Autoclaves

Autoclaves are devices belonging to the group of steam sterilisers, because the processes taking place in their chambers take place thanks to the presence of heat and water. One of the best ways to sterilise, whether in a laboratory, doctor's or dentist's surgery, beauty salon or hairdresser's the best way to sterilise is to use an autoclave. The chamber, which is heated to a high temperature, converts the water inside into steam which thoroughly penetrates the instruments and other substances (e.g. microbiological media) to be sterilised. The autoclave is commonly used in medicine (in doctors' offices, dentists' offices, hospitals) to sterilise surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals and liquids. Autoclaves also play an important role in numerous industries for batch and continuous processes. Autoclaves are widely used during food processing to achieve high asepsis of food products. An autoclave is a hermetically sealed container that is heated to create pressure inside by the steam formed inside. Laboratory autoclaves are available on the market as horizontal or vertical units - the division is by the way the unit's door opens. Horizontal autoclaves have doors that open horizontally and inside there is usually a rack for placing various contents - usually instrument trays, vertical autoclaves open "upwards" and the contents to be sterilised are placed in them from above, usually placed in specially constructed steel mesh containers (buckets or pails), ensuring free access of steam to any place within the items placed there. At normal atmospheric pressure, the temperature of the water bath is limited to 100 °C; in the case of autoclaves, the pressure inside the sealed system causes the water to boil at a much higher temperature, thus maintaining the right conditions for the sterilisation process. The pressure in the autoclave is regulated by means of an automatic pressure valve, so as not to create a pressure which is dangerous to the environment. The autoclave is made up of a base vessel in which the sterilisation process is carried out, a lid and additional pieces of equipment. The main vessel is a metal boiler with thick walls. The boiler is able to withstand very high pressure inside the system. The lid (door) of the autoclave is made of thick-walled material and has the ability to close very solidly and accurately to create a strong and tight connection. A thermometer and pressure gauge indicate the conditions inside the system, a pressure relief valve prevents uncontrolled pressure build-up inside. Some models available have an automatic water intake system for the steam generator. The automatic water intake system should be coupled with a water treatment station, as the water used in autoclaves should be of the highest possible quality. The water used in the autoclave should not be contaminated and cause a risk of the autoclave system becoming limescale. Vertical autoclaves are very often used to sterilise a variety of materials of considerable size, as well as to sterilise bacterial media. In the autoclaves, the components are made of high-quality stainless steel of the AISI-304 class, and other highly resistant materials. It is important that all components that come into contact with water are corrosion-free and allow for long-term trouble-free use. The sterilisation processes are controlled automatically by means of a microprocessor and a display with which the device is programmed. The device can have a number of different sterilisation programmes which are adapted to the given type and weight of the load and can also be equipped with a programmable autostart with delayed operation, by means of which, for example, the device can be programmed to start the following morning before the lab technician arrives at work. The lid of the vertical autoclave opens horizontally, ensuring maximum ergonomics and minimising the risk of steam burns. Horizontal autoclaves have a door that opens 'horizontally' as standard, and inside there is a rack for placing the various trays with the contents to be sterilised. The control of horizontal autoclaves is usually automatic thanks to the use of numerous microprocessors inside the chamber. Horizontal autoclaves are most often used in medical, surgical, dental, cosmetic and hairdressing surgeries and it is extremely important that the operation of these devices is simple, intuitive and that the user has as few problems as possible. The units can be equipped with a programmable auto-start with delay. A great advantage is the use of a hydraulic door locking system during overpressure in the processor chamber and an open door sensor. Some models available have an automatic water intake system for the steam generator, three temperature sensors and a vacuum switch, further guaranteeing an even higher level of safety during sterilisation, which is incredibly important given that many machines are used directly in the surgery. The automatic water intake system should be coupled with a water treatment station, as the water used in autoclaves should be of the highest quality, should not be contaminated and should not cause the risk of limescale in the horizontal autoclave system. The correct execution of the sterilisation process is extremely important. If, during the sterilisation process, there is an interruption, e.g. a power cut, then instruments and other items may not be sterilised correctly, in which case they may pose a risk, e.g. to the next patient. In addition, we offer special tests which are indispensable when carrying out steam sterilisation. A test in the form of a paper strip with an ink indicator is activated during the steam sterilisation process at 121ºC and 134ºC; under the influence of steam, the test changes colour from light beige to black, which indicates exposure of the test in a cycle with specified critical parameters. The test indicator should be placed in the package in the place most inaccessible to water vapour, while the 10 cm indicator is placed in the package or sterilisation bag. Pack - is a prepared set of instruments placed in a special paper sleeve. The paper and foil sleeve can be of different sizes - adapted to the size of the given set of instruments. The sleeves are made of a high-quality transparent foil laminate of various colours, which is tear-resistant and allows easy identification of the contents. The bottom layer of the sleeve is medical paper, which is highly resistant to the humidity that prevails inside the steam steriliser. For some types of sleeve, chemical sterilisation indicators are placed together with the instruments. The possibility of aseptic, dust-free opening of the packaging guarantees safety even in the operating theatre. In addition, it is very important to document every step in the sterilisation process being carried out. It is important that a sterilisation diary is kept and the individual elements of the entire process are not only documented in terms of the date and time of execution, but also that the person carrying out and supervising the process can be identified. The autoclaves offered by our company usually come with a 2-year guarantee. Our qualified service carries out installations and inspections of both vertical and horizontal autoclaves. Our sales advisors will assist you in selecting the optimum unit to suit your requirements.