Autoclave- Everything You Need To Know About The Device

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Also known as the steam sterilizers, these humongous units are typically into use in medical facilities, industrial units, and educational laboratories. The primary working principle of these units is high-pressure steam. This steam is worked upon laboratory utensils, apparatus, materials, cell-cultures, and other substances to make them germ-free. The high pressure inside the autoclave kills potent viruses, bacteria, and fungi spores efficiently from the materials inside the device for disinfection. The materials are exposed to high heat and high pressure for a specified time, to ensure the successful disinfection. The moisture content in the steam transfers enough heat to the materials, which destroys the protein material of the microorganisms. 

The household pressure cookers work on the same mechanism as the autoclaves. The first-ever steam sterilizer came under the invention, in the year 1881, by Charles Chamberland. The principle of this moist heat technology has been in use since long. It is now one of the most reliable and potent devices to disinfect laboratory samples or cultures all over the globe. 

The working mechanism of an autoclave

Autoclaves have made their position in different medical facilities for their incredible efficiency in sterilizing medical equipment. The three pivotal factors that help in the efficient working of the device are temperature, time, and steam quality. In order to ensure a standard working experience, these three factors merge uniformly to reach a potent stage, where sterilization happens seamlessly. Autoclaves work in three different phases:

C phase (Conditioning phase) - The first phase of the sterilization cycle involves evacuating the device chamber, as air puts hindrances in sterilization processes. This initial phase is known as conditioning. In advanced dynamic autoclaves, this air removal gets done quickly with the help of a vacuum system. Steam flushes and high-pressure pulses can also work in the same manner in the absence of vacuum systems. In gravity-dependent chambers, the air is forced outside the sterilizer drains.

S phase (Exposure phase)- After the successful evacuation of the autoclave chamber, the sterilizer drains get closed and sealed off completely. Steam them forces inside the chamber and rapidly increases the temperature level and pressure inside the chamber. This increase in both factors happens only to the pre-determined levels, not beyond that. The sterilization cycle now enters the exposure phase, and the materials are allowed the treatment under this high pressure and steam inside the chamber. A fixed time is always essential during this exposure phase. 

E phase (Exhaust phase)- The final stage of the sterilization cycle is the exhaust phase. It involves the exhaustion of the pressure, and the sterilizer drains opens up, allowing the steam to disperse outside the chamber. After the depressurizing step, the loaded materials are left to dry up. 

The quality of the steam inside the pressure chamber is one of the crucial factors that ensure successful sterilization of the targeted materials. The generalized steam composition of the vapor comprises 97% of dry steam and 3% of moisture. This ratio ensures maximum heat transfer. However, a lesser percentage of humidity makes it dry heat sterilization, which offers less heat transfer. 

The recommended temperature ranges aimed for sterilization purposes are 121°C, 132°C, and 135°C. The targeted materials or samples are exposed to these degrees of heat for a specified time to kill all types of microorganisms. The time frame, however, depends on the composition of the target material (in case of cultures or cell samples), and the class of items. Higher temperatures, than recommended, can destroy the chemical composition of samples or cause breakage of glass items. The exposure time varies according to the chamber size, size of the materials, density, and weight. In the case of laboratory purposes, it is generally 15-20 minutes, for lab samples and glass apparatus. 

Some good-to-know facts about an autoclave

Operating an autoclave might seem very easy. However, it deals with steam pressure and temperatures beyond human tolerance levels. Thus, being extremely attentive and careful with an autoclave is highly recommended. Apart from this, some other facts can also be beneficial.

• The operator must be particular about the exposure time of the sterilization cycle. Serious accidents can take place in the absence of it.

• Autoclaves can be of different sizes and capacities. An immediate-use autoclave comprises a maximum of 3 trays. However, a more frequently used one contains an approximate of 15-20 plates. An industrial autoclave can be as big as an airplane or a truck.

• Not all materials are autoclavable. The high heat and steam pressure must go well with the tolerance level of the devices or substances targeted for sterilization. Being safe demands this knowledge, in the absence of which dangerous incidents can happen anytime.  

• The cost of an autoclave highly depends on the types, vacuum systems, requirements, size, and customizations. As per requirements, large-sized autoclaves can have additional features customized to meet the needs. 

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Globallabsupply.com offers each type of lab equipment including Autoclave . They supply Glovebox Systems as well as give you enough guarantee periods to fix issues suddenly if there is anything.