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Guide to Lab Benchtop Autoclaves

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Lab benchtop Autoclaves, known as steam sterilizers, are commonly used in medical, laboratory and pharmaceutical industries. It is mainly used to sterilize instruments and laboratory equipment at high temperatures to kill any microorganisms attached to the equipment to achieve sterility.

It plays a vital role in infection control, so it should be carefully considered before purchase. No matter how simple it is to sterilize instruments, your benchtop autoclaves should be as complete as possible, and purchasing one of the best ones should be a smooth decision. You need to know the ultimate guide to lab autoclaves to help you make a better purchase.


What is benchtop autoclaves


ST-B16N-ST-B18N-ST-B23N


Benchtop autoclaves are small sterilizing devices that kill microorganisms on instruments primarily through high temperature and pressure.

Benchtop autoclaves are also known as steam sterilizers and the sterilization process occurs in a hot and humid environment. When using them, ensure the sterilized instruments can be left in this condition.

It is challenging to clean bacteria, viruses or other dangerous microorganisms from your lab or medical equipment. Lab autoclaves' safe and reliable operation makes them the equipment of choice for sterilizing everything from medicine to laboratories.

Benchtop autoclaves are small, about the size of a microwave oven, and compact. So you don't need to consume much space to set it up.


Why is an autoclave machine important


Benchtop autoclaves play an essential role in the laboratory and medical field.

Autoclaves kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores and other microorganisms that are difficult to clean.

Autoclaves ensure that laboratory or medical equipment remains sterile, sterilizing and disinfecting it in a very reliable way and reducing the risk of contamination.

Moreover, autoclaves are an efficient and economical way to sterilize laboratory or medical equipment. It is easy to operate, has a short operating cycle and takes only 15-30 minutes to sterilize. It plays an important role in enhancing medical or laboratory safety.


How does a benchtop autoclaves work



Almost all autoclaves work similarly, and the sterilization cycle can generally be divided into 4 stages.

The first stage is the pressurization and temperature increase stage, also known as the preparation stage.

The second stage is the sterilization stage. In this stage, the exhaust valve is closed and the temperature and pressure of the benchtop autoclaves have reached the sterilization standard. This high temperature and high-pressure environment lasts 5-30 minutes until the microorganisms are eliminated to achieve sterility. Generally, the standard temperature in the chamber is 121°C, but 132°C and 135°C are partially available.

The third stage is the venting stage. The pressure in the chamber is released through the exhaust valve until it is the same as the ambient pressure. Do not rush to remove the sterilized object after the end, as the contents are still very hot.

The fourth stage is the cooling stage. Once the sterilized instruments in the chamber have cooled to a certain temperature,  you can remove them and prepare them for reuse.


How many types of autoclave are there?


There are two common benchtop autoclaves: Gravity Autoclaves and Vacuum Autoclaves.

Both autoclaves are sterilized by high temperatures, but their work is slightly different.

When choosing between them, you need to select one according to your purpose and the environment in which you will use it. Let's talk about the differences between the two types of autoclaves.


Gravity Autoclaves


This is the most basic type of autoclave and uses gravity to remove air from the chamber before sterilization. Generally, gravity autoclaves are less expensive and are suitable for use in areas of high altitude or high humidity. That is why the gravity autoclave is also known as a high-altitude autoclave.

It pumps steam into the chamber, displacing the air inside and expelling it through an exhaust valve. This process allows steam to sterilize the contents effectively. It has the following features:

  1. Ideal for cleaning non-porous instruments, such as stainless steel scalpels, type I borosilicate or glassware made of polypropylene material

  2. Low price and simple operation


Vacuum Autoclaves


Vacuum autoclaves use a vacuum pump to remove air from the chamber before sterilization for more efficient sterilization. It removes the air from the chamber with a vacuum pump and creates a negative pressure to force the steam in. So, it is suitable for more challenging sterilization tasks such as surgical packs, padding, syringes, etc. Vacuum autoclaves are faster and safer to use. It has the following features:

  1. Suitable for cleaning vinyl products

  2. Offers great flexibility

  3. Only suitable for heat and moisture-resistant products

  4. Not suitable for oil or powder products


Steps to Choosing Your Next Autoclave


If you need to replace your benchtop autoclave, you can have some experience deciding what you need when you buy again. Of course, you may also have considerations that you have not noticed or forgotten, so we will talk about the various concerns for choosing an autoclave:


Types of Benchtop autoclaves


It makes sense to choose an appropriate autoclave depending on the type of item to be cleaned and sterilized. For example, the gravity autoclave is the best choice for non-porous glassware, unpackaged goods, etc. The vacuum autoclave is the best choice for porous materials or packaged goods! The vacuum autoclave is the best choice for porous materials or packaged goods! If you need help determining which type of autoclave is right for your item, feel free to ask our online staff.


Chamber Size


Chamber size indicates the maximum volume of equipment or instruments that can be placed simultaneously, with common sizes ranging from 18-45L.

If you have a modest product, consider whether purchasing two small benchtop autoclaves or one large one is better. Sterilizers with smaller chamber sizes will generally be smaller, so you only need to reserve a smaller space to place it quickly.

Of course, the larger the chamber, the more energy the machine will consume and the more expensive it will be. You can ask the manufacturer about the chamber size.


Cycle Time


Not all Class B autoclaves provide sterilization cycles at the same rate. Depending on the sterilization temperature selected and the type of machine, cycle times range from 10-30 minutes. Some autoclaves have shorter cycle times, which means they cost more. Ensuring that your autoclave has the proper cycle options to meet your sterilization requirements is important. You can consult the seller before purchasing if you have a cycle time requirement.


Ease of use


Benchtop autoclaves are commonly available in both manual and automatic versions. Manual autoclaves are generally easier to operate and are relatively inexpensive. Automatic ones are smarter in detecting temperatures and digital documentation of sterilization logs. The automatic ones are also smarter in alerting about system errors or water level monitoring. Of course, they are also smarter when alerting you to system errors or water level monitoring.


Voltage


The voltage supported by the machine determines the speed of steam heating. Choose the right voltage for your machine according to your local standard voltage.


Cost


The budget determines the scope of purchasing benchtop autoclaves, and the machine's price varies according to the type of machine, features, size, and so on. And the post maintenance of autoclaves also needs to be factored into the cost of use.

Scitek is one of the world's leading autoclave manufacturers and can be contacted directly online to receive the biggest discounts.


Routine maintenance


Regular maintenance of Benchtop autoclaves will help extend the machine's life and ensure that it is always running efficiently and safely. Some machines have a regular automatic deep cleaning function, significantly reducing maintenance time. You will also be alerted to any damaged gaskets or parts.

It would help if you also asked the seller how often the performance of the sterilizer needs to be verified before you buy, usually at least once every ten years.


Best benchtop autoclaves


Class N Benchtop Autoclave


ST-B1 series


ST-B16N-ST-B18N-ST-B23N

This Class N benchtop autoclave is available in 16 / 18 / 23 volumes and complies with the European Class N standard. Sterilization temperatures of 121 and 134°C are available. It is ideal for cleaning and sterilizing dental and surgical instruments.


ST-B45N


ST-B45N

This is a large-volume benchtop autoclave that has a chamber size of 45. It has an adjustable sterilization temperature of 105~136°C, which can meet most of the sterilization needs. Meanwhile, ST-B45N is a very intelligent autoclave. It has multiple safety protection functions, such as overheat protection, door-temperature interlock safety, anti-burn protection, etc. It can also automatically adjust the air pressure even if the temperature is too high. It can also automatically adjust the air pressure to operate normally, even in high-altitude areas. It can be connected to a printer to record the sterilization process, logs and alarms in real time.


Class B Benchtop Autoclave


ST-B series


ST-BB auto door

The autoclave is available in four chamber volumes, 8 / 12 / 18 / 23, with a sterilization temperature of 134°C. The autoclave has a display and touch buttons for easy operation and monitoring. The benchtop autoclave has a display and touch buttons for easy operation and monitoring. It is also equipped with comprehensive sterilizing properties such as the HELIX test and BD test, and the automatic protection function makes the operation of the machine safer. The triple vacuum enhances sterilization and is ideal for pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and other precision experiments.


FAQ


What is the temperature range of autoclaves


The common temperature range for Class N and Class B benchtop autoclaves is 105-138°C, with 121°C being the common standard. This high temperature effectively kills viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of experimental and medical procedures. It is important to note that you should adjust the temperature and time of the sterilizer for different applications and requirements.


What is the cycle time range for autoclaves


The sterilization phase is typically 15 to 30 minutes but depends on the size, shape and number of items being sterilized. During the sterilization process, it is necessary to ensure that certain temperatures and pressures are reached to kill microorganisms effectively.


How big is an autoclave


Usually, benchtop autoclaves have dimensions similar to those of a domestic microwave oven, e.g., 550x445x395, 1150x700x700 mm.


How much does an autoclave cost


The price of benchtop autoclaves varies depending on brand, model and features. Generally, basic models of benchtop autoclaves cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Premium models, on the other hand, may cost more. It is important to note that apart from considering the price factor, the purchase of benchtop autoclaves should also be based on the needs and requirements of the laboratory or medical place to choose the suitable model and features.


Industrial Autoclaves and Medical Autoclaves


Although industrial and medical autoclaves are used for sterilization, they differ in application and design.

Industrial autoclaves are mainly used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries to kill microorganisms and extend the shelf life of products, among other purposes. This type of sterilizer usually has a large capacity and high pressure and can be used to complete large quantities of sterilization tasks relatively quickly.

Medical autoclaves are mainly used in hospitals and laboratories to ensure the sterility of medical equipment and instruments. This type of sterilizer usually has a smaller capacity and higher temperature and can complete a small amount of sterilization tasks in a shorter time.


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