Introduction to the W&H Lexa Mini
Choosing the right autoclave involves understanding air removal systems and is crucial for effective sterilization in healthcare settings. At Sterilizer Autoclave Solutions, we offer a variety of units to fill the different needs within the industry. Our newest addition, the W&H Lexa Mini, offers variations that offer choices between air ejectors and vacuum pumps, each with distinct advantages. Below we will look at the Lexa Mini‘s features, highlighting its compact design and advanced technology for modern practices. Understanding these systems ensures you select the optimal autoclave, maximizing both safety and operational performance within your facility.
So let’s start it off by comparing one of the most important points when it comes to choosing the right W&H Lexa Mini.
Air Ejectors vs Vacuum Pumps
The W&H Lexa Mini comes in 2 variations. There’s a 3-liter model available, that has 110V and 220V models, but only comes available with an air ejector removal system. There’s also a 5-liter model that also comes in 110V and 220V models, but can either be purchased with an air ejector, or a vacuum pump. If you’ve been in the industry long enough, you probably already know what a vacuum pump is. But there are some that don’t know what an air ejector is. So to be as informative as possible.
When discussing air removal in autoclaves, particularly those with vacuum capabilities, it’s important to understand the difference between air ejectors and vacuum pumps. Here’s a breakdown:
Air Ejectors
- Mechanism:
- Air ejectors, often Venturi ejectors, use the principle of fluid dynamics. They typically use steam or water to create a vacuum. A high-velocity jet of steam or water is passed through a constricted area, creating a low-pressure zone that draws air out of the autoclave chamber.
- Advantages:
- Relatively simple and low-cost.
- Few or no moving parts, resulting in low maintenance.
- Disadvantages:
- Can consume significant amounts of water or steam.
- Efficiency can vary.
Vacuum Pumps
- Mechanism:
- Vacuum pumps, such as liquid ring or diaphragm pumps, use mechanical means to remove air from the autoclave chamber. They create a vacuum by physically displacing air.
- Advantages:
- Generally more efficient in air removal, especially for complex loads.
- Can provide deeper and more consistent vacuums.
- Modern pumps, like liquid ring pumps, can be much more water efficient.
- Disadvantages:
- Typically more expensive than air ejectors.
- May require more maintenance due to moving parts.
In essence, the choice between an air ejector and a vacuum pump often depends on the specific needs and priorities of the healthcare facility, including factors such as budget, load complexity, and resource consumption.
The New Lexa Mini
“Building on the success of the original Lexa, the Lexa Mini delivers powerful sterilization in a compact form. This Class-B autoclave is designed to excel, emphasizing reliability, efficiency, and safety. It brings the advanced technology of the Lexa into a size perfect for any practice, and it’s poised to redefine cleanliness standards.
Fast and Efficient
The Lexa Mini prioritizes speed, offering complete sterilization and drying in just 23 minutes, maximizing your workflow.
Enhanced Drying and Safety
Closed-door drying technology ensures instruments are completely dry and free from cross-contamination, ready for immediate use.
Versatile and Adaptable
This autoclave offers exceptional versatility. It can serve as a standalone, supplementary, or backup unit. With 3-liter and 5-liter models, it accommodates various load sizes, from two to four cassettes. It also supports wrapped, unwrapped, and low-temperature cycles. Featuring both a vacuum pump and air ejector, it adapts to diverse installation needs.
Simplified and Hygienic
Convenience and hygiene are key. The Lexa Mini features separate fresh and waste water reservoirs for easy management. Automatic water systems for filling and draining further streamline operations, allowing you to focus on your patients.”
Technical Specifications
This section will detail the exact specifications of the Lexa Mini’s cycle times and build dimensions.
Sterilization cycle: Wrapped Low Temperature Unwrapped
Temperature: 270°F 270°F 270°F
Sterilization time: 4 min 30 min 4 min
Total cycle duration
(minutes)
complete drying time:3 liter (compressed air) 23 min–25 min 47 min–50 min 30 sec 13 min–15 min
5 liter (compressed air) 23 min 30 sec–27 min 48 min–57 min 13 min 30 sec–17 min
5 liter (vacuum pump) 25 min 30 sec–29 min 49 min 30 sec–58 min 14 min–17 min 30 sec
Max load: 2.2 lbs. (3 liter) / 3.3 lbs (5 liter) wrapped and unwrapped 2.2 lbs. (3 liter) / 3.3 lbs (5 liter) wrapped and unwrapped 2.2 lbs. (3 liter) / 3.3 lbs (5 liter) unwrapped
Trade name:
Type:Lexa Mini
RIS-303Lexa Mini
RIS-305Lexa Mini
RIS-305
Chamber size: 3 liters (compressed air) 5 liters (compressed air) 5 liters (vacuum pump)
Power supply: 200–240 V AC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A single phase
100-125 V AC; 50/60 Hz; 12 A single phase200–240 V AC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A single phase
100-125 V AC; 50/60 Hz; 12 A single phase200–240 V AC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A single phase
100-125 V AC; 50/60 Hz; 12 A single phase
Power consumption: 2.0–2.4 kW (220 V)/1.2-1.5 kW (110V) 2.0–2.4 kW (220 V)/1.2-1.5 kW (110V) 2.0–2.4 kW (220 V)/1.2-1.5 kW (110V)
Overall dimension (w × h × d): 17.3” × 7.9” × 22.9”
(440 mm × 200 mm × 581 mm)17.3” × 7.9” × 26.2”
(440 mm × 200 mm × 666 mm)17.3” × 7.9” × 26.2”
(440 mm × 200 mm × 666mm)
Weight (empty): 48.3 lbs (21.9 kg) 53.8 lbs (24.4 kg) 53.8 lbs (24.4 kg)
Main/used water tanks: 0.42 gal/0.16 gal 0.67 gal/0.16 gal 0.67 gal/0.16 gal
Working range: 3 to 7 cycles 3 to 7 cycles 3 to 7 cycles
Average air consumption: 50–60 (N)l/min (13.2–15.8 (N)gal/min) 50–60 (N)l/min (13.2–15.8 (N)gal/min) n/a
Working pressure: 5–10 bar (73–145 psi) 5–10 bar (73–145 psi) n/a
Connection types: 5 USB ports, 1 Ethernet (LAN) port, automatic water filling kit and drain kit 5 USB ports, 1 Ethernet (LAN) port, automatic water filling kit and drain kit 5 USB ports, 1 Ethernet (LAN) port, automatic water filling kit and drain kit
Final Thoughts
The new W&H Lexa Mini presents an array of compelling features that make it a standout addition to the market. Its compact design, advanced technology, and versatility cater to the diverse needs of any medical or dental practice. Additionally, the emphasis on speed, efficiency and other benefits, enhances the overall user experience, promising to streamline procedures and optimize patient care. With its innovative capabilities and thoughtful design, the W&H Lexa Mini is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
If you’d like to purchase the W&H Lexa Mini for yourself, you can find it here on our website. And if you have any questions about the W&H Lexa Mini or anything else, give us a call at 704-966-1650 Option 3 for our Free Tech Support Line. You can also find our various programs available to anyone on our site using the links below.
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.