18 OM-DH/INA/2-100
Maintenance
WARNING
AVOID ANY EXPOSURE TOTHE STEAM
BLOWING OUT OF THE SAFETY VALVE. SEVERE
BURNS CAN RESULT ON EXPOSED SKIN.
FAILURE TO CHECK SAFETY VALVE OPERATION
PERIODICALLY COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
WHEN TESTING, AVOID ANY EXPOSURE
TO THE STEAM BLOWING OUT OF THE
SAFETY VALVE. DIRECT CONTACT COULD
RESULT IN SEVERE BURNS.
This section describes actions the operator must take to maintain warranty coverage
and to keep the unit working safely and efficiently.
1.
Jacket Vacuum/Removing Air from Jacket
Every day, while the kettle is cold, read the pressure/vacuum gauge. A positive
pressure reading or a vacuum reading between zero and 20 on the pressure/ vacuum
gauge indicates excess air in the jacket. Air in the jacket slows kettle heating and
can prevent the kettle from reaching operating temperature. To remove air:
a. Start the kettle. (See the “Operation” section of this manual).
b. Make sure the elbow on the outlet of the safety valve is turned so it will direct
escaping steam down toward the floor.
c. When the pressure/vacuum gauge reaches a positive pressure reading of five
PSI, release entrapped air and steam by lifting the safety valve lever for about
one second. Repeat this step, then let the valve lever snap back into the closed
position, so the valve will seat properly and not leak.
2.
Test Safety Valve
At least twice a month, test the safety valve. Test the valve with the kettle operating
at 15 psi (105 kPa), by holding the test lever for at least five seconds. Then release
the lever and permit the valve to snap shut. If the lever does not activate, there is no
discharge, or the valve leaks, stop using kettle immediately and contact a qualified
factory service representative.
3.
Jacket Filling
Every day, before you turn on the unit, make sure the water level is between the
marks on the water gauge glass. The jacket was filled at the factory with the proper
amount of treated water. From time to time, you may need to restore the water to
its proper level, either because water was lost as steam during venting or because
treated water was lost by draining. The procedure follows.
a. If you are replacing water lost as steam, use distilled water. Do not use tap water.
If you are replacing treated water that was drained from the jacket, prepare more
treated water first, as directed below.
b. Allow the kettle to cool completely. Remove the pipe plug from the jacket fill
assembly. Then open the gate valve and pour in the distilled or treated water.
Using a funnel will help you in this process. Hold the safety valve open while you
pour, to let air escape from the jacket. Continue adding water until the water level
rises to a point between the marks on the gauge glass.
c. Close the gate valve.
d. Air that gets into the jacket during the filling operation must be removed because
it will make heating less efficient. Follow the procedure in “Jacket Vacuum,”
above to restore a negative pressure reading.
