8 Questions to Ask Before a Steam Sterilizer Installation

Installing a steam sterilizer requires preparation of the installation site and other related factors. To answer these questions, please refer to the article below.

1. How can I move the sterilizer from the truck to the installation site? You need to ensure that there is a feasible way to move the sterilizer off the truck, into your building, and through the building to the installation site. This can sometimes be one of the more challenging coordination tasks. Before placing an order, ask your sales or service representative to guide you along the route the sterilizer will take to identify any potential concerns.

   Here are a few points to consider:

   • What is the height of the doorways?
   • How wide are the stairs?
   • How wide are the hallways?
   • Is the ceiling low?
   • Will the sterilizer fit in the elevator, and can the elevator handle the weight?

2. How much space do I need around the sterilizer? Ideally, there should be 40-60cm (16-24 inches) on both sides and the back of the sterilizer to provide adequate installation space and allow for the heat dissipation generated by the equipment.

3. How much power does the unit require? All sterilizers require a dedicated 20-amp (minimum) single-phase outlet to power the unit’s controls.

   Additionally, the unit may require auxiliary equipment as follows:

   • Generator power supply - 208/240/380/480V, single or three-phase
   • Booster pump - 220V, single-phase, 20-amp circuit with disconnect
   • Liquid ring pump - 208-240/480V single or three-phase
   • RO system - dedicated outlet, 220V single-phase

4. How much water will the sterilizer need? Sterilizers rely on water. The amount of water your sterilizer will use varies greatly depending on the size and configuration of the equipment. For specific water consumption estimates, please refer to the Water Consumption Table for each model. Generally, a minimum of a ¾” water line capable of supplying 45psi dynamic pressure with a flow rate of 12 gallons per minute is required.

5. What type of water does the autoclave require? The water used for the sterilizer will need to be treated to supply certain parts or the entire unit. The standard water for the autoclave is RO water (EN285 standard) or distilled water.

6. Can I use the steam from my facility for the sterilizer? Yes, if the facility steam operates at 50-80 psi dynamic and is 97-100% saturated and free of oil or other contaminants. Some facilities use steam for heating, which may not be suitable for sterilization purposes. Additionally, some facilities do not operate their steam boilers year-round.

7. If this equipment will be recessed into a wall (i.e., wall-mounted), what do I need to know? It’s important to know that the opening is large enough to fit the sterilizer. On the other hand, if the wall opening is slightly larger than the new sterilizer being installed, trim around the opening will be required, and having 50-60cm (20-24 inches) clearance on both sides will facilitate future maintenance (installing doors on the sides of the sterilizer).

   Another important consideration is the thickness of the wall. If the wall is thicker than 5 inches, it could affect the placement of parts and piping of the sterilizer, so this information should be mentioned before manufacturing the sterilizer.

   If the sterilizer is going into a level 3 biosafety lab, the wall structure specifications are crucial. For example, if the wall is concrete, proper wall bracing must be provided to ensure a seal between the joints.

8. Which way will the sterilizer door open? Choosing the direction in which the door opens and the type of door (hinged or sliding) is important for arranging the installation space for the sterilizer. For example, you can choose a hinged door or a vertical or horizontal sliding door.

If you have additional questions about installing a sterilizer at your facility, please contact us for detailed advice.

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