This article is on Tuttnauer 2340M Manual Autoclave Cleaning and Maintenance

Tuttnauer 2340M Autoclave Cleaning and Maintenance Leave a comment

In this article, we’re going to go over the cleaning and maintenance of the Tuttnauer 2340M. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.

 

The Tuttnauer 2340M is a manual autoclave with a 9″ x 18″ chamber that is designed for quick instrument turnaround in high volume labs and clinics.

Some of the Tuttnauer 2340M Specifications are:

  • Overall Dimensions (DxWxH): 21.5″ x 20″ x 14.4″ – 545mm x 510mm x 365mm
  • Chamber Dimensions: 9″ x 18″ – 230mm x 470mm
  • Chamber Volume: 19 gallon – 5 Liter
  • Tray Capacity: 3 Trays
  • Tray Dimensions: 16.3″ x 6.7″ x 0.8″ – 415mm x 170mm x 20mm
  • Type: Steam Autoclave –  Class S

Sterilizer Autoclave Solutions is a Tuttnauer authorized autoclave repair and sales dealer. 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 2340M Autoclave.

Getting Started

When operating an autoclave it’s very essential to keep any residue off the interior, pipes, and chamber of the autoclave. As you can see in most of our Tuttnauer maintenance articles, Tuttnauer recommends you use Chamber Brite to clean your autoclave properly. 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 2340M. Following the recommendations of the manufacturers can help you keep your autoclave at peak performance day in and day out.

Cleaning 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 Tuttnauer 2340M 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 2340M 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 2340M 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 2340M 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 2340M. 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

As stated, the next step is to wipe out the chamber of your 2340M with a damp cloth.  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 2340M Door Gasket

It is recommended Daily, that the Tuttnauer 2340M Door Gasket sealing the chamber be wiped. This is also something that should be 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.

2340M Air Jet Valve

Weekly cleaning the Tuttnauer 2340M Air Jet Valve (relief 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.

2340M 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 2340M 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.

2340M 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.

Unclogging the Multi-Purpose Valve or Fill Piping

This procedure follows a very specific set of steps as follows:

  • Pour 12-15oz (350-450ml) distilled water into the chamber.
  • Close the door.
  • Turn the multi-purpose valve to STERILIZE position.
  • Move the main switch to the ON position.
  • Turn the Thermostat knob to 273ºF (134ºC).
  • Turn the Timer knob to 20 minutes.
  • After the timer has reached “0” turn the multi-purpose valve (clockwise) to the FILL WATER position, do not stop at any other position.
  • In most cases, the pressure pushes the obstructing substance out and the steam exhausts into the water reservoir.
  • When the pressure gauge reaches 0, turn the multi-purpose valve to the “0” position, and the main switch to OFF.
  • Open the door.
  • Replace the water in the water reservoir.
  • The autoclave is ready for the next cycle.

If this procedure does not clear up the clogging, a technician will be required to replace the multi-purpose valve or clear the piping.

VERY IMPORTANT!  When sterilizing cotton wool or pads, it is essential to wrap them in paper or cotton bags in order to prevent the multi-purpose valve and the autoclave openings from becoming clogged with remnants of the material.


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.


Chamber Brite available here

Tuttnauer 2340M Door Gasket available here

Tuttnauer 2340M Air Jet Valve available here

Tuttnauer 2340M Safety Valve available here

Tuttnauer 2340M Autoclaves available here

 

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