Vertical Autoclave

A Vertical Autoclave is a type of sterilization equipment commonly used in laboratories, hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, and research facilities to sterilize equipment, media, and other materials by subjecting them to high-pressure saturated steam. Unlike horizontal autoclaves, which have a cylindrical chamber laid on its side, vertical autoclaves feature a chamber oriented upright, allowing for more compact footprint and easier loading from the top. This design is particularly useful in space-constrained environments.

Vertical Autoclave Video

Key Features

• Chamber Design: Cylindrical vessel with a vertical axis, typically made of stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.

• Capacity: Ranges from small benchtop models to larger floor-standing units.

• Pressure and Temperature: Operates at 15-30 psi (1-2 bar) pressure and 121-134°C (250-273°F) for standard sterilization cycles, with options for higher parameters.

• Controls: Modern models include digital PID controllers, microprocessors for cycle programming, and safety features like pressure locks, overheat protection, and automatic exhaust.

• Lid Mechanism: Top-loading with a screw-type or bolted lid, often with a safety valve to prevent over-pressurization.

How It Works

1. Loading: Items are placed on perforated shelves or baskets inside the chamber via the top opening.

2. Sealing: The lid is secured, and the chamber is filled with water (or connected to a water supply).

3. Heating: Electric or steam heating elements generate steam, raising temperature and pressure.

4. Sterilization Cycle: Typically 15-30 minutes at peak conditions, followed by exhaust and drying phases.

5. Cooling: Natural or forced air cooling to safely open the chamber.

Applications

• Microbiology Labs: Sterilizing culture media, glassware, and pipettes.

• Medical Settings: Decontaminating surgical instruments and waste.

• Pharma/Biotech: Ensuring aseptic conditions for drug production.

• Food Industry: Sterilizing packaging or equipment (though less common than horizontal models).

Advantages

• Space-Efficient: Ideal for vertical stacking in tight spaces.

• Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than horizontal models for similar capacities.

• Ease of Use: Simple top-loading reduces strain and contamination risk.

Disadvantages

• Limited Capacity: Harder to load large or bulky items compared to horizontal designs.

• Manual Handling: Top-loading can be awkward for heavy loads without automation.

• Maintenance: Vertical orientation may require more frequent cleaning of the base.

Exclusive Features of Steam Sterilizer

• Stainless steel interior

• Digital temperature indicator

• Digital temperature Controller

• ISI marked flange / immersion heating elements.

• Up to 121°C temperature range

• Silicone rubber gasket

• Automatic pressure control switch

• Stainless steel basket

• Reliable steam pressure gauges

• Double or triple walled construction

• Pedal for lid opening.

• Water level indicator

• Water inlet & outlet valves

Process Operation of Autoclave

• Place the Autoclave and sterilizing material on the table or on the shelf.

• Make ready load which you want to sterilize.

• Twist the lid of the autoclave Anticlockwise and lift the lid.

• Fill water (appx. 1 liter) in the base chamber.

• Place the loaded Basket/Dressing Drum in the autoclave.

• Check that the rubber seal is in place and is in good condition.

• Put on the lid, press it down and turn it clockwise until it does not turn anymore.

• The sterilizer in the closed position will have both handles parallel and one above the other on either side.

• After few minutes steam will start generating and at 15±2 lb psi pressure the steam will come out strongly from the stopcock.

• Let the process go on and after 15minutes turn off the power and lift or pull out the Stopcock whistle/valve of the vent tube with forceps or piece of cloth.

• The whole steam will escape but it will be hot.

• Make sure that there is no steam left in the sterilizer and pressure gauge is also at Zero lb psi.

• Now open the autoclave lid by twisting it anticlockwise and lift the lid off the base chamber.

• Remove the rack/dressing drum from the autoclave and preserve them in a safe place.

• Remove all the water from the base chamber and close the autoclave by putting the lid on it clockwise.

• Put the stopcock whistle/valve back on the vent tube for next sterilization.

* Power voltage can be adjusted as per customer’s domestic power voltage requirements.
* Rights of technical improvements & modification reserved.
* Illustrations & dimensions are shown for information purpose only.