Autoclaves play an essential role in research and medical practices in general. They are used to sterilize medical equipment, laboratory instruments, pharmaceutical items, and other objects to make bacteria, fungi, spores, and viruses kill or inactive. Autoclaves can sterilize solids, liquids, hollows, instruments, and many other things. Autoclaves may vary in size, shape, and functionality. For example, a very basic autoclave similar to a pressure cooker may use powerful detergents and the power of steam to kill bacteria, spores, and germs resistant to boiling water.

Most of the clinics have tabletop autoclaves, which are similar in size to microwave ovens. In addition, various hospitals use large autoclaves, also known as horizontal autoclaves.

How does the automatic autoclave work?

When the automatic autoclave door is locked with a sealed chamber, a vacuum pump removes all the air present in the chamber and replaces it with steam. Now, pressure is applied to the steam to achieve the desired sterilization for the desired time duration. When the cycle is finished, the steam is released, and the lab equipment is carefully removed from the chamber. The various phases in which automatic autoclave work for the sterilization of objects are –

Purge Phase – In this phase, the air is removed from the chamber. The vacuum system given in the autoclave machine is designed in such a way as to replace the air with steam in the sealed chamber.

Exposure (Sterilization) Phase – After the air is removed from the chamber, the sterilizer drain closes, and steam is continuously admitted into the chamber, which may result in the increase of pressure and temperature inside the chamber at the desired level. Then, the cycle enters the exposure phase, and the lab equipment is held at the sterilization temperature for a selected period.

Exhaust Phase – In this phase, the pressure is released from the autoclave chamber through an exhaust valve, and the interior is restored to the natural pressure.

Water requirement for autoclave

An autoclave is generally used to sterilize lab equipment and uses heat or steam to kill microorganisms like spores and bacteria. This method is generally nontoxic and cost-effective, and it inactivates bacteria, spores, and viruses quickly and effectively. Water is essential in the operation of a laboratory autoclave. This means that the quality of water used during sterilization has an impact on the lifespan of any autoclave’s chambers and steam generators, whether it be a vertical autoclave or a horizontal autoclave. Apart from this, the type of loads that can be sterilized is also affected by the quality of the water.

Can you use tap water to run an autoclave?

Although tap water can be used to power an autoclave, its longevity is limited due to water quality. Many factors influence water quality, including minerality, hardness, chloride level, and many others. Various laboratories use tap water for their steam autoclaves, but there may be side effects if the water quality is below standard. This may lead to costly downtime and costly autoclave repair. Generally, tap water is not good and can have a destructive effect. Moreover, if the quality of water used is bad, it will likely void the manufacturer’s warranty.  As a result, using tap water in autoclaves is usually discouraged because the risk outweighs the benefits.,/p>

How can tap water damage your autoclave?

Do you know what damages tap water can do to your autoclave? Tap water contains dissolved salts and minerals that are harmful to the life and efficiency of your autoclave. The concentration of these minerals and salts depends on your geographical region and tap water source. In some instances, the dissolved content can be extremely high, resulting in water hardness. When hard water is boiled into steam or pressurized steam, salt and mineral residues can form within the steam generator, valves, and pipes. Over time, these residues may get clogged into a big layer and then cause damage within your autoclave.

Distilled water for autoclaves

One of the best requirements for autoclaves is distilled water, as distilled water is deionized water and has undergone a process of distillation to remove impurities in the water and administer the cleanest water possible. Distilled water is typically 99.9% pure and is one of the best requirements for autoclaves to avoid problems or damage to your autoclave.

You should now be aware that distilled water is one of the best autoclave requirements. If you need more information regarding autoclaves or looking for the best autoclave manufacturers in Punjab, then look no further than Genist Technocracy Pvt. Ltd. Consult our experienced team at (978) 088-1119 for your specific requirements.