Common Problems and Troubleshooting Related to Autoclaves in TB Lab

1

Drain is clogged or ​exhaust taking more time than normal​

There may be clogging of drain valve dust

• Clean the chamber
• Drain the filter​

2

Scaling and salt deposition

• Cleaning​ is not proper
• There is moisture inside the instrument
• Exposure to chemicals like acids & detergents​

• Cleaning​ must be improved and proper
• Check the sterilizer for efficient drying
• Store autoclave in a dry area​
• Do not expose instruments to chemicals like acids and detergents. If exposure occurs, rinse thoroughly after contact​
• Use only distilled water in the boiler​

3

Liquid container caps blowing off​

The sterilizer is exhausting too rapidly​

Use slow exhaust cycle​ during autoclaving

4

When the door of the autoclave is open, the solution is still boiling

The door of an autoclave is opened too quickly

• Do not open an autoclave door until the temperature gauge is below 85⁰C and the pressure gauge is at "0"
• Do not touch or move a load, when the solution is boiling

5

Indicator of an autoclave shows sterilization not complete

• Load in an autoclave chamber may be too large, too dense, or improperly loaded
• The time provided for an autoclaving is not sufficient for the load​
• Autoclave may be malfunctioning​

• Don’t overload an autoclave with the material​
• Load must be placed properly in an autoclave chamber
• Increase the time​ given for autoclaving
• Strips may need to be changed​

6

Steam leakage​

• The gasket may be worn out ​
• The door of an autoclave may be closed improperly

• The gasket needs to be changed​
• The door needs to be closed properly​

7

Chamber door won’t open​

• There may be a vacuum in the chamber​
• The door lock clutch of an autoclave may be jammed​
• The gasket of an autoclave may be sticking to the door frame​

• Follow manufacturer instructions​ properly during each cycle of autoclave
• Contact service engineer​, if the problem persists