Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave Cleaning and Maintenance Leave a comment
Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave Cleaning and Maintenance is an updated and condensed version of our extremely popular “Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave – How to Clean and Maintain it, Part 1” and
“Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave – How to Clean and Maintain it, Part 2” that were published in June of 2018.
Sterilizer Autoclave Solutions is an authorized parts and autoclave dealer for Tuttnauer. All of our technicians are factory trained and we always try to share that training and knowledge with “Free Tech Support” to help others maintain their autoclaves in top condition. In this article we are going to explain the proper cleaning and maintenance for a Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.
When operating an autoclave it’s very essential to keep any residue off the interior, pipes, and chamber of the autoclave. Tuttnauer Corporation recommends using Chamber Brite powdered autoclave cleaner when cleaning your autoclave. Chamber Brite is a cleaner that is designed specifically for cleaning steam sterilizers. And it is perfect for use in cleaning the reservoir, pipes, and valves within the EZ10. This cleaning will help to ensure a working autoclave many years into the future.
How to Clean With Chamber Brite
The first thing we need to do when we clean with Chamber Brite is to make sure we have enough water in the reservoir. Before starting check your dipstick and make sure you have an ample supply of water in the tank.
Start the cleaning process by opening the unit and removing the 4 EZ10 trays.
With the chamber empty you open the pack of Chamber Brite and pour the entire pack (starting in the back and moving toward the front) in one line down the center of the EZ10 chamber. When you are done the Chamber Brite should be one line of powder from back to front on the bottom of the chamber.
Next you close the door and set an Un-Wrapped Cycle with No Drying Time. Start by ensuring that the drying cycle is set to zero (you do not want to apply heat at any time) This is VERY Critical. If you run the drying time it will cause excessive heat which in turn will bake the Chamber Brite onto the system.
Finally, you press start and you’re on your way to cleaning your sterilizer.
Once the EZ10 is at the end of the cleaning cycle you need to exhaust the chamber (you can watch the pressure go down as the chamber vents back into the reservoir) and you are finished with this part of the cleaning.
When the EZ10 completes it’s cycle you will have a mixture of Chamber Brite in the reservoir that needs to be removed. When the cycle exhausted, the machine moved the solution under pressure through the pipes and valves, cleaning any residue deposits and pushing through any debris. We find debris is likely when sterilizing using pouches. There is a slight bit of lint that can get into your valves, be very careful about that. The next step in this process will help deal with those issues.
After the First Cycle Finishes
Now it is time to drain the reservoir of your EZ10. Start by opening the door of the autoclave. You will then use the drain valve along with the drain hose to remove the water from the reservoir (the reservoir is drained through the outlet valve).
Next you connect your hose and check to make sure you have a suitable container to capture the water. Finally, you just open the drain valve and at this point the water will, by gravity, drain from the reservoir filling your container. In doing this you will be removing the Chamber Brite mixture that is still in the reservoir tank.
After the Reservoir Has Drained
Once the reservoir has drained completely you need to run another cleaning cycle. But this time it will be with WATER ONLY! Do Not add any Chamber Brite into the reservoir.
First make sure the autoclave has completely cooled and then:
- Remove the hose
- Turn and close the drain valve
- Close and seal the door
Now you fll your reservoir with distilled water for the rinse cycle again (pour at least half a gallon of distilled water into the chamber).
Next allow the machine to run a cleaning cycle. At the conclusion of the cycle you will repeat the same process to drain the reservoir as you did after the first cycle.
Open the door and use the exhaust hose and drain valve to drain the reservoir.
Wipe Out the Chamber and Clean the Water Sensor
As stated, the next step is to wipe out the chamber of your EZ10 with a damp cloth. When wiping out the interior of the chamber it is important to clean the water sensor. Cleaning the sensor ensures that the water level in the chamber is properly reported to the microprocessor all during the cycle.
Look into the back of the chamber and you can see the water sensor. It is a metal thumbtack size part, sitting on top of a plastic collar. Use a damp rag to wipe not only the tip but especially the plastic collar around the base of the sensor to remove any dirt or debris that may have built up.
The last part of wiping out the chamber is to press the water fill button for one or two seconds, which allows a small amount of water into the chamber. This cleans out any residue that might be left in that little inlet in the bottom of the unit. Wipe all this water out, and then reinsert the rack.
And Finally You Replace the Racks
Now that the chambers been cleaned, we can wipe down our tray rack and reinsert. Press the sides in, reach in and grab the rack, and pull it together to align the bottom tray.
The last step is to reinstall the rest of your trays and your cleaning procedure is complete.
Timely Maintenance
The Door Gasket
It is recommended weekly, that the Tuttnauer EZ10 Door Gasket sealing the chamber be wiped. This is best done at the same time you are cleaning your chamber. All you do is take a damp rag or sponge and clean off the edge of the gasket as well as the edge of the chamber.
Tuttnauer recommends that yearly (or at any signs of wear) you should change your door gasket. To see how easy that task is you can read our “How to Replace a Tuttnauer EZ10 Door Gasket.”
Air Jet Valve
Weekly cleaning the Tuttnauer EZ10 Air Jet Valve is one of the most important maintenance functions of the autoclave. It is a small device, and yet it controls how much steam is in the chamber; without it you will fail spore tests. A clogged air jet will result in receiving the error message “Low Heat.”
Start by taking the cover off the reservoir and you will see a small wire with a loop on its end protruding from a valve. That is your Air Jet Valve. All you do is use a pen or screwdriver to grab the loop and move the wire in and out 10 times. This is great to do during a cleaning cycle when you have at least 25 pounds of pressure built up in the autoclave. You can do it without pressure but doing it with pressure guarantees that any debris is blown out. The book might say, “Do it 10 times.” we do it a little bit more. And that will ensure that you release any air trapped inside the chamber.
Safety Valve
Caution! This next step will expose you to HOT STEAM!!!
Caution! To avoid being burned by HOT STEAM do not place your face over the safety valve.
During the cleaning cycle when the pressure in the unit reaches 30 PSI or greater is a good time to clean the Tuttnauer EZ10 Safety Valve. This will release hot steam; be very careful performing this procedure. Again if it is not already off you need to remove the safety cover. You can use the end of a screwdriver or a long implement to grab the safety ring and pull outwards for at least two seconds. This blows debris out of the safety valve, ensures that this important device is functioning, and it keeps your autoclave performing to peak performance for years to come.
Water Outlet Strainer
Caution!! The strainer cap is very hot during operation. Make sure the unit has cooled before proceeding with this procedure.
In the rear of the unit is a strainer valve. This should be cleaned about once a month. We turn the unit around to make it easy to see. With the machine cold, because this unit will become very hot after the unit operates, you’ll see these units: A strainer, a gasket, and the top. Be careful of the gasket; they do fall out. The strainer can be rinsed under running water, cleaned of any debris (use a small brush if necessary), reinstalled back in the lid, and screwed back into the unit (good and finger tight).
Door Hinge and Handle
Periodically, it’s advised to oil the door hinge and handle. A few drops of oil on the door hinge, on the thread, and especially between the two plates on the right. Oil, spin in, spin out, and you’re through. The plates are essential to oil, and one plate should spin.
HEPA Air Filter
Approximately, yearly, the Tuttnauer EZ10 autoclave Air Filter needs to be replaced. This is your HEPA filter and it is replaced by turning to release, pulling the hose off the old unit, disconnecting the old unit from the top, reinserting the new unit, pressing the hose in carefully, lining up tabs, and turning to close. You’ve just replaced your HEPA filter!
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.
Tuttnauer EZ10 Door Gasket available here
Tuttnauer EZ10 Air Jet Valve available here
Tuttnauer EZ10 Safety Valve available here