Question
The sterilizer controls were turned off at the control panel for a number of days. How do I reset the date and time?
Answer
Press the Asterisk [*] key to access the time and date function.
Question
If we lost the time and date, did we lose the cycle set points and calibrations?
Answer
No. The set points and calibrations are stored in EEPROM memory that is not affected by an extended period of power loss.
Question
Why do I hear water going down the drain immediately after turning my older sterilizer on?
Answer
The steam condensate must be cooled to at least 140 degrees F before it goes to the drain. On units built during or before 2005, a water quench solenoid valve opens when the sterilizer is turned on enabling water to flow through an adjustable needle valve to mix with the hot water in the drain piping.
Sterilizers built since 2006 have the “Drain Water Conservation Quench” system that calls for quench water only when needed. The system calls for water when a temperature switch in the drain piping detects water hot enough to require cooling.
Question
Can I have the sterilizer automatically go to sleep at night and turn on in the morning?
Answer
Access the AUTO ON/AUTO OFF feature by pressing the Asterisk [*] key. Arrow to AUTO OFF and AUTO ON to input times in a 24-hour format. This function is 7 days a week. The door must be left open on clinical software (xxx6137) equipped units to enable the sterilizer to go to sleep. On non-clinical software (xxx7923) equipped units, the door will have to be opened and closed since the last run to go to sleep.
Question
We received a can of stainless steal cleaner with the sterilizer. Is this for the chamber?
Answer
No. This cleaner is to be used on the stainless steel fascia or modular wall panels.
Question
How should I clean the chamber interior?
Answer
Use a mild detergent and a towel, after the chamber is allowed to cool. If the mild detergent is not sufficient, the use of a non-abrasive lime descaler may be used. The use of a scrub pad is detrimental to the highly polished surface of the chamber.
Always clean the pin trap that rests in the chamber drain of any debris. Rinse thoroughly with RO or DI water after cleaning. Avoid any cleaning agents that contain chlorides as chlorides can damage stainless steels.
Question
How do I clean the door gasket and gasket groove?
Answer
Remove the gasket carefully by prying gently with one or two PRIMUS gasket tools inserted between the gasket and gasket groove. Be careful not to damage the gasket. Clean the gasket in a container of soapy water. Use a towel and mild detergent to clean the gasket groove. Rinse thoroughly with RO or DI water after cleaning.
Question
My sterilizer printer uses thermal print paper. I changed the roll and now it does not print.
Answer
Make sure the paper has been loaded correctly so the correct side of the paper is exposed
to the thermal print head.
Question
I accidentally hit one of those little DIP switches in my Keltron brand printer when I changed the paper. How should they be set?
Answer
Only switch 5 should be ON.
Question
I have been waiting for a long time for the start indicator to light up on the start button so I can start a cycle.
Answer
The chamber is surrounded by a jacket that is charged with steam and must heat to within the preset jacket temperature offset – usually 4 degrees F below the sterilizing temperature of the cycle you are about to run. The steam supply should be checked whether the unit is on house steam or has its own integral boiler. Make sure someone has not turned off the steam supply to the unit or tampered with the steam pressure regulator.
Question
I ran a sterilization cycle and cannot get the door to open.
Answer
If the door gasket does not fully retract into the gasket groove, the door will be very difficult to open. Retracting of the gasket is accomplished by exposing the gasket groove to a vacuum. Make sure the water supply to the sterilizer is not compromised. Water is necessary to pull the vacuum.
Have a question or having difficulties? Talk to Dave Schall, our PRIMUS sterilizer expert who is here to assist you anytime at 877.679.7800 extension 1212 or email at dschall@spire-is.com.
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