This document describes the principles, construction, working, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of an autoclave. An autoclave uses saturated steam under pressure to destroy microorganisms and spores. It consists of a strong, airtight metallic chamber made of stainless steel with a cover, pressure gauge, safety valve, and rubber gasket. To operate, water is added and heated to create steam, which is maintained at high pressure to penetrate and kill bacteria for a set period, typically 15 minutes at 15 pounds per square inch (psi) or 120°C. Autoclaves effectively sterilize surgical instruments, dressings, injections, and other materials that can withstand high heat and pressure.

1. Autoclave
Dr.Pawan Kumar Kharwar
KIPMS

2. Principle
• In the autoclave saturated steam under
pressure is used which causes destruction of
microorganism and spores
Construction :- It consists of strong
metallic chamber made up of stainless steel
2 It has cover consists of air vent pressure
gauze and safety valve
3 Rubber gasket is fitted inside to make
autoclave airtight

3. Introduction
• Steam has more penetration power than dry
heat
• Moist steam penetrates the spores and
capsules of bacteria rupture it and kills the
bacterial spores
• “Autoclave” is an instrument used for “moist
and heat sterilization”

4. • Rubber gasket is fitted inside to make
autoclave airtight
4. Wing nut and bolts help to close the lid
5.A perforated basket is kept on the stand
6. Heat device is fitted at the bottom

7. Working
1. Add sufficient water in the Autoclave
2. The perforated basket with materials to be sterilized is kept on the stand
3. Close the lid and tight the wing nuts
4. Autoclave is switched on to heat the water
5. The air vent is opened and safety valve is set at the required pressure
6. When the steam start coming out from the vent it is allowed to come
for 5minutes and closed
7. Steam pressure start increasing when desired pressure is attained it is
kept constant for the stated period
8. Usually sterilization in autoclave is carried out at 15IBS/inch pressure
(120.c)for 15 minutes
9. After stated period autoclave is switch off and allowed it to cool to about
40c and then open the vent
10. When whole steam inside the autoclave is removed lid is opened and
sterilized material is taken out

8. Advanatages
• It destroys microorganism more effectively than dry heat
• It used for sterilization of large number of official injections
• Large and small loads can be sterilized
• It is used for sterilization of equipments having parts made of
rubber plastic etc
• Method is applicable for wide variety of materials

9. Disadvantage /Limitation
• Not suitable for sterilization of powders and
oils
• Not suitable for materials which cannot
withstand temperature more than 115’C for
30 minutes and above

10. Application
• It is used for sterilization of surgical dressing
surgical instruments .
• The container and closure can be sterilized by
autoclave
• It is used for the sterilization of majority of
official injection
• It is used for sterilization articles made of
rubber plastic glass