Autoclave Systems: Acceptable Vs. Unacceptable Materials

Your business’ productivity lives or dies on how efficiently your equipment works.

Understanding as much as you can about autoclave systems can help you identify places you may be able to save time – and time is money.

One of the important things to know about your autoclave system is what you can safely put in the tank – and what you can’t.

A mistake can set your process back, wasting time and costing you money.

Let’s take a closer look at some industries that use autoclave systems and then we’ll dive into what you can and can’t put in your tank.

Common industries that use autoclave systems

Autoclave systems are most commonly known for being used in hospital or medical settings.

The equipment used in medical facilities must always be sterilized and safe for use, but they can’t get that way by simply washing with soap and water.

The sterilization process reached through an autoclave system keeps the medical equipment and tools needed for healthcare safe to use on patients.

Likewise, veterinarians, dentists, and other medical professionals can also utilize autoclave systems for sterilizing their equipment.

Another industry that benefits from autoclave systems is tattoo and body piercing professionals.

Those tools also need to be sterilized.

Biologists can also use autoclave systems to further their research. When studying anything, it is important to start with a clean slate, which can be accomplished by autoclave sterilization.

Other materials that are not commonly thought of as being used in an autoclave would be medical or hazardous waste materials.

Bedding, gloves, or other materials that are often used in hospital settings are carriers of bacteria and microorganisms.

Instead of disposing of them right away, an autoclave system can help get rid of some of the microorganisms and improve waste conditions.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Materials for Autoclaves

Let’s start with the materials that are safe to put in your autoclave system.

While this is not a complete list, it gives you a good idea of what’s acceptable:

  • Glass.
  • Bedding.
  • Stainless steel.
  • Culture flasks.
  • Biological research instruments.
  • Media solutions.
  • Waste.
  • Pipette tips.
  • Surgical instruments.
  • Gloves.

Remember, putting an unacceptable material in your autoclave can cause damage, cost money in repairs and slow your production.

Here some of the materials that are not to be used in an autoclave system:

  • Chlorine.
  • Bleach.
  • Non-stainless steel.
  • Salt/seawater.
  • Low- or high-density polyethylene.
  • Polyurethane.
  • Liquids.
  • Sulfates.
  • Chlorides.

Most importantly, any materials that are flammable or corrosive should never be placed in an autoclave system for safety reasons.

Trust the experts

You should never forge ahead with putting something into your autoclave system that you’re unsure of.

Get the advice of a one-stop autoclave shop that understands the ins and outs of the tanks, from design to maintenance and repair.

When you go to the source, you’ll never have to worry that you’re making a choice that costs you money unnecessarily or hinders production.

Do you have questions about what you can put in your autoclave system? Do you have questions about increasing production?

Author: Jeffrey Lippincott

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