Technician’s manual

MAN-N001-T-EN-191129 / November 2019

Version 3 – August 2019 Page 1 / 22

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Technician’s manual

This manual must be read before performing installation and

scheduled/unscheduled maintenance operations on the Chronos®.
It allows the realization of operations under the most effective and safe conditions.

For any questions concerning these operations, please contact the Germitec support department.
The description of the disinfection system Chronos® was accurate on the date this manual was printed.

Chronos® is a unit from the Hypernova® range.

Chronos® and Hypernova® are registered trademarks of Germitec.
Germitrac is the name given to the interface web pages of the Chronos® disinfection system.

This manual belongs to :

©2019 Germitec - all rights reserved

www.germitec.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Presentation of the installation and maintenance activities for the Chronos® ................ 5
1.1.1 The Chronos® .................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1.2 Operating the Chronos® .................................................................................................................. 5
1.1.3 Training ........................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Details of the installation steps ..................................................................................... 5
2 Installation........................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Before the installation .................................................................................................. 6
2.1.1 Information ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Installation ................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Positioning ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Connection ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Install the quartz plate .................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.4 First startup and configurations ...................................................................................................... 7
2.2.5 Probe installation ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.2.6 Cycles............................................................................................................................................... 9
3 Preventive maintenance ..................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Frequency .................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Preventative maintenance actions .............................................................................. 10
3.2.1 General system verification .......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.2 Cleaning ......................................................................................................................................... 10
External cleaning ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Cleaning internal walls................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.3 Replacement of wear parts ........................................................................................................... 11
3.2.4 Calibration ..................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.5 Software update and downloading of the unit’s data .................................................................. 12
4 CORRECTIVE maintenance .................................................................................................. 12
4.1 User feedback ............................................................................................................ 12
4.2 Details and error diagnostics ...................................................................................... 13
4.3 Downloading of maintenance files .............................................................................. 13
4.4 Unscheduled (corrective) maintenance operations ...................................................... 14
4.4.1 Removing the casing ..................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.2 Rack disassembly ........................................................................................................................... 15
5 Annex ................................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 Installation of probe rings........................................................................................... 16
5.1.1 Prerequisites ................................................................................................................................. 16
5.1.2 Installation..................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2 Installation of printer paper ........................................................................................ 17
5.3 Calibration ................................................................................................................. 18
5.4 Login and level of access in Germitrac ......................................................................... 20
5.5 Setting generic barcode .............................................................................................. 20
5.5.1 Behavior at first installation .......................................................................................................... 20
5.5.2 Set-up of probe model .................................................................................................................. 20
5.5.3 Behavior after a good setting ........................................................................................................ 21
5.6 Network configuration ............................................................................................... 21
6 Contact .............................................................................................................................. 22

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Presentation of the installation and maintenance activities for the

Chronos®

1.1.1 The Chronos®

The Chronos® is a High-Level Disinfection (HLD) system for external or endocavitary ultrasound probes.
The Chronos® has its own User Manual, which must be read before reading this manual.

It is designed to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals such as sonographers,

radiologists, gynecologists, obstetricians, cardiologists, urologists, primary-care physicians, nurses, and
healthcare assistants.

1.1.2 Operating the Chronos®

Installation and maintenance activities on the Chronos® are limited to personnel authorized by
Germitec.

These activities can include:

- installations to put a system into operation,
- preventive maintenance operations to be performed regularly to maintain system
performance levels,
- unscheduled maintenance operations, to correct any malfunctions.

If a maintenance operation requires that the unit be switched on while certain components are
removed, it is essential to wear protective anti-UV glasses.

1.1.3 Training

It is the responsibility of the distributor of the device to ensure with Germitec that:
- All technicians are trained with regards to the instructions and warnings contained in this
manial
- All technicians are aware of the risks and the preventive measures described in this
manual.

1.2 Details of the installation steps

- Positioning the unit

- Connecting to power and first startup
- Connecting to the system to apply settings
- Installation of rings on probes
- Proper operation test:
o One cycle
o Display of traceability information

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2 INSTALLATION
2.1 Before the installation

2.1.1 Information

First of all, the technician must have asked the user which probes he wants to use in the unit, check
their compatibility and prepare their labels.

Check that the user intends to place the unit on a suitable surface (dimensions, flatness, proximity of
a power outlet).

2.2 Installation

2.2.1 Positioning

Place the system close to a power outlet in a sufficiently large space and close to an ultrasound unit.

2.2.2 Connection

Warning
The Chronos® must be connected to an electrical installation that is compliant with the current
regulations. This connection must be performed by a qualified person.
The Chronos® is connected to an AC power supply that must have a voltage of between 120 and 240 VAC.
Check that the power source is compliant with that indicated on the label. This product is electrical class 1
and is therefore designed to be connected to a protective grounding. If this is not the case, this may expose
persons to the danger of an electric shock.
Only power cords provided with the equipment may be used to connect it.
The power cord is used as a circuit-breaking system (cut-off of electrical power if necessary) and must
therefore be accessible.

➢ Connect the power cord to the IEC connector at the rear of the chamber.
➢ Connect the plug at the other end of the cord to a 16-Amp power outlet (2P+G).
This outlet must be protected by a 3 A circuit-breaker on 240 VAC or a 6 A circuit-breaker on
120 VAC.

Never connect other peripherals to the connectors than those indicated below.

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➢ Connect the printer to one of the two rear USB connectors.

➢ Connect the printer to an AC power outlet using the power cord provided with the printer.

Only printers provided by the manufacturer are compatible with the Chronos®.
The use of another printer does not guarantee the proper operation of the system.

➢ To connect the unit to a computer or local Ethernet network, plug the Ethernet cable into the
Ethernet connector at the rear of the unit and connect to a network socket or computer.

2.2.3 Install the quartz plate

Put on protective gloves and carefully position the quartz plate above the UV tubes at the back of the
chamber in the dedicated holder.

2.2.4 First startup and configurations

Before switching on, re-read the safety instructions in the User Manual.

- Press the switch at the rear of the unit.

The green LED lights up and HELLO is shown on the unit’s display.
After about thirty seconds, the unit should display the time and the maintenance gauge.

- Connect an Ethernet cable using the connector provided.

The connector’s green LED should light up.

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- Connect to the Germitrac web page using the IP address given by Germitec. The network
configuration is describe in Annex 5.6.

- Once you have reached the page, connect using your technician login to access the unit’s general
parameters. The levels of access are described in the Annex 5.5.

Settings to be applied (see photo below)

1. Check the Clock, update it if necessary (this will cause a restart lasting about 1 min).

2. Set the language and the number of Tickets the user wants to have after each cycle.

3. Enter the user’s General parameters.

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2.2.5 Probe installation

To be used in the Chronos®, the ultrasound probes must have rings fitted so they can be held
suspended and tracked by the system.

To fit rings on the probes, follow the instructions in Annex 5.1.

Two types of barcode can be placed on the cable:

- Specific barcode with serial number and model already encoded: go directly to the
next section, 2.2.6, to start a cycle.
- Generic barcode without a serial number and model already set, follow instructions of
the Annex 5.4 before going to the next step of installation.

2.2.6 Cycles

- Take a probe that has already had a ring fitted and install it in the Chronos®.
The name of the probe must appear briefly before returning to the time and the probe LED must
illuminate violet.
- Close the unit’s door and press the button to start a cycle.
The word CYCLE is displayed briefly during preheating then the percent progress is displayed. When the
cycle is complete, CYCLE OK is briefly displayed.
When the time is once again displayed, the probe LED becomes blue which means that the probe inside
has been disinfected.

- Check the information printed on the ticket.

1 System identification: product name and serial number

2 Site identification: establishment name, department name
3 Probe identifier: model and serial number
4 Characterization of the disinfection: cycle, date and time of the disinfection, daily and annual number,
success or failure of the disinfection
5 Information about the next change of tubes
6 Field that can be completed by the user

- Check the information saved on Germitrac (connect using the procedure described in
Annex 5.6.).

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3 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Preventive Maintenance must be carried out by a Germitec authorized service technician.

3.1 Frequency

Preventative maintenance Replacement of UV tubes

Once per year Every two years or every 100 hours of cycle*

*whichever occurs first

Reminder: the owner of the Chronos® unit is responsible for its routine care (external and internal cleaning,
replacement of printer paper) in accordance with the instructions given in the User Manual.

3.2 Preventative maintenance actions

Preventative maintenance includes:
- General system check
- Cleaning any external and internal parts if necessary
- Replacing wear and tear parts: UV tubes, if necessary, and ventilation filters if
necessary
- The calibration of the photodiodes
- Software updates, if necessary
- The downloading of data (all downloadable files)

Only Philips UV-C tubes supplied by Germitec may be placed in the Chronos®.
The worn tubes are recovered by the Germitec-approved technician.

3.2.1 General system verification

The technician must visually verify that the unit is in a good state of repair, and that no functional parts
have a degraded or unusual appearance.

3.2.2 Cleaning

External cleaning
To clean the outside of the equipment, use a cloth or paper rag, dampened with water or a surface
cleaner/disinfectant.

Do not spill liquid inside or over the Chronos®.

Cleaning internal walls

An ultrasoft cloth (optical quality) soaked in a hydroalcoholic solution may be used to clean the quartz
plate and the side surfaces.

Do not perform any cleaning within 2 minutes of a disinfection cycle. The tubes are still hot and
represent a burn hazard.
Do not clean the tubes.

Clean behind and in immediate proximity to the tubes only if they have first been removed.

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3.2.3 Replacement of wear parts

3.2.3.1 Replacement of UV tubes

Put on gloves to perform tube replacement.

- Unclip the tube from its holder.

- Lift the tube out of its base.
Avoid any sudden movements to avoid breaking the tube.

There is little probability that a tube that breaks will have an impact on your health. If a tube
breaks, ventilate the room for 30 minutes and remove the broken parts using gloves. Place them
in a sealed plastic bag and deposit them in a waste recycling station. Do not use a vacuum cleaner.

- Clip the new tube into its base.

- Re-clip the holder at the top of the tube.
Once the operation has been completed, it must be notified in Germitrac to update the unit’s
maintenance status.
- Connect to Germitrac as technician
- Go to settings in the “UV Tubes” section.

- Click on "Tubes replaced".

Check that today’s date is displayed and that the counter is reset to 0 hours.

3.2.3.2 Filter replacement

- Check the state of the air filters at the rear of the unit.
- Replace the filters if they appear to be very dirty.
- Unscrew the 4 screws of the filter guard to remove it.
- Screw back in position after the new filter has been installed.

3.2.4 Calibration

Install the SOLO application and start a calibration by following the instructions in Annex 5.3.

Once the operation has been completed the unit displays Calibration OK and prints a ticket containing
the values and coefficients applied to the photodiodes. Keep this ticket for the maintenance report.

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3.2.5 Software update and downloading of the unit’s data

3.2.5.1 Downloading of the unit’s data

Download the files before performing a software update.

- Connect to Germitrac as a technician

- Go to settings in the “Downloads” section.

- Select the files to download and click on downloads.

3.2.5.2 Software update

- Connect to Germitrac as a technician
- Go to settings and in the “Software version” section

- Click on Updates
- A pop-up window is displayed, select the software update archive.
- Wait for the installation to finish and for the system to restart.
- Refresh the Germitrac page, the new version number should be displayed in the
table.
-

4 CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE
4.1 User feedback
Check that the user has followed the instructions in the User Manual in the event of an error.

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4.2 Details and error diagnostics

Error Advanced diagnostics

Nothing happens when a start is Unscrew the rear plate to check the MCU LED.
initiated or - If the Master Control Unit (MCU) is operating, a green LED should flash
ERR01 START on the main board.
ERR02 DETEC Barcode not valid (incorrect number of characters or probe not referenced):
- Replace the probe’s barcode label with a new one.
- Check that this type of probe is compatible
ERR03 START Initialization failure of the barcode reader.
- Open the rear plate to check the connection of the USB cable.
- If connected: change the barcode reader.
ERR04 DOOR User’s Alert – The door is not closed
ERR05 LOCK Check that the magnet on the door side or the case side has not become
unscrewed.
Check the correct positioning of the hinge pins.
ERR06 PROBE 1) Check the status of the barcode label
2) Check the position of the ring support:
- Push down as far as possible.
- If excessive back-and-forth play is noticed then remove it, check its status
and replace.
ERR07 HOT User’s Alert – Protection if temperature goes over 50°C
ERR08 TUBE If this error persists even though the maintenance gage has not reached the
maximum:
- Check that all the tubes have been properly pushed in.
- If all the tubes have been properly pushed in, download the LOGs to
identify the defective tube.
ERR09 CUVE Check the state of the surface of photodiodes 1 and 2.
ERR10 EVO1 Check the state of the surface of photodiodes 1 and 2.
ERR11 EVO2 Check the state of the surface of photodiodes 1 and 2.
ERR12 PREV1 Check the state of the surface of photodiodes 1 and 2.
ERR13 PREV2 Check the state of the surface of photodiodes 1 and 2.
ERR14 DELAY Check that nothing is obstructing the photodiodes or the UV tubes (no
objects left inadvertently on the quartz plate).
Check the state of the UV tube surfaces.
Check the state of the surface of photodiodes 1 and 2.
ERR16 UV3 Check that nothing is obstructing the independent photodiode.
Check the state of the surface of photodiode 3.
ERR17 SOLO Check that the SOLO USB is properly connected to the monitor and/or to the
rear of the unit.
Check the state of the SOLO barcode.
ERR19 DEVIA Failure during a calibration - If this error persists check photodiodes and the
chamber
ERR21 CALIB Perform the calibration of the unit.
ERR22 STOP User’s Alert – Cycle stop during a disinfection
ERR23 UVOFF Unscrew the rear plate to check the Master Control Unit (MCU) LED.
- If the Master Control Unit (MCU) is operating, a green LED should flash
on the main board.
ERR24 SIGN Check the connection of the USB cables on the UV boards (14, 15 and 16) by
unscrewing the rear plate of the unit.

4.3 Downloading of maintenance files

To download the unit’s files, follow the instructions given in Section 3.2.5.1, and download the more
specific LOG files to obtain more details on the events that have occurred in the unit.

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4.4 Unscheduled (corrective) maintenance operations

4.4.1 Removing the casing

To gain access to the UV boards and the door locking system, the unit’s casing must be removed.
- Disconnect the USB cable from the panel
- Remove the door hinge pins so you can remove the door.
- Unscrew the 8 screws on the front panel (Allen key size 4)

Front panel
Front Panel’s screws (x8)
USB Cable

- Unscrew the 2 screws on the rear panel (Allen key size 2.5)

- Unscrew the 4 screws on the underside of the unit (gently place it on its side)

Allen
key 4
(x2)

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- Pull away the white casing to gain access to the frame (for more details refer to
illustrated spare part document)

Barcode
reader

UV
boards

System to
detect door
closure and
locking

4.4.2 Rack disassembly

To access the fans, UV tube connectors, ballasts, and electronic board, pull out the rack at the bottom
of the unit.

To remove the rack, it is necessary to:

- Unscrew the rear plate, 5 x M2.5 screws.
- Disconnect the USB cables and the green electromagnet connector.
- Unscrew the rack, 4 x M2.5 screws, and pull out gently
- To remove it completely, the ground cable must be unscrewed, nut for key size 7 or 8.
- The first level of the rack gives access to the fans and the pin connectors.
Side
screws

- To access the main board, unscrew the 4 x M2 screws on the sides of the rack, see
photo above. Fan
MCU
Connectors SOM

Plate

Pin
Connectors
Rack

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5 ANNEX
5.1 Installation of probe rings
The main placement steps of the barcode labels are described below.

5.1.1 Prerequisites *3 *4
*5
The kit of elements to install a ring on probe cable is :
- 2 parts of the ring *3 et *4
- 2 sizes of seals *5 *6
*7
- 2 screws *6 *1 *2
- 1 white and 1 black clamps *7
- A allen key size 1.5 (not included) *5

5.1.2 Installation

The position of the label determines the final height of the probe in the chamber during disinfection
cycles. It must be in the middle of the unit chamber.

To find the label position, hold the probe cable with your fingers inside the ring holder as shown below.
When the probe is centered in the chamber the clamp has to be placed where your fingers hold the
cable. Fix a cable clamp *7 at this location.

For big diameter of cable (more than 1.0cm), you should use the small black clamp, otherwise the
white clamp.

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Positioning of the ring on the cable

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. First place the white sticker *2 at the back of the barcode plate *1.
Ensure that there is sticker paper exceeding on both sides.

2. Place the barcode plate on the inner side of the window inside the half ring *4 and stick it on
both sides.

3. Put two silicone seals *5 on cable, up and down of the clamp.

See how to chose the right seal in picture below.

4. Close the ring with the clamp’s head inside the window.
The ring should not move along the cable.

The choice of the size of the seals is very important to fix the ring.
As the ultrasound probes cables have different diameters, choose the seals that fit well
with each probe:

If rotation and up-down movement

of the ring are possible:
the seals are not adapted and
choose SMALLER diameter.

5.2 Installation of printer paper

Only the label format sold by Germitec is compatible with the printer.

1. Disconnect the printer and open the top cover.

2. Place the cylindrical holder in the label roll.
3. Insert the end of the roll in the slot as shown in the scheme.
4. Close the cover.
5. Re-connect and press the power button. 2

Select
ZERO On Label
Guide

Label
Cover

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5.3 Calibration
Sensor DB-15
First startup of the SOLO: connector

Solo Monitor

On/Off
Sensor support axis
with SOLO barcode

SOLO on its holder with barcode Sensor

containing SOLO MONITOR + Sensor

Solo® Configuration:
1. Connect the photodiode to the monitor using the DB-15 connector.
2. Switch on the Solo® monitor and click “home”, to access parameters.

3. Go to “Set Device” , “Languages” , select your Language.

Restart the device to apply

4. Go to “Set Measure” ,“Measure mode” , tick “Attenuator” , select Power (W).

Click

5. Go to “SetMeasure” ,“Range” , Select 30mW.

Click

6. Go to “SetMeasure” ,“Corrections” , tick “Multiplier” , Click , Enter the factor

written at the rear of the SOLO, Click
Click

7. Go to “SetMeasure” ,”Wavelenght” , Select 250 nm.

Click
8. Go to “Startup Config” , tick “Use current configuration” , “Apply”, Click
Click
Restart the device to apply new configuration

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Calibration:
- Connect the SOLO at the rear USB socket of the Chronos® using the
USB cable
- Check that the quartz plate is present at the bottom of the cuve.
- Install the photodiode with its holder in the Chronos®.
- Switch on the SOLO monitor and remove the sensor cover.
- Select Zero On to perform a reset on the SOLO console with the
photodiode in the cuve, the door closed and the UV off.

Select
ZERO On

Connect the printer using the USB connector at the rear of the Chronos®, and follow the instructions
in Section 2.2.2.

- Press the button on the front panel to start the calibration.

o During the heating period: CYCLE is displayed on the panel
o During the calibration: the percentage progress for 10 cycles is displayed on the
panel.
o At the end of the calibration: CALIB and OK are displayed alternately on the panel.
o A calibration ticket is printed.

The coefficients of calibration can also be

found in the technician part of Germitrac:

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5.4 Login and level of access in Germitrac

In Germitrac, use Chronos® passwords to access the settings page.

Two access are possible:

- Advanced user:

To whom: an advanced user

To do what:
o Modify the date and time of the device
o Modify the language of the device
o Modify the printer parameters
o Update the software

- Technician:

To whom: the technician in charge of the

installation and maintenance of the device
To do what:
o Same operations as an advanced user
o Notify the tube changes
o Set-up the general parameters of the device
o Probe database
o Set up fixed IP addressed
o Download some device files

5.5 Setting generic barcode

5.5.1 Behavior at first installation

The generic labels require a specific setting in the device.
At the first installation of the probe an alert is displayed on the device:

The alert will disappear when the model of

the probe is set up in Germitrac.

5.5.2 Set-up of probe model

To set-up a probe model go to Germitrac interface and connect to technician mode.

Setting of probe model and serial number

Go to the section Probes parameters, and find the line with “GENERIQUE” in PROBE MODEL column.

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Enter the serial number:

Select the model of the probe:

Click here to
open a list

And click on the Save button:

5.5.3 Behavior after a good setting

The probe is now usable in the device and is behaving as a probe with a classic label:

5.6 Network configuration

Once on the Germitrac interface, with a Technician level connection, the current network
configuration is displayed:

- The MAC address is a unique address for each computer, it can be asked by the IT manager
of healthcare centers.
- The first IP address can be changed.
- The second IP address is fix. The six first digits are always the same: 169.254. The last digits
are the four last digits of the serial number of the Chronos® (the device SN …ABCD e.g.
…4289 will have the address 169.254.AB.CD e.g. 169.254.42.89).

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Depending on the computer used to connect to the device, the URL “ChronosABCD.local” can also
work (it needs the “Bonjour” protocol that exists on all Apple computers, on most of Linux computers
and on Windows computers if another software using the “Bonjour” protocol has been installed).

NOTE:

6 CONTACT
For any information requests, contact the Germitec Support Service:
Germitec Support Service
3-5 allée de la Seine, 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine, France
Phone: +33 (0)1 49 87 18 00 – support@germitec.com

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