Autoclave in laboratory appointment. What is an autoclave and what is it for? Design, production, operation of industrial autoclaves

Sterilization by boiling.

Sterilization by boiling is carried out in a sterilizer. Distilled water is poured into the sterilizer, as tap water forms scale. (Glass objects are immersed in cold, metal objects in hot water with the addition of sodium bicarbonate). Sterilized items are boiled over low heat for 30-60 minutes. The beginning of sterilization is considered the moment of boiling water in the sterilizer. At the end of boiling, the instruments are taken with sterile tweezers, which are boiled along with the rest of the items.

Dry heat sterilization.

Sterilization by dry heat is carried out in a Pasteur oven. The material prepared for sterilization is placed on the shelves so that it does not come into contact with the walls. The closet is closed and after that the heating is turned on. The duration of sterilization at a temperature of 150°C is 2 hours, at 165°C - 1 hour, at 180°C - 40 minutes, at 200°C - 10-15 minutes (at 170°C paper and cotton wool turn yellow, and at a higher temperature charred). The beginning of sterilization is the moment when the temperature in the oven reaches the desired height. At the end of the sterilization period, the oven is turned off, but the cabinet doors are not opened until completely cooled, as cold air entering the cabinet may cause cracks on hot dishes.

Steam sterilization under pressure.

Steam sterilization under pressure is carried out in an autoclave. The autoclave consists of two boilers inserted one into the other, a casing and a cover. The outer boiler is called a water-steam chamber, the inner one is called a sterilization chamber. Steam is produced in a steam boiler. The material to be sterilized is placed in the inner cauldron. There are small holes in the upper part of the sterilization kettle through which steam from the steam chamber passes. The lid of the autoclave is hermetically screwed to the casing. In addition to the listed main parts, the autoclave has a number of parts that regulate its operation: a pressure gauge, a water gauge glass, a safety valve, exhaust, air and condensate cocks. The pressure gauge is used to determine the pressure that is created in the sterilization chamber. Normal atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg. Art.) is taken as zero, therefore, in an idle autoclave, the pressure gauge needle is at zero. There is a certain relationship between the pressure gauge readings and temperature (Table 1).

The red line on the pressure gauge scale indicates the maximum operating pressure, which is allowed in the autoclave. Safety valve serves to protect against excessive pressure build-up. It is set to a predetermined pressure, that is, the pressure at which sterilization is to be carried out, when the pressure gauge arrow goes beyond the line, the autoclave valve automatically opens and releases excess steam, thereby slowing down the further rise in pressure.

On the side wall of the autoclave there is a gauge glass showing the water level in the steam boiler. On the tube of the water gauge glass, two horizontal lines are applied - the lower and the upper, indicating, respectively, the permissible lower and upper water levels in the water-steam chamber. The air cock is designed to remove air from the sterilization and water-steam chambers at the beginning of sterilization, since air, being a poor heat conductor, violates the sterilization regime. At the bottom of the autoclave there is a condensing cock to release the sterilization chamber from the condensate formed during the heating of the sterilized material.

Autoclave rules.

Before starting work, inspect the autoclave and instrumentation. In autoclaves with automatic steam control, the arrows on the electrovacuum manometer of the water vapor chamber are set in accordance with the sterilization mode: the lower arrow is set to 0.1 atm. lower, upper - by 0.1 atm. above the working pressure, the water-steam chamber is filled with water up to the upper mark of the measuring glass. During the period of filling with water, the valve on the pipe through which steam enters the chamber is kept open for free air to escape from the boiler. The sterilization chamber of the autoclave is loaded with the material to be sterilized. After that, the lid (or door) of the autoclave is closed, tightly fastened with a central lock or bolts; to avoid distortion, the bolts are screwed crosswise (in diameter). Then turn on the heating source ( electricity, steam) by closing the valve on the pipe connecting the steam source to the sterilization chamber. With the onset of vaporization and the creation of pressure in the water-steam chamber, a purge is performed (air is removed from the sterilization boiler). The method of removing air is determined by the design of the autoclave. At first, the air comes out in separate portions, then an even continuous stream of steam appears, indicating that the air has been completely expelled from the sterilization chamber. After removing the air, the valve is closed, and a gradual increase in pressure begins in the sterilization chamber.

The beginning of sterilization is the moment when the pressure gauge indicates the set pressure. After that, the heating intensity is reduced so that the pressure in the autoclave remains at the same level for the required time. At the end of the sterilization time, heating is stopped. Close the valve in the pipeline supplying steam to the sterilization chamber and open the valve on the condensate (downward) pipe to reduce the steam pressure in the chamber. After the pressure gauge needle drops to zero, slowly loosen the clamping devices and open the lid of the autoclave.

The temperature and duration of sterilization are determined by the quality of the material to be sterilized and the properties of the microorganisms with which it is infected.

Temperature control in the sterilization chamber is carried out periodically using bacteriological tests. Biotests are produced by the bacteriological laboratories of the Central Epidemiological Service. If these tests fail, the technical condition of the autoclave is checked.

Sterilization is one of milestones work of a medical institution that applies special tools for treatment. Sterilization requires equipment - a medical autoclave.

Many types of medical sterilizers disinfect instruments with dry, hot air. This method is quite simple and accessible. Microorganisms are destroyed at high temperatures up to 180 °C. But, unfortunately, this method, with a fairly low cost of equipment, has a number of disadvantages:

• the process takes a lot of time (in some cases up to 2 hours);
• glass and hardware with prolonged processing, they become fragile;
• especially small dental instruments can lose their sharpness and strength;
• high energy costs.

Thus, dry hot air sterilization cannot be compared with advanced modern technologies. This method of instrument disinfection has not been used for a long time in Europe and in advanced modern medical centers our country, but is widely used in pharmaceuticals for the sterilization of manufactured drugs.

From modern methods heat treatment medical instruments the most effective is steam. The effectiveness of this sterilization is achieved through the action of steam, pressure and temperatures above 100 °C. Method wet sterilization hot steam is considered very reliable, since at a temperature of 134 ° C all microorganisms and pathogens are instantly destroyed. This method has the following advantages:

• short tool cycle with more low temperatures;
• sterilization can be subjected to products that are unstable to high temperatures (fabrics, plastics);
• autoclaving can be done in different types of packages (single, double).

Sterilization of medical devices in medical institutions is a rather complicated procedure, each stage of which must ensure a high-quality disinfection process:

• preparation of instruments for sterilization (preliminary disinfection, cleaning from small particles, blood);
• tool packaging;
• sterilization in special equipment;
• sterile storage.

To simplify the sterilization process, the modern medical industry offers additional equipment:

• washing and disinfection machines;
• distillers for high-quality water supply;
• special machines that pack instruments before sterilization;
• sterilization pads, etc.

Washing disinfection machines. For high-quality sterilization, it is necessary to prepare instruments: remove all types of contaminants, if necessary, disassemble, rinse. Washing disinfection machines make this process automatic, which significantly reduces the costs of the medical institution. The quality of further sterilization depends on the preparation of instruments.

Apparatus for packaging tools. Automatically pack instruments that have been disinfected in the first stage.

Distillers. In order to avoid various damage to the instruments and the autoclave, it is necessary to use water High Quality that distillers can provide.

Medical autoclaves: device and principle of operation

The principle of operation of a medical autoclave is simple. The autoclave is a metal vessel with a hermetically sealed lid.

On top, it has a casing that protects against the slightest damage.

Inside the autoclave is a steel water-steam chamber. When water is heated, steam of the required temperature is formed in it. Then he enters the sterilization chamber with medical instruments. And already in this chamber, conditions are created for high-quality disinfection of medical materials.

The sterilization process itself is simple: due to the increase in pressure, the temperature of the steam rises. This ensures that air is expelled from the sterilization chamber and creates a rarefaction effect. The result is the death of all microorganisms.

The work of a medical autoclave is divided into three stages:

• preparatory stage;
• sterilization process;
• drying and cooling.

In more modern autoclaves the steam supply system has been changed. It is fed into the chamber through a pipe from the boiler, which has a heater and a heating regulator. The autoclave also contains many additional elements which make it easier to use:

• device for measuring water level;
• warning valve high pressure;
• valve for air removal.

Since autoclaves are designed not only for medical institutions, but also other areas, there are different types equipment that differ in capacity, design, creation temperature regime. When choosing a device, pay attention to its characteristics:

• container volume;
• maximum pressure and temperature;
• various additional devices;
• design (desktop medical autoclave, horizontal, vertical, rotating, swinging).

Do not use medical autoclaves for sterilization in the following cases:

• if the term for inspection of the device by a specialist has expired;
• in case of malfunction of the clamping bolt;
• in case of damage to the ear of the cover;
• if additional devices are damaged;
• with scale and dirt inside the device;
• when the boiler is leaking.

When buying, it is important to study the operating instructions for a medical autoclave, check the equipment, listen to the advice of specialists.

Two operating modes of the medical autoclave

In medical institutions, autoclaving uses two methods of sterilization. Regardless of the chosen method, sterilization takes place with hot steam combined with high pressure in special equipment - autoclaves.

The main mode includes the following features: vapor pressure 2atmosphere; temperature 132 °C, sterilization time - 20 minutes. In this mode, it is recommended to sterilize metal and glass instruments, as well as textiles, etc.

Gentle mode implies a steam pressure of 1.1 atmospheres, operating temperature 120 °C and duration 45 minutes. It is used for rubber, latex and HDPE products.

For all types of medical instruments, surgical linen, dressings, etc., there are recommended sterilization instructions that you must have as a reminder at the workplace.

Autoclaving can ensure good sterilization of rubber gloves. Before sterilization rubber gloves sprinkled with talcum powder, wrapped one by one in gauze napkins and laid in biks. After sterilization, they are stored in special packages or biks for three days.

Operating linen and dressing must be checked for damage. They put the laundry in bags so that later it would be easy to get it without touching the others. The material is laid freely so that steam can pass without obstruction.

Used medical instruments are also thoroughly sterilized. Before the disinfection process, they are soaked in special solution, stacked in bags, and then in biks. Only then is autoclaving carried out.

The laying of medical materials, tools in biks is carried out sequentially:

1. Wash hands, put on gloves treated with alcohol.
2. Open biks, wipe inside and out with an antiseptic.
3. Inside the bix is ​​covered with a diaper.
4. The material to be sterilized is placed according to the instructions.
5. An indicator of sterility is placed in the center of the bix.
6. The edges of the diaper cover the materials to be sterilized and another indicator is placed on the surface.
7. The lid is tightly closed, and a marked tag with the number of the bix department and the name is tied to the handle.
8. After autoclaving, the side openings must be closed. It is important to know: the shelf life of the material in a cake without a filter is 3 days, in a cake with a filter - 20 days. If part of the material is taken out of it, then the rest remains sterile only until the end of the work shift.

The quality of sterilization is checked using an indicator. The most commonly used crystals are benzoic acid. They melt at a temperature of 132 ° C and a pressure of 2 atmospheres in 20 minutes. An indicator tape is often used, which changes color under these parameters.

How to choose medical dental autoclaves

Dental instruments come into contact with the mucous membranes and blood of patients, so they must be subjected to very thorough sterilization. Not every autoclave is able to perfectly cope with this task.

An autoclave for sterilizing medical instruments must be chosen correctly. According to accepted standards, there are three classes: "N", "S" and "B".

1. In class “N” autoclaves, only solid-body instruments are sterilized, which are loaded directly into the autoclave chamber tray without using packaging.
2. In class “S” autoclaves, more complex instruments and materials can be sterilized. These devices have only vacuum drying.
3. In class "B" autoclaves, you can sterilize medical supplies with complex shapes and any inserts made of porous materials. These are the most functional devices that are designed not only for dental clinics, but are also used in other medical institutions. In these sterilizers, the disinfection process takes place using a vacuum.

Comparative characteristics of autoclaves of class "N", "S" and "B"

Since the sterilization process different types autoclave runs in different ways (with or without pre-vacuum, with or without vacuum drying), it is necessary to do right choice. The main thing that you still need to pay attention to is the required volume of the autoclave, the number of instruments to be loaded, the complexity of their device (hollow, with slots) and the material from which they are made.

1. Class "N" autoclaves are designed for cosmetology establishments, beauty salons, hairdressing salons. They use smooth-body instruments that do not have complex cavities; they do not require packaging during sterilization. In this case, it is worth choosing only the volume of the autoclave, which depends on the number of loaded instruments.
2. In medical clinics, for the disinfection of slightly more complex instruments, including hollow, as well as textile materials, solutions, class “S” autoclaves are used.
3. For sterilizing instruments with difficult internal design(both dental and surgical) class "B" sterilizers are intended. These are the most practical and functional options for any medical clinic. Wide technical capabilities autoclaves allow you to sterilize all kinds of medical instruments and materials.

The price of a medical autoclave corresponds to the quality, the chosen brand and the main technical characteristics. The most expensive class B autoclaves, but their service life is quite long (up to 15 years), which attracts many heads of medical institutions. Even the most expensive dental instruments will last a long time, as they are processed in sealed sterilization packages and vacuum dried at the end of the cycle. After such treatment, they do not corrode, and sterility lasts for about a year.

Some manufacturers neglect automatic vacuum drying and produce machines without it. It is worth paying attention to the fact that during normal drying with high humidity secondary infection of the instrument may occur. And only vacuum drying can ensure the perfect end of the sterilization process.

Fully automated steam sterilizers have a big advantage. They are very comfortable and simple. When using, you only need to load the tools and select desired program. Additional settings will make it possible to reduce the processing time of tools and make it very efficient. All malfunctions in the equipment can only be determined by a service center specialist using special programs. Such an automatic device will cost more than a manual setting. To do the right thing and final choice, it is better to consult a specialist and describe the necessary sterilization needs for this institution point by point.

13 Tips for Choosing the Right Medical Autoclave for Your Dental Clinic

1. Before buying an autoclave, you need to know how much medical instruments will have to be processed daily. The larger the sterilization chamber, the fewer cycles will be required to process the entire instrumentation. Autoclaves are in the greatest demand, the chamber sizes of which are in the range from 12 to 23 liters.

2.Find out how many trays are included in the sterilization chamber. They should be enough to process all the tools in a shift.

3. The control panel of the autoclave, which is used to read information, should be simple and clear.

4. If the autoclave has automatic sterilization programs, this will greatly simplify the work of the medical staff.

5.Modern autoclaves use a built-in printer that records the operation of the autoclave. If it is missing, it is better to choose a model with a special output through which you can connect the printer later.

6.For uninterrupted operation sterilizers use distilled water, the consumption of which is more economical if the design of the apparatus provides for its heating outside the loading chamber.

7. The tool processing cycle time should not exceed 16 minutes. This will allow you to process large quantity medical instruments per shift.

8.Pay attention to the water supply system. If the water is heated outside the chamber, its losses will become insignificant, and the load will be dry.

9. External aesthetics are also of great importance. It is better if the case is plastic, as it is easier to care for it.

10. One of important features autoclave - easy to clean. Choose a device that is easier to wash and wipe down.

11. When buying, you must immediately find out who will perform maintenance and where to contact in case of a malfunction, so that specialists can quickly and efficiently repair the autoclave.

12. Learn all about the warranty. It is often given for individual components of the autoclave, for example, a heater, a sterilization chamber.

13. Before buying and further in, carefully read the instructions. Pay attention to quality standards. Find out if the autoclave complies with the "Instruction for Medical Devices No. 93/43 EEC" and the presence of the "CE" marking.

TOP-6 autoclaves from the best manufacturers of medical equipment

The leaders in the production of reliable sterilizers are Germany, Italy and, in some cases, other manufacturers. This collection contains specifications medical autoclaves, their description and approximate price.

1. Sterilizer autoclave APOZA (Taiwan), model AD 7, full automatic, vacuum autoclave, class "B", 4 programs

Apoza company - well-known manufacturer medical equipment and tools for dental clinics. The manufacturer APOZA has been cooperating with many countries of the world for the supply of its quality products for more than 30 years.

Autoclave sterilizer APOZA, model AD 7 is designed for sterilization of hollow and all-metal packaged instruments, porous materials. Equipped automatic control, electronic controller of the parameters of the autoclave during sterilization, LCD display, double locking system for mechanical and electromagnetic door locks. It has a built-in steam generator, 4 sterilization programs, pre-vacuum, two water tanks (filling and draining). Possesses a possibility of fast sterilization.

Specifications:

• Classification: type B, class IIa.
• Input voltage: 230V~15A.
• Fuse: F1A 250V (F1)/F10A 250V (F2`F3).
• Volume: 17 liters.
• Dimensions: length 60 cm, width 50 cm, height 45 cm.
• Weight: Net 43kg / Gross 46kg.
• Chamber: diameter 24 cm, depth 36 cm.
• Tray: length 30 cm, width 17 cm, height 2.2 cm.
• Tank: 6,000 cc
• Approximate price: 100,000 rubles.

2. Sterilizer autoclave Vacuklav 24-B, full automatic (fractionated Forevacuum) Class "B".

Producer: Melag (Germany).

Known German company Melag is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medical equipment for disinfection and sterilization. It produces the most modern autoclaving units, which are in great demand in more than 80 countries around the world. For 60 years, vast experience has been accumulated in the development and production of equipment for medical and dental clinics. Each installation is subjected to long-term testing, which makes it possible to achieve it. high level reliability and many years of trouble-free operation. The company employs high-class specialists and development engineers.

Vacuklav 24-B is a fractionated Forevacuum class "B", has 4 programs, fully automatic, it is possible to connect to a printer. Equipped with sensors and modern microprocessor controls for temperature and pressure. Can be connected to automatic system water treatment.

Specifications:

• Vacuklav 24 B+.
• Chamber volume: 22 l.
• Chamber size: diameter - 25 cm, depth - 45 cm.
• Dimensions: width - 42 cm, depth - 58 cm, height - 48 cm.
• Tray: width - 19 cm, depth - 42 cm, height - 2 cm.
• Power consumption: 3 kW
• Weight: 49 kg.
• Maximum load: tools - 7 kg, textiles - 2.5 kg
• Approximate price: 260,000 rubles.

3. Sterilizer autoclave, automatic Axyia Plus Evolution Line, class "B".

Producer: Dental X (Italy).

The Italian company Dental X is a world leader in the production and sale of instruments and equipment for dental medical institutions, both budget and premium. Developers apply high requirements to the quality, functionality and design of their products.

Automatic autoclave DentalX series Axyia Plus Evolution Line is one of the best modern models produced using advanced modern technologies. The autoclave is made of high quality stainless steel. It has 7 automatic programs and one set by the operator. The device has a powerful vacuum pump with two motors. The created vacuum allows to sterilize all kinds of hollow instruments. Two water tanks prevent reuse. Built-in microprocessor that controls temperature and pressure parameters. At the end of the sterilization process, the instruments are vacuum dried. There is an automatic diagnostic function.

Specifications:

• Chamber volume (l) 17.
• Chamber dimensions (mm) Ø245xP.360.
• External dimensions(WxHxD, mm) 450x600x435.
• Minimum depth working surface(cm) 55.
• Power (V / Hz) 230/50.
• Average power consumption (W) 700.
• Net weight (kg) 49.
• The control technological process(EN13060) +.
• Air removal: double head vacuum pump.
• Overnight autoclaving cycle +.
• Self-diagnosis +.
• Drying: vacuum pump.
• Water/liquid tanks (L) 2 (4.5 each).
• Class "B".
• Approximate price: 240,000 rubles.

4. Sterilizer autoclave, machine Millennium B, class "B".

Manufacturer: The Italian company Mocom is one of the largest manufacturers sterilization equipment in the world. She releases not only quality equipment, but also has a high modern after-sales service, fast delivery of the required spare parts and accessories. The company's specialists offer the latest products that meet all the needs of the market.

The Millennium B autoclave meets all quality and safety standards. Is a novelty among autoclaves small size. It has a built-in microprocessor that automatically controls the sterilization process, as well as 11 programs, including two test ones. They can be set via the control panel.

The Stand Alone configuration allows you to immediately and in any position install the autoclave by simply plugging it into a power outlet. The autoclave has two tanks for distilled and waste water, a bacteriological filter, and an instantaneous steam generation system.

The autoclave can be connected to a water source and to a drain. The device has the ability to connect to a printer and a personal computer.

Specifications:

• Volume 17 l.
• Supply voltage 220/240 V.
• Frequency 50/60 Hz.
• Power consumption 2300 W (10 A).
• External dimensions (width x height x depth) 480 x 420 x 660 mm.
• Weight 62 kg.
• The number of cycles without refilling with distilled water is 6-10.
• The size of the sterilization chamber (diameter x depth) is 250 x 450 mm.
• Number of stainless steel trays 3.
• Built-in thermal printer option.
• Class "B".
• Approximate price: 220,000 rubles.

5. Sterilizer autoclave, automatic Lisa 517, class "B".

Producer: The oldest Australian company W&H Dentalwerk is one of the leaders in the field of dental instruments and equipment and has won recognition all over the world. All products, as well as the most latest developments, complies with European Union quality standards.

The new generation Lisa 500 series autoclave is reliable and easy to use. It has convenient programs for fractionated vacuum and pulsed vacuum drying. Built-in automated system 2CS, patented throughout the world. It controls the economical consumption of energy and water. Additional components are available: water composition analyzer, programmable night mode, PES process control system, digital log and more. On the Russian market autoclave "Lisa" appeared relatively recently and immediately won the trust of customers.

Specifications:

Power supply 200/240 V 50-60 Hz.

• Power consumption 2000 - 2400 W, 10 A.
• dimensions(mm) W: 450 - H: 435 - D: 590.
• Weight 40 kg.
• Noise level avg./max. 61/65.5 dB.
• The volume of tanks for clean / used water is 3.5 / 3.5 liters.
• Operating range: 8 to 12 cycles.
• Chamber size (mm) W: 250 - D: 350.
• Approximate price: 290,000 rubles.

6. Sterilizer autoclave, automatic, Tuttnauer 2340 MK, class "B".

Producer: The Israeli company Tuttnauer has been developing sterilization equipment for more than 70 years. Over the years, it has established itself in the world market and exports its products to many countries of the world. The company produces different types of autoclaves for medical institutions, industrial enterprises, research institutes than attracts its customers. All equipment fully complies with international quality standards.

The Tuttnauer 2340 MK autoclave has all the main characteristics, but it has a shorter sterilization cycle, so it’s more correct to call it a quiclav. The drying process is accelerated. Equipped with a high-efficiency pneumatic pump, has a replaceable air filter 0.2. Kviklav is made of durable stainless steel, has a lock with double protection, a two-stage overheating protection system. The entire sterilization process is fully automated.

Specifications:

• Chamber dimensions: WxD (mm) 254x475.
• Volume (l) 23.
• Overall dimensions LxWxH (mm) 545x510x365.
• Standard cassettes 3 large / 3 small
• Tray dimensions WxDxH (mm) 170x415x20.
• Number of trays 4.
• Duration of the standard cycle (without packaging) (min) Cold-12 Hot-9.
• Voltage (V) / Frequency (Hz) 220/230; 50/60.
• Power (W) / Current (A) 2200; 12.
• Packed weight (kg)39.
• Approximate price: 320,000 rubles.

How to check the operation of a medical autoclave

Medical personnel must be prepared to work with an autoclave, take special courses, obtain a certificate, and be instructed.

The equipment must be used in strict accordance with the enclosed instructions and installed only by a person who is authorized to install. During operation, specialists carry out a technical examination of the equipment, hydraulic tests are carried out.

Class "B" vacuum autoclaves may experience pre-vacuum pre-vacuum failures, as a result of which air is not completely removed, and steam does not penetrate into hollow instruments. Therefore, there are special tests that allow you to determine the quality of sterilization. Bacteriological control of instruments after processing is carried out by a disinfection station or SES workers.

Since 2013 in Russian Federation the National Standard - GOST R ISO 15882-2012 was adopted. “Sterilization of medical products. Chemical indicators. Guidelines for the selection, use and interpretation of results. It allows to carry out quality control of sterility with the help of special tests in class "B" autoclaves.

The Bowie-Dick test must be applied every day, and the test results recorded in the protocol, which will guarantee the quality of sterility and compliance with SanPiN requirements for the processing of medical instruments and materials.

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Under these conditions, the reaction is accelerated and the product yield is increased. When used in chemistry or for carrying out chemical reactions use the name chemical reactor. When used in medicine for sterilization at high pressure and temperature - only an autoclave. In the event that sterilization is carried out at high temperature, but without pressure, the term sterilizer or drying cabinet is used. It was invented by Denis Papin in 1679.

Varieties of autoclaves

Autoclaves are: rotating, swinging, horizontal, vertical and column. The autoclave is a vessel either closed or with an opening lid. If necessary, they are equipped with internal, external or remote heat exchangers, mechanical, electromagnetic or pneumatic mixing devices and instrumentation for measuring and regulating pressure, temperature, liquid level, etc.

Autoclave design

The design and basic parameters of an industrial autoclave are diverse, the capacity is from several tens of cm³ to hundreds of m³, they are designed to operate under pressure up to 150 MPa (1500 kgf/cm²) at temperatures up to 500 °C. For chemical industries, if it is necessary to mix the product, as an option, autoclaves with glandless agitators and a shielded electric motor that do not require sealing are promising. The rotor of this electric motor is mounted directly on the stirrer shaft and covered with a sealed thin-walled screen made of non-magnetic material that does not prevent the penetration of magnetic lines of force from the motor stator to the rotor.

In production building materials tunnel or dead-end autoclaves are used. Outwardly, they are a pipe 3-6 m in diameter and 15-20 m in length, closed with a lid with a bayonet lock (dead end on one side, tunnel on both sides).

Rails for trolleys with products are located along the length of the autoclave. The autoclaves are equipped with pipelines for saturated steam inlet, waste steam bypass to another autoclave, steam outlet to the atmosphere or to a heat exchanger, and for condensate drain.

In the food industry, vertical and horizontal autoclaves are used in a wide range of varieties, sizes and principles of operation. For example, in horizontal autoclaves for the food industry, the necessary counterpressure can be created in relation to each individual product package, which makes it possible to sterilize products not only in rigid containers (glass jars, tin cans), but also in soft and semi-rigid packaging.

Application of autoclaves

Autoclaves are used in the chemical industry (production of herbicides, organic intermediates and dyes, in synthesis processes); in hydrometallurgy (leaching followed by recovery from solutions of non-ferrous and precious metals, rare elements); in the rubber industry (vulcanization of technical products); in the food industry (sterilization, pasteurization of products [including canned food], cooking); in the building materials industry (manufacturing of silicate bricks, autoclaved aerated concrete). Autoclaves are widely used in medicine. Also when creating products from carbon fiber, to give them solid shapes.

Autoclave protective jacket - a device that protects the seams and the main material of the reactor vessel from the effects of coolant.

Autoclaves have been widely used in the food industry. Modern autoclave cooking systems are equipped with multi-stage protection mechanisms, special locks and systems automatic shutdown. To date, about 1.5 million autoclaves are constantly used for these purposes around the world.

The use of autoclaves is not limited industrial scale. Autoclaves of small size and low productivity are used in household purposes, for the preparation of homemade meat, fish and vegetable preserves. Household autoclaves can be like industrial production, and home-made, made from a gas cylinder or receiver. Household autoclaves, similar to industrial autoclaves, are equipped with temperature and pressure control devices and safety valves.

Autoclaves in the food industry

Autoclave cooking is a method of cooking food in a sealed vessel or autoclave that does not allow air or liquid to escape the high pressure vessel. Since the boiling point of a liquid shifts upward as pressure increases, the temperature of the liquid inside the system can exceed 100 °C without the liquid reaching the boiling point. Most high pressure cooking systems operate at a working pressure of 1.5 to 1.9 atmospheres. At this pressure, the boiling point of water rises to 125 °C. Elevated temperature allows you to cook the product disproportionately faster than the standard method.

For example, chopped fresh cabbage ready in one minute. Fresh green beans or small potatoes are cooked for about five minutes, and a whole chicken up to 3 kg - about 20 minutes. Another advantage of the autoclave cooking method is the achievement of the effect of stewing and slow boiling of the product in a very short time.

Currently small installations used by climbers to boil water at high altitudes. High in the mountains, water boils away before reaching a temperature of 100 ° C, which prevents proper cooking food and normal cooking, as Charles Darwin wrote in The Beagle Voyage.

The autoclave method of cooking was considered very explosive. Modern autoclave cooking systems are equipped with various protection mechanisms - special locks, valves, automatic shutdown systems, etc.

How the system works

At normal conditions heating the liquid above the boiling point is not possible. As soon as the water temperature reaches 100 °C, the water becomes steam and leaves the heating zone. The intense formation of steam in a container with a liquid is called boiling. If the water boils for a long time, then it turns into steam completely.

When water is boiled in an autoclave, the boiling point rises. It works like this: as the temperature of the water approaches 100 °C, the evaporation of the water increases. Water vapor, being, in fact, a gas, creates excess pressure in the autoclave, which leads to a decrease in further evaporation, and as a result, the pressure rises so much that boiling stops, and water heated above 100 ° C continues to remain liquid. The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure in the system. More high heat, and even at elevated pressure, it has more powerful effect both for the preparation of foods and for the destruction of microorganisms.

A similar process is easily achievable when preparing solid, non-cavernous foods. In the case of the preparation of sponge-like, cavernous products, a system with a deep evacuation of the container should be selected. The residual content of gases can contribute to the protection of bacteria from destruction, creating thermal insulation for their shells.

There are autoclaves that use fractional vacuum, which removes gases in several cycles, providing 100% heat penetration during the sterilization and homogenization of the product.

Nutrients

Since food is cooked without intense evaporation and faster than usual, significantly less liquid, vitamins, minerals, salts and other substances are boiled out of food in an autoclave.

An autoclave is a hermetically sealed device that is used for the heat treatment of home canned food. Autoclaves allow you to cook meat, fish, chicken, fruits, berries in tin or glass vessels under elevated atmospheric pressure(4.5-5.5 atm) and a temperature of 120-125°C.

Spins cooked in a home autoclave are delicious! It is the taste of canned food that stimulates the purchase of this device. can be stored much longer than usual, since during processing high temperature kill harmful bacteria in food.

The household autoclave is designed for housewives, fishermen, hunters, summer residents and for everyone who loves really tasty and healthy food.

What are autoclaves?

Autoclaves are very different: food, medical, dental, manicure. All of them are united by one principle of action, namely, sterilization at a temperature of over 100 degrees and a pressure above atmospheric.

As you probably already guessed, the subject of sterilization in one case are food products, in another - all kinds of tools. Also, autoclaves differ in the material from which they are made, the volume and the heat source used. Speaking of home autoclaves, there are devices made of food grade stainless steel and carbon steel.

Stainless steel autoclaves

Stainless steel autoclaves, in addition to the preparation of canned food, allow steam treatment of the product and be used as a moonshine still. The disadvantages of stainless steel autoclaves, perhaps, can only be attributed to their cost (compared to their counterpart made of carbon steel, they are 4-5 times more expensive on average), and not everyone can afford to buy such a unit.

Carbon steel autoclaves

Autoclaves made of carbon steel (ferrous metal, rolled steel), which are presented to your attention at a much cheaper price than stainless steel autoclaves, while not inferior to them in terms of the quality of their tasks. The main purpose of our autoclaves is the preparation of canned meat, fish and vegetables (as well as pates, sauces, jams and much more) in glass jars, with rolling lids. Carbon steel autoclaves require maintenance, namely, after each cooking, it is necessary to wipe the inner walls of the autoclave dry (or heat it until the remaining liquid has evaporated) and lubricate them sunflower oil. In this way, you will prevent the rusting process, and the unit will last for many years.

Main characteristics

According to the volume of loaded cans, autoclaves are:

• Small (7-14 half-liter jars);
• Medium (14-20 half-liter cans);
• Large (from 20 and above).

Industrial autoclaves, with a capacity of more than a thousand cans, have very impressive dimensions. They are used to prepare store-bought canned foods that are familiar to us.

According to the type of heating, it can be divided into two types:

• Classical (or gas), powered by an external heater (they stand on gas stove, fire, primus, etc.);
• Universal - where heating element is a built-in electric heating element made of stainless steel (at the same time, electric autoclaves can also be heated from a gas stove).

Both of these types are presented in our online store in two versions:

• Small - for 7 liter or 14 half-liter cans;
• Medium - for 14 liter or 20 half-liter cans.

In small models, half-liter cans become two tiers, liter - one. AT large models: half-liter in three tiers, liter in two.

Electric models are slightly higher than gas models, since inside them, 6 centimeters from the bottom, there is a heating element. Three are welded over the heating element metal rod, on which a metal platform for placing cans is laid out.