What Features Should You Look for in an Autoclave?

If you're new to autoclaving, you might be wondering what features to look for in a machine. This article will help you find the right autoclave for your needs, including temperature, self-sealing, and vacuum pump. We'll also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of nitrogen generators and other special features. The first thing you should know is that autoclaves can produce hot or cold liquids.

Self-sealing

Self-sealing autoclave bags are a great way to preserve sterile items without having to worry about leaks. These bags are made from medical grade paper with a triple chevron edge for extra protection. Sterilization is easy, and the pouches will maintain sterility until closed. Self-sealing autoclave bags are available for both steam and ethylene oxide sterilization.

Vacuum Pump

If you're working in an autoclave, you'll need a vacuum pump. These devices work by compressing air and releasing it through a liquid seal inside the chamber. As the pump spins, the air is encased in a seal that's made of water, which makes for a high-quality vacuum. The temperature of the water seal depends on the type of autoclave, but it's important to understand how it works before you use one. Having a basic understanding of how they work will help you avoid problems and downtime.

Temperature

In industrial applications, the temperature of autoclaves is important to ensure the safety of items and materials. These machines use steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria. The heat and steam transfer to the items, and the moisture within the steam destroys the protein structure of bacteria. There are several different types of autoclaves, and the temperature that works for them varies depending on the cycle. The standard temperature is 121 degrees Celsius or 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is much higher than the boiling point of water, but is still less than that required for complete sterilization.

Nitrogen Generators

There are two types of Autoclave nitrogen generators. The first uses special membrane materials that act as filters, forcing the gas through. The membrane pushes out most of the air molecules, leaving over 90 percent pure Nitrogen. More advanced systems utilize multiple filtration stages to remove other particles and protect the membrane. Among these are fine mesh filters and air dryers. The nitrogen generated is then fed into an on-site receiver tank at full pressure.

Proper Size

When comparing autoclaves, the best way to determine the right size for your lab is to check the chamber capacity. Generally, autoclave chamber capacity is measured in liters. However, the actual chamber capacity can be smaller. This is because of the way chambers are designed and the number of racks in the chamber. Nonetheless, you can still purchase an oversized autoclave for your lab.

Maintenance

Autoclave maintenance is necessary for proper functionality. It should be performed by a qualified maintenance technician. A maintenance professional should conduct a weekly door switch check. The device should be adjusted accordingly. Never operate it without adjusting the door switch. If a malfunction occurs, call for help. Maintenance of autoclaves is vital for the proper functioning of these instruments. Listed below are some tips to maintain an autoclave.