Q. I have an old Astell unit and I would like to replace it with the current version. How do I know what my model is?

A. Please contact us with the serial number (found on the rating plate on the exterior of the unit) and we will contact you with the correct product details.

Q. I don't fully understand the difference between the steam sources mentioned in your product information.

A. Direct Steam - The unit has no means of creating it's own steam and will rely upon the on site supply from a central source. Heaters in the chamber - these are heating coils in the bottom of the chamber which heat up water to create steam. Steam Generator - a separate vessel located within the main unit housing, or if larger as a separate unit, and creates steam which is then injected into the chamber when required.

Q. What is the purpose of a vacuum system?

A. A non vacuum system relies upon the turbulence of the steam to remove any air from the load and circulate the steam to every area of the load. With a simple load, this is sufficient, and as the steam gets everywhere, sterilization occurs. If the load has a difficult air pockets, i.e., mixed discard, fabrics etc, then a vacuum system would be essential to pull the air out of the chamber prior to injecting the steam in. Without the vacuum system, sterilization could not be guaranteed.

Q. What are the differences between Classic & AutoFill models?

A. Classic models require manual filling of water. For example the Classic Compact units are filled directly into the chamber. The cycle then begins and once complete any remaining water re-condenses back into the chamber. Classic units will require frequent filling with water, perhaps each cycle.

With the compact units however, this feature is very useful when processing only liquids as the re-condensing of the water back into the chamber will prevent boil over from occurring.

With the larger units, water fill is again manual and the chamber would need to be ‘topped-up’ each cycle.

AutoFill Compact units have a reservoir bottle that feeds the chamber at the beginning of the cycle, and receives any condensate of water once the cycle is complete. This system has the advantage of leaving the heaters exposed, so with the Compact AutoFill units ‘Pulsed Heat Drying’ can be selected to remove excess moisture from loads such as glassware.

Autofill Compact units will need to be ‘topped-up’ approx. every 20 cycles.

Q. What is Effluent Treatment?

A. Effluent (or waste) Treatment is necessary in laboratories or containment areas where waste water and effluent cannot be allowed into the drainage system without first being treated.

This waste can include the effluent created by:

• Tap water from sinks or wash basins
• Washroom facilities within the containment area
• Sanitary installations such as toilets
• Water from showers and other cleaning facilities in the containment area
• Any exhaust / water from sterilizers in use within the Category Three or Four area

An Astell Effluent and Waste Water Treatment Plant can collect and store all the above waste, then process for safe release into the drainage system. Effluent Treatment Plants are the up to date version of what were once known as ‘Kill Tanks’.

Q. How do I ensure that my load is dry at the end of a cycle?

A. A vacuum unit must be selected, along with the heated jacket option. The jacket is essential in that it prevents any condensate forming and wetting the load.