Principle of autoclave

The autoclave functions to sterilize the subjected material by generating steam pressure inside the chamber at a standard vaporizing temperature, maintaining the conditions for a certain time frame. The whole process is moist heat sterilization which is the principle of autoclave.

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is a machine designed in such a way that it can sterilize the material physically. It kills bacteria, and viruses with a certain pressure at a qualified temperature. It is widely used for the sterilization process in different types of industries.

Who invented the Autoclave?

The autoclave was invented in 1879 by Charles Chamberland a French microbiologist from Chilly-Le-Vignoble. He was born on 12 March 1851 and died on 2 May 1908.

Before 1879 the steam digester was used to sterilize the materials, that were invented by Denis Papin in 1679.

The name of the autoclave was derived from Greek auto-, which means “self”, and Clave came from Latin clavis which means “key”, Here “key” refers to a self-locking device that is closed during sterilization.

Principle of Autoclave

Autoclaves create such conditions in their chamber to sterilize the material treated in it. It creates a temperature of 121O C and pressure of 15 lb Hg within its chamber, it is run for a minimum of 15 mins to ensure the best results output of sterilization. The temperature of 121OC and pressure of 15 lb Hg are sufficient to kill all bacteria and micro-organics, viruses, etc.

The autoclave is the most used equipment for the sterilization of medicines, raw materials, containers, glassware’s and equipment are in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Pressure-Temperature Relation in Autoclave

 (Table based on complete replacement of air by steam)

Pressure in (PSI)Temperature in °C Temperature in °F51092281011524015121250201262592513026730135275 table-pressure-temperature-relation-autoclave

Autoclave Uses

Autoclaves are widely used for sterilization in the microbiology section of every industry or institute. In the pharmaceutical industry, an autoclave is an important machine for day-to-day activities in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

The medicine intended for sale is primarily tested in sterilization tests, particularly Injectables and Liquid orals before the sale.

An autoclave is also used in podiatry, tattooing, body piercing, veterinary medicine, mycology, funerary practice, dentistry, and prosthetics fabrication.

They may vary in size and function depending on the media to be sterilized and are sometimes called retorts in the chemical and food industries.

What is an autoclave used for?

The autoclave is a steam sterilizer, It is used for various sterilization functions. In the pharmaceutical industry, autoclave has a vast use in injectable manufacturing section and microbiological laboratories. In the injectable section, it is used for sterilization of glass vials and filling equipment. 

In a microbiological laboratory, it is used for media preparation and glassware sterilization. 

Types of Autoclave

Autoclaves are of different types depending on the use of the industry or institution, in small dentistry services or small hospital medical services Oven type small autoclaves or pressure cooker-type autoclaves are used.

In large-scale use of sterilization of materials, containers, glass bottles, or other things vertical autoclaves or Large automatic autoclaves are used.

In Pharmaceutical Industry Horizontal autoclaves and Tray type autoclaves are used to sterilize powder for Injection and empty glass bottles for injectables dry powder filling in sterile glass bottles.

Summary

An autoclave is an efficient machine used in the quality control department to ensure the quality of products. The autoclave is used in the manufacturing process where sterilization of powder for injection and empty glass vials is done in an autoclave. The whole process of sterilization is called the principle of the autoclave.

This is also used in quality control’s microbiological laboratory to check the sterility of injectables is manufactured in the company. It is also used to perform all microbiological tests to prepare media and other sterility activities.

FAQ

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