How does a high-pressure autoclave work?

Steam Pressure Generation: Producing pressure with saturated steam at pressures above 5 bar and temperatures higher than 150 degrees Celsius. Saturated steam is either produced in a steam boiler and enters the autoclave, or water inside the autoclave is turned into steam to generate pressure.

Pressure Generation with Hot Air: Air is introduced into the autoclave using a compressor, then with electric elements inside the autoclave and the rotation of hot air, the air inside the autoclave is heated, increasing both pressure and temperature inside the autoclave simultaneously.

Pressure and Temperature Stabilization: After reaching the desired temperature and pressure, the autoclave is held in this state for a period of time to carry out the curing process of the components.

Cooling: After the cooking process is complete, the autoclave is gradually cooled with circulating water.

Types of Low-Pressure Autoclaves

Low-pressure autoclaves are divided into various types based on their application, size, and technical features, including:

Class B Autoclave: This type of autoclave is suitable for sterilizing complex and packaged tools, such as surgical sets.

Class S Autoclave: Used for sterilizing solid tools without packaging.

Tabletop Autoclave: These autoclaves have smaller dimensions and are suitable for use in clinics and small laboratories.

Low-pressure autoclaves are devices that sterilize medical instruments and equipment using saturated steam at temperatures between 121 to 134 degrees Celsius. These devices are recognized as a reliable and effective method for eliminating microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores.

High-pressure autoclaves are devices used for industrial component cooking such as composites, glass, rubber, and even tile testing, using high-pressure steam or high-pressure hot air.

How does a low-pressure autoclave work?

Steam Production: Water inside the autoclave is heated and converted into steam.

Pressure Increase: The generated steam increases the pressure and temperature inside the autoclave. This temperature is usually between 121 to 134 degrees Celsius.

Microorganism Elimination: A combination of steam temperature and pressure causes the denaturation of microorganism proteins, leading to the destruction of their cells.

Cooling and Drying: After the sterilization process is complete, the autoclave is gradually cooled, and the tools are dried.

Advantages of Using Low-Pressure Autoclaves

Effective Sterilization: Eliminating all types of microorganisms

High Speed: The sterilization process is completed in a short time.

High Safety: By using temperature and pressure control systems, the risk of damage to tools and individuals is minimized.

Compatibility with Various Materials: Capable of sterilizing various materials, including metals, glass, and plastics

Environmentally Friendly: Using water vapor as a sterilizing agent reduces environmental pollution.

Important Points in Using an Autoclave

Proper Packaging: Tools must be properly packaged to prevent recontamination.

Proper Loading: The arrangement of tools inside the autoclave should allow steam to reach all points.

Quality Control: Regular checks must be conducted to ensure the autoclave functions correctly.

Applications of Low-Pressure Autoclaves

Medical Industry: Sterilizing surgical instruments, dental equipment, laboratory containers, etc.

Pharmaceutical Industry: Sterilizing raw materials and final products

Food Industry: Sterilizing packaging containers and equipment

Research Industry: Sterilizing culture environments and laboratory tools

Applications of High-Pressure Autoclaves

Composite Industry: Curing composite parts under high pressure and temperature and performing vacuum on parts

Glass Industry: Curing glass for lamination under high pressure and temperature and performing vacuum on parts

Rubber Industry: Curing rubber parts

Mining Industry: Curing lightweight concrete

Ceramic Industry: Testing ceramic glaze under pressure of about 5 to 7 bar

Note: The use of an autoclave requires adherence to safety and technical guidelines. For more information and proper use of this device, it is advisable to consult relevant experts.

Stages of Operation of Low-Pressure Autoclaves:

Filling the Water Chamber: Initially, the autoclave chamber is filled with distilled or deionized water. Distilled water prevents scale formation in the device due to the absence of salts.

Placing Tools: Tools to be sterilized are placed in special trays and transferred to the autoclave chamber.

Sealing the Door: The autoclave door is tightly closed to ensure no steam escapes.

Steam Generation: The device produces steam by heating water. The generated steam increases the pressure inside the chamber.

Air Removal: The air inside the chamber is completely removed before starting the sterilization process to ensure steam reaches all points of the chamber.

Temperature and Pressure Increase: With an increase in temperature and pressure, steam penetrates all tool surfaces, eliminating microorganisms.

Maintaining Sterile Conditions: The device is kept at high temperature and pressure for a specified period to ensure all microorganisms are destroyed.

Cooling: After the sterilization process is complete, the device is gradually cooled, and the pressure inside the chamber decreases.

Drying: In some autoclave models, a drying stage is performed to ensure tools are completely dry.

Opening the Door: After completing the sterilization cycle, the autoclave door is opened, and the sterilized tools are removed.

Effective Factors in Sterilization:

Temperature: The steam temperature must be sufficient to eliminate all microorganisms.

Pressure: The steam pressure must be adequate to ensure steam reaches all points of the chamber.

Time: The sterilization time must be long enough to destroy all microorganisms.

Final Words

Askan Tejarat Espadanab Company, as a knowledge-based company located in Isfahan Science and Technology Park, offers products such as reactors, agitated reactors, pressurized agitated reactors, magnetic couplings, magnet couplings, magnet drives, autoclaves, fermenters, cable assemblies, magnetic cable assemblies, magnetic cable connectors, double planetary mixers, and dual propeller mixers.

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