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.