Why is my cassette leaking?
We often determine that STATIM autoclave steam leaks are due to a bent cassette tray or lid, after a user closes the cassette at an angle askew to the normal range of the hinge.
Prevent this from happening
Make sure that every STATIM operator slows down and closes the cassette with two hands, smoothly in alignment.
When a cassette gets closed askew, it pushes the front wall of the tray in, and bows the top flange of the hinge upward.
This is what the hinges of a new cassette should look like:
1) This is what your hinges should look like when correctly maintained.
💡 Make sure to avoid bending the hinges accidentally when you close the cassette.
2) This is what the hinges on a new cassette look like.
If your hinges do not look like this, adjust as described to correct them.
Note the slight downward angle of 7-8° and gap when assembled. Outside measurement 3mm at the tips, gap 1mm.
Compare to yours, and check for straightness.
Then correct the warp or bend by hand.
You can try to fix this yourself:
An adjustable wrench (sheet metal holding pliers or canvas pliers with a wide flat front can facilitate)
4) This photo shows adjustment of the tray with the open side *face up* and the slotted flange at a correct downward angle.
5) Flatten the length of the hinge if curved upward. This photo shows adjustment of the tray with the open side *face up* and the slotted flange at a correct downward angle.
6) For the tray, bend the slotted flange downwards if the open side is face up.
[Note: The photos above show adjustment of a used tray with the open side face up]
Do NOT adjust the tab on the lid unless visibly damaged
Adjust the slotted flange of the hinge and straighten the walls and handle if necessary
Fine adjustment steps:
Separate the top from the bottom of the cassette and set both sides on a level surface with the open sides face down.
Look at the angle the slotted flange on the bottom tray forms with the counter.
If it were sticking straight out, that would be a 90° angle.
Ideally, it should be pointing about 5 – 10° above the 90° mark when the tray is face down.
105 – 110°with the counter
⚠ Be careful not to break the welds. If a weld is broken, the cassette is not repairable and will have to be replaced.
Bend as needed to straighten
With the open wrench, bend the tab (in the center) until it looks like it is 5 – 10° above the horizontal.
Reassembled they should match the Figure 1 and 2 photos in the gallery above.
Test the cassette
- Re-insert the cassette and try another cycle.
- You should notice either a cessation or a change in the amount of steam escaping.
- If it is still leaking, adjust slightly and try again.
Note:
- If there is a decrease in the amount of steam escaping- continue to adjust the slotted flange of the tray upwards.
- If there is an increase in the amount of steam escaping, you went too far and need to bend the slotted flange of the tray down instead of up.
- You may have to perform this alignment a few times to get it “just right.”
- The tray handle may need to be adjusted upward as well.
What if my cassette is new and or the metal all seems aligned?
Other common issues that can cause a leak:
A dry seal will twist and rotate in the groove, and must be lubricated and aligned, even for a brand new cassette.
StatDri or mineral oil can be used for lubrication of the silicone seal.
How to clean your SciCan Statim Autoclave cassette to remedy leaks
Residue can build underneath the seal in the groove, which must be cleaned completely weekly. If it has not been regularly cleaned, it will prevent even a new seal from working consistently. The metal surfaces will need to be scrubbed spotless with dish detergent and an abrasive pad, such as a Scotch-Brite type safe for non-stick surfaces.
How to clean your SciCan Statim Autoclave cassette video
How to replace your SciCan Statim Autoclave cassette seal video
Manufacturers instructions for STATIM Cassette use
New Recessed Thermocouple available!
We can upgrade your Statim G4 or Classic to a probe bracket with a recessed thermocouple to avoid breakage.
Old version had the chamber thermocouple protruding at a slight upward angle, on the steam exhaust port
New version has a thinner chamber thermocouple set flush with the end of the probe tube of the steam exhaust port
If the cassette has to be held in place, try another cassette if there is one handy, or get a new one, or get individual parts such as the tray or lid from us here.
We can individually replace any of the damaged parts: seal, cassette lid, or bottom tray if needed as the next step to solve the problem.
Test it out and let us know your results!
We’ll be available to chat here or by phone/SMS/WhatsApp +1-404-494-0378.
StatClave G4
*(120V) Wifi enabled, waste water direct to drain included
This changes everything. Again.
Introducing the STATCLAVE™ Chamber Autoclave
With the reliability and trust you’ve come to expect from STATIM, the STATCLAVE G4 is designed to deliver speed, capacity and efficiency to your practice. STATCLAVE is a Class B vacuum sterilizer that incorporates both pre-sterilization vacuum to improve steam penetration and post-sterilization vacuum to improve drying. Its 11” chamber and vacuum-assisted closed-door drying efficiently delivers sterilized and dried wrapped instruments.
Fast
STATCLAVE can efficiently sterilize and dry wrapped instrument loads in as little as 38 minutes.
Dry
Closed-door drying and vacuum technology results in perfectly dried instruments every time.
G4 Technology
SciCan’s G4 equipment can connect and send information to your smart devices or computer so you can have cycle data, instructions, and maintenance notifications at your fingertips.
Capacity
STATCLAVE’s 11” chamber can sterilize up to four full-size cassettes and 4 exam cassettes or 20 pouches with included pouch racks.
Versatile
STATCLAVE offers a number of filling & draining options, including easily accessible and cleanable top reservoirs, front manual fill and a rear automatic fill option that can be connected to the VistaPure water filtration system for automated filling.
Gentle
Fresh water is used in every cycle, reducing the buildup of oils and debris.
STATCLAVE G4 Chamber Autoclave
Featuring the STATCLAVE G4 Chamber Autoclave for sterilizing dental instruments.
STATCLAVE G4 Launch at PDC 2019
Ted Gray and Melissa Summerfield discuss the latest innovation from SciCan, the STATCLAVE G4 Chamber Autoclave.
STATCLAVE G4 In-Service
Cycle Times and Maximum Load Weights (120v)
| Cycles |
Temperature / Time |
Cycle Times* |
Maximum Load Weight |
| STATCLAVE G4 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Unwrapped |
270°F (132°C) / 4 mins |
18 mins |
13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Solid Wrapped |
270°F (132°C) / 4 mins |
44 mins |
13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Hollow Unwrapped |
270°F (132°C) / 4 mins |
23 mins |
13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Hollow Wrapped |
270°F (132°C) / 4 mins |
50 mins |
13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Textiles/Porous |
270°F (132°C) / 4 mins |
49 mins |
4.4 lbs (2 kg) |
| Rubber & Plastic |
250°F (121°C) / 20 mins |
36 mins |
4.4 lbs (2 kg) |
*Cycle time will vary depending on instrument load.
Unit Specifications
| STATCLAVE G4 |
|
|---|---|
| Unit size (L x W x H)† |
25” x 17.75" x 19.5" / 635 x 450 x 495mm |
| Volume |
6.87 gal (26 L) |
| Chamber Dimensions (D x L) |
11" diameter, 15" depth / 297 x 381mm |
| Weight |
61.6 kg (135.8 lbs) (without water and packaging) |
| Voltage |
120V, 60Hz, 12 A |
†On the right side, allow 2” (50mm) of space for ventilation. Allow for at least 7” (180mm) above unit to enable access to reservoirs. If less than 7” (180mm), screw on hinges can be removed to allow reservoir lid to slide in and out of position.
Download
Brochure
STATCLAVE G4
Operator Manual
STATCLAVE G4 Quick Reference Guide