AUTOCLAV

E
Submitted by
Abhijit padhi
  The autoclave is a piece of
equipment used for sterilization
Autoclave of various lab-wares by moist
sterilization method.
 The word sterilization means the
destruction/elimination of all
forms of life (microbial, including
spores) present in inanimate
objrcts by means of physical or
gaseous procedures.
 Invented by Charles
Chamberland in 1879.
 Principle and
working
 The autoclave works on the principle of moist heat
sterilization where steam under pressure is used to
sterilize the material present inside the chamber.
 Water usually boils at 100°C under normal
atmospheric pressure (760 mm of Hg); however, the
boiling point of water increases if the pressure is to
be increased.
 This principle is employed in an autoclave where the
water boils at 121°C at the pressure of 15 psi or 775
mm of Hg.
 When this steam comes in contact with the surface,
it kills the microbes by giving off latent heat.
Pressure is directly proportional to temperature
 Autoclave
parts/
components
Parts/ components used are as follows;
1. Pressure chamber
2. Lid/ door
3. Pressure gauge
4. Pressure releasing unit/ whistle
5. Safety valve
6. Steam generator
7. Waste-water cooler
1. Pressure chammber
The
2. Lid/ door
presseure
chamber is
made up of
satinless
 The purpose of the lid to seal
steel or
gunmetal, off the outside atmosphere
which is
present
inside the
and create a sterilised
out
chamber. condition on ht inside of the
autoclave.
of It i
s i ze s
a s u se d
e
Th the er
h am es
b
c o the
wh ntain
ich er
 The lid is made airtight via
c ng
r a 10 0 L .
m
fro 3000
L st e e i l l
ril
b
i se
w
screw clamps and asbestos
to d.
washer.
3. Pressure gauge 4. Pressure releasing unit/ whistle
 A whistle is present on the lid
of the autoclave is the same as
A pressure gauge is The pressure gauge that of the pressure cooker.
present on the lid is essential as it
of the autoclave to assures the safety  The whistle controls the
indicate the of the autoclave
pressure created in and the working pressure inside the chamber
the autoclave condition of the by releasing a certain amount
during sterilization. operation.
of vapor by lifting itself.
5. Safetty
A safety valvevalve
is present
on the lid of the
autoclave, which is
crucial in cases where the
autoclave fails to perform
its action or the pressure
inside increases
uncontrollably.
The valve has a thin
layer of rubber that
bursts itself to release
the pressure and to
avoid the danger of
explosion.
6. Steam generator
•An electrical steam generator or boiler is
present underneath the chamber that uses an
electric heating system to heat the water and
generate steam in the inner and the outer
chamber.
•The level of water present in the inner chamber
is vital as if the water is not sufficient; there are
chances of the burning of the heating system.
•Similarly,if the water is more than necessary, it
might interfere with the trays and other
components present inside the chamber.
 Many autoclaves are provided
with a system to cool the
effluent before it enters the
draining pipes.
7. Waste
water cooler This system prevents any
damage to the drainage pipe
due to the boiling water being
sent out of the autoclave.
Procedure
1. Place the material to be sterilized
inside the pressure chamber and fill
the cylinder with sufficient water
2. Close the lid and put on the
electrical heater.
3. Adjust the safety valve to the
required pressure.
4. After the water boils, allow the
steam and air mixture to escape
through the discharge tap till all
the air has been displaced.
Types of autoclave
1. Pressure cooker type/ laboratory bench
autoclave:
 The more modern type has a metal chamber
with a secure metal lid that can be fastened
and sealed with a rubber gasket.
 It has an air and steam discharge tap, pressure
gauge, and safety valve. There is an electric
immersion heater at the bottom of the chamber.
2. Gravity displacement type autoclave:
 In this type of autoclave, the steam is created
inside the chamber via the heating unit, which
then moves around the chamber for
sterilization.
 This type of autoclave is comparatively
cheaper than other types.
3. Positive pressure displacement type:
 In this type of autoclave, the steam is generated
in a separate steam generator which is then
passed into the autoclave.
 This autoclave is faster as the steam can be
generated within seconds.
4. Negative pressure displacement type:
 This is another type of autoclave that contains
both the steam generator as well as a vacuum
generator.
 Here, the vacuum generator pulls out all the air
from inside the autoclave while the steam
generator creates steam.The steam is then
passed into the autoclave.
 This is also the most expensive type of
autoclave.
 To evaluate/ validate autoclave there are
following ways;
Calibration 1. Biological indicator
The most commonly used indicators is the
and spores of Geobacillus sterothemophilus.
These spores are highly resistant to steam

Validation of and serve as a reliable indicator of

autoclave. They can withstand high
temperatures and require a specific time
autoclave and temperature combination for complete
destruction.
2. Autoclave tapes
These tapes contain a heat-sensitive,
chemical indicator that undergoes a color
or displays specific marking when exposed
to the proper sterilization temoerature
rypically 121°C.
3. Thermo-couple validation
Thermocouple is a temperature measuring device that consist of 2 different metal
wires jpined together at one end. When exposed to heat a voltage is generated at
the junction of the wires, which is proportional to the temperature. This voltage is
then measured by a potentiometer or temperature measuring device providing an
accurate temperature reading.
4. Bowie-Dick test
 A Bowie-Dick test is a standard operational test that laboratories can use to
determine proper air removal from their pre-vacuum autoclave chamber and to
ensure their autoclave meets the appropriate conditions for sterilization.
 Bowie-Dick test cycle was successful if the thermochromic paper in the test
pack turns completely black; this indicates that steam has completely penetrated
the load and that the autoclaving is operating correctly. If the pack partially
changes color or does not change color at all, the test was unsuccessful.
Application of autoclave
Autoclaves are versatile devices that find various uses in different settings. Some common applications of autoclaves include:
1.Medical facilities:Autoclaves play a crucial role in medical facilities for sterilizing medical instruments, including surgical
tools, syringes, and other reusable equipment. They are also used to sterilize materials such as dressings, bandages, and linens.
2.Dentaloffices: Autoclaves are essential in dental offices to sterilize dental instruments like drills, forceps, and probes. This
ensures a safe and sterile environment for dental procedures.
3.Laboratories: Autoclaves are extensively used in research laboratories, microbiology labs, and biotechnology labs for
sterilizing laboratory glassware, pipettes, media, Petri dishes, and other equipment. It helps prevent contamination and maintain
the integrity of experiments and cultures.
4.Pharmaceuticalindustry: Autoclaves are employed in the pharmaceutical industry to sterilize equipment, vials, containers,
and packaging materials. This ensures the safety and sterility of pharmaceutical products.
5.Veterinary
clinics: Autoclaves are used in veterinary clinics and animal research facilities for sterilizing surgical instruments,
lab equipment, and animal care supplies. This helps prevent the spread of infections and ensures the well-being of animals.
6.Foodprocessing facilities: Autoclaves find application in the food industry to sterilize containers, packaging materials, and
equipment used in food processing. This helps maintain food safety and extends the shelf life of products.
7.Wastemanagement: Autoclaves are used to treat and sterilize regulated medical waste, such as contaminated gloves, gowns,
and other biomedical waste, before disposal. This ensures the safe handling and disposal of potentially infectious materials.
Thank you