What is an autoclave

What is an autoclave?

High-pressure steam sterilizer is a rapid and reliable disinfection and sterilization equipment using saturated pressure steam, which is suitable for medical and health institutions, scientific research, agriculture and other units. The classification of high pressure steam sterilizer is divided into portable high pressure sterilizer, vertical pressure steam sterilizer, horizontal high pressure steam sterilizer, etc. according to the size of the style.

Sterilize medical equipment, dressings, glassware, solution cultures, etc. It is also suitable for high-quality drinking water production by high-altitude food steaming equipment and enterprises and institutions, and can also be used as high-temperature steam source equipment.

Classification of autoclaves:

Portable autoclaves are 18L, 24L, 30L. Vertical high pressure steam sterilizers are available from 30L to 200L. Each of the same volume is divided into handwheel type, flip type, and intelligent type. The intelligent type is divided into standard configuration, steam internal exhaust, and vacuum drying. type. Can also be equipped with a printer according to customer requirements. There is also a large horizontal autoclave.

Principle of autoclave:

The principle of autoclave is: in a closed steamer, the steam cannot overflow, and the pressure continues to rise, so that the boiling point of the water continues to increase, so that the temperature in the pot also increases. Under a pressure of 0.1MPa, the temperature in the pot reaches 121°C. At this steam temperature, it can quickly kill all kinds of bacteria and its principle of high heat resistance.

Precautions for autoclave:

1. Frequently check whether the power cord of the sterilizer is well grounded.

2. The sterilizer should be placed in a ventilated and dry room, free of flammable and explosive materials.

3. The position of the exhaust valve has been calibrated when leaving the factory, and the lead seals and screws on the valve must not be arbitrarily removed.

4. The stacked items shall not exceed 4/5 of the total volume.

5. Do not add oil to the sealing ring to avoid damage to the rubber and cause air leakage.

6. It is strictly forbidden to sterilize chemicals that cause explosion or sudden pressure increase in contact with steam media.

7. When stacking items in the sterilizer, it is strictly forbidden to block the air outlet of the exhaust valve, and a space must be left unblocked.

How to use autoclave:

1. First take out the inner sterilization barrel, and then add an appropriate amount of water to the outer pot to make the water surface level with the triangle shelf.

2. Put it back into the sterilization barrel and load the items to be sterilized. Be careful not to pack too much, so as not to hinder the flow of steam and affect the sterilization effect. Neither the Erlenmeyer flask nor the end of the test tube should be in contact with the wall of the barrel, so as to prevent the condensed water from drenching the wrapping paper and penetrating the cotton plug.

3. Cover and insert the exhaust hose on the cover into the exhaust slot of the inner sterilization barrel. Tighten the two opposite bolts at the same time in a two-by-two symmetrical manner, so that the tightening of the bolts is consistent and avoid air leakage.

4. Use an electric stove or gas to heat, and at the same time open the exhaust valve to make the water boil to remove the cold air in the pot. After the cold air is completely exhausted, close the exhaust valve and let the temperature in the pot gradually rise with the increase of steam pressure. When the pressure in the pot rises to the required pressure, the heat source is controlled to maintain the pressure for the required time. This experiment uses 1.05kg/cm2, 121.3℃, 20 minutes sterilization.

5. After the time required for sterilization is up, cut off the power supply or turn off the gas, and let the temperature in the sterilization pot drop naturally. When the pressure of the pressure gauge drops to 0, open the exhaust valve, loosen the bolt, open the lid, and take out the sterilization article. If the pressure does not drop to 0, open the exhaust valve, and the pressure in the pot will suddenly drop, causing the culture medium in the container to rush out of the mouth of the flask or test tube due to the imbalance of the pressure inside and outside, causing the cotton plug to be contaminated with the culture medium. Pollution.

6. Put the removed sterile medium into a 37°C incubator for 24 hours. After inspection, if there is no growth of bacteria, it can be used.