LABEC AA20 - Manual (Page 3)

Location
Select a location free from draught and away from direct sunlight or other heat source. Proximity to a drain
for:
1.
Waste from the manually operated drain.
2. The outlets servicing the pressure release valve and air vent
3. Adjustable steam release valve at the bottom right hand rear of cabinet.
General
The LABEC Automatic Autoclave is designed and constructed to meet the requirements of AS1210 of the
Pressure Vessel Code and has been approved by N.S.W. Workcover Authority, to operate at pressures up
to 215 K.P.A. Regulations require that on installation the autoclave be examined by a “Competent Person” or
licensed boiler inspector and this certificate of inspection be displayed near the autoclave and renewed and
inspected annually. For more details contact your local equivalent of Workcover NSW or contact Labec for
more information.
Approval Numbers
NSW QLD SA WA TAS
AA9 6766­P­87 WA94
AA13/AA16 674­P­90 BV18716 PV86636/7 WA9489 TA4946
AA18/AA20 673­P­90 BV18717 PV86636/7 WA9490 TA4947
Heating
Heating of the autoclave is by means of stainless tubular element located in the base of the autoclave
vessel.
Description of Controls
See Appendix A Attached
Temperature Control
Labec autoclaves are fitted with solid state proportional action temperature controllers which operate from a
sensitive thermocouple or Rtd inserted in the working space of the chamber. The controller has been
calibrated at 121°C and before any adjustments to temperature settings are made allow the autoclave
temperature to stabilise for at least one half hour. For the digital controller fitted please read the enclosed
operating instructions when setting the controller temperature. The timer will automatically start the
countdown process once the temperature reaches the set value. (OP4 indicates the timer has
initiated).
Important Safety Instructions
Caution
Please observe the following safety measures before using your LABEC equipment.
1.
Ensure pressure inside the autoclave is reading zero KPA on the pressure gauge before opening the
lid.
2. These autoclaves are NOT FLAME PROOF and under no circumstances should inflammable,
combustible or explosive material be placed in the autoclave.
3. Low ignition temperature materials and those materials which give off inflammable or explosive
vapors should not be placed in the autoclave.
4. Avoid heating substances which give off corrosive vapor.
5. Users are advised of the dangers of heating combustible materials. The manufacturer can
recommend special types of elements which will prohibit the autoclaves temperature
6. Observe those rules pertaining to wiring and installation of electrical appliances as recommended by
2 Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd Instruction Manual ­ Autoclave AA13,16,18,20 Ver 2.51 2013