In the world of industrial sterilisation, does size really matter?  Manufacturers of large and high capacity laboratory and research grade autoclaves generally offer a choice of two chamber formats – round or rectangular – both front loading designs.  In the former there is less usable space than in rectangular section autoclaves for a given volume, however in practical terms there becomes a trade-off against improved steam circulation versus cost/lab space.

When purchasing a rectangular chamber laboratory autoclave (up to 850 litres as standard) you may consider one with a steam/water jacket.  These are optionally available but effectively put another pressure vessel around the main sterilising chamber.  Within the void steam or cold water is run to heat or cool the outside of the actual autoclave chamber.  Unless you are looking to run your autoclave 24/7, there may be a less costly and more energy efficient solution.

We developed the cylindrical chamber, Q63 range as a truly versatile alternative to the rectangular machine. These front-loading laboratory autoclaves have a taller chamber profile than most cylindrical steam steriliser currently available.  The Q63 has an impressive load capacity, exceptional reliability and unparalleled energy, water, and lifetime cost savings.  A fact: the Q63-320 litre autoclave was the first to receive an ACT certificate, this quantities its superb energy efficiency credentials. The taller chamber profile also boosts lab efficiency and lowers costs by sterilising larger bulky items as well as small and taller items in a single process.  This autoclave range often proves to be a truly viable alternative to larger more costly rectangular chamber autoclaves, yet still being able to achieve the same sterilising throughput.

Top loading autoclaves (up to 200 litres as standard) are a practical solution for laboratories and research centres with limited floor space and budget constraints yet wanting to perform high-quality steam sterilisation of taller than normal items such as fermentors and large capacity Erlenmeyer flasks.  The alternate may require a much larger and more expensive front-loading autoclave. The main advantage, which is attractive to the smaller laboratory or those with low throughput, is the actual ‘footprint’ of the autoclave.  Not requiring much additional width and depth outside that of the chamber, top loading models tend to only increase in height with increased capacity.

All of our horizontal autoclaves are capable of reaching the appropriate sterilisation temperature and pressure levels for media, glassware, instruments, and other materials. They’re also used extensively for non-sterilisation processes (i.e. for quality control and destruction testing). Check out the specifications for each model to ensure it meets your needs for temperature (stated both in Fahrenheit and Celsius) and pressure (stated in both PSI and Bar).

Every Priorclave horizontal autoclave is fitted with a Thermostatic Air Purge Valve, Low Water Cut Out, and electrically operated Vent Valve. All pipe-to-pipe joints are brazed with compression fittings for select service components, with stainless pipework available as an option. Many horizontal sterilisers, such as our benchtop autoclaves, have ASME certified 316L stainless steel doors and chambers as well as stainless steel loading shelves. At the heart of every Priorclave horizontal steriliser is the Tactrol® 2 Control System, which provides both safety and efficiency features as well as making the autoclave process automatic. A control panel on the device offers visual feedback for where the autoclave is in the sterilisation cycle (vacuum, media warming, cooling, etc.).

There are a variety of options to choose from for your steam steriliser. If you purchase vacuum options, the steriliser is capable of both pre-vacuum and freesteaming/gravity cycles. You also have a choice of chamber volume – as small as 40 litres or as large as 320 litres. We offer options with an internal steam generator as well as models that can use a house steam supply.  “We value dialogue with our customers, say Lee Oakley, Sales Director.  “For every investment they make in our machines we want the customer to get true value, a lower cost of ownership.” Talk with the experts here at Priorclave – we’re not only a manufacturer, service provider, and steriliser calibration lab but also an autoclave design house tailoring autoclave builds to meet unique requirements.