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5 types of autoclave

Here are 5 common types of autoclaves used in laboratories, medical facilities, and industrial settings:

1. Gravity Displacement Autoclave

• How it works: Uses steam that displaces air through gravity.
• Applications: Common in labs for sterilizing glassware, instruments, and media.
• Pros: Simple and cost-effective.
• Cons: Slower and less effective for porous loads.

2. Vacuum (Pre-vacuum) Autoclave

• How it works: Removes air with a vacuum pump before steam is injected.
• Applications: Hospitals and labs requiring sterilization of wrapped instruments, textiles.
• Pros: Faster, more effective for complex loads.
• Cons: More expensive, requires more maintenance.

3. Steam Flush Pressure Pulse (SFPP) Autoclave

• How it works: Uses repeated steam pulses to remove air instead of a vacuum pump.
• Applications: Medical and dental facilities.
• Pros: No vacuum pump needed, good for complex instruments.
• Cons: Slightly more complex operation.

4. Horizontal Autoclave

• How it works: Large, front-loading chamber; may use gravity or vacuum cycle.
• Applications: Hospitals, pharma, research labs (high-volume sterilization).
• Pros: High capacity, durable.
• Cons: Bulky, requires more space.

5. Vertical Autoclave

• How it works: Top-loading chamber; often uses gravity displacement.
• Applications: Small labs, microbiology, education institutes.
• Pros: Compact, space-saving.
• Cons: Lower capacity than horizontal models.