Ensuring that standards of apparatus cleanliness do not jeopardise the outcome of analytical experiments is of ultimate importance in large laboratories and requires complex treatment processes as well as excellent efficiency. The PG 8527 single-cabinet unit from Miele will in future simplify and speed up the task of reprocessing laboratory glassware. This unit is also very versatile, adapting easily to changing workloads and adjusting to differinguser requirements.
The PG 8527 model features Miele’s simple-to-use PerfectTouch display. This display and its controls are set in an absolutely flush glass screen, allowing simple and effective surface disinfection. The controls are outlined on the glass surface and slight pressure is enough to activate all functions and launch programmes, even when wearing protective gloves. Programme selection and all manner of programming are simplified by line navigation using intuitive controls that require no explanation or practice.
The Profitronic+ controls give laboratory staff full control over display contents and the data contained in optional report printouts. Actual and target temperatures and dispensing volumes can be indicated in the display and the on-board unit has the capacity to save up to 150 programme reports. A graphic representation of washing and drying temperatures on peripheral units is also possible.
Spray arm monitoring
The machine’s display indicates whether rotational speeds are within the specified range or whether intervention is needed, for example on account of rotation of the lower spray arm being slowed down by an excessive build-up of foam. This is achieved using a PerfectSpeed spray arm monitoring unit, a standard feature for which patents are pending on all models. This device monitors and documents the precise rotational speed of each spray arm in the cabinet, including the two fixed spray arms and those on board mobile injector units. Information on how many spray arms to monitor is provided by the magnetic coding strips on baskets and inserts. All readings are continuously compared with the predefined target range. Out-of-range readings result in the programme aborting automatically to allow the user to eliminate the cause of the problem. This saves valuable time for more serious laboratory business. The process documentation system can be programmed to record any discrepancies that may occur during reprocessing.
The PerfectFlow volume control system offers a much greater margin of safety. This system is in a position to dispense detergents and process chemicals with great precision, irrespective of the viscosity of the fluid and ambient temperatures which may influence fluid flow properties.
Maintenance-free conductivity metering
Even the slightest traces of residue in wash liquor can seriously impair reprocessing results. The controls on this line of machines can be programmed to warn operatives in the event that the conductivity in the last rinse cycle is out of range with respect to the values entered by the user. If this is the case, further rinse cycles can be added automatically. With this generation of machines, Miele offers a maintenance-free conductivity metering system, incurring no further costs for maintenance and calibration. The PerfectPure unit registers all trace substances in the wash liquor which may impact conductivity. The meter is located in the water circuit between the circulation pump and the upper and lower spray arms and is a contact-free device without any physical contact with the wash liquor. This precision process (patents pending) measures conductivity in two ranges, from 0.1 to 100 mS/cm and 0 to 100 µS/cm.
Within a matter of seconds, the PerfectTouch display can be set up to relay data wirelessly to a technician’s laptop computer using Miele’s remote service module. Link-ups using telecommunication technology also allow remote trouble-shooting and the remote modification of existing programmes. This improves uptime and machine availability and reduces servicing outlay.
Hygiene and convenience benefits
Additional innovations ensure enhanced hygiene and improved user convenience. These include the cove-cornered cabinet made from high-grade stainless steel with sloping horizontal surfaces designed to induce self-draining and improve hygiene. An all-glass door and cabinet lighting package, called PerfectVision, is available as an optional extra to permit a perfect view of the machine cabinet. This allows the positioning of the load to be checked at all times during reprocessing.
Optimum hygiene is also guaranteed during the drying phase. A high-temperature Hepa filter at the entrance to the cabinet, for example, prevents the introduction of particulate contamination into the cabinet. PerfectHepa drying further reduces the need for servicing.
The safe reprocessing of laboratory glassware such as pipettes, beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks is guaranteed using the tried-and-tested modular system consisting of mobile injector units, baskets and inserts. Items such as wide-necked bottles and petri dishes are held secure during reprocessing in specially designed inserts.
In addition to the tried-and-tested Standard, Universal and Intensive programmes, the machine is equipped with the new Anorganica and Organica special programmes and, as an optional extra, Oxivario. Anorganica, for example, is designed for use on glassware contaminated with inorganic residue. Organica has been developed to remove solid or viscous organic matter such as oil, grease, wax or ointment. The Oxivario programme is mainly used for the removal of organic matter (e. g. proteins) through oxidation in the field of instrument processing or microbiology. Furthermore, the machine also features thermal disinfection programmes, permitting laboratory glassware from microbiological or clinical labora- tories contaminated with micro-organisms to be disinfected with an adequate margin of safety.
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Labwashers from Miele
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