Undercounter units with revolutionary technology

The new lab washers from Miele Professional are more powerful than ever before – and require less water, electricity and process chemicals. This is the result of a new and intelligent water circulation system which adjusts the spray pressure in each individual programme phase to specific requirements. The undercounter models, due to be launched in January 2015, also feature a modular load carrier system for accommodating laboratory glassware of all shapes and sizes. This ensures the ultimate in reprocessing flexibility.

At the heart of this new series of 60 cm and 90 cm wide units is an innovative water circulation system which combines higher capacity with the reduced use of resources. Compared with the previous generation, this allows almost 400% more flasks and bottles (with a volume of between 50 ml and 100 ml) to be washed and disinfected per cycle.

The key to these improvements is a patented and variable-speed circulation pump which adjusts water pressure to requirements in the various programme phases. This saves both water and electricity – and reduces consumption, depending on the programme and specific requirements, by up to 45% compared with the previous series. All the heating elements are integrated into the circulation pump and hence cannot be responsible for any build-up of soil inside the chamber. In combination with the smooth, laser-welded chamber joints, this sets new standards in terms of hygiene. Furthermore, the new pump heats up the water in circulation fast, thereby contributing towards shorter cycles.

The introduction of both water and drying air into load carriers has also undergone improvements. Both are now taken into the chamber via the rear panel. This more horizontal path involves lower water losses on the way to the spray arms and enhances the efficient use of resources. Any valves not used by docked baskets are sealed automatically in order to avoid any unnecessary drop in pressure in the remaining system and in order to reduce water consumption. Automatic spray arm monitoring and spray pressure monitoring guarantees proper reprocessing and issues an early warning if readings are out-of-range.

When it comes to drying laboratory glassware, the new generation of machines combines efficiency with user convenience. After the last rinse cycle, steam is drawn into the steam condenser at the rear of the unit where it condenses back to water. On models with the EcoDry feature, the machine door automatically opens at the end of a programme once the temperature in the cabinet has dropped below 70°C. This allows remaining hot, moisture-laden air to escape within a short space of time, leaving the load reliably dry and allowing items to cool down fast.

On models with active DryPlus drying, moisture remaining in the cabinet is absorbed by the heated drying air and expelled to atmosphere by the steam condenser. A highly efficient HEPA Class H13 particulate filter prevents air-borne particles from the ambient room air from entering the drying system and being deposited on the instruments.

On all models, the door is automatically drawn closed by the new AutoClose function: All that is required on the part of the user is to simply lean the door to. Additional convenience and excellent ergonomics is offered by the new and patented salt container which has now been relocated from inside the chamber to the door. Replenishing salt is now extremely simple and easy on the back and can even be performed with the machine loaded, without having to remove the lower basket for access.

The new, high-end control panel also doubles up as a door handle – for a perfect fusion of design and function. Touch-on-steel technology makes for exceedingly simple operation and ease of cleaning. A quick tap on the screen is sufficient to select and launch programmes. The display in the centre of the control panel provides information on programme selection – in the user's own language. The three most frequently used programmes can be saved as favourites and launched at the touch of a fingertip using the quick selection button.

An entirely new system of baskets and inserts is available for use on all models. Depending on individual needs, a handful of modules can be combined simply and intuitively to give an amazing range of combinations. A special new module has been added to accommodate large-volume measuring cylinders. The inclined position of the glassware ensures that the pedestals of cylinders are properly drained, guaranteeing excellent drying results.

In order to facilitate the complete documentation of process data, lab washers can be hooked up to a laboratory network. Alternatively, a printer can also be connected to the new models for the documentation of data. Remote Vision offers Miele Service the opportunity to provide quick and prompt help remotely in the unexpected event of a machine malfunctioning. Partnering with Miele Professional not only ensures the high-performance, efficient and safe reprocessing of laboratory equipment but also guarantees strong service backup.

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Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has 8 production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2013/14 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.22 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for around 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. The Miele company, now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of around 17,660, 10,411 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.