Steelco LAB900 Series Laboratory Bottle Washer & Thermal Disinfection System

Overview

The Steelco LAB900 Series is a CE-marked, EN ISO 15883-1/-2 compliant laboratory bottle washer and thermal disinfection system engineered for high-reliability cleaning, rinsing, thermal disinfection (93 °C hold), and HEPA-filtered drying of glassware and plastic labware. Designed specifically for regulated environments—including pharmaceutical QC labs, clinical diagnostics, biotechnology R&D, and GMP-compliant manufacturing—the LAB900 employs a closed-loop, programmable aqueous process based on controlled temperature profiles, precise detergent dosing, multi-stage rinse cycles, and validated thermal disinfection. Its 500 L chamber accommodates standard laboratory vessels—such as volumetric flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers, Petri dishes, pipettes, and test tubes—on customizable stainless-steel baskets. The system integrates cold, hot, and deionized water inlets to optimize cycle efficiency and reduce energy consumption, while its integrated steam condenser eliminates the need for external venting or dedicated exhaust infrastructure.

Key Features

• Triple pre-heating water tanks (cold, hot, and DI water) enable rapid temperature ramp-up and cycle time reduction without compromising thermal stability.
• Four-tier basket rack configuration supports up to three loaded racks simultaneously, maximizing throughput without sacrificing wash uniformity.
• LED touchscreen interface with RS232 serial port for real-time monitoring of cycle phase, temperature, pressure, fault codes, and detergent levels; supports program upload/download and connection to external printers for audit-ready cycle documentation.
• Microprocessor-based control system manages all operational parameters—including fill level, heating ramp rate, dwell times, pump sequencing, and air-drying temperature—with built-in redundancy via dual PT1000 temperature sensors (one for display, one for critical disinfection loop control).
• Forty total wash programs: twenty pre-validated protocols aligned with common labware materials and soil types, plus twenty user-definable sequences supporting custom temperature ramps, dwell durations, detergent concentrations, and airflow profiles.
• AISI 316L stainless-steel chamber with electropolished, weld-free interior geometry minimizes crevices and biofilm retention; sloped bottom and radius corners ensure complete drainage and eliminate standing water.
• Double-insulated door reduces thermal loss and acoustic emission (<58 dB[A]), while integrated HEPA filtration delivers particle-free drying air across a 20–140 °C range—critical for moisture-sensitive applications and sterility assurance.
• Self-diagnostic firmware with audible alarm and on-screen fault localization streamlines preventive maintenance and accelerates technician response during GLP/GMP audits.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LAB900 is validated for cleaning and thermally disinfecting a broad spectrum of reusable laboratory consumables, including borosilicate glassware (e.g., Class A volumetric flasks), autoclavable plastics (polypropylene, polycarbonate), stainless-steel instruments, and silicone tubing. Its design conforms to key international standards governing medical device reprocessing and laboratory equipment safety: EN ISO 15883-1 (general requirements) and -2 (requirements for washer-disinfectors used for heat-labile instruments); EN 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment); EN 61010-2-040 (particular requirements for industrial electroheating equipment); and EN 61326 (EMC compliance). It meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC, successor to 98/37/EEC), Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). For regulated users, optional software modules support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control system logs full-cycle metadata—including start/end timestamps, operator ID, program name, actual vs. setpoint temperatures, detergent volume dispensed, rinse conductivity values, and fault event history—to internal non-volatile memory. RS232 output enables direct integration with LIMS or MES platforms for automated data capture. Optional Ethernet or USB export modules allow CSV-formatted reports for regulatory submissions. All programs are password-protected and version-controlled; modification history is retained with timestamped entries. Firmware updates are performed via secure authenticated protocol, preserving calibration integrity and validation status.

Applications

The LAB900 serves as a core utility in laboratories where reproducible cleanliness directly impacts analytical accuracy and regulatory compliance. Typical use cases include: preparation of HPLC/GC vials prior to trace-level analysis; decontamination of cell culture flasks and bioreactor components in upstream bioprocessing; cleaning of dissolution apparatus vessels per USP ; removal of protein residues from ELISA plates; and routine sterilization of surgical instrument trays in hospital central sterile supply departments (CSSD). Its compatibility with both alkaline and acidic detergents permits tailored soil removal—e.g., enzymatic digestions followed by mineral scale dissolution—without cross-contamination risk.

FAQ

Does the LAB900 meet FDA or EMA requirements for cleaning validation?
Yes—when operated within its validated parameter envelope (including temperature mapping, detergent concentration verification, and residue testing), the LAB900 supports IQ/OQ/PQ protocols required under FDA 21 CFR Part 211 and EMA Annex 15 guidelines.
Can the system be integrated into a facility’s Building Management System (BMS)?
Via optional analog I/O or Modbus TCP interface modules, the LAB900 can transmit status signals (running/idle/fault), temperature feedback, and door-open events to centralized BMS platforms.
Is validation support documentation provided with the unit?
Steelco supplies a comprehensive Validation Support Package—including URS template, FAT/SAT checklists, DQ/IQ/OQ protocols, and blank PQ worksheets—alongside factory-assembled temperature mapping reports and material certifications.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Daily visual inspection of filters and door gasket; weekly cleaning of spray arms and drain strainers; quarterly calibration of PT1000 sensors and peristaltic pump output; annual full system performance verification per EN ISO 15883-2 Annex C.
Are custom basket configurations available for non-standard labware?
Yes—Steelco offers engineering consultation and CAD-based basket design services for specialized vessel geometries, including custom rack inserts, support pins, and orientation fixtures to ensure consistent exposure to spray jets and thermal zones.