- Remove old heater
- Inspect and clean outside of chamber
- Install new heater(s), making sure that contact between heater and chamber is evenly distributed
CAUTION: To assure no burnouts due to hot spots, be certain that Chamber surface is dry and smooth &
Contact of heater to chamber is completely even and uniform |
- Replace back-up plate
- Sequentially tighten tie down bands. The same amount of torque should be applied to all three bands (maximum 40 in. lbs.)
- Perform final inspection. Verify that the curvature of the heater(s) matches the chamber and no gaps exist
Notes
This Heating element contains a mica material with an adhesive that
may cause a non-toxic smoke when initially energized. |
Heater installation should be performed in a well ventilated area. Also,
allow 10 to 15 minutes burn in time before placing the autoclave back in service |
After burn in time, retighten the tie down bands. This
will ensure better surface contact between heater and chamber |
Excessive tightening of screws may cause heater to fail |
Service Tips
Dos and Donts of Heater Replacement
After removing the heater element
DO inspect the chamber for distortions and holes in the surface. During inspection,
look for:
- High or low spots on the chamber surface which could cause hot spots to
develop thus causing the element to prematurely fail; and
- Holes which would allow water leaks. If any distortions or holes are found, it is recommended to replace the chamber
When installing the new heater element
- DONT forget to remove the copper plate if one exists
- DO install the overtemp switch (Part #PCT042-1396)
on the new heater elements flip out tab (on the center heater only) when replacing the original mica element
- DO make sure that the backup plate is not touching the electrical terminals on your
new heater before tightening down bands
- DO make sure all wires are away from the heater and not pinched before tightening down the bands
- DO make sure that contact between the heater and chamber is evenly distributed
- DO expect some smoking during the burn-in procedure after installing a new heater element
- DO tighten bands (about 40 lb in. maximum torque) when the machine is cool and
then again after the first few cycles when the machine is warm
- DO stress to the operator the importance of not letting the chamber run dry - the operator
must remember to turn the machine off after each use and especially at the end of the day.
If the chamber runs dry, the surface could become warped and/or holes could develop on the surface of the chamber
- DO stress to the operator the importance of using distilled water, not tap water