Autoclave Common Problems
Autoclave Common Problems : Should be aware of. Laboratory autoclaves, in a perfect world, would always function as intended. Unfortunately, problems do emerge; knowing what to look for is the key to fixing them.
1- The sterilizer won’t reach the temperature set-point.
Users of autoclaves may tailor sterilization cycles depending on a variety of factors, including sterilization temperature. The autoclave will either abort the sterilization cycle or raise an alert if the temperature is not reached in the time allotted for the sterilization cycle (i.e. low temperature alarm.)
There are several reasons why an autoclave may not be able to reach sterilizing temperature in the time allotted. For example, possibly the steam generator’s power supply isn’t switched on. Some autoclave types include built-in steam generators that are located beneath the autoclave chamber. This sort of steam generator usually has its own high-voltage power supply that may be switched off while the rest of the device is still running. If the user is unaware that the generator’s power supply has been switched off while the remainder of the sterilizer seems to be turned on, the sterilizer will not achieve the desired temperature.
Other factors that might prevent the autoclave from reaching sterilizing temperature include:
The steam generator is need of repair.
A blockage in the chamber drain (check the chamber drain strainer) is preventing air from exiting the chamber and steam from reaching the proper pressure and temperature.
The temperature supplied by the user is higher than the autoclave’s maximum temperature tolerance.
2- The?autoclave ?damages the load.
Autoclave Common Problems : An autoclave may harm a cargo in a number of ways.
Melting is the first. Autoclaves operate at extremely high temperatures, which can melt some materials like plastics. As a result, be sure that any goods carried into a sterilizer are autoclave-safe. Fortunately, most laboratory equipment will state whether it can be autoclaved or identify its melting point. Because a melted load might harm a sterilizer, autoclave users must be taught to be cautious about what they load into the machine.
Another concern is liquid loss, which can occur as a result of evaporation or boil-over. As pressure rises, the boiling temperature of water rises. For example, autoclave pressure must be increased to 14-16 PSI in order for steam to achieve 121° C (250° F). When a cylinder or flask full of water is inserted into an autoclave and heated to 121° C, the pressure is released as soon as the cycle is done, and the water begins to boil over. Splashing might occur, posing a safety risk; a smaller container could even explode. Evaporation or boil-over is a waste of money for laboratories that create broth.
Running a customized Liquids Cycle that gently releases the chamber pressure instead of all at once is the best method to prevent this problem. This allows the liquids to cool down before the pressure is released, ensuring that it is not near its boiling point. A Liquids Cycle is standard on all Consolidated autoclaves.
Another prominent method an autoclave damages loads is by burning sugars. Sugars have a caramelization point, similar to how liquids have a boiling point. The easiest method to avoid this problem is to lengthen the sterilizing cycle while also lowering the temperature. Consolidated Sterilizer Systems provides a Low Temperature Cycle for laboratories that handle particularly delicate items.
3- Goods are not sterilized.
Contamination, growth in the medium, or a failed Biological Indicator can all result from improperly sterilized items. There are several reasons why a sterilizer might not sanities the load: steam dryness, component failure, inadequate steam, incorrect cycle type, user mistake, and so forth. Validating the unit with a biological indicator is the best technique to verify effective sterilization (BI). Simply insert the BI into a typical load to certify an autoclave. When the load is finished, remove the packet and place it in a specific broth to observe whether any growth occurs. If there is no growth, you can safely conclude that your load has been verified for that cycle recipe and that sterilization has taken place. Please notice that this paragraph is a very brief summary of the validation and cycle development procedures.
4- After the sterilizing cycle, the load is damp.
This usually occurs when autoclave users pack porous items like fabric and paper close together, causing them to act like sponges and hold water. Adopting a loading strategy that spreads out products, such as a rack or cart-and-carriage configuration, is the best approach to prevent this problem. Another alternative is to invest in a vacuum autoclave that dries the items at the end of the cycle. The sterilizer merely draws a vacuum inside the chamber and evaporates any leftover moisture. Wet packets are discussed more here.
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5- The sterilization cycle is aborted when there is a substantial liquid load.
Large liquid loads require an unusually lengthy time to heat, causing sterilization cycles to fail. As a result, spacing liquids out in as many little containers as possible is the best approach to sterilize them. An F0 cycle, which allows the autoclave to count the time it spends heating up the water toward the total sterilization time, is another way to avoid this common autoclave problem.
6- There’s no steam in the jacket.
The quickest approach to avoid this problem, similar to the first thing on this list, is to make sure the steam generator’s power supply is switched on. It’s also crucial to ensure that the steam line is properly connected to the autoclave and that the heating components are not damaged or broken.
7- Excessive amounts of water are going down the drain.
Almost every autoclave includes a waste water cooling valve that automatically opens and closes to cool the steam that emerges from the sterilizer before it goes down the drain. This valve is damaged in some manner in both of the major autoclave issues discussed above.
Most autoclaves feature an additional cold water line with a temperature sensor right before the drain. When the sensor detects steam, it adds a little amount of water to cool it down. If the temperature sensor or the valve are both broken, the water will either pour out, making the autoclave sound like a sink all of the time, or the steam will run down the drain if the valve is jammed closed.
The valve is broken in the “open” position if there is a lot of water running down the drain. Steam emerging from the drain indicates that the valve is broken in the “closed” position and that no cooling water is flowing through it.
Contact Consolidated Sterilizer Systems right away if you’re having any of these or other autoclave issues. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to fix any problems you’re having with your autoclave and get it back up and running.
Advantages/ Disadvantages of an Autoclave
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
How is the autoclave process relevant to liquid handling instruments?
For the safety of lab personnel and to avoid cross contamination between tests, all lab equipment must be free of germs, bacteria, fungus, and other harmful pollutants. Spot sterilization or exterior washing may not be sufficient to ensure sterility of the tools in some instances. Steam Decontamination by sterilization or autoclaving is a simple and rapid process. Sterilization is accomplished by exposing liquid handling items to saturated steam at a high temperature (about 121°C) for the necessary duration.
Because of the high temperature required, the autoclaving technique is not suitable for many materials. Check that the liquid handling equipment that will be placed in the autoclave is compatible with steam sterilization at the required temperature before autoclaving.?
Conveniently autoclavable
Microlite has created liquid handling tools that are simple to autoclave, ensuring technician safety and preventing cross-contamination in experiments. Microlite micropipettes are entirely autoclavable at 121°C, 15 pressure for 15-20 minutes, which means that no parts or components need to be disassembled. This makes autoclaving in the lab much easier.?
Microlite bottle top dispensers may also be sterilized in an autoclave at 121°C and 15 pressure for 15-20 minutes. However, before autoclaving, the piston must be removed from the assembly. After that, the housing and piston may be sterilized individually. Please refer to the Scotus bottle top dispenser’s instruction manual for comprehensive autoclaving procedures.