Autoclaves

An autoclave is a device which is used to sterilise equipment and supplies by exposing them to high pressure saturated steam at 121 °C. Depending on the size of the equipment and supplies which you need to sterilise, this process can take between 15 and 20 minutes. The name 'autoclave' is derived from the Greek auto-, meaning 'self', and Latin clavis meaning key— i.e. a self-locking device.

In order for the autoclave to sufficiently sterilise laboratory equipment, it must contain dry saturated steam. To create this steam, the air within the load and chamber of the autoclave must be removed. There are several methods through which this air can be removed:

Automatic air purging: Bottled items, or any equipment which has a high mass low surface area, contain few air pockets and therefore require minor air removal. In these cases, automatic air purging is ideal. Air is enabled to leave the chamber via a vent. Simultaneously, steam enters the chamber either from an integral source or an external supply; with the vent only closing when all of the air is removed from the chamber.
Vacuum system: Alternatively, equipment which contain multiple air pockets, such as wrapped laboratory instruments or fabrics, require a more thorough method of air removal. A vacuum system is ideal in these cases. By achieving a vacuum in the chamber before any introduction of steam, most of the air can be removed before the steaming process occurs. Once all of the air is removed from the load and chamber, the temperature within the vessel will rise, along with the pressure, until the pre-selected temperature is reached.

Similarly to the air removal process, there are numerous methods through which the optimum sterilisation temperature can be reached within the autoclave chamber:

Internal steam source: steam is injected into the chamber via an internal steam source (e.g. via an integral stainless steel steam generator).
Direct stream source: if the autoclave is being used within a large institution (such as a hospital or research laboratory), these sites may already possess a direct steam source which can be used to inject steam into the chamber.
Heaters: some autoclave models will already have heaters built into the base of the chamber. Subsequently, the water is heated until it boils which produces steam to be injected into the chamber.

At Labmode we offer a variety of autoclaves from Priorclave. We provide Priorclaves between 40 and 700 litres which are suitable for use in a wide range of applications, and are fitted with Priorclave's unique Tactrol control system.

Labmode's wide variety of autoclave models, with a range of options and accessories, ensures you will receive an autoclave which accommodates all of your laboratory's needs. What's more, our new BioCote biocidal powder coating has been added across our entire range, and Priorclave also offer a complete sterilising solution. Browse our range of Priorclave autoclaves in order to purchase the system which best facilitates the needs of your laboratory.

Autoclaves

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