| Autoclave | An apparatus into which moist heat (steam) under pressure is introduced to sterilize or decontaminate materials placed within (e.g. filter assemblies, glassware, etc.). Steam pressure is maintained for pre-specified times and then allowed to exhaust. There are two types of autoclaves:
1. Gravity displacement autoclave: this type of autoclave operates at 121ºC. Steam enters at the top of the loaded inner chamber, displacing the air below through a discharge outlet.
2. Vacuum autoclave: this type of autoclave can operate with a reduced sterilization cycle time. The air is pumped out of the loaded chamber before it is filled with steam. |
