When you are done using your sterilizer, you need to empty the water from the unit,

rinse thoroughly
and dry completely. This procedure needs to be done daily. Do not leave water in the unit overnight.
Rinse thoroughly between water changes. Store your sterilizer in a dry area. On your next use, fill the
sterilizer with clean distilled water. Distilled water is the recommended water. If distilled water is not
available, then you may use your local water. If your local water supply contains lime or high levels of
minerals, the unit will require periodic cleaning to remove and prevent the buildup of deposits. Units
should be cleaned whenever there is a buildup of lime or mineral deposits. After many cycles, a white
deposit may begin to form on the bottom of the sterilizer. We recommend cleaning with a lime
remover. Manufacturers of coffee makers have cleaning solutions which may be used. There are also
solutions available at your local hardware and drug stores that can be used to clean aluminum. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions and make up a solution of the cleaner, filling your sterilizer above the
standard operating level. Let the sterilizer stand a few minutes then rinse thoroughly. You may have to
repeat this procedure a few times to fully remove the lime and mineral deposits from your sterilizer.
Never heat the sterilizer when filled with a cleaning solution. You may also use standard white vinegar
to clean your sterilizer. Fill your sterilizer above the standard operating level with vinegar and let it stand
a few minutes then rinse thoroughly. You may have to repeat this procedure a few times to fully remove
the lime and mineral deposits from your sterilizer. Elevation above sea level. At altitudes greater than
sea level, settings need to be adequately adjusted to compensate for the effect of altitude on the boiling
point of water. We suggest you increase pressure by 0.5psi for every 1000 ft. of elevation above sea
level. City Altitude Steam Pressure Required Sea level 15-17 psi 2000 ft 16-18 psi 4000 ft 17-19 psi 6000
ft 18-20 psi 8000 ft 19-21 psi 10,000 ft 20-22 psi Operating Instructions for Non-Electric Pressure Steam
Sterilizers IMPORTANT: DO NOT OPERATE THIS PRESSURE STEAM STERILIZER UNTIL YOU HAVE
THOROUGHLY READ THESE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. Geared Steam Gauge # 72S Control Valve #65
Index Alignment Arrow Overpressure Plug #1010 1941X Cover Shown (1925X and 1915X similar) Excess
Pressure Relief Valve #2050CS Air Exhaust Tube #2155 2 Figure A Geared Steam Gauge # 72S Control
ValvOPERATION 1. LUBRICATE METAL-TO-METAL SEAL. Apply lubrication to the point or edge where side
wall and bevel meet on the inside of bottom (See Fig. 1 where arrow tip is pointing). The bevel is not the
seat; only the point or edge where bevel meets the wall. We recommend using a high temperature
lubricant such as a high vacuum grease. Only a thin film is required. Excess amounts may cause leakage
or gumming. Most scientific supply houses have sterilizer lubricant. There are many brands available. As
a substitute, you may also use petroleum jelly or mineral oil. 2. Remove the cover from sterilizer by
loosening the bakelite wing nuts in a counter-clockwise motion. Always undo two opposite wing nuts at
a time. Next, remove inner container from the sterilizer. (see Figure A, page 2) Pour clean water
(distilled is preferred) into the sterilizer bottom (large outer pot) to a depth of not less than 3⁄4 of an inch
nor more than 1 inch. Place inner container rack (see Figure A, page 2) into the bottom of the container
(see Figure A, page 2) with the lip or edge side downward. The purpose of the inner container rack is to
provide an air space in the bottom of the container so that air may circulate freely. Place articles to be
sterilized inside the container. (Be sure to arrange items so that the free circulation of steam can occur
during sterilization.) You may wish to place a towel or cloth on top of the items in the container to
absorb any moisture which may drip down from the cover. Then place packed container into the
sterilizer. Make certain that the air exhaust tube channel (located on the inside of the container) is in
position on the right side of the container when it is placed in the unit. This is necessary so that when
the cover is placed on the unit you can guide the air exhaust tube (Part No. 2155) (see Figure A, page 2)
into the channel. 3. Place sterilizer cover on unit, making sure that the index alignment arrow on the
cover aligns with index line/arrow on side of bottom. Make certain when placing the cover on the unit
that the flexible tube is inserted into the guide channel on the inside wall of the aluminum container. It
is helpful to place the container in the unit with the guide channel on the right hand side as you face the
unit. Tighten the wing nuts on the cover evenly, always tightening down two opposite wing nuts at one
time. This will draw the cover down evenly and assure a proper seal. NEVER USE A WRENCH OR ANY
MECHANICAL DEVICE TO TIGHTEN WING NUTS. NEVER HAMMER OR STRIKE THE WING NUTS OR COVER
WHILE OPENING OR CLOSING. 4. Place unit on heat source. If the water you have placed in the unit is
cold, it will require approximately 35 minutes before steam begins escaping from the control valve.
Since it requires more time to bring cold water up to operating temperature than it takes warm or hot
water, you can reduce this time factor by: A. Pouring in hot water in place of cold, or B. Pouring in cold
water and then turning on the heat source so that the water is getting warmed prior to your beginning
the sterilization procedure In both cases, observe the proper water level. 5. Open CONTROL VALVE (See
Fig. 2) by placing valve lever in an upright position. The steam generated at the bottom of the sterilizer
will travel around the outside of the container and then down through the material in the container to
the bottom and force the air from the bottom of container up through the flexible air exhaust tube and
out of the control valve. It is important that the steam be permitted to escape vigorously from the unit
for at least seven minutes, or until you see a continuous flow of steam, and then you may close the
control valve. This process of permitting the steam to escape is called EXHAUSTING and is necessary to
remove the air trapped in the unit. The greatest cause of sterilization failure is the trapping of air in the
material being sterilized. Trapped air cannot escape. It is imperative that all trapped air be exhausted.
With the control valve in the closed position (See Fig. 3), pressure will rise inside the sterilizer and will be
indicated on the pressure gauge. When pressure gauge reaches 17-19 pounds, reduce heat as necessary
to maintain constant pressure of 17-19 pounds within the unit. 6. STERILIZATION PERIOD. The
sterilization period begins when the pressure steam gauge needle registers in the green sterilization
band shown on the face of the gauge. The sterilization pressure range is 17-21 PSI. AT THIS TIME YOU
BEGIN Fig. 1 Metal-to-metal seal Apply lubricant here Open control valve Closed control valve Fig. 2 Fig.
3 Lever horizontal or closed valve body steam escape holes Lever vertical or open 5 THE TIMING OF THE
STERILIZATION CYCLE AND CONTINUE TIMING FOR NOT LESS THAN 35 MINUTES. 7. At the end of the
sterilization period, turn off the heat source and move the lever on the control valve to an upright
(vertical) position so that the steam is permitted to escape. When the lever is in an upright position, the
steam will escape at maximum. To avoid touching the hot lever, you may use any object such as a pencil
or hot pad, etc., to move the lever from the closed to open (vertical) position. When the pressure gauge
indicates zero, loosen the wing nuts evenly by turning two opposite wing nuts counter-clockwise at one
time. The wing nuts, side handles and top handle will be hot. Always use hot pads when handling.
Having removed all wing nuts from the slots in the cover, you may lift the cover slightly and turn the
cover counterclockwise for easy removal. When removing the cover, always tilt and angle the cover
away from yourself or any other people in the area to prevent injury from the hot steam. In the event
your cover sticks, use a large standard screwdriver to pry the top loose. Place the end of the screwdriver
at an angle between the cover and bottom near a wing nut assembly. Do not go straight in with the
screwdriver or you will damage the metal-to-metal seal. Gently pry upward using the screwdriver as a
lever. Continue to pry upward at each wing nut assembly area uniformly so that the cover is raised
evenly. In most cases, the cover should come off rather quickly. If you need further assistance, please
read metal-to-metal seal maintenance instructions on this page. The inner container may then be
removed from sterilizer for unloading. Use hot pads when removing. To start another sterilization cycle,
repeat procedure as outlined. If the sterilizer is not going to be used again, before putting the unit away,
all water should be emptied from the unit and the unit be thoroughly dried inside. It is recommended
that the water be poured out of the unit while the bottom is still warm. The heat will help dry the unit if
you leave the cover off for 15 minutes before placing the cover on the unit for storage. For storage
purposes, it is only necessary to slightly tighten the wing nuts enough to hold the cover on the bottom.
When storing, it is recommended that the control valve be left in a vertical position to permit air to
circulate into the bottom. MAINTENANCE: 1. METAL-TO-METAL SEAL. (See Fig. 1) Periodically check your
seal. The metalto-metal seal must be lubricated periodically (as stated in the instructions) to prevent the
cover from sticking to the bottom because of dryness or lack of lubrication. If the sterilizer is operated
without any lubricant, this could result in severe damage to the metal-to-metal seal and make it very
difficult to remove the cover in some cases, and also become very difficult to maintain a steam-tight
seal. It is recommended that a small amount of high temperature lubricant, such as high vacuum grease,
be applied every third or fourth use. The metal-tometal seal must not be permitted to become dry. It is
also important to wipe off the metal-to-metal seal by using a clean towel to remove any build-up of
foreign material or particles trapped in the lubricant. To remove any build-up of hardened lubricant on
the seal, use 0000 grade steel wool in a circular motion around the metal-tometal seal. 2. PRESSURE
GAUGE, PART NO. 72S. (See Fig. 4) Do not immerse the pressure gauge in water when cleaning the unit.
The pressure gauge normally does not require any maintenance except to make certain the opening into
the gauge on the underside of the cover is open and free of any foreign matter. If the gauge is ever
dropped, the unit should not be used until the gauge has been checked to make sure that it is
functioning properly. If your gauge needs to be checked, take it to a local scientific supply house.
3.CONTROL VALVE, PART NO. 65. (See Fig. 2 & 3) To ensure long life and proper operation of the control
valve, periodic cleaning is recommended. To clean, Fig. 4 Pressure Gauge Open control valve Closed
control valve Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Lever horizontal or closed valve body steam escape holes Lever vertical or open
Fig. 1 Metal-to-metal seal Apply lubricant here unscrew the "knurled top" portion and clean thoroughly
in hot soapy water. If any foreign material has built up inside the unit, clean the ball and seat using a
solvent such as acetone or a similar product. Be sure to clean the control valve in hot soapy water once
again after using any solvent. In the event that you are unable to properly clean any buildup of foreign
material in your control valve, then it is recommended that the control valve be discarded and replaced
with a new control valve. 4. AIR EXHAUST TUBE, PART NO. 2155. (See Fig. 5) It is essential that the air
exhaust tube be frequently checked to make sure that air passes freely through it. We recommend that
you blow air through the air exhaust tube at least once a month to make certain it is not blocked or
plugged with any foreign material. The air exhaust tube is not part of the control valve and can be
removed separately from the cover in the event that it is blocked. Clean out the air exhaust tube by
using a small diameter wire, running it through the entire length of the tube several times. If you notice
a buildup of any foreign material on the inside of the air passage or a buildup of any corrosion on the
inside of the air passage, then it is recommended that you discard this tube and replace it with a new air
exhaust tube. 5. EXCESS PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE, PART NO. 2050CS. (See Fig. 6) This sterilizer is
equipped with a new type of excess pressure relief valve. It is designed for longer, maintenance-free
service; however, we do recommend that the valve be replaced every three years in normal service. The
valve is designed to release pressure at 26 PSI (plus/minus 1 PSI). Each valve is equipped with a deflector
cap which will direct any steam released in a downward direction. Also it is possible to manually release
steam and pressure in this unit by simply grasping the deflector cap and pulling upwards slightly. The
deflector cap will be hot. Always use hot pads when handling. This will instantly release pressure inside
the unit until you release the cap and the valve, at which time the valve instantly reseals, thereby
stopping any further pressure from escaping. 6. OVERPRESSURE PLUG, PART NO. 1010. This ALL-
AMERICAN Sterilizer is equipped with an additional safety device which is the Overpressure Plug, Part
No. 1010. The purpose of the overpressure plug is to offer an extra margin of safety whenever the
sterilizer is used. The overpressure plug is designed to release pressure in the range of 30 to 50 PSI. The
overpressure plug is made from silicone and is red in color and is found on the top surface of the
sterilizer cover, located directly to the rear of the top handle, in front of Part No. 2050CS Excess Pressure
Relief Valve. See Figure A (page 2) and Figure 7. For the most efficient results and best possible
performance, it is recommended that you replace the overpressure plug every 6 months. It should
always be replaced whenever it becomes hard or deformed. At least every month during period of use,
the opening in the cover where the overpressure plug fits should be checked to determine that no
foreign material, residue, or buildup of grease is present, and the opening be cleaned with hot soapy
water (a toothbrush is helpful) to maintain a clean opening. This cleaning/inspection is in addition, of
course, to normal daily cleaning performed after using the unit. The overpressure plug can be removed
for cleaning using fingers to pull it out of its opening from the underside of the cover. Before you re-
install the overpressure plug, check the opening in the cover to be sure that it is absolutely free of any
foreign material or grease/residue buildup. After cleaning, reinsert the overpressure plug by pushing the
round top side into the opening from the underside of the cover. When the overpressure plug is
correctly in position, the indented portion will be visible from the underside of the cover. Be certain to
check after inserting plug that the round top of plug and top lip are fully thru the opening and that the
top lip is not folded under. See Figure 7. Fig. 7 Part No. 1010 Overpressure Plug Top Lip Cover top side
Top of Plug is rounded Under side of plug is indented Fig. 5 6 Fig. 6 Part No. 2050CS Excess Pressure
Relief Valve Deflector Cap Steam is an ideal sterilizing agent since it kills microbes quickly, and steam has
the additional important property of self-caused forced penetration. A large volume of steam condenses
to a very small volume of water and more steam is drawn in to replace it. This causes excellent
penetration of fabrics and some papers and plastic films. Hot air or sterilizing gases do not approach
steam in their ability to penetrate. The greatest cause of sterilization failure is the trapping of air in the
material being sterilized so that it cannot escape. When this happens, the air forms a cool air pocket
which has a lower temperature than the surrounding steam. It can also form an air-steam mixture which
has a lower temperature than the pure steam. The most frequent causes for this failure are dressing
packs wrapped too tightly, made too large, failure to turn basins and other metal or glass containers
onto their sides, and failure to properly follow the directions as to current sterilizer operation and
maintenance. (Refer to Item 5, page 4, regarding "exhausting" to remove trapped air.) It is essential that
all sterilizers be regularly checked for proper steam penetration to the center of the load. Since the first
sign of sterilization failure is a drop in the temperature at the center of the dressing pack or sterilizer
load, it is recommended that a temperature measuring device be used at the center of each pack or load
of instruments. Indicating tape or strips are no substitute for the self-contained types as…"melt indicator
inside a small glass vial," as temperature accuracy is essential. The pressure gauge on the sterilizer
indicates the approximate temperature at the exhaust line, not at the center of the packs. The gauge
cannot indicate the presence of trapped air, therefore, center-of-pack controls or vials are
recommended. Different types and brands of sterilization indicators are available from your hospital
supply or scientific supply dealer. PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY: The gauges are rated as having an
accuracy of 3%-2%-3%. This designates plus or minus 3% of the full span for the first and last quarter of
the dial, and 2% for the middle 50% of the dial. More specifically, this gauge rating comes from the
pressure gauge standard ANSI B40-1- 1980. This standard is entitled "Gauges-Pressure, Indicating Dial
Type-Elastic Element," and covers every aspect of pressure gauge manufacture and use. The gauge is
considered "Accuracy Grade B" in accordance with this specification. SOLUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS FOR
WET BAGS OR PACKS IN STERILIZER: 1. Place absorbent towels between layers and on top of items being
sterilized. 2. Use sterile gloves to remove the sterile bags or packs from container. 3. Use sterile tongs to
remove sterile bags or pac