Systec VX-55

Included in the basic price:

• Fully automatic microprocessor control with 12 programs:

1-3 Solids

4-5 Waste destruction bags

6-7 Liquid waste

8-11 Liquid Media

12 Cleaning

• Integrated separate steam generator (no heating elements in the sterilization chamber)
• Novel safety ring-lock closure system with lip seal
• Temperature and steam pressure up to 140 °C / 4 bar absolute pressure
• Thermal lock: door lock controlled by pressure and medium temperature according to Pressure Vessel Regulations
• Flexible PT-100 temperature sensor for the reference vessel
• Medium temperature-controlled sterilization time
• Electronic pressure transducer for pressure and temperature control
• Autofill: automatic demineralized water feed for steam generation
• Special waste destruction program with pulsating heat-up phase for improved ventilation of waste bags
• Start by clock/timer for a programmed start time
• Steam exhaust condensation, water-cooled, thermostatically controlled
• Common collector connection for all outlets
• Emptying valve
• Base plate for vessels, baskets, etc.
• Validation port
• RS 232 interface for external data transfer
• Prepared for subsequent printer installation
• Prepared for subsequent rapid cooling installation
• Prepared for subsequent installation of a vacuum system
• Prepared for subsequent drying installation
• Safety cut-off at low water level
• Safety cut-off at excess temperature

Systec V-series laboratory autoclaves combine a modern design, user-friendly functions and up-to-date technology.

Lid and locking system:

The ring-lock closure combined with a robust lip seal keeps the autoclave lid hermetically sealed and safe. Steam pressure further compresses the lip seal, so no additional compressed air is needed. Locking is automatic when the lid closes.

The ring lock releases at the press of a button and the lid opens automatically. Each program can also be set to open the lid automatically at the end of the cycle. The seal is heat-resistant silicone and very reliable. A heat-resistant plastic cover protects the user from contact with hot parts.

Systec V-series autoclaves come from the factory with a temperature-controlled door lock, compliant with Pressure Vessel Regulations for liquid sterilization and with ISO/DIN regulations. The door stays locked as long as there is excess pressure in the chamber.

Control mechanisms:

A purpose-built microprocessor controls all autoclave functions: steam pressure, temperature, sterilization time, and the optional rapid cooling, pre- and post-vacuum and drying. Any deviation from the set values triggers an alarm.

Menu-based control is easy to operate. All sterilization parameters can be changed using special numerical codes. The control panel is ergonomically integrated into the autoclave's plastic lid cover.

Steam generator:

Steam is generated in a vessel completely separate from the sterilization chamber (no heating elements in the chamber itself). The steam generator is built into the autoclave housing. Because it is separate from the chamber, it need not be cooled during the cool-down phase.

Advantages:

• More rapid cooling.
• Less cooling water required.
• Steam is available immediately after cooling, since the steam generator is not cooled.

The steam generator includes all the control functions, valves and pumps needed for filling with demineralized water.

Steam exhaust condenser:

The steam vapor exhausted during the program is automatically cooled and condensed. This prevents unpleasant odors and protects plastic waste-water piping from overheating. The process is thermostatically controlled via a PT 100 sensor, which saves cooling water.

Pressure vessel safety valve:

The autoclave's pressure vessel is made of corrosion-resistant 316L (1.4404) stainless steel and is electropolished for easy cleaning. If pressure exceeds the maximum, a type-approved safety valve opens and releases it.

The fully automatic, menu-controlled microprocessor includes 12 standard programs:

Individual program parameters such as temperature and time can be set and stored for each program.

Programs 1-3: fast cycle for solids, instruments, apparatus and plastic items, with rapid steam exhaust.

Programs 4-5: for waste in waste destruction bags, using a pulsating heat-up phase for better ventilation of the bags.

Programs 6-7: sterilization of liquid waste with slow steam exhaust (or rapid retro-cooling as an option).

Programs 8-11: liquids with controlled steam exhaust and self-cooling (or rapid retro-cooling as an option).

Program 12: cleaning program with rapid steam exhaust.

Program variants and programs for special applications are available on request.

The programs run fully automatically. Temperature is measured in the sterilization chamber or, for liquid sterilization, in a reference vessel via a flexible sensor, plus a second fixed sensor at the coldest point of the condensate exhaust. Both sensors must reach the required temperature during sterilization; a lower reading triggers a failure message.

The control combines temperature and pressure regulation, letting the set steam pressure be exceeded by up to 0.3 bar during heat-up without exceeding the product temperature. This can shorten the heat-up phase by about 50% versus simple temperature regulation. Sterilization temperature is freely selectable from 60 to 140 °C and time from 1 to 9999 minutes.

The product or chamber temperature and the chamber pressure are displayed continuously throughout the program.

Validation, documentation:

A 1/2-inch validation port is fitted for validation with external temperature sensors. Various documentation options are also available — from a printer to PC software via RS 232, or separate data logger systems for GMP-compliant documentation.

Options:

Further options include: various rapid cooling systems with or without support pressure; vacuum systems; drying processes; in-chamber ventilation; steam-air mixtures; hot water spraying or sub-aqua systems; lifting devices for the load; exhaust air filtration for infectious microorganisms; and extended temperature-hold phases for sterilizing highly resistant microorganisms or for material stress testing in industry. Additional special programs can be built and tested to customer specifications.

All these options can also be retrofitted to current Systec autoclaves. The basic version already includes all the connections needed for any option.