Autoclave

A vessel in which high temperatures can be reached by using high steam pressure.

A device used for sterilizing instruments and dressings by means of steam or moist heat under pressure.

Equipment for sterilising surgical instruments using heat under high under high pressure.

Apparatus for the steam sterilization of surgical dressings and instruments, bacteriological media and equipment, pharmaceutical fluids etc. The materials are subjected to moist heat in the form of saturated steam at pressures above atmospheric—e.g. at 51b/in²(psi) the temperature of such steam {unmixed with air) = 109°C; and at 301b/in² = 135°C. The autoclave in simple form consists of an unjacketed pressure vessel with sealing lid, the steam being evolved from water in the base heated by any available means. More elaborate autoclaves possess a steam-filled jacket surrounding the main chamber, use main steam and a Venturi tube to draw a vacuum before and after the admission of steam to the inner chamber. The most modern types evacuate residual air by means of a high vacuum pump, use high pressure steam (30-40 Ib/in²) for shorter lengths of time, and after a post-sterilizing vacuum admit hot sterile air to the chamber, the entire process being automated and temperatures permanently recorded.

Tanklike device that securely seals itself (hence the name) and can withstand high internal temperatures and pressures, used in sterilizing with steam, surgical instruments and research materials.

A machine that uses pressurized steam to sterilize objects and equipment.

The apparatus used to sterilize objects by steam under pressure. Autoclaves are used to destroy microorganisms on medical equipment to prevent infection and the spread of disease. The autoclave works in the same way a pressure cooker does, allowing steam to flow around all objects placed in the chamber. The steam is able to penetrate cloth or paper packaging to sterilize the contents.

A piece of equipment for sterilizing surgical instruments, dressings etc. It consists of a chamber, similar to; domestic pressure cooker, in which the articles are placed and treated with steam a high pressure.

This is a very effective way of ensuring that material (e.g. surgical dressings) is completely sterilised, and that even the most resistant bacteria with which it may be contaminated are destroyed. Its use is based upon the fact that water boils when its vapour pressure is equal to the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere. This means that if the pressure inside a closed vessel is increased, the temperature at which water inside the vessel boils will rise above 100 degrees centigrade. By adjusting the pressure, almost any temperature for the boiling of the water will be obtained.

A device that sterilizes by steam pressure, usually at 250°F (121°C) for a specified length of time.

An equipment known as an autoclave is utilized to generate steam at high pressure within a sealed chamber. The intense heat produced by the water vapor effectively eradicates microorganisms. Autoclaving is a common practice in hospitals for sterilizing surgical equipment.

An instrument called an autoclave is employed to generate steam under high pressure within a chamber that is tightly sealed. The elevated temperature of the water vapor effectively eliminates microorganisms. Autoclaving finds extensive application in hospitals to sterilize surgical equipment.