Sterilization Tools

1. Berkefeld Filter

Filtration is a method of mechanical sterilization that is used to filter bacteria in liquid using a special
filter device that has small pores. One of the tools used in this method is the Berkefeld Filter.

The most important thing about this filter is the porosity factor. The pore size of the filter must be set
in such a way as to function to prevent the loss of bacteria or microbes present in the liquid. Therefore
there are various types and filter instruments in the method of mechanical sterilization.

2. Autoclave

Autoclave is the best method of sterilization compared to other methods of sterilization. This
autoclave is a method of sterilization using pressurized steam. Sterilized materials are materials or
tools that are not damaged due to high pressure heating. The working principle of the autoclave
basically uses heat and pressure from water vapor. The medium to be sterilized is placed in this
autoclave for 15-20 minutes. The sterilized medium is better placed in several rather small bottles
than collected in a large bottle. After the autoclave door is closed tightly, then the steam pipe faucet
 is opened, and the temperature will continue to rise to 121oC. Usually the autocave has been arranged
so that at this temperature, the pressure is 15 lb (pounds) per square inch, which means 1 atm per 1
cm2. The time period of 15 or 20 minutes starts from the thermometer on the autoclave showing
121oC.

3. Dry Heat Sterilization

It is the process of killing bacterial spores and microorganisms using a high temperature. This type of
sterilization method is used on items that cannot get wet such as powders, oils, and the likes.

Sterilization is achieved by means of conduction. The heat in the oven is absorbed by the item inside
it and passes towards the center of the item layer by layer. For the item to be fully sterilized, it needs
to reach the required temperature. What dry heat sterilization does is it inflicts damage by oxidizing
molecules leading to the organism’s death. Resistant spores are killed by exposing them at a higher
temperature for a long period of time.

There are two types of hot air oven. These are the following:

1. Static air hot air oven – The oven is heated using the coils on the bottom. It would take some time for
the oven to achieve its desired temperature. There is also a possibility that the desired heat will not
be eventually distributed throughout the oven.
2. Forced air hot air oven – it has a motorized blower that evenly distributes the heat throughout the
oven. Another advantage of this hot air oven is that it does not take long to heat the entire oven.
4. UV Lamp Sterilizer

Another kind of sterilizer is a UV lamp sterilizer. This is also included in the method of physical
sterilization but not in the form of heating but irradiation or UV radiation. This tool is widely used to
sterilize rooms and also sterilize water in the mineral water industry. Examples of the use of this tool
such as the process of room sterilization in hospitals and clinics. UV rays are produced from
instruments in the form of lights that can emit UV rays at certain frequencies. These rays can damage
cells so they can be used to kill bacteria that are scattered in certain spaces. To use this tool requires
caution, because it should not be directly affected by the eye.

Source :

https://laboratoryinfo.com/dry-heat-sterilization/

https://www.gloryamedica.com/macam-alat-sterilisasi/