STERILIZER WATER INFO

WATER CONDITIONS

Market Forge has been asked from time to time the question about using distilled or dionized water for use with our Sterilizer (Autoclave) models; STM-E, STM-EL, STM-EX and STM-ELX. We are always asked why these choices are not allowed and what would be recommended. To address this situation, we have complied the following as a means of satisfying these questions.

  1. We have found that the use of distilled or dionized water will aggressively attack the pure coat of aluminum alclad, which protects the bottom surface from oxidizing and then eventually pitting (refer to page 2 for Daily Maintenance).
  2. In addition, pitting can also be caused by several other external environmental factors. Few examples are as follows. These conditions have been highlighted in our documentation.
  • Grains of hardness in the water supply should be as follows, 0.25 to 2.0.
  • A pH imbalance in the water supply can greatly affect the life to the aluminum cylinder. The pH range that would be recommended is between, 7.0 – 8.5.
  • The Lack of positive electrical ground can cause an electrolytic reaction that will accelerate pitting.
  • Another contribution to accelerate pitting is the type of cleaning solutions used or the abrasive scrubbing pads. If a low pH is present with the detergents being used or an abrasive pad, the protective alclad coating will be removed during the cleaning process.
  • Spillage of media being sterilized can also contribute to the accelerated pitting if it is corrosive.
  • CHLORINE LEVEL ≤ 1 PPM

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: MARKET FORGE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE USE OF HARD OR CORROSIVE WATER FROM FAILURE TO DRAIN THE UNIT DAILY OR FROM INADEQUATE CLEANING PROCEDURES.

STERILIZER DAILY MAINTENANCE:

This procedure MUST be done at the end of each day.


IMPORTANT NOTE: STERILIZER CHAMBER MUST BE CLEANED AND DRAINED DAILY USING THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE.
 

  1. Remove bottom splash baffle.
  2. WASH WETTED PORTION OF THE CYLINDER THOROUGHLY BY ADDING A MILD DETERGENT TO WATER IN CYLINDER. If a soft cloth or brush is used with the detergent and does not completely remove the surface film, a nylon soap pad should be used. After washing thoroughly, rinse with clean water. Dry cylinder* and leave door open overnight.

 

*The Sterilmatic cylinder is constructed of corrosion resistant alclad aluminum alloy. The protective properties of this material afforded to the interior portion of the cylinder which is exposed to water may be destroyed by allowing a film to form. Such a film can be caused by salts or other contaminants in the water. Corrosion may also occur if water is not drained daily.