8 Questions to Ask Before Steam Sterilizer Installation
At Combined Sterilization Systems, we perform multiple sterilizer installations per week. There are many factors to consider in every installation. Below is a list of questions to ask before your sterilizer is installed to ensure your facility is ready.
1. How do I get the sterilizer from the van to its final location?
Making sure there is a workable way to get the sterilizer from the truck, into your building, and through the building where it will sit can sometimes prove to be a much harder thing to coordinate. Have your sales or service representative walk the path of the sterilizer travel to identify potential concerns before placing an order. Here are some items to look out for:
Odd loading dock heights (standard height is 48")
stairs
narrow doors and corridors
low ceiling
small elevator
2. How much space is needed around the sterilizer?
The ideal is 18-24 inches on the sides and back of the sterilizer to provide adequate service space and to allow heat generated by the unit to dissipate. Having said that, if you have limited space, Consolidated is able to customize the sterilizer configuration to meet your specific space requirements.
3. How much electricity does the unit need?
All CSS sterilizers require a dedicated 120 V single phase 20 amp (minimum) outlet located within 5' of the sterilizer to provide power to the controls of the unit. Additionally, this unit may require any of the following:
Generator Power - 208/240/380/480V, single or three phase
Booster Pump - 120V, Single Phase, 20 Amp Circuit with Disconnect
Liquid Ring Pump - 208-240/480V Three Phase Circuit with Disconnect
RO System - Dedicated, 120 V Single Phase 15 Amp (minimum) Outlet
4. How much water does the unit need?
Fungicides rely on water. The amount of water used by your sterilizer will vary with the size and configuration of the unit. For specific water consumption estimates, please refer to the water consumption table in our product specification sheet (Table 2 page 9). In general, a minimum 3/4" waterline is required that can provide a dynamic pressure of 45 psi at a flow rate of 12 gpm.
5. What kind of water does the autoclave need to use?
If your water quality meets our general water requirements, you can use your domestic cold water supply sterilizer. Otherwise, you will need to supply certain components or the entire sterilizer with treated water.
6. Can I use the steam my facility uses for the sterilizer?
Yes, if your facility's house steam is running dynamically at 50-80 psi, and is 97-100% saturated, and free of oil or other contaminants. Some facilities use steam heating, which is not suitable for sterilization. Also, some facilities do not run their steam plants year-round.
7. What do I need to know if the unit is going to be placed on the wall (i.e. flush-mounted)?
If it goes into an existing opening, it is important to know that the opening may need to be increased in size to accommodate the sterilizer. On the other hand, if the wall opening is slightly larger than the new sterilizer being installed, trim panels will be provided to fill the gap in the existing opening.
Another important consideration is wall thickness. If the wall thickness is greater than 5", this may affect the arrangement of the sterilizer components and piping, therefore, this information should be mentioned before the sterilizer is manufactured.
If the sterilizer enters the BSL-3 laboratory, the specification of the wall structure is very important for transmission to the factory. For example, if the wall is concrete, the correct type of wall anchor must be provided to attach to the Bioseal.
8. Which direction does the sterilizer door open?
If you are facing the door of the sterilizer, the position of the hinge side is how we determine the door swing. For example, a right-hinged door has hinges on the right side of the door, and when you face it, the door will swing open from left to right.
