SRTE

Overview

The Pitco SRTE is a floor-model electric rethermalizer that uses hot water to bring precooked, packaged products to an exact temperature. It is suited to foodservice kitchens that need to thaw items such as packaged meat, soups and sauces in a water bath. The installation and operation manual identifies this model as the SRTE Floor Model Electric Rethermalizer and covers units built after 8/2005.

The SRTE is intended for use with potable water, not oil. Its automatic water-level system fills the tank and maintains the level during normal operation. The manual lists a tank capacity of 17½ gallons (66.2 litres).

Key Features

• Electric heating: Electrical configurations in the manual range from 200 to 415 volts, with single- and three-phase options as listed below.
• Automatic water level: Water-level sensors control the fill solenoid. When both active sensors are covered, the solenoid closes; during normal operation, the system maintains the proper water level.
• Manual fill option: The manual describes filling the tank without placing the appliance in full operational mode by holding the rocker switch in the indicated fill position.
• Separate tank drainage: Each tank has a drain and an overflow line. The lines connect to form a common drain line.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Pitco.
• Model: SRTE floor-model electric rethermalizer.
• Tank capacity: 17½ gallons (66.2 litres).
• Electrical configurations: 200 VAC, single phase: 7.4 kW, 37 A; 208 VAC, single phase: 8.0 kW, 38 A; 220 VAC, single phase: 8.9 kW, 41 A; 240 VAC, single phase: 10.7 kW, 44 A.
• Electrical configurations: 200 VAC, three phase: 7.4 kW, 21 A; 208 VAC, three phase: 8.0 kW, 22 A; 220 VAC, three phase: 8.9 kW, 24 A; 240 VAC, three phase: 10.7 kW, 26 A.
• Electrical configurations: 346/200 VAC, three phase: 7.4 kW, 12 A; 380/220 VAC, three phase: 8.9 kW, 14 A; 400/230 VAC, three phase: 9.8 kW, 14 A; 415/240 VAC, three phase: 10.7 kW, 15 A.
• Water inlet: ½-inch male NPT connection where shown in the manual.
• Drain: 1-inch NPT drain outlet; connections are either 1-inch female NPT or 1-inch male NPT.
• Incoming water requirements: 20 to 60 psi; maximum incoming water temperature 180°F (82°C); water hardness no more than 2.0 grains per gallon; pH 6.5 to 8.0.

Installation & Requirements

Clearances and placement

The manual specifies clearances for both combustible and non-combustible construction. At the back and sides, allow 6 inches (15.24 cm) for combustible construction and 0 inches for non-combustible construction. The counter clearance is 6 inches (15.24 cm) for either construction type. Provide at least 16 inches (40.64 cm) of aisle space in front of the unit.

The appliance must be installed on the legs or casters provided; it cannot be curb-mounted because curb mounting inhibits component ventilation. Install the legs or casters before connecting the power supply. The manual cautions against placing the appliance next to a deep-fat fryer, obstructing ventilation or air openings, or installing a floor drain directly under the cabinet. Do not tilt the appliance onto only two legs or casters, or move it by pulling on the splash back.

Water and drainage

A licensed plumber should complete plumbing connections in accordance with local and national codes. If the unit has a faucet or water-fill option, connect it to a potable water supply. Where there is a single water connection, the manual recommends a hot-water supply to reduce the time needed to reach operating temperature. The specified incoming pressure is 20 to 60 psi, and the maximum incoming water temperature is 180°F (82°C). The manual recommends having a water-treatment specialist inspect the supply and notes the listed hardness and pH limits in the specifications.

Each tank has a drain and overflow line, joined as a common drain line. The manual warns that a floor drain directly beneath the cabinet can expose internal components to steam.

Electrical and ventilation

Electrical connection must follow the wiring diagram on the appliance. The manual lists the voltage, phase, kilowatt and amp configurations above; confirm the unit’s electrical configuration before connection. It identifies connection points and a ground connection inside the electrical access area and warns that high voltage is present in the entrance box. Do not open the entrance box. The manual advises using a wall receptacle controlled by the ventilation control.

Provide ventilation suitable for safe operation and maintain access for cleaning. Ventilation and fire-safety systems must comply with local and national codes. The manual references ANSI 83.11 for guidance on ventilation and fire-safety systems. It strongly recommends that qualified professionals install and set up the appliance so the installation is safe and meets applicable local building and fire codes.

Operation

Filling and heating

Before filling or operating the SRTE, read the operation section of the manual and the operator’s manual for the specific control type. The manual recommends filling the tank with hot water to reduce the time required to reach operating temperature. Close the drain valve, then fill to the water-level line. With the automatic water-level system, turn the I/0 switch to I (ON); the tank fills until both active water-level sensors are covered, at which point the solenoid valve stops the flow. The system maintains the water level during normal operation.

To fill without putting the appliance into full operational mode, the manual instructs the operator to hold the rocker switch in the fill position until the appliance is filled. Follow the switch markings on the appliance. Keep the water level at the marked line and do not turn the unit on until the heating elements are fully covered with water. If the water-control system calls for water while the heating elements are operating, the elements turn off during refill and relight when the water reaches the high-level probe; the manual describes this as normal.

Shutdown and safe use

To shut down, turn the controller off if the unit has one, then move the I/0 switch to 0 (OFF). Completely shut down the appliance before draining. Do not operate it during a power outage, and do not add water until the tank has had ample time to cool. The SRTE is for indoor use only and is not designed for cooking with oil. Do not move the appliance or transfer hot liquid while it is operating or contains hot liquid. Do not leave it unattended while filling if an overflow drain is not equipped or an overflow drain stop is used.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Disconnect the power supply before cleaning or servicing. Wear protective gloves and clothing when draining or cleaning the appliance and handling hot water. Do not leave the unit unattended during cleaning, and do not let the water level fall below the heating element. The appliance is not approved for cleaning with a water jet; do not use a jet stream.

Daily checks and tank cleaning

The manual’s daily preventative-maintenance procedure calls for checking that the high-temperature limit, temperature probe and heating elements are correctly positioned and secure. Check cords and wires for fraying or looseness, look for loose parts or foreign items around the unit, and check for water leaks around the drain lines and water supply connections.

To clean the cook tank, turn the appliance off. Scrub the tank, basket hanger, baskets, heating element and temperature probe with a Scotch-Brite or other abrasive pad and a commercial cleaner formulated for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces. Follow the cleaner’s directions and remove foreign material from the tank and components. Rinse the tank and components thoroughly with cool water at least twice, or until all cleaner is removed. Take care not to disturb the probe or high-temperature limit.

Cabinet cleaning

Wipe the inside of the cabinet with a clean, dry cloth to remove oil, dust, dirt and cooking debris from accessible surfaces and components. Clean the outside with a damp cloth and mild detergent, taking care not to introduce detergent into the tank or food-zone areas. The manual also warns against using the appliance as a step or standing on its front panel, tank, splash back, tank cover, workshelf or drain board.

Troubleshooting

• No power: Check the building power supply and whether the circuit breaker has tripped. Reset the breaker if necessary.
• Unit does not activate: Check that the I/0 switch is in the I position, the controller is turned on, and the power cord is connected.
• Automatic fill does not add water: Check that the water is turned on. The manual also lists a wet lower water-level sensor or a dirty upper sensor as possible causes; dry the lower sensor or clean the upper sensor.
• Automatic fill does not stop when full: The manual lists insufficient mineral content in the water as a possible cause and gives the corrective action of adding ⅛ cup of baking soda to the cook tank.
• Heating stops during automatic fill: The manual notes that the fill system can cut off heat while filling. Allow the system to fill the tank and restore heat.
• Controller indicates heating, but water does not heat: A tripped high-temperature limit is a possible cause. Allow the appliance to cool and reset the high-temperature limit.

Applications

Use the SRTE for hot-water rethermalizing of precooked, packaged products, including meat, soups and sauces. The equipment seller’s product information describes using the water bath to thaw these products to an exact temperature. The appliance is not intended for cooking with oil.