Buy laboratory autoclaves at MedSolut.com

What is an autoclave used for?

An autoclave is a sealable vessel used in laboratory technology or healthcare facilities in which materials can be thermally treated under high pressure. One of the main applications of an autoclave is the sterilization process of laboratory equipment or surgical instruments which is why they are often referred to as laboratory sterilizers. The high temperatures and pressures used safely and reliably inactivate bacteria and germs. Simply put, laboratory autoclaves are pressure vessels that are primarily used as a sterilization method. Other possible uses include curing materials, carrying out chemical reactions that have to take place under high pressures, or use in production or material testing, for example to analyze pressure resistance.

Good to know: Autoclaves - also known as steam sterilizers - go back to the work of the French physicist Denis Papin. In 1679, he further developed a pressure vessel developed by Robert Hooke into Papin's pot. Based on this, pressure cookers were later developed, which are basically nothing more than autoclaves.

How a laboratory autoclave works

A laboratory autoclave is primarily an airtight vessel in which high gas pressures are permitted inside. Due to the high pressures and complex reaction control, autoclaves can only be operated by trained specialist personnel after appropriate instruction. The materials to be treated are placed inside and the autoclave is closed. The air still in the interior must then be able to escape through an outlet valve or be specifically removed and replaced by the desired gas or steam.

As most applications are carried out at a high sterilization temperature and pressure, the autoclave is then brought to the desired temperature and kept at this temperature for the duration of the reaction or application. After completion, the autoclave chamber is cooled down and the pressurized steam is released. The autoclave can only be opened when the pressure and temperature have dropped sufficiently.

Buying an autoclave: What procedures are available?

According to the EN 13060 standard, three different autoclaving processes can be used to ensure optimal and reliable use. The suitable forms depend mainly on the type of material to be autoclaved.

Class N autoclave

Class N autoclaves are not up to date and may only be used in accordance with EN 13060 if they are used as additional equipment. The reason for this is the lack of a vacuum pump or a vacuum system, which is present in class S and B autoclaves. This means that only solid items to be sterilized, such as instruments, can be treated wit superheated steam during the sterilization cycle. Instruments that are shrink-wrapped or porous, have cavities or similar should not be treated with a class N device.

Class S autoclave

The class S autoclave works according to the flow or gravitation method. The water vapor displaces the air in the autoclave. This escapes through an appropriate valve - a process very similar to that of a pressure cooker. This method can be used for liquids and solids, but should be avoided for porous materials and hollow bodies.

Autoclave class B

The class B method is also known as the vacuum method. In a class B autoclave, the air inside is removed in stages. The autoclave technology is first evacuated and then steam is allowed to flow in. This process is also known as fractionated pre-vacuum. In addition to solids, this option is particularly suitable for porous materials and hollow bodies. However, it should not be used for liquids.

Buying the right autoclave for your work area - criteria for selection

Autoclaves differ according to their area of application in terms of various properties and accessories, including size and volume, orientation of the chamber and loading opening, installation conditions, material properties, performance and permitted pressure. Some aspects are briefly explained below.

Container volume

Laboratory autoclaves differ in their chamber size and volume. The choice depends on the size and number of objects to be used. For smaller quantities and devices, such as those used in a practice, 20-50 liters are typically sufficient. If larger quantities of bottles or other equipment need to be sterilized frequently, autoclaves in sizes up to 200 liters are also suitable. On an industrial scale, up to 2000 liters are not uncommon.

Autoclave orientation

A distinction is made between vertical and horizontal autoclaves. Vertical autoclaves are characterized by a small footprint and a high ceiling height. Many vertical autoclaves can be loaded from above, which further reduces the space required. Horizontal autoclaves, such as pass-through autoclaves, can be loaded from the front. The front loaders have low heights and many smaller appliances are table-top units. However, they require more floor space than vertical top loaders, as additional space is needed to open the door.

Autoclaves for the laboratory from MedSolut: Manufacturer and quality features

At MedSolut.com you can obtain laboratory autoclaves and industrial autoclaves from various brand manufacturers. The best known are Fedegari, SHP Steriltechnik AG, SanoClav and CertoClav

• Fedegari is the world market leader in sterilization solutions. The compact autoclaves from Fedegari offer maximum safety, a modern design, simple operation and high process reliability.

• The company SanoClav offers mainly vertical top-loaders made of stainless steel, which are equipped with thermometer, manometer and all corresponding safety valves. The control can be manual or fully electronic.

• CertoClav has been active in the production of autoclaves since 1957. The table-top autoclaves for a wide variety of applications all meet the CE requirements for laboratory equipment.

• SHP Steriltechnik AG specializes in steam sterilization. The autoclaves cover a wide range of chamber sizes from 25 l to 195 l and can be installed as floor-standing or table-top units. Visually appealing autoclaves, high reliability and high quality standards make SHP Steriltechnik AG an established company in the market for many years.

Areas of application for autoclaves

Autoclaves are required in numerous areas of industry and research. The requirements in terms of function, size and handling vary considerably in some cases due to the different areas of application.

Autoclave for the laboratory

An autoclave in the laboratory is used on the one hand to sterilize all devices and instruments to be used. However, another application is to carry out chemical experiments in which gases undergo a reaction under high pressure. Typical volumes for a laboratory autoclave are between 50 ml and 150 liters. For chemical reactions, these autoclaves can have a chemically resistant coating on the inside and must be able to withstand particularly high pressures of up to 150 bar.

Autoclave for industry

There are numerous possible uses for autoclaves in industry. For industrial applications, the autoclave must be of an appropriate size and filling must be as simple as possible. The autoclaves used here are therefore typically horizontal cylinders with a length of up to several meters, which have two large, easy-to-operate openings. Such an autoclave in industry is used, for example, in the building materials sector for curing stone and concrete. Another application is the production of fiber composites, for example in the aerospace industry or the manufacture of safety glass.

Autoclave in medicine

In the medical environment, sterilization is the main task. Instruments, devices and other sterilization items must be absolutely safe from germs in order to protect staff and patients. To achieve this, the function of an autoclave in a medical environment must be checked regularly. The size of the autoclave depends on the amount of equipment to be sterilized and can vary significantly between a doctor's surgery and a hospital, for example.

Autoclave in the dental practice

Autoclaves can also provide valuable services in dental practices. An autoclave at the dentist's is used for the reliable sterilization of dental handpieces, drills and other dental equipment and instruments. There are small table-top devices for this purpose, for example, which are practical and conveniently located in every dental practice and thus contribute to safety.

Reliable laboratory autoclave for your application - get personal advice now

If you are looking for a laboratory autoclave for your laboratory, practice or special application, our experts at MedSolut.com will be happy to assist you. Contact us - our specialized consultants will personally and competently go through all aspects to be considered with you. You can reach us by telephone on +49 30 2096579 00 or by e-mail at info@medsolut.com

FAQs

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is a steam heat sterilization device and it can kill microorganisms. As the process is usually carried out at a boiling point from 110°C to 140°C at high atmospheric pressure, this sterilization method is considered to be very reliable. The autoclave is used in particular for sterilizing lab equipment and instruments, but can also be used for curing materials, for example.

What can be sterilized in an autoclave?

The autoclave is used to sterilize instruments and devices in laboratories, in industry, in medicine and also in dental practices. It is used to sterilize medical instruments such as scalpels, surgical linen, swabs, culture media and much more.

What does an autoclave cost?

The price range for laboratory autoclaves varies considerably. Depending on the equipment, performance, size and manufacturer, costs can start at 1,000 euros but can also be well over 10,000 euros. However, most amounts range between 1,000 and 2,000 euros. The more functions and technical extras the autoclave has, the higher the price.

How does the autoclave work?

The steam sterilizer works in a similar way to a pressure cooker: water is heated in a closed interior until it boils. This creates steam, which fills the interior and generates pressure. As the steam cannot escape, it heats up to 110°C to 140°C, which inactivates bacteria and germs. Once the process is complete, the steam can escape through a valve.

What is not allowed in the autoclave?

Class N autoclaves can only steam sterilize solid appliances. Class S devices have a broader spectrum: they can sterilize complex devices, but not capillary instruments. Class B autoclaves are the most advanced and can sterilize all types of instruments and devices - including wrapped, porous or complex instruments.

Which autoclave for podiatry and veterinary medicine?

A class B autoclave is recommended for most practices. Pay attention to the size and capacity of the device: 8-12 liters are usually sufficient, but autoclaves with a capacity of 20 liters are also useful for larger practices.