Autoclaves

1
Autoclaves

• in about ten minutes

2
Autoclaves

• Autoclave is strong vessel in which water heated
  under pressure. (Recall that bp is higher at
  higher pressure.) Superheated steam?
• Commonly 18 psig and 250oF.
• Sterilize instruments, media,and infectious
  waste.
• ...and other activities

other liquids may be used in chemical reactors,
also called autoclaves
3
Hazards

• Burns -- steam, hot water.
• Inadequate killing of infectious organisms.
• Pressurizing rupture of closed vessels inside
  autoclave or on opening of door.

4
Preparation

• Clear drain screen to allow steam circulation.
• Arrange load to allow steam circulation.
• Check door gasket for damage.
• Use secondary containment with liquids and
  infectious waste.
• Use only borosilicate (pyrex type) glass.
• Loosen caps or use foil covers or cotton plugs.
• Do not overfull containers.

5
Set and Start Autoclave

• Thirty minutes in MINIMUM.
• Time required is load dependent.
• Make sure everything is in completely.
• Tighten door properly.
• Start cycle.

6
And then

• NEVER try to open while its operating.
• Wear heat resistant gloves, splash goggles.
• Check pressure gauge 0 psi before opening.
• If theres resistance, do not force.
• Stand back.
• Open door 1/2 inch, allow steam to dissipate.
• Slowly open door further.

7
Opening Door Too Quickly

• Can cause even Pyrex containers to crack
  (spilling/splashing very hot liquid)
• Can cause rapid violent boiling of liquids
  because they are higher than bp now.
• If load became unstable, items might fall over
  or fall out and splash/spill.
• If inner container has been pressurized
  (inadvertently) it may burst.

8
Last remarks

• Be trained.
• Be careful.
• Do not make repairs to the autoclave.
• Autoclave testkits availablefrom REM.

9
Complete Evaluations

• See you Thursday night, WTHR 200, 7 pm