Autoclaves are pressurized systems used in laboratories to eliminate infectious agents by applying saturated steam under specific temperature and pressure conditions for a defined period of time. In this way, sterilized materials can be reused, and hazardous waste can be safely disposed of.
Depending on the type of material being sterilized and the workload of the facility in which the equipment is used, autoclaves are available in different sizes and configurations.
The autoclaves discussed here are large-capacity autoclaves used in BSL laboratories. While explaining autoclaves, we will also outline how you can select the most suitable autoclave for your laboratory.
Autoclaves used in laboratories can be classified in different ways. Fundamentally, to guide user selection, they can be classified according to the infrastructure of the area where the device will be installed.

Autoclave Types According to Steam Source

  • Steam-Fed Autoclaves:
  • These devices are supplied by a central steam source at the installation site. Since the device is fed with ready steam, operating cycle times are short.
  • Electric Autoclaves:
  • These units include an internal steam generator that produces the steam required for sterilization. Since steam must be generated from the beginning, cycle times are longer and energy consumption increases.
Within the Steelco brand, a member of the Miele Group, for which we are the distributor, there are steam autoclaves, electric autoclaves, and autoclave systems that can be customized according to user requirements, featuring both internal generators and compatibility with central steam supplies.

Within the Steelco brand, a member of the Miele Group, there are steam autoclaves, electric autoclaves, and customizable autoclave systems that can operate with both internal generators and central steam supplies.

Review Our Sterilization Devices and Autoclaves.

Autoclave Types According to Air Removal from the Chamber

  • Gravity:
  • Steam is introduced into the chamber, and until sterilization begins, the air inside the chamber is displaced by gravity. Cycle times are long.
  • Negative Pressure Displacement:
  • Before steam is introduced, the air inside the chamber is removed by a vacuum pump. Since more air is extracted, this method provides the shortest cycle times.
  • Positive Pressure Displacement:
  • Steam accumulated in a separate area is forced into the chamber under pressure, initiating sterilization. Cycle times are short.
Autoclaves that can be customized according to laboratory needs impose certain mandatory selections depending on the biosafety level of the laboratory.
While there are no additional mandatory requirements for autoclaves in BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories, certain requirements apply in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories due to higher risk levels.

Requirements for BSL-3 and BSL-4 Laboratory Autoclaves

- Double Door (Pass-Through)

These devices are positioned between dirty and clean areas and feature a double-door (pass-through) design. This eliminates the need for additional packaging of materials placed inside the autoclave. The unloading side opens into the clean area. As with all autoclaves, the door cannot be opened unless the chamber pressure is equal to ambient pressure. As an additional safety feature, when one door is open, the other cannot be opened. These safety measures prevent the transfer of contaminants from dirty to clean areas. The sterilization cycle will not begin unless both doors are confirmed to be closed.
Steelco autoclave doors can be hinged or sliding (vertical or horizontal depending on autoclave size) on both sides.
Double Door Autoclaves (Pass-Through) can be reviewed and presentation requests can be submitted via this link.

- Bioseal

This feature is mandatory for personnel safety and provides positive sealing between dirty and clean areas. Since these autoclaves are installed in a wall opening, it must be ensured that there is no passage between hazardous and safe zones.
The bioseal consists of a steel or stainless-steel plate welded around all four sides of the autoclave. This frame extends inward over the autoclave and includes a durable silicone gasket. The bioseal must be robust and airtight.
Bioseal is an essential requirement for BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories.

- Waste Decontamination

Previously, we classified autoclaves according to how air is removed from the chamber. The air discharged from the chamber must be decontaminated before being released into the drainage system.
This requirement becomes clearer when considering an autoclave cycle. Contaminated materials with high-risk agents are loaded, doors are closed, and the autoclave evacuates chamber air. During this process, contaminated air spreads through exhaust lines and the vacuum pump, potentially contaminating the system and compromising the safety of the next cycle. To prevent this, manufacturers offer various waste decontamination methods.

- Internal HEPA Filter

In this method, a HEPA filter with a pore size of 0.2 µm is installed inside the autoclave chamber, capturing aerosolized contaminants. Since the filter is inside the chamber, it is sterilized by steam during the cycle. No technician is required for servicing.

- External HEPA Filter

This method uses a 0.2 µm HEPA filter installed outside the autoclave chamber. Waste passes through this filter before entering the drainage system. The filter is housed in a casing where it is sterilized with steam, and a separate probe is required to monitor temperature. Condensate inside the chamber is retained until the end of the cycle and sterility is verified. Filters must be inspected frequently and require technical support for replacement.

- External Decontamination Chamber

Waste is transferred to a separate decontamination tank where bacteria are eliminated through thermal treatment. The waste is then safely discharged into the drainage system.
Steelco BSL-3 autoclaves utilize an external decontamination tank, completing the autoclave decontamination process. Since there are no components requiring frequent inspection or replacement (such as HEPA filters), service requirements are minimal. With this feature, Steelco autoclaves are also supplied with a fully controlled control panel on the discharge side.
Steelco autoclaves supplied by Labor İldam are delivered as standard with a thermal printer, eliminating the need for printer cartridges. The chambers are rectangular in shape, maximizing usable internal volume. Autoclave doors can be hinged or sliding, with vertical or horizontal sliding options available.
Additionally, SteelcoData software can be used for remote monitoring and management of autoclaves, allowing cycle information to be accessed without entering the autoclave room.
You can review the wide range of autoclave capacities offered by Labor İldam below;
Model Door Type Capacity / Liters
VS 161626/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 110
VS 202038/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 250
VS 262639/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 432
VS 262839/2 L Vertical Sliding 462
VS 262649/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 542
VS 262851/2 L Vertical Sliding 603
VS 262661/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 676
VS 262861/2 L Vertical Sliding 745
VS 263639/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 600
VS 263649/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 750
VS 263660/2 L Hinged or Vertical Sliding 910
VS 264151/2 L Horizontal Sliding 905
VS 264175/2 L Horizontal Sliding 1330
VS 364872/2 L Hinged / Horizontal Sliding 2040
VS 355764/2 L Horizontal Sliding 2130
VS 415798/2 L Horizontal Sliding 3800
VS 398787/2 L Horizontal Sliding 4840
VS 3583106/2 L Horizontal Sliding 5100
VS 498686/2 L Horizontal Sliding 5940
VS 4987103/2 L Horizontal Sliding 7170
VS 4383130/2 L Horizontal Sliding 7625
VS 4383130/2 L Horizontal Sliding 9070

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