel screen.PrionSee the screen above
20The sufficient water level icon on the control panel screen for all sterilization programs except Prion.Sufficient water level for all sterilization programs except "Prion".There is sufficient water level in the demineralized water reservoir in order to run all steriliaztion programs except "Prion"

Opening the T-Edge Door

The machine is equipped with an electronic door lock. The door is locked when either the system is running a sterilization cycle, there is pressure in the chamber, or the power is off.

If you need to open the door after a cycle completes, press the confirm button:

The successful cycle complete display

In any case if the door is not locked, it can be opened as illustrated below. Turn the handle counterclockwise and pull open the door.

The proper way to open the door of a Tuttnauer T-Edge B-class Steam Sterilizer.

Starting a Cycle with the T-Edge

It is recommended to perform a B&D (Bowie and Dick) test cycle at the beginning of each working day.

1. Before each cycle, check visually that the gasket is intact, not loose, and clean.

2. Load the autoclave properly

3. Choose the appropriate sterilization program. Note: The program can only be selected when the door is open.

4. The selected program will be highlighted in red as depicted here:

The selecting a cycle display on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

5. The next screen will prompt the selected program information.

The selected cycle information display on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

6. Close the door by both: 1- Pushing the door gently – and – 2- Turning the handle clockwise while pushing the door until it comes to the closed position, then releasing the handle.

When the door is closed, the open-door symbol… The open door condition icon on the control panel screen. is replaced with the closed-door symbol. The closed door condition icon on the control panel screen.

The start cycle display with the door closed on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

Press the Start Button to start the Cycle. The start button icon on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

A warning label on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.Do Not remove the top plastic cover during a running cycle. Hot water / Steam may exit!

After pressing Start the sterilization process starts.

This shows the screen display while an “Unwrapped 134” Sterilization program is in progress.

An unwrapped cycle in progress display on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

Here is an explanation of the information displayed on the cycle information screen.

 

A cycle information display on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

Available Sterilization Programs and Test Programs

List of available Sterilization and Test Programs
#IconNameTempSterilization Time
(minutes)
Dry Time
(minutes)
Load TypeType of UseCycle Type
1The unwrapped 134 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Unwrapped 134134°C31 (default)
Range: 1-99
Unwrapped Instruments
(Unwrapped Solid)
Immediate Use OnlyS
2The unwrapped 134 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Wrapped 134³ʾ⁴134°C423 (default)
Range: 30-99
Handpieces, Wrapped Instruments (wrapped solid), Textile (fabric packs), porousFor StorageB
3The unwrapped 121 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Unwrapped 121121°C151 (default)
Range: 1-99
Unwrapped Instruments
(Unwrapped Solid)
Immediate Use OnlyS
4The wrapped 121 cycle icon on the control panel screen.Unwrapped 121³121°C2035 (default)
Range: 30-99
Wrapped Instrument
(wrapped solid),
Textile (fabric packs), porous
For StorageB
5The Prion icon on the control panel screen.Prion¹ʼ²134°C1830 (default)
Range: 30-99
Solid Load / Porous LoadFor StorageB
6The Bowie and Dick Test icon on the control panel screen.Bowie and Dick134°C3.52 (default)
Range: 0-99
Chemical Indicator in a product challenge devicePeriodic testing as referred to in ISO 17665-1B
7The Vacuum Test icon on the control panel screen.Vacuum TestN/AVac. Stable Time 1 = 5 min.
Vac. Stable Time 2 = 10 min.
EmptyNot ApplicableN/A

Notes:

¹Prion program requires the demineralized water level in the reservoir to be filled to the in maximum level order to start the program, otherwise an alert will be prompted “please fill water tank to full for start”.

²For more information on Prion program, see “Information on Prion Sterilization Program” below.

³The sterilization program can be used for sterilizing lumen device of no longer than 230mm/9in and no smaller than 3.4mm/0.133in.

⁴This sterilization program can be used in sterilizing up t five dental handpieces.

 

Maximum Load Weight per Load Type
Load TypeMaximum Load WeightSuitable for Programs
Textile, Porous1.5kg / 3.3lbsWrapped/Prion
Solid Unwrapped6.0kg / 13.2lbsUnwrapped
Solid Unwrapped3.5kg / 7.7lbsWrapped/Prion
Prion 1343.6kg / 7.9lbs3.6kg/7.9lbs of solid load / 1.5kg/3.3lbs porous load
Description of the Sterilization Cycle Stages
  • Air-removal stage: Pre-vacuum pulses are performed. For wrapped cycles. there are 3 pulses and the vacuum is deeper.
  • Heating stage: Steam is inserted into the chamber until the sterilization temperature is reached.
  • Sterilization stage: Sterilization temperature is maintained constant during the sterilization time.
  • Fast exhaust stage: Steam is exhausted out of the chamber at a fast rate until pressure decreases to ambient pressure.
  • Drying stage: Performed with the door closed by pulling vacuum and using the accumulated heat in the chamber and the load to remove leftover moisture from the instruments and wraps.
Description of the Vacuum Test Stages

Vacuum is produced in the chamber, down to P1=15 kPa. At this stage all the valves close. The autoclave remains in this stage for 5 minutes. This period enables the condition in the chamber to reach equilibrium. After the 5 minutes have elapsed, the cycle “history record” records the pressure that is referred to as P2. At this point the test begins and lasts 10 minutes. At the end of the test, the cycle “history record” records the results. The pressure at the end of the test is referred to as P3.

Notes: During the test period the autoclave is not heated. Even if the vacuum test is cmpleted, the operator shall check the test results and consider whether the test results are acceptable or not.

Description of Bowie-Dick Test Stages
  • Air-removal stage: Vacuum pulses are performed.
  • Sterilization stage: Temperature and pressure are maintained constant at the pre-set level for sterilization time.
  • Fast exhaust stage: Steam is exhausted out of the chamber at a fast rate until pressure decreases to ambient pressure.
  • Drying stage: Heating of chamber followed by a vacuum break (air inlet) to remove leftover moisture from the instruments and wraps. Air inlet to reach atmospheric pressure.
Information on Prion Sterilization Program

In some European countries*, there is a national regulation that requires to include a Prion cycle on a class B autoclave as part of a general prion decontamination program.

Prions are abnormally altered proteins associated with the risk of infection with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other encephalopathies.

For the Prion cycle, only the physical sterilization parameters were validated (i.e. sterilization holding time, sterilization temperature) as the national regulations require this validation only. There is no regulatory requirement to validate the sterilization effect on the Prion protein such as elimination or deactivation.

In accordance with the regulations, the sterilization temperature is 134°C and the sterilization holding time is 18 minutes.

*see for example:

Cycle Succeeded / Cycle Failed Notifications and Follow-on

Cycle Succeeded

When the cycle has ended successfully, the following “Successful” message is displayed:

The successful sterilization cycle display on the Tuttnauer T-Edge

Press the confirm button to confirm the “Successful” message.The confirm button icon on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

Proceed to “opening the door and Unloading” below.

Cycle Failed

In the event of a failure at any stage, the exhaust valve will be opened to release pressure from the chamber, the message “Fail” and a relevant failure message will be displayed on the screen:

The sterilization cycle failed display on the Tuttnauer T-Edge

The sterilization cycle failed explanation display on the Tuttnauer T-Edge

A warning label on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.The load has not completed a sterilization cycle; therefore, it is not sterile. Handle it as a contaminated load.

ANY FAILURE MEANS THAT THE LOAD IS NOT STERILE

Aborting a Cycle

It is possible to stop the cycle while the autoclave is operating.

Press the Stop button at any stage (except exhaust) of the process to stop the operation.The stop button icon on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

This is the front view of the Tuttnauer T-Edge showing the overall dimensions This shows the position of the Tuttnauer T-Edge's Cut-off Thermostat, Power Socket, Waste Outlet, and more. This is a graphic that shows the position of the Tuttnauer T-Edge's Cut-off Thermostat, Power Socket, Waste Outlet, and more. The stop a cycle display on the Tuttnauer T-Edge This graphic shows the stop a cycle complete display on the Tuttnauer T-edge autoclave The sterilization cycle failed explanation display on the Tuttnauer T-Edge This graphic shows the successful sterilization cycle failed explanation display on the Tuttnauer T-edge autoclave Marjorie T National Sales Director 704.966.1650 Option 1 www.StatimUSA.com The Improper Water Level Icon for the Tuttnauer T-Edge° “Informations et recommandations relatives aux petits sterilisateurs a la vapeur d’eau” published 27.12.2005 “Verordnung über die Prävention der Creutzfeldt-Jakob-Krankheit bei chirurgischen und medizinischen Eingriffen (CJKV)” published 20.11.2002

If the cycle is aborted, the LOAD IS NOT STERILE. A “fail” message will be displayed with an error message explaining the reason for the failure. An alternating busser signal will sound to notify the user.The sterilization cycle failed display on the Tuttnauer T-Edge

Press the Confirm button to confirm the displayed message.The confirm button icon on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

A warning label on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.The load has not completed a sterilization cycle; therefore, it is not sterile. Handle it as a contaminated load.

Opening the Door and Unloading 

1. Push the Confirm button to confirm the “Successful” or the “Error” message to unlock the door.The confirm button icon on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.

2. Open the door.

Tuttnauer white caution statement labelOpen the door a little to release the steam from the chamber. Only after the steam escaped should you open the door widely.

A warning label on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.To avoid severe injuries from hot steam and condensed hot water that may drip out when opening the door, it is strictly forbidden to lean on the autoclave. It is strictly forbidden to place your hand or any part of your body over or under the door.

3. Use the tray handle or wear heat-resistant gloves to remove the load from the autoclave.

4. After unloading, visually inspect the load to ascertain that it is dry and that sterilization indicators have made the required color change.

Tuttnauer white caution statement labelWater droplets and visible signs of moisture on sterile packaging of the tape used to secure it may compromise the sterility of processed loads or be indicative of a sterilization process failure. Visually check outside wrapper for dryness. If there are water droplets or visible moisture on the exterior of the package or on the tape used to secure it, the pack or instrument tray is considered unacceptable.

A warning label on the control panel of the Tuttnauer T-Edge.The sterility of the instruments processed in unwrapped cycles cannot be maintained if exposed to a non-sterile environment.

Checking Waste Water Level

When the waste-water level is high, the general alarm symbol will appear.The general alarm icon on the control panel screen. A relevant text alarm will appear in the alarms list. This situation is normal, but the operator cannot run a new cycle before draining the waste-water reservoir.

Draining the Reservoirs

This procedure applies to the mineral-free water reservoir (left) and to the waste-water reservoir (on the right).

The location of the mineral-free and waste-water reservoirs on the Tuttnauer T-Edge Steam Sterilizer.

Note: The improper water level icon on the control panel screen.The Improper Water level icon appears when the reservoir needs to be filled or drained.

The drain valves are located on the front right side of the autoclave after the door is opened.

To drain the reservoir:

1. See item (5) with the plastic hose (6) attached to it (supplied with the autoclave).How to connect to the mineral-free and waste-water reservoirs on the Tuttnauer T-Edge Steam Sterilizer

2. Put the other end of the hose into a bucket.

3. Insert part (5) into valve (3) and press it until you hear a click. The drain valve opens immediately.

4. When the water reservoir is empty, press part (4). Item (5) will pop out approximately 3mm / 0.1in and the drain valve will be closed. Remove item (6) with the plastic tube.

Tuttnauer white caution statement labelNever reuse waste water.

5. If the drained reservoir is the clean-water reservoir fill erservoir t=with distilled water until it reaches the full level. (Approximately 6.5liters / 1.7 gallons)

The Tuttnauer T-Edge B-Class Steam Sterilizer is now READY FOR USE!

For more information on the operation of the Tuttnauer T-Edge see our other blog posts to include:

An Intro to the Tuttnauer T-Edge Steam Sterilizer

Tuttnauer T-Edge Operating Instructions

To see the Tuttnauer T-Edge you can visit the following:

You can see the Tuttnauer T-Edge 10B 220v 10″X18″ Chamber OEM T-EDGE10B here

You can see the Tuttnauer T-Edge 10B 220v 10″X18″ Chamber OEM T-EDGE10S here

*All information for Tuttnauer T-Edge operating instructions was taken from Tuttnauer Operation and Maintenance Manual – Pre-vacuum B-class Steam Sterilizer T-Edge – Man205-0502001EN rev G – May 2020

As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”

We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.

You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.

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