Definition of Autoclave
It is the equipment used for sterilization of medical
instruments and equipment textiles (i.e. theatre gowns and dressings) Lab.
Culture containers and glassware.
Types of Autoclave
Autoclaves have an inbuilt electrical power source or
operate from external sources of heat, e.g. a hot plate, gas, or kerosene stove.
Larger autoclaves are manufactured with various accessories, e.g. pressure and
temperature gauges.
Basic manual benchtop autoclaves (or pressure cookers) are simple to operate. Large fully automated autoclaves are available but are expensive to purchase and operate.
Parts of the Autoclave
1.Strainer
Function
Strain dust of fluid
2. Reducing valve
Function
Reduce the primary pressure to the secondary pressure
3. Safety value
Function
Replace steam automatically when the pressure comes to the
certain value (mechanical function)
4. Magnetic valve
Function
Control water flow by shut or open (electrical function)
5. Steam trap
Function
Drain condensate
6. Pressure bolts
Function
Proper tightening of the lid
7. Timer
Function
Duration of the process cycle
5. Steam trap
Function
Drain condensate
6. Pressure bolts
Function
Proper tightening of the lid
7. Timer
Function
Duration of the process cycle
8. Control relay
Function
Switching process functions
9. Sight glass
Function
Water level indication
10. Rubber gasket
Function
Leakage seal
11. Pressure Gauges
Function
Pressure indicator
12. Thermostat
Function
Temperature control
13. On/Off switches
Function
Power “ON” power “OFF”
14. Dry heat protection unit
Function
Thermal cut – out
15. Pilot lights
Function
Mains indicator
Principle of Autoclave
It achieves sterilization (sterility) by applying moist
heat. High-pressure steam sterilization (Moist heat) in an evacuated chamber.
Pressurized high-temperature steam (coagulation at 121oC for 15 minutes for
rubber materials and glassware 134oC for 3 to 10 minutes for surgical
instruments, gowns dressing etc.
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