User Manual

14
Leica ASP300 S
2.3 Safety features on the instrument
In the case of power failures or other processing problems the Leica
ASP300 S incorporates specimen protection features such as a fluid level
sensor and sophisticated software controls which ensure that processing
can be completed successfully without damage to the tissue specimens.
Overpressure protection
• Whenpowerisofftheairpumpandairvalvesdefaulttoasafecondition
(retort vented, no pressure generation).
• Ifthepumpisnotstoppedatthecorrectmomentduringthepressuriza-
tion, the power supply is interrupted by a separate electronic circuit.
• Inaddition,thereisasafetyreliefvalvethatventsallexcessairpump
output to atmosphere.
Overcurrent protection
• Overcurrentconditionsareprotectedagainstbyboththemainfuseand
the separate heating power fuses.
Overheating protection
An error is indicated and all heating is stopped by the microprocessor
–control if the instrument detects any of the following conditions:
• Abnormallyhightemperature(>75°C)
• Contradictoryresultsofthetemperaturesensors
• Failureofoneormoreheatingpowercontrolcomponents
• Ifthemicroprocessorfailstointerruptheatingpower,independenttem-
perature limiting hardware circuits limit the temperature rise to a safe
level.
• Ifthetemperaturelimitingcircuitsmalfunction,anindependenthard-
ware thermal fuse circuit cuts power to the heating elements.
Over vacuum protection
• Thevacuumsystemisnotcapableofgeneratingadangerousvacuum
condition.
Overcurrent protection
• Overcurrentconditionsareprotectedagainstbyboththemainfuseand
the separate heating power fuses.
2. Safety