UltraClave service

Service and maintenance of the system

The following instructions for maintenance and service must carefully be followed to secure a good operation of the system.

The maintenance intervals can vary according to the use / application of the system and when used under extremely aggressive operating conditions (chemicals, temperature).

The non-observation of the recommendations and instructions contained herein will void any guarantee.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE (WITHOUT UNMOUNTING THE SYSTEM)

Interval: After each operation run.

Check that the thermowell is optically in good order and conditions, for example that there are no damages of the external coating (like cracks and bubbles).

C Thermowell

In case of any damages, contact immediately the local Milestone service representative (Salm en Kipp).
Check that the system is pressure-tight, and there is no significant decrease of pressure during operation of the system.

Check the sealing rings of the cover. They should not be stretched, hang down or present damages. In this case they should be immediately replaced.

A Gas pressure sealing : O-Ring (Silicon-PTFE) (#OR0046)
B High frequency sealing : Flexible stainless steel ring (# E00264)

Interval: Daily or after each operation run

Dry clean the pressure reactor, the PTFE cover, the steel cover laterally and the clamps using absorbing paper to remove all condensates (after each use).In case of extreme loadings, clean the parts with alcohol and then dry.

Take out the PTFE-seal ring of the bottom plate and wipe it clean and dry. Clean and dry carefully also the ring edge (daily).(The under-laying O-Ring should not necessarily be removed daily)

Lift up the PTFE-sealing ring and check if the O-Ring under it is damaged.

When putting back the PTFE-seal ring in place, be careful that the conical edge is downward and is pressed on the O-Ring.

Wash up with water the three ports (Measuring block, Pressure inlet and Pressure release valve) putting a collecting container under the cover and flushing the channels with a spray bottle or tubing. (daily)

After drying, spray and rub reactor and cover with Silicon spray to protect the parts from any corrosion. (daily)

Spray and rub the clamps with a special oil spray containing an anti-corrosion material.(from daily to weekly)

CLEADING AND MAINTENANCE (WITH UNMOUNTING OF THE SYSTEM)

Interval: Quarterly (weekly in case of loading with extreme chemicals)

Check the status of the cover screws and metal cover. To do this remove the PTFE cover.

The following operations must be carried out exclusively by trained person. Safety measures required (safety glasses, gloves, garment).

How to Remove the PTFE-cover: Unscrew with the special tool the fours screws of the PTFE cover (B) and take out the cover.

A Rack holding screw
B Screws for the PTFE-cover
C Thermowell
D Special tool
E Cover screws

Using a fork-key (width 6) unscrew the four special cover screws and check them for corrosion. In case of damages change them with new ones.

Clean and dry the steel cover (remove the acid condensate) and clean carefully the screw thread with alcohol.

Corrosion residues on the PTFE-cover can easily be dissolved with aqua regia.Be careful to use all protections during this operation ! After using aqua regia, the residues must be flushed out, wiped and dried.

Push in the four screws of the cover and spray and wipe them rapidly with silicon spray.
Put on the cover, screw in the screws for the PTFE cover and tighten them up evenly.

Be careful that the thermowell is not damaged when putting the cover in place. Do not tight too much the PTFE cover screws, to prevent any damage of the PTFE material.

PTFE Bottom plate leak test

Interval: during each operation run

Check the system for pressure leakage

To check the system for leakage it is necessary to use the proper leak tester located on the UC front panel by pressing on the button during the run look for bubbles in the leak tester.

Leak Tester in the ultraCLAVE.

Close the outlet opening with one finger. Always wear protective gloves.

If there you see bubbles after 5 seconds then there is a leak.
In case a leakage is found, the O-Rings on the bottom must be replaced.

The PTFE Bottom has to be removed if there is a leak :

Remove the PTFE Bottom using the proper tool

PTFE Bottom and screw

PTFE Bottom removal tools and Tool to screw/unscrew the vessel

The PTFE Bottom must be cold, as otherwise the elongation of the material could cause falling out of the Quartz cap. Check carefully the O-Rings and replace them with new ones if required.

O-RING 100x3mm
Sealing ring to be placed under the PTFE-Bottom
for PTFE-Bottom plates new and old version

O-Ring Ø 180x4 Viton
Sealing ring at the PTFE-Bottom
for PTFE-Bottom plate new version

Check also the quartz cap for breakage or metal residues.

Metal residues can be dissolved with aqua regia.

Always use safety glasses, gloves and lab coat.
After working with aqua regia, all residues must be washed out and dried.