Autoclave
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An autoclave is a specially designed pressure chamber used to carry out various medical and industrial processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure different from ambient air pressure.
Autoclaves are different from drying ovens.
Contents
Design
Autoclaves are devices consisting of a tank, usually cylindrical, constructed from metal, usually galvanized steel or stainless steel, which is strong enough to withstand high temperatures and pressure. A pressure gauge, either mechanical or electronic displays the environment inside the tank, which is controlled externally from a few buttons or a control panel.
Availability
Autoclaves can be purchased from various medical and dentistry suppliers.
DIY autoclave
Pressure cookers can be used as cheap autoclaves, though their low capacity limits the amount of material you can process.
Projects
- Vulcanize rubber
- Sterilize lab equipment
Safety
Since autoclaves use high pressure, there is a risk of steam explosion if the locks become damaged or corroded when working with high pressures.
Plastics, paper and rubber items cannot be autoclaved.
