Principle:
The steam has more penetration power than dry heat and thermal capacity of steam is more than thermal capacity of dry heat.
The method is useful for killing of bacterial spores.
The moist steam penetrate the spores and capsules of bacteria, rupture it and escaping protoplasma it coagulated.
The temperature conditions for autoclaving:
Construction:
It consists of a strong metallic chamber usually made of stainless steel.
It has cover fitted with steam vent, pressure gauze, and a safety valve.
Rubber gasket is fitted in inner wall of lid in order to make it air tight.
The cover is closed with wing nut and bolts.
An electric heater is fitted at the bottom to heat the liquid.
A perforated basket is provided to keep the material in the autoclave.
Working:
A sufficient quantity of water is poured into the chamber after removing the perforated basket.
The level of water adjusted in such a way that it should not touch the bottom of perforated basket.
The material is placed in the basket and it placed in the autoclave.
Close the lid with wing nuts and bolts.
Switch on the heater.
Vent is opened and safety valve is set to required pressure.
When steam comes out for 5 min, then close the vent, the steam pressure stats rising and it should be maintained to required level.
After the stated time, switch off the autoclave.
Allow to cool to about 40oC .
Open the vent and allow the complete steam to pass from autoclave.
Lid is opened and sterilized material is taken out
Advantages:
1. It destroy microorganism more efficiently than dry heat.
2. It is used for sterilization of s large number of official injection.
3. Rubber, plastic can be sterilized.
4. A large quantity of material can be sterilized in one batch.
Disadvantages:
It not suitable for powder or oils.
It is not suitable for sterilization of plastic which melt at 1150C.