Autoclave types. What is an autoclave and what is it for? autoclave price for home canning

Sterilization is one of the important stages in the 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 metal products become fragile during long-term processing;
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 European countries and in advanced modern medical centers in our country, but it is widely used in pharmaceuticals to sterilize 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 processing cycle at lower 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 instruments and the autoclave, it is necessary to use high quality water, which 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;
high pressure warning valve;
valve for air removal.

Since autoclaves are intended not only for medical institutions, but also for other areas, there are different types of 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 are sprinkled with talcum powder, wrapped one by one in gauze napkins and placed in biks. After sterilization, they are stored in special packages or biks for three days.

Surgical linen and dressings should 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 a special solution, placed in bags, and then in bixes. Only then is autoclaving carried out.

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

Wash hands, put on gloves treated with alcohol.
Open biks, wipe inside and out with an antiseptic.
Inside the bix is covered with a diaper.
The material to be sterilized is placed according to the instructions.
An indicator of sterility is placed in the center of the bix.
The edges of the diaper cover the materials to be sterilized and another indicator is placed on the surface.
The lid is tightly closed, and a marked tag with the number of the bix department and the name is tied to the handle.
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".

In class “N” autoclaves, only solid-body instruments are sterilized, which are loaded directly into the autoclave chamber tray without using packaging.
In class “S” autoclaves, more complex instruments and materials can be sterilized. These devices have only vacuum drying.
In class "B" autoclaves, it is possible to 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"

As technological process sterilization 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.

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.
In medical clinics, for the disinfection of slightly more complex instruments, including hollow, as well as textile materials, solutions, class “S” autoclaves are used.
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. The wide technical capabilities of the autoclave allow you to sterilize all types 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. In order to make the correct 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 of sterilizers, distilled water is used, the consumption of which is more economical if the design of the device 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 the important characteristics of the autoclave is the ease of cleaning. 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 selection presents the technical characteristics of 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).

The well-known German company Melag is the world's leading 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, we have accumulated vast experience 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. Connection to an automatic water treatment system is possible.

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.
Process control (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. It produces not only high-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 latest developments, comply with the quality standards of the European Union.

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. The Lisa autoclave appeared on the Russian market 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 various types of autoclaves for medical institutions, industrial enterprises, research institutes, which 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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Autoclaves have long been used in many areas: medicine, cosmetology, various industries, however, most people hear about home preservation devices. Given the quality of the products prepared in them, such popularity is not surprising. Many are interested in buying or creating a similar mechanism for home use, so today we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of purchased and home-made options.

What is an autoclave

Autoclave - hermetically sealed apparatus for heat treatment. In cooking, it is used for the preparation of meat, fish, vegetable, fruit canned food under high (4.5-5.5 atm.) atmospheric pressure and with heating up to 120...125 °C. At the same time, products can be prepared both in glass and tin containers.

Did you know? The prototype of the autoclave appeared in 1679 thanks to the French mathematician and inventor Denis Papin.

The principle of operation and the structure of the device

The device of the autoclave is quite simple, it is based on the well-known laws of physics. In accordance with them, each liquid has its own boiling point, after which further heating is impossible. For water in normal conditions this point is 100 °C. Having reached this mark, the water becomes steam and leaves the heating zone in this form. The active formation of steam is called boiling. Steam begins to appear already at a temperature of 90 ° C, and the closer to 100 ° C, the more steam. If you boil water for a long time, it will all evaporate. However, if the pressure in the heating zone is increased, then the boiling point will also increase, and when it reaches 100 ° C, the water will still turn into steam, but still most of it will retain the form of a liquid.
This is how autoclaves work.

The water in them is heated to the state of formation of steam.
Due to the closed shape of the container, steam cannot leave the autoclave and increases the pressure in it.
With an increase in pressure, water boils more slowly, retains a liquid state longer, but the temperature in the tank rises.

As a result, the temperature in the device is over 100°C, which is detrimental to various harmful bacteria and microorganisms. At the same time, canned food is cooked under the influence of steam heat, which significantly speeds up the process and improves their taste.

Types of autoclaves

Autoclaves can be classified according to a number of criteria:

depending on the shape: vertical, horizontal, columnar;
based on the location of the working chamber: rotating, swinging, immovable.

However, consumers are more interested in the source of energy for heating the autoclave. According to this criterion, devices are divided into electric and gas.

Electrical

The heating of these devices is provided by built-in heating elements powered by the mains. To the benefits electrical models include:

accelerated cooking process;
the presence of a thermostat that automatically maintains the desired temperature in the tank;
convenient lid mechanism, to close which it is enough to turn one screw;
mobility. The device can be installed anywhere you like.

There is a wide range of autoclaves on the market today. Among the popular budget models are:

"Baby Nerzh. ECU "for 22 l;
"Little El. Stainless" for 22 l;
"TRAILING STEEL" for 22 l;
"Conservative" for 46 liters.

Gas

Gas autoclaves are more affordable today, as they lose in popularity to electric ones. They run on gas and electric stoves, they are also allowed to be used on fires.
Gas devices are sold in various volumes and models, among which are:

"Conservative" (14 l);
autoclave classic (17 l) TM "Good heat";
"Kid GazNerzh-U" (22 l).

Did you know?The first canned food appeared in ancient Egypt. They were fried ducks in olive oil, located in earthenware vessels of two halves, fastened with resin.

Advantages of autoclave cooking

For a beginner in canning, working with an autoclave can seem like a hassle and a long time. But this impression arises from the lack of practical experience. One has only to try once - and it becomes clear that the advantages of this method are much more significant than its shortcomings.

And the list of advantages of home autoclaves is impressive:

it will take 30-40 minutes to load the device: fill the jars and put them in a container, and then the cooking process goes without human participation;
at the same time preparing from 14 cans with a volume of 0.5 l (in the smallest model) and more;
cooking at temperatures above 100 ° C destroys pathogenic bacteria and spores, led by the causative agent of botulism;
since the pests are destroyed, the shelf life finished products extended several times;
thanks to the same high temperature, food cooks faster, while retaining a much larger amount of vitamins and minerals than with standard cooking or baking;
since canned food is stewed in its own juice in a hermetically sealed container, this cooking method is recognized as the most useful.

Important!The cost of buying a mechanism pays off within 1-2 seasons.

Preservation in an autoclave will diversify your winter diet with delicious dishes and save the family budget.

Instructions for use

Before starting work, follow these rules:

rinse jars before filling, but do not sterilize;
when filling the container with products, leave a margin of 2-3 cm so that the products can increase in volume during the heating process;
banks are first placed in a cassette (if there is a device in the configuration), and then the cassette is lowered into the autoclave;
it is allowed to put containers in several rows, but strictly one container on top of another;
when pouring water, control its level: it should be 3-4 cm higher than the top row of the container, but not reach the edge of the autoclave chamber by 5-6 cm;
close the lid tightly.

How to heat

Banks are placed only in water, heated (up to 60 ° C) water. If we already have hot vegetables, fruits according to the recipe in the container, then the temperature of the water in the autoclave should be at least 70 ... 90 ° C. After installing the jars and closing the lid, they begin heating to the desired temperature.

Important!The degree and time of sterilization depend on the product and the volume of the container.

The instructions for each autoclave have their own indicators, however, the average temperatures for some categories of canned food can be found in the table:

Name of canned food	Can volume, l	Sterilization temperature, °C	Sterilization duration, min.
Canned meat	0,35	120	30
	0,50	120	40
	1,00	120	60
Canned poultry meat	0,35	120	20
	0,50	120	30
	1,00	120	50
Canned fish	0,35	115	20
	0,50	115	25
	1,00	115	30
Canned vegetables	0,35	100	10
	0,50	100	15
	1,00	100	20
Marinated mushrooms	0,35	110	20
	0,50	110	30
	1,00	110	40

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The quality of the final product and its further safety directly depend on compliance with the temperature regime and the required cooking time.

Autoclave Safety Precautions

The autoclave operates at high temperatures, so it is important to know how to properly organize its work in terms of safety:

always follow the thermal level indicated in the recipe. It is permissible to exceed it only by 2 ° C, no more;
the time of sterilization (direct preparation of the product) is considered from the moment the temperature necessary for cooking in the autoclave is reached, and not from the moment the device is turned on or the container is installed in it;
it is advisable to cook canned fish and meat in jars up to 2 liters;
if you are sterilizing middle-aged lamb or beef, extend the process by 15-20 minutes;
river fish is also cooked for 15-20 minutes longer than indicated in the recipes for sea fish;
adhere to the required temperature and duration of cooking;
at the end of the process, turn off the heating and start cooling the unit. For gas devices, for this you need to drain the water through the tap, and for electric devices, wait for the sound signal;
also, for safety reasons, relieve the pressure with the control valve.
pull out the seam in the cassette. When it cools to room temperature, then you can free the container from it.

Did you know?Among the ancient Romans, wine was the first canned product. SenatorMark Porcius Cato the Elder in one of his works described a method for preserving a drink for a whole year.

DIY autoclave

Autoclave - Pretty simple design, so many craftsmen make it with their own hands at home. If you are interested in such an idea, then pay attention to the following instructions.

Selecting the desired capacity parameters

The first step is to decide on the capacity for the future device. A reliable and inexpensive option in this case is a used propane tank. It has a suitable cylindrical shape, and a wall thickness of over 3 mm, which allows it to withstand high pressure. The following are also being considered as alternatives:

industrial fire extinguishers;
milk cans;
thick-walled steel pipes.

At the same time, the last two options will have to strengthen the bottom, otherwise the unit will not survive long-term sterilization. As for the volume, everything is individual here: 14 cans of 0.5 liters or 5 liters will fit in a 24-liter bottle, 8 cans of 2 liters each will fit in a 50-liter bottle (which will be discussed later).

Search for the necessary tools and accessories

In addition to the future autoclave chamber, we will also need additional components and tools for their installation. Useful for work:

drill;
welding inverter.

From the details prepare:

a small sheet of mild steel (10 mm) for the cover;
for the neck - a piece of F159 pipe 5 mm thick;
3 mm sheet or steel strip for the role of the future pallet;
if you plan to measure pressure and temperature (recommended), then take the pipes for the pressure gauge and thermometer;
8 pcs. M12 bolts with nuts;
directly manometer and thermometer;
safety valve.

Important!To create excess pressure in the body, you will need to embed a valve for the car camera.

The main stages of manufacture

Now - the build process itself:

Our autoclave is ready, now it is necessary to test it before work. To do this, coat all joints with soapy water and raise the pressure inside to 8 atm. If there are bubbles, then the welding is of poor quality, it is necessary to finish it. The first sterilization in a new autoclave is best carried out outdoors, as a strong smell is possible.

Autoclave - great way save seasonal vitamins for a longer period and save your money. It does not require a lot of time for maintenance, and the results of his work exceed all expectations. Even if you preserve a little, you still take the opportunity to make the process easier for yourself, just take a model with a small volume. Once you have tried autoclave-cooked products, you will never go back to conventional canning or store-bought counterparts.

Video: do-it-yourself autoclave

And lat. clavis - constipation, valve), a sealed apparatus designed to carry out various processes (product processing, raw materials, products, etc.) when heated and under pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure. Depending on the scope and purpose, autoclaves differ in design, equipment, capacity of the apparatus, and the creation of a temperature regime. A wide variety of autoclave models are produced for various industries, however, according to the basic principles of functioning, they differ little from each other.

Principle of operation

In an autoclave, to increase the temperature and create pressure, an aqueous medium is used, which fills the interwall space (water vapor chamber). After selecting the technological (working) cycle, a preliminary fractionated vacuum with periodic heating is created in the working chamber of the autoclave, i.e., there is an effective removal of air and condensate in the working chamber. When heated, water vapor enters the chamber, increasing the pressure and temperature in it in accordance with the specified parameters, and the sterilization phase begins. The increased pressure in the autoclave compensates for the thermal expansion of the product. Such conditions make it possible to accelerate the reaction, as well as to increase the yield of the product. At the end of the sterilization exposure in the autoclave chamber, the pressure is released and the stage of vacuum pulsating drying of the products begins, and the remaining moisture instantly evaporates at high temperature and negative pressure.

Depending on the nature of the work, autoclaves are equipped with internal, external or remote heat exchangers, mechanical, electromagnetic or pneumatic mixing devices, various devices for controlling the temperature, pressure, liquid level and regulating parameters. In industry, autoclaves are used with water (water in the system circulates with a pump) and air (cooling occurs with a jet of cold air flow) cooling.

Sterilization cycle control, as well as display of cycle parameters, is carried out using an interactive electronic touch screen located on the front panel of the autoclave. Using the control elements located on the panel (buttons, smooth regulators, etc.), the operator selects the cycle, sets the parameters, and also has the ability to put the autoclave into standby mode.

Autoclave design

Modern industrial autoclaves are complex high-tech devices with high performance. By design, autoclaves are vertical, horizontal, rotating, swinging and columned. The autoclave has the form of a vessel (chamber, cylinder), which during operation is closed with specially fitted spherical lids, which ensure its complete tightness, since the product is heated under pressure to high temperatures in it.

AT vertical autoclaves(characterized by a compact design) the water medium is heated mainly by means of special tubular electric heaters(heating elements) located inside the lower part of the autoclave chamber. These autoclaves are widely used in laboratory conditions. AT horizontal autoclaves(fig.) more commonly used gas heating, which is characterized by a minimum heating time and greater flexibility in operation. Such autoclaves are used, as a rule, in industry for processing composite materials. This is the best version of the classic autoclave, as it has a simple installation, takes up a small area and does not require a diathermal heating system. In addition, the cost of the heat treatment of the product in such an autoclave is much lower than when using an electric autoclave. There are models of a horizontal autoclave and with a spiral heat exchanger, which are an example of energy-saving technologies. A spiral heat exchanger allows you to work with any product, but its cost is much higher than a gas one, in addition, it also has a long payback period.Rotary autoclavesused to work with suspended (suspended, suspended) solid or mushy substances (for leaching mineral concentrates various metals and rud). The autoclave has the form of a sealed vessel with a removable lid, which is attached to the body with a gasket and studs. A shut-off valve with a multilayer filter is mounted outside the cover.Rocking autoclavesallow mixing of substances in packages for which sterilization in conventional autoclaves is considered unacceptable.Column autoclavesusually used to create alumina from bauxite (allow to reduce labor and time costs in the process of obtaining them).

Autoclaves are made of high-quality steels, aluminum and other metals, which are often coated with chemically resistant materials (enamel, fluoroplastics). The hull is constructed by welding or riveting links with convex bottoms. Special openings (covers) are made in the case through which it is convenient to load materials. Steam is supplied to the perforated pipe through a fitting, and condensate is removed through a drain valve. In electric autoclaves, the heated steam supply system is separated from the working chamber. Steam is supplied to the chamber through a branch pipe from a boiler equipped with an electric heating element with a heating degree regulator. To avoid large heat losses, external surfaces The autoclaves are covered with thermal insulation, which contributes to the intensification of the technological process.

The design and basic parameters of an industrial autoclave are varied: capacity from several tens of cubic centimeters to cubic meters; designed to work under pressure up to 150 MPa (1500 kgf/cm²) at temperatures up to 500 °C. As a rule, modern industrial autoclaves are from 1.2 m to 7.6 m in diameter, and from 1.9 m to 40 m in length. degrees.

Application of autoclaves

Autoclaves are used for scientific research(laboratory autoclaves), in medicine, biology, metallurgy, chemical, rubber, food industries, in the production of building materials.

The main part of the autoclaves used in medicine and biology and, - a hermetically sealed double-walled high-pressure tank. If the sterilization process is carried out without exposure to high pressure, then the term sterilizer or drying cabinet is used. Medical autoclaves are used to sterilize surgical dressings and instruments, utensils and some devices for growing microorganisms, disinfecting infected material, destroying cultures of pathogens, when creating products from carbon fiber, to give them solid shapes, etc. chamber) is filled with distilled water. When heated, water vapor enters the sterilization chamber, increasing the pressure and temperature in it (above 100 ° C).

In metallurgy (hydrometallurgy, see also Autoclave leaching) with the help of autoclaves, metal solutions are cleaned from impurities and the process of restoring precious and rare earth metals after leaching from prepared solutions. The volume of the apparatus can vary from tens of cubic millimeters (laboratory impulse autoclaves) to several hundred cubic meters (horizontal autoclaves for the oxidation of Ni-concentrates). For aggressive liquids, stainless steel autoclaves are used, as well as apparatus lined with corrosion and heat-resistant coatings or tiles. Cylindrical or spherical autoclaves operating at 260 °C and a pressure of 6 MPa are used, as well as “pipe-in-pipe” type autoclave installations (a coolant is supplied to the outer pipe, a heated mixture is supplied to the inner one), operating at a temperature of less than 300 °C.

AT chemical industry autoclaves are used in the production of herbicides, organic intermediates and dyes, in synthesis processes. For a variety of chemical reactions this device is called chemical reactor m. If it is necessary to mix the product, autoclaves with glandless agitators and a shielded electric motor that do not require sealing are used.

AT rubber industry autoclaves are used to vulcanize or cure many rubber or plastic products.

AT Food Industry autoclaves are used for sterilization, pasteurization of products (including canned food), food preparation, etc. Vertical and horizontal autoclaves of a wide range of varieties, sizes and principles of operation are used. 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, iron), but also in soft and semi-rigid packaging.

Production of building materials c, in particular silicate, is based on the hydrothermal synthesis of calcium hydrosilicates, which is carried out in an autoclave reactor in a saturated steam environment with a pressure of 0.8–3 MPa and a temperature of 175–200 °C. In this production, a large amount of work is the process of obtaining lime for the raw mixture. The lime production process includes the following operations: extraction of limestone in quarries, crushing and sorting it into fractions, firing in mine rotary and other kilns, crushing or grinding lump lime (obtaining quicklime). Obtaining the raw mixture is carried out in two ways: drum and silo, which differ from each other in the preparation of a lime-sand mixture.

Today, almost all elements of buildings and structures (panels, floor slabs, elements of stairs, etc.) can be made of reinforced silicate concrete, which is almost as good as reinforced concrete in its properties, and thanks to the use of local raw materials and industrial waste, it costs 15 -20% cheaper than similar reinforced concrete elements on Portland cement. Aerated concrete and foam concrete are produced on modern autoclave plants. They are widely used in the construction of commercial and residential buildings. for various purposes and floors. Aerated concrete and foam concrete can be used for both load-bearing structure, and for interior partitions and as jumpers. The autoclave method for the manufacture of aerated concrete and foam concrete is the main one, since the autoclave creates optimal conditions for the hardening of the mixture, and the use of a controlled autoclave process makes it possible to obtain aerated concrete and foam concrete with specified technical characteristics.

They also produce cellular concrete, silicate blocks and panels, facing, thermal insulation materials and other products. Autoclaves are used for the manufacture of film triplex. When using autoclave technology, improved optical characteristics of glass are provided, its moisture resistance increases, etc. In the production of triplex, tunnel or dead-end autoclaves are used. Externally, they are a pipe 3–6 m in diameter and 15–20 m in length, closed with a lid with bayonet closures (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 release to the atmosphere or to a heat exchanger, and for condensate drainage.

History reference

prototype modern autoclave was created by D. Papen in 1680 a medical apparatus for sterilization (it was carried out at high temperature, but without pressure above atmospheric pressure), the so-called. sterilizer or dryer. In 1795, the French confectioner F. Appert invented a way to store food supplies. He packed the products in a special container and boiled them in ordinary water; thus the first autoclave for home (domestic) use was obtained. In 1879, the Frenchman Ch. Chamberlain created a real autoclave, in which the necessary pressure was created with an increase in temperature. The invention was distributed exclusively among chemists and physicians, who were faced with the issue of sterilizing instruments.

The prototype of the modern autoclave used in chemical technology, is an apparatus created by V. N. Ipatiev in 1904. In construction, a method for making silicate (lime-sand) bricks in an autoclave was invented in Germany in 1880 by the scientist V. Michaelis. In Russia, autoclave devices for the production of lime-sand blocks, fibrolite, facing slabs appeared in the 1930s. Until the 1950s the only kind of silicate autoclave products were silicate brick and small stones from cellular silicate concrete. However, thanks to the work of Russian scientists, for the first time in the world, the production of large-sized silicate-concrete autoclaved products for prefabricated construction was created. The possibility of forming a stone-like product in an autoclave was established at the end of the 19th century, but the mass production of silicate products, parts and structures, especially of the concrete type, was first organized in our country. The technology of their manufacture is mechanized and largely automated, which provides cheaper products compared to cement materials and products. Effective research in this direction was carried out by P. I. Bozhenov, A. V. Volzhensky, P. P. Budnikov, Yu.

In 1953, the Lagarde company developed an autoclave for use in the textile industry (it was used to dye fabrics). In 1988, a home canning autoclave appeared that operated by connecting to the home electrical network.

The original analogue of the autoclave appeared back in 1795 in France. A prize was even announced to the one who would invent a reliable food preservation agent. It is connected with the fact that in those days the issue of food and human survival was in the first place. One confectioner under the name of Upper François won. He put food in a special container and boiled it in ordinary water. Thus, the first autoclave for home (domestic) use was obtained.

In 1880, another Frenchman, Charles Chamberland, created a real autoclave, in which the necessary pressure was created with an increase in temperature. The use of this invention was limited, and became widespread only among chemical scientists and physicians, who were faced with the issue of sterilizing instruments.

In 1953 (only two hundred years later) the autoclave received further development. Lagarde has developed a unique autoclave for use in the textile industry - using the device to dye fabrics. And in 1978, Lagarde released the first professional autoclave for sterilizing food.

The USSR made a significant contribution to the development of autoclaves - a high-pressure device was developed at the Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis. This gave impetus to the appearance of resin, polymer materials and synthetic oils.

At this time, there is a division of autoclaves into several branches - appeared industrial devices, household (home) and medical.

A few years later, literally in 1988, an autoclave for home canning appeared, which worked with the help of electrical energy. That is, absolutely anyone could connect the autoclave to the mains and cook food accordingly right at home.

A modern autoclave is an apparatus that is made in the form of a sealed chamber and is used to process material under pressure above atmospheric. Under such conditions, the reaction is accelerated and a higher quality product is obtained.

When used in medicine, high-pressure autoclaves are used to sterilize instruments. If the device works without pressurization, then it is called a drying cabinet or sterilizer.
Used to carry out chemical reactions special devices, which are called chemical reactors. But in its essence and principle of operation, it is still the same autoclave.
The autoclave is widely used at home - with its help it is possible to both prepare canned food and sterilize food. And by installing a distiller, you will get purified water for cooling systems of vehicles and charging batteries.

Design features

At present, autoclaves are made from especially strong alloyed steels of various grades: and 20K, 06KhN28, 16GS, 12Kh18N9T, 09G2S. The hull is constructed by welding or riveting links with convex bottoms. Special openings (lids) are made in the case through which it is convenient to load materials. Steam is supplied through the fitting to the pipe, and condensate is removed using a drain valve.

A modern industrial autoclave is equipped with a wide variety of devices: remote, external and internal heat exchangers, electric heaters, various other heating components, agitators (pneumatic, electromagnetic or mechanical), various devices for regulating and measuring pressure and temperature, other control and measuring sensors.

Main characteristics

In diameter, this device, as a rule, varies from 1.2 meters to 8 meters. The length can reach large sizes- from 2 to 40 meters! It is mounted on special supports that allow the metal to lengthen (expand) when heated. To avoid heat loss, the casing is made of special thermal insulation. Inside the autoclave there are rails with trolleys - this is the way products for sterilization are fed.

Changing the temperature regime and pressure occurs with the help of copper or platinum thermal resistance transducers.

In general, an industrial high pressure autoclave is a complex technological device.

Design differences

The main parameters of industrial autoclaves can be different: the capacity varies from a few centimeters to hundreds of meters, it is possible to work under pressure up to 150 MN / m2 and temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. The differences are due to the fact that such devices are used in a wide variety of industries:

construction- production and release building materials;
food- sterilization and food preparation;
chemical- production of various dyes, herbicides;
rubber- vulcanization of products;
metallurgy- recovery of precious and non-ferrous metals.

Different autoclaves are used for each individual process. For example, tunnel and dead-end units are involved in construction. They are a pipe three to six meters long and fifteen to twenty meters in diameter. Tunnel systems are closed with a lid on both sides, and dead-end systems - only on one side.

In the field of chemistry - glandless installations that do not require additional sealing. Such devices are equipped with a unique shielded electric motor. The rotor is protected by a screen made of a special non-magnetic material.

And in the food industry there are a wide variety of models in size, principle of operation, both horizontal and vertical installation. AT horizontal installations it is possible to sterilize products not only in rigid containers, but also in semi-rigid or even soft containers. This is due to the fact that back pressure is created inside the unit in relation to each specific product package.

Recent developments are equipped with multi-level protection systems, systems automatic shutdown and locks. A special “protective jacket” is used, which reliably protects the seams and body materials from the influence of the coolant.

Additional equipment

Autoclaves are produced in any size and configuration, both in conventional and explosion-proof versions. Parameters are selected according to the wishes and requirements of the customer. It happens and non-standard equipment for the chemical and oil industries.

The units are equipped with the following equipment:

ventilation system;
heating blocks;
vacuum pumps;
other systems for the regulation and control of vacuum, pressure, temperature and time.

The sale of industrial autoclaves today is carried out in a wide range of choices - the needs of absolutely any customer will be satisfied.

The principle of operation of the device

After selecting a sterilization cycle, a vacuum is created inside the chamber with periodic heating. Thus, air is completely removed from the working chamber along with condensate. In accordance with the given parameters, the operator creates the necessary indicators of temperature and pressure. This is the so-called sterilization phase.

Under normal conditions, when the water temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius, it stops heating further. If the water boils for a long time, then the moisture is transformed into steam. The process of intense evaporation begins. Steam is the same gas that creates excess pressure in the chamber. In this case, the heat has an increased penetrating power, and therefore completely penetrates the structure of microorganisms, destroying them.

Modern industrial autoclaves use a vacuum function, which means removing oxygen in several cycles. Thanks to this technique, the sterilization process is many times faster with the preservation of all useful properties substances.

The pressure is then released and the drying phase begins. And the remaining moisture instantly evaporates at high temperatures. The sterilization cycle is fully automated by the machine, so there is no human error.

But the sterilization cycle can be controlled using the electronic touch screen. It also displays the parameters of the current program. Using the display, it is possible not only to select the autoclave cycle, but also to transfer the unit to the “standby” mode.

Achievements of scientific progress make it possible to manufacture industrial autoclaves of a wide variety of models, but the principle of operation of some differs little from others. In industry, autoclaves are used, both water-cooled and air-cooled.

Air cooling means cooling with a jet of cold air.
Water cooling consists in the action of water, which circulates in the system with the help of a pump.

Autoclave operation

High pressure and temperature chambers are actively used in hydrometallurgy, chemical, rubber, light, construction industries, and medicine. Especially when creating products from carbon fiber.

But autoclaves have been actively used in the food industry. Such devices are equipped with reliable multi-level protection and a special “jacket” that protects the main (external) material from the effects of a thermal carrier.

Around the world, about 1.5-2 million industrial autoclaves are constantly in operation.

Unit advantages:

automation and modernization of production processes;
ensuring perfect sterility - microorganisms and infections are completely destroyed;
saving electrical energy;
possibility of operation in various fields and with the most a variety of materials;
high quality and reliability of sterilization;
autonomy and safety of the process.

It is for these reasons that autoclaves have become so widespread.

Variety of autoclaves

An autoclave is either a fully enclosed vessel or with a lid, designed to carry out technical processes, which are necessary for the processing of materials by pressure and high temperature. Optionally, it can be equipped with pneumatic, electromagnetic or mechanical agitators. If necessary, it is equipped with remote, external or internal heat exchangers and other devices for measuring liquid level, pressure, temperature, and so on.

Industrial autoclaves are classified according to design features, type of heating, purpose, volume, pressure, lid design.

By design type

All autoclaves can be divided into two large blocks - vertical units, horizontal, rotating, swinging and column. Each of these types has both its obvious advantages and some disadvantages.

Vertical. The water medium is heated with the help of special heating elements. heating elements located inside the camera at the bottom of the device. It is characterized by a compact structure. It has been widely used in the laboratory.
Horizontal. The most commonly used gas heating, which is characterized by a minimum heating time and greater flexibility of operation. This unit is generally used in the industry for the processing of composite materials. Among the advantages of a gas horizontal autoclave, it is worth highlighting the ease of installation, small dimensions, and there is no need to equip a diathermal heating system. The costs of an electric autoclave are slightly higher. However, technology does not stand still - it already exists horizontal systems with a spiral energy-saving heat exchanger. At a price, a spiral heat exchanger will cost several times more than its gas counterpart. Payback periods are much higher.
Rotating. Suitable for working with suspended solids or mushy, namely for the leaching of mineral concentrates of various metals and ores. It looks like a sealed vessel with a removable lid. The latter is attached to the body with a sealing gasket and studs. Mounted on the outside of the cover stop valve with multilayer filter.
rocking. These devices allow the mixing of substances in such packages, for which sterilization in conventional autoclaves is considered unacceptable.
columnar. Commonly used to create alumina from bauxite. This unit allows you to simplify the labor and time costs in such a process.

By working volume

There are construction and chemical units with a capacity of hundreds cubic meters. For example, such high-pressure systems are used to produce bricks. There are also food (capacity - 5-100 liters) and laboratory autoclaves (0.25-5 liters).

By pressure

Devices of high and low pressure. The former include industrial autoclaves, while the latter include medical and food devices.

By arrangement of lids

Materials are loaded through special hatches, which are closed with lids. Tunnel autoclaves use two lids, and dead end autoclaves use one. The latter option is more widely used due to its structural simplicity.

By appointment

According to their purpose, industrial autoclaves can be divided into the following types:

food- used for food processing and canning.
Chemical- they usually work with a nominal pressure of 15-25 atmospheres, but there are also modifications under 100 atmospheres. They are divided into laboratory and classical industrial ones.
Construction- are used for the production of the same brick or more complex structures by the type of triplex, carbon, kevlar.
Medical- are used for sterilization of tools and materials.

According to European standard EN 13060

Autoclaves are divided into the following three classes:

"AT"- are intended for sterilization of any objects, including fabrics, both porous and hollow, and massive. The most functional devices.
"S"- are involved in the medical field. More economical systems, in contrast to class "B". They are considered the most in demand, due to the provision of an acceptable level of sterilization.
"N"- in terms of application, the most limited class: used for processing unpackaged items that do not contain gaps and voids.

Modern industrial gas and electric autoclaves are complex plants with high performance rates.

NIPKI PTO "Konservprod" offers the manufacture of industrial autoclaves, the quality of which has been proven by no production in the Russian Federation and other countries.

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands do not know boredom!

Content

During the hot season economic people start to make seaming for the winter. The manual process is very laborious - you need to prepare the food that you are going to preserve, sterilize jars, lids. Sweat pours in a stream, strength is running out, and as a result, only a few jars are obtained. Another thing is a gas or electric autoclave for home canning - its use allows you to speed up the process and increase the yield of the product without a significant increase in temperature in the kitchen. You will need a minimum of physical effort.

What is an autoclave

The device is a hermetically sealed structure designed for heating under pressure above atmospheric pressure. Under these conditions, the boiling point shifts towards an increase in temperature, the products cook faster. Home autoclave for canning has the following advantages:

does delicious preparations with the preservation of all useful substances, natural color, integral form;
kills pathogenic bacteria, destroys spores;
contains a large number of cans;
significantly reduces the cooking time of meat, pickles, beans, corn, peas, vegetable preparations, juices, mushrooms.

Device

Autoclave is a sealed container, which consists of a loading chamber, a lid with locking mechanisms for sealing, a fitting for attaching a pump. Control and measuring devices are installed on the body - a pressure gauge (shows the pressure of gas and liquids in a confined space), a thermometer, an emergency discharge valve. Popular models of home preservation appliances are made of stainless steel.

Standard dimensions of the machine: 22 liters (can hold 14 cans of 0.5 l), 46 liters (22 cans of 0.5 l), 125 l (48 cans of 0.5 l). Another important characteristic is the heating source. Some models get hot gas stove, gasoline burner, others are only suitable for electric stoves. Self-contained autoclaves designed for home canning are powered by the mains - they have built-in heating elements.

Principle of operation

Buying a device is an expensive pleasure, but how much benefit from it with a minimum of human effort! How does an autoclave work? modern manufacturer? The scheme is simple. With standard indicators, water evaporates at 100 ° C, the temperature cannot rise above. In order to change the situation, conditions of increased pressure are created in a sealed container. This causes the boiling point to shift.

When the pressure in the autoclave is increased, the liquid begins to boil at 120-125°C. What does it mean? That at an elevated temperature the cooking process is in full swing, but the water does not boil away, which means that all the vitamins and useful elements remain unchanged. The appearance of products in the autoclave does not lose its integrity, it becomes appetizing, and seaming acquires a wonderful taste.

How to use an autoclave at home

The technology for preparing seams in the device is simple. wash household autoclave, then pack the products in jars, roll up with canning lids. Place the jars in the canning machine. Further actions will differ depending on the type of device:

Pressurized autoclave. Fill jars with cold water by 2-3 cm, then pump air up to a pressure level of 1 atm. Warm up the device to a temperature of 100-120 ° C and hold this indicator for 60-70 minutes (depending on the recipe). After cooking, let the machine cool down, then bleed the air using the safety valve.
Autoclave without pressurization. Home canning in such a device is even easier. Load the rolled cans into special cassettes that protect against tearing off the lids. Fill the autoclave with water without adding 2 cm to the upper edge of the tank. Close the lid of the device, place the device on the stove and monitor the temperature-pressure ratio. When home canning is ready, turn off the heat and wait for the autoclave to cool to room temperature.

Temperature-pressure ratio

For each autoclave, a different ratio of these indicators can be found in the operating instructions for more details. The numbers depend on the volume of the device, the intensity of heating, design features. You will learn specific values empirically as you work. A small electric autoclave, powered by the mains, after 5 hours of operation shows on the thermometer 120 ° C at a pressure of 4.7 atm. Appliances heated on the stove reach operating parameters faster. Most home preservation is prepared at a temperature not exceeding 120 ° C and 4.5 atm.

How to choose an autoclave

Today it is not difficult to buy a device in Moscow or St. Petersburg, in hardware stores there are always several models to choose from, which you can feel, ask the seller in detail about the characteristics and guarantees. If you want to buy a home canning machine relatively cheaply, look for great deals in online stores. They often arrange good promotions and make discounts up to 20%.

There are two body materials - black metal and stainless steel. Plus the first - cheapness. However, the material has several disadvantages: it is not resistant to corrosion, short-lived (it lasts about 5 years), and requires careful maintenance. Stainless steel lasts up to 50 years, is not afraid of corrosion, but is expensive. The capacity of the autoclave is selected depending on the needs. The most popular ratio of the diameter and height of the device is accommodating 24 cans of 0.5 liters.

Gas

This type of home canning machine is heated on a gas stove. If the hostess decided to choose it, then when ordering, she must estimate the weight of the device - it can be very difficult to raise the autoclave with cans and water to a height. The optimal weight of the device is 8 kg. The bottom must be flat and have a thickness of at least 3 mm. It is better to buy goods from trusted manufacturers who have been creating autoclaves for many years.

Electric

Such a device is more convenient for housewives, since it can be placed at a low height near the outlet. Another plus of an electric autoclave is its offline operation. The thermostat maintains the desired performance within the allotted time. The power of the devices is different. Small appliances with a volume of 22 liters consume 2 kW, medium autoclaves for 46 liters - 3.2 kW. The mains voltage must be 200 V.

autoclave price for home canning

When calculating the cost of the device, do not forget to add postage. The product is oversized, so car companies may charge extra money for a large weight. It is good if the manufacturer not only sells, but also delivers autoclaves free of charge. average cost appliances.

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