LABEC AA20 - Manual (Page 5)

External Steam Fittings
1. Spring loaded safety valve pre­set to operate at 215 K.P.A. (Safety valve 4 on diagram).
2. Automatic air vent (air vent 2).
3. Manually operated pressure release valve connected with opening/closing mechanism (exhaust valve).
4. Manually operated drain valve (drain 1).
5. Adjustable steam release valve. If autoclaving sealed items, the adjustable steam release valve may be
closed to prevent the items exploding or blowing off lids or seals when the autoclave has completed its
cycle. In this case it is desirable to allow the autoclave to depressurise gradually before attempting to
open the lid. The valve may be partially opened to permit a gradual release of steam (dump valve 5).
6. Pressure gauge.
Opening the lid
Step 1.
Pushes handle ‘A’ towards the rear of the autoclave and hold firmly in open position to release steam
through the steam release valve. Note: As this handle is operated it contacts an electric micro­switch
and turns the heaters in the autoclave off, therefore to begin a new cycle remember to repress the
start button.
Step 2.
Turn the handles ‘BB’ clockwise approximately 60 degrees to release the lid from the gasket.
Step 3.
Turn the handles ‘CC’ anti­clockwise approximately 20 degrees to release the lid from the locating lugs.
Step 4.
Hold the lid and slightly lift upwards as the springs bring open the lid using handles ‘CC’.
Closing the lid
Step 1.
Close the lid using handles ‘CC’ and turn clockwise.
Step 2.
Turn handles ‘BB’ anti­clockwise compressing the gasket. It may be necessary to hold ‘CC’ when
commencing to turn ‘BB’
Step 3.
Pull the handle ‘A’ until the locking pin is in position and the micro­switch is activated. This action will also
close the pressure release valve.
Internal Temperature Probes (Optional­ not on all models)
If the autoclave is fitted with two internal temperature probes. To change these probes you must remove the
side panel and unscrew the glands in which they enter the chamber. The probes are ‘K’ type thermocouple
autoclave type and are connected to an external plug for monitoring by chart recorder or computer or P.L.C.
Included is two blank plugs which you can screw into the vessel if you do not wish to use the internal
probes­ be sure you use plumbers tape before screwing theses into the vessel or replacing them in the
vessel.
4 Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd Instruction Manual ­ Autoclave AA13,16,18,20 Ver 2.51 2013