Steam sterilizer and operating rules: description, selection - Setafi

Steam sterilizer (autoclave) - a device that sterilizes objects. It allows you to disinfect even those instruments that are not subject to sterilization at high temperatures.

Disinfection is mandatory for all medical equipment that comes into contact with human skin, internal tissues and blood during operation. To date, the ideal way to treat surfaces has been developed - by exposure to hot steam in a closed capsule.

What is processed in the steam sterilizer:

• dressing materials;
• laboratory vessels for analysis;
• surgical uniform;
• cosmetic tools;
• reusable gloves;
• products made of metal, glass, plastic or rubber, the properties of which do not change under steam treatment;
• various medicinal solutions.

Medical technology has also been borrowed for household needs. Now you can see home autoclaves for conservation, radically different from their relatives. Sterilization of canned food involves the use of any container, even glass, which is very capricious to temperature changes.

What are the parts of an autoclave?

The autoclave is a completely enclosed device, protected from external sources by a special casing. The device consists of:

• a boiler that heats water to a state of steam;
• sterilization box;
• thermometer to control the temperature in the car;
• pressure sensor;
• lids with sealed gaskets;
• release valve, with which you can release excess pressure and thereby regulate the operation of the device.

For household sterilizers, there is a peculiarity - the presence of a hydraulic shutter. These are special h-shaped compartments that are filled with water up to a certain level. And to maintain optimal pressure, an additional microprocessor and a stable intake of steam and air are installed.

Rules for operating a steam sterilizer

Earlier we found out that there are 2 main types of equipment: for home use and for medical use. And everyone has their own safety rules.

For long-term use of the medical autoclave, adhere to the following rules:

• Observe sanitary standards: overalls, rubber gloves.
• Check all contacts and sensors for faults before starting the unit.
• All material to be steamed is placed in bixes. Pack dressings separately from each other in different compartments so that they do not touch.
• The bixes are then placed in a common capsule for the sterilization process.
• After work, seals are attached to all boxes. The material is considered sterilized up to 3 days.

Now let's look at the option for conservation:

1. Pick up products placed in jars without marriage (broken, lethargic or stale products are not suitable - there is a high probability of infection with microbes).
2. Rinse each jar thoroughly.
3. Important: first pour the contents into the container, roll up the lid tightly, and only then install it in the autoclave. There is no need to pre-sterilize jars!
4. Put the semi-finished products in the tank.
5. Pour water up to the mark (if there is none, cover the jars with liquid by 1-2 cm, no more).
6. Start the device and follow the canning recipe (for example, for vegetables - 15-20 minutes at a temperature of 110-120 degrees Celsius).
7. After work, wait until the autoclave has cooled down. And only then open the lid and remove the canned food for storage.

With proper processing, seaming will last about 7-10 years, or even more.