Visual Guide: How to maintain your W&Hmed Benchtop Autoclave | Steriliser
W&Hmed Background
The Austrian manufactured W&H brand has been internationally renowned for reliability and service support since 1956. W&H primarily works in the dental industry and have supplied devices to the Australian Dental market since 2002. W&H has an established service support network of 15 different installation companies from Cape Byron to Steep Point and everywhere in between.
In 2019, the new W&Hmed brand is now available to medical professionals through StarkMed and our Australian Distribution partners. The products include medical variants of the Lisa and Lina, MS range of bench-top sterilisers as well as a variety of autoclave accessories.
Autoclave Offerings
Lisa 22 litre & 17 Litre - Learn More
B Type Autoclave - Dynamic Air Removal Cycle (Vacuum)
Lina 22 litre & 17 Litre - Learn More
B Type Autoclave with S type Cycle - Dynamic Air Removal Cycle (Vacuum)
MS 22 Litre - Learn More
S Type Autoclave - Gravity Displacement Cycle
Cycle Types
Gravity Cycle: This is a common cycle type that uses steam to displace air in the autoclave chamber by gravity (without mechanical assistance) and a drain port.
Pre-vacuum & post-vacuum cycle: Air is removed from the chamber and pressure pulses. This allows steam to penetrate deeper and clean hard to clean items & instruments.
Autoclave Set-up
When you receive your autoclave, ensure the box is correctly upright and open the box. You will find two straps on two sides of the machine which are there to assist in removing the machine from the packaging. Please read through the user manual which will also be found inside the box. We recommend the physical lifting of your W&Hmed autoclave to be done with two or more people to avoid any injury.
An electronic copy of the user manuals can also be found below:
Autoclave Maintenance
Autoclave Maintenance is essential in order to ensure your autoclave functions properly. Lack of maintenance can result in unnecessary damage to the components or functions of the autoclave and result in a premature autoclave lifecycle.
Bacteriological Filter
This component of the machine allows for air to pass through into the autoclave. If the filter is unsanitary, you risk contaminating the items inside the autoclave. This filter should be changed every 400 cycles, every 3 months or when discoloured.
Dust filter
This part of the device functions as an air passage for cooling. The dust filter should be changed every 3 months, 400 cycles or is badly clogged.
Cleaning the water tank
Decontamination of the water tank is important for maintaining hygiene standards by removing bacterial buildup and optimising performance. The water tank should be cleared every 1000 cycles or every 6 months.
Changing the Door Seal
Replacing the door seal is essential to maintaining a pneumatic seal, encouraging proper cycle function. The door seal should be replaced every 800 cycles or every 12 months. The seal should be cleaned/wiped regularly. If the seal has noticeable damage or fraying - replace the seal immediately.
Vacuum Test
Vacuum tests are carried out in order to identify whether the air pressure system in the autoclave is functioning normally and capable of creating a vacuum. These tests often identify faults in pumps, door seal leaks, tightness of solenoid valves and the device preset limitations.
Helix Test
Helix tests are important to carry out in order to judge the effectivity, accuracy, and function of a steam autoclave. It measures the degree of steam penetration and should be done daily with a Helix Test Kit. By using a Helix test kit, the practice can keep records of autoclave performance, retain a record for future reference and also premeditate servicing and replacement.
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