An autoclave is a tool often used to clean or sterilize laboratory equipment after it has been used. Some tools that are sterilized by autoclave, like Erlenmeyer flask, measuring cups, pipettes, and so on.
The goal is to keep these things from getting dirty and kill microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.
An autoclave is a device that uses high-temperature steam to heat things, and it only needs to be used for about 10 to 15 minutes.
There are two types of autoclaves: those that look like a tube or pan and those that look like a cupboard. An autoclave has many parts that all work together.
Here are the parts of an autoclave and what they do that you need to know.
1. Power Cord
Power cables are cables that are used by electric autoclaves, which get their power from electricity. This cable can get electricity from the plug to the autoclave.
It’s important to remember that an autoclave’s heating element needs a lot of electricity to work.
2. Power Switch
The power button, also called the “On/Off” button, is a button that turns the autoclave on or off. This button is on autoclaves that get their power from electricity.
3. Timer
Most autoclaves with a power source have buttons or timers for setting the time. With this button, you can set how long the sterilization process will take.
With the timer button, you can change how long the sterilization process needs to take based on your needs.
Autoclaves that still use the stove combustion system do not have a button for setting the time.
4. Temperature
The autoclave has a button for setting the temperature, which is how the sterilization temperature is set. This button also tells the autoclave to start sterilizing when the temperature has reached the set point.
5. Pressure Gauge
When the autoclave is used, the machine’s pressure goes up. So, an autoclave needs a pressure regulator to control how much steam is in the autoclave when sterilization is taking place.
6. Thermometer
When the sterilization process needs to be done at different temperatures, a thermometer is used. This is because the material of the thing or things that need to be sterilized in an autoclave is different.
A thermometer helps keep track of the temperature while sterilizing.
7. Lid Lock
The safety screw goes into the cover of the autoclave. This coupler is made in a special way that locks the autoclave lid so it won’t open, won’t leak, and won’t loosen.
The autoclave has a lot of safety screws, which cover the whole top.
8. Steam Releasing Valve
One of the minor parts of an autoclave is the valve that lets the steam out. This valve is made of two parts, and one of its most important jobs is to let steam pressure out during the sterilization process.
The steam relief valve can also be used to lower the pressure when there is too much or too high pressure.
9. Heating Element
The bottom of the pressure vessel is where the hot plate or heating element is located.
The hot plate is a part of an autoclave that is used to turn electricity into heat in an autoclave powered by electricity.
This hot plate is made of coils or loops of copper wire that can heat up when powered by an electric current.
10. Lid
Based on how the cover opens, there are two types of autoclaves: those open from the top and those open from the front.
The cover or lid of an autoclave serves as a cover so that the things in the autoclave don’t get damaged, and the sterilization process works as well as possible.
11. Gasket
The gasket is a part of the autoclave. It is between the cover and the main body of the autoclave. During the sterilization process, steam and heat don’t leak out of the autoclave because of the gasket.
12. Chamber
The autoclave body is where you put things that need to be cleaned. Most autoclave bodies, inside and out, are made of aluminum. The only thing that makes it different is how thick it is.
13. Drain Valve
The drain valve is at the bottom of the autoclave. This is because it is supposed to be a drain for the water that comes from the sterilization process.
14. Water Level Indicator
The part of the autoclave that lets you see how much water is in the autoclave while it is being sterilized.
These are some things you need to know about an autoclave in general. Each kinds of autoclave has parts you can’t find in other kinds.