An autoclave is a pressure chamber used to carry out industrial processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure different from ambient air pressure. Autoclaves are used in medical applications to perform sterilization and in the chemical industry to cure coatings and vulcanize rubber and for hydrothermal synthesis. They are also used in industrial applications, especially regarding composites. Other types of autoclaves are used to grow crystals under high temperatures and pressures. Synthetic quartz crystals used in the electronic industry are grown in autoclaves. Packing parachutes for specialist applications may be performed under vacuum in an autoclave which allows the parachute to be warmed and inserted into the minimum volume (Wikipedia).
Paraphrasing, general purpose laboratory autoclaves are machines/equipment used for sterilizing solids/liquid materials, especially in cases where the presence of microbial contamination is seriously unwanted.
In accordance with Health, Safety and Environment regulations, standard operating procedures, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Doctors, Dentists, Medical Scientists, Tattooists, Academic/Research Life Scientists, Food and Beverage industries and several manufacturing companies all need microbe free processes and products in their daily production and service activities. However, because Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses and other microbes and their spores are unaffected or sometimes resistant to regular heating/boiling procedures, also some regular forms of chemical sterilization methods are outright unsafe, Autoclaving becomes the best option as these microbes are susceptible to inactivation by autoclaving.
There are various types of autoclaves with particular functions and sterilization methods, but the most common type utilize pressures and temperatures held at values microbes cannot survive for specific duration. Also, some Autoclaves are product specific with attendant use for particular purposes. Thus there are types for sterilizing surgical equipment, small devices and other laboratory instruments used in both the medical (Health care) and industrial field, while others are used for sterilizing culture media, broths and large scale Industrial fluid.
Common brands found in Nigeria
There are myriad companies that manufacture Autoclaves across the world, with some brands attaining prominence in some circles and countries depending on their function, availability, cost and service provision. In Nigeria, Western Brands (USA, UK, EU) from Prestige Medical, LTE Scientific, Priorclave, Astell are common, alongside several Asian manufactured alternatives.
Features of some Autoclaves
Most Autoclaves are automatic while others are manual/analog in function and operation. Some automatic types have:
- Automatic electronic time and temperature control
- End of cycle cut-off and buzzer
- Electro-mechanical lid interlock
- Indicator lights for power on, heating, sterilization cycle, fault condition and sterilization complete.
- Automatic steam release valve
- Sensitive touch screen control system
- Printer connection, Virtual printer, data archiving, software compatibility to mention a few specifications.
They also come in table/bench top models or floor standing models with options for Pre and post vacuum or non-vacuum specifications
Some non-vacuum autoclaving Pressure and Temperatures per cycle are:
1.05Bar, 1210C/22 Minutes, 1.40Bar, 1.60Bar, 1260C/11 Minutes, 1340C/3 Minutes, 1340C/16 Minutes, 1340C/18 Minutes depending on the material to be autoclaved and the technical specification of the Autoclave being used.
There are various chamber capacity of autoclaves with some brands being: 9L, 10L, 12L, 16L, 22L, 40L, 50L, 60L, 75L, 120L, 160L, 220L and 360L which determines if it is basket, instrument rack or shelves that will be in the chamber and the chamber capacity also determines the price range of specific models with the loading method being Top loading or Front loading.
How are the operated?
The instruction manual that accompanies each autoclave explains how each given model is operated with the conditions for efficient and effective results. Going online or contacting your supplier for further information is advised for situations where the instruction manuals are not detailed enough. Also, training for laboratory personnel in its usage is available from technical representatives of manufacturers or distributors during installation or as scheduled based on the terms of purchase.
There are many direct representatives and franchise holders for specific brands worldwide and Nigeria in particular, however, independent distributors like Space-Tech Scientifique, Lagos-Nigeria is the place to go for your desired brand as they can provide or assist you get the best and most affordable products based on your requirements.
Below are prices for some brands of Autoclaves available in Nigeria (Naira):
- Astell AMB430BT Classic 43Litre Benchtop Autoclave with heater in chamber NGN3,750,000
- LTE Scientific Labclave 23Litre Toploading Autoclave with chamber heaters NGN3,000,000
- Prestige Omega 10Litre Media Autoclave (Portable) NGN650,000
- Priorclave Compact-40 40Litre Vacuum Benchtop Autoclave NGN4,200,000.
These prices are a rough estimate due to the fluctuations in foreign exchange and their effect on the Nigerian Naira, so it is advisable to contact distributors for proper quotes.