VACUUBRAND BVC 21 - Manual (Page 23)

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. Manual-no.: 999054 / 15/12/2009
page 23 of 27
Cleaning and decontaminating
Autoclaving:
The aspiration tube and the pipettes of the VacuuHandControl VHC, the collecting bottle with bottle head
and screw cap and the filter are designated for steam sterilisation at 121°C and 2 bar absolute (1 bar
overpressure). Time of exposure according to DIN 58946 t
e
= 20 minutes. It is the user´s responsibility to
ensure effective autoclaving.
Maximum liquid level in collecting bottle: 80 %, in case of low boiling liquids or in case of liquids which
tend to foam, the maximum liquid level might be reduced.
Prior to autoclaving remove the flask head from the bottle. Do not remove the metal fittings from the flask
head. If necessary tighten the metal fittings only by hand (maximum torque: 3 Nm) and only if the equipment
is at room temperature.
Chemical disinfection
A wiping and spray disinfection of the VacuuHandControl VHC is possible by using the germicide Poursept A.
By and by, discolourations and changes of features of materials (e. g. resiliency, elasticity/tightness,
cracking etc.) due to frequent steam sterilisations are not to be excluded.
Important notes on utilisation of disinfectants
During the aspiration process the collecting bottle of the pumping units BVC 21
and BVC 01 must not contain any disinfecting solutions, which corrode the ma-
terials of the pumping unit.
☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ Disinfectants, which corrode the materials of the pumping unit (see section
”Technical data”), may only be poured in the collecting bottle once it is sepa-
rated from the pumping unit.
☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ In particular no disinfectants may be used, which release chlorine or oxygen
radicals, e.g. sodium hypochlorite, peroxo compounds.
Aggressive disinfectants like for example Chlorax can corrode the material of the collecting bottle and
other components. This may lead to stress cracks and breaking of the bottle.
☞ Therefore the use of e.g. Chlorax is not allowed except for short-time cleaning of the collecting bottle.
Rinse collecting bottle thoroughly afterwards to avoid residues of the disinfectant in the bottle.
☞ Using corroding disinfectants may result in damage, misfunction and/or failure of the pumping unit.
☞ Chlorine permeates the hydrophobic filter on top of the collecting bottle and damages the materials of
the pump.
☞ Leaking of liquid from a damaged collecting bottle or suction tube may lead to contamination of person-
nel and material or to damage/destruction of wetted equipment or laboratory furniture.
The use of the disinfectant Sekusept ® Plus (Manufacturer: Ecolab GmbH & Co OHG, Düsseldorf) in
extensive in-house testing did not cause any damaging of the collecting bottle or the vacuum pump. Hence
the disinfectant Sekusept
® Plus - even applicable in the collecting bottle during suction - is to be prefered.
Comply with use and safety instructions of the manufacturer!
☞ Even if using disinfecting solutions after termination of the suction it is absolutely necessary to
assure the compatibility of disinfectant and the parts to be disinfected.
☞ For information about the compatibility with the materials of the pumping unit ask the manufacturer of
the disinfectant.
☞ The wetted materials of the pumping unit are listed in the section ”Technical data”.