ZJNF Cleanroom Autoclave High-Pressure Steam Sterilizer

‌Introduction to Cleanroom Autoclave (High-Pressure Steam Sterilizer)‌

An autoclave is a commonly used sterilization device in laboratory and medical environments. Its core principle is to kill all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, by utilizing high-temperature, high-pressure saturated steam.

‌Key Sterilization Parameters‌

The standard high-pressure steam sterilization process is typically set at ‌121°C‌ and maintained for ‌15–30 minutes‌. This temperature corresponds to the boiling point of saturated steam at standard pressure (approximately 103.4 kPa or 15 psi), effectively denaturing microbial proteins. The sterilization time varies depending on the type of items, such as:

• ‌Metal instruments‌: 10–15 minutes
• ‌Rubber seals/gaskets‌: ~15 minutes
• ‌Gauze packs/dressings‌: 30–45 minutes
• ‌Bottled liquid culture media‌: 20–40 minutes

‌Critical Safety Guidelines‌

1. ‌Cooling and Opening‌: After sterilization, ensure the pressure gauge returns to zero and the temperature drops below ‌80°C‌ before opening the door to prevent burns or pressure-related hazards.
2. ‌Loading Items‌: Arrange items with sufficient spacing to allow steam penetration. Loosen caps or leave gaps for containers to avoid pressure-induced breakage.
3. ‌Water Quality‌: Use ‌distilled water‌ exclusively to prevent scale buildup from tap water, which could impair performance.

‌Equipment Types and Selection‌

Autoclaves are available in various types, including ‌portable, vertical, and horizontal models‌. In cleanroom environments with high cleanliness requirements, select equipment compliant with cleanroom standards and perform regular maintenance (e.g., cleaning the chamber, checking safety valves).

‌Additional Notes‌

• ‌Prohibited Items‌: Never sterilize flammable or explosive materials (e.g., benzene-based compounds).
• ‌Validation‌: Conduct monthly biological spore tests to verify sterilization efficacy.