Tuttnauer 2540M Autoclave Cleaning and Maintenance 2

In this article, we’re going to go over the cleaning and maintenance of the Tuttnauer2540M. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.

 

The Tuttnauer 2540M is a manual autoclave with a 10″ x 19″ chamber that is designed for quick instrument turnaround in high volume labs and clinics.

Some of the Tuttnauer 2540M Specifications are:

• Overall Dimensions (DxWxH): 21.5″ x 20″ x 14.4″ – 545mm x 510mm x 365mm
• Chamber Dimensions: 10″ x 19″ – 254mm x 475mm
• Chamber Volume: 23 gallon – 87 Liter
• Tray Capacity: 4 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 an authorized repair and sales 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 2540M Autoclave.

Getting Started

When it comes to cleaning your autoclaves, you should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations as to what to use. Tuttnauer always recommends Chamber Brite, the powdered cleaner specifically designed for cleaning steam sterilizers. Coupled with their detailed cleaning instructions, keeping the reservoirs, pipes and valves under their timely maintenance is essential to helping you get the most out of your Tuttnauer 2540M Autoclave!

Cleaning With Chamber Brite

When cleaning with Chamber Brite , you need to make sure you have an ample amount of water within the reservoir. Check your dipstick to make sure that the tank has enough water before we take you through the cleaning process.

Start by removing the Tuttnauer 2540M trays and any instruments from your 2540M and open the door.

Then 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 2540M chamber. When you are done the Chamber Brite should be one line of powder from back to front on the bottom of the chamber.

Now it’s time to close the door and start an Un-Wrapped cycle with No Drying time. Also note that any cycles started during this process must be COLD cycles, per manufacturer’s instructions. 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.

Next you press start and you’re on your way to cleaning your 2540M Autoclave.

Once the 2540M 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 its 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

Once it’s done exhausting, you’ll need to drain the water that’s in the reservoir. Once it’s done draining you need to replace it by putting distilled water in the reservoir. 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

After that, you’re going to start another cycle just like before to clean the pipes that may have been dirtied during the cleaning. Same settings as last too, cold start and No Drying Cycle, however do not add Chamber Brite this time around, this is a purely water-based cycle.

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 fill 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

Once you’ve completed that step, turn the unit off to cool the chamber off. Take the tray holder out of the chamber and wipe down the inside with a damp cloth. Hold the water fill button for about one to two seconds to let just a little bit of water in. 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 you will be able to reinsert the rack.

And Finally Replace the Rack and Trays

Once you’ve cleaned the chamber you replace the rack. Press the sides in, reach in and grab the rack, and pull it together to align the bottom tray. When that is done you can wipe down the trays and reinsert them.

After this process of cleaning cycles and Chamber Brite, your autoclave will be up to the next task you’re ready to give it.

Timely Maintenance

The 2540M Door Gasket

It is recommended that the 2540M door gasket be wiped down DAILY. Thankfully this is probably one of the easier things to maintain. All it takes is just keeping around the chamber clean with a soft cloth or sponge and scrubbed with water and a mild detergent. You should also replace the door gasket itself every 12 months per Tuttnauer’s instructions to keep your autoclave in lasting condition.

The 2540M Air Jet Valve

Weekly cleaning the Tuttnauer 2540M 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.”

You’ll first want to take the cover of the reservoir so you can locate the valve. There should be a looped wire that you can grab with a screwdriver or pen tip. That is the air trap wire, this part is easy as you just have to grab it with your instrument of choice and move it in and out about 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.

2540M 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 2540M 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.

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.

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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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Chamber Brite available here

Tuttnauer 2540M Door Gasket available here

Tuttnauer 2540M Air Jet Valve available here

Tuttnauer 2540M Safety Valve available here

Tuttnauer 2540M Autoclaves available here