A steam sterilizer also know as “autoclave,” is actually a pressure-type vessel with a door or cover, valves to control the entry and exit of steam and air, and monitoring devices to allow the operator to observe conditions inside. Compared to other sterilization methods like CIP or SIP, steam sterilizer provides an economical solution to sterilize medical waste, infectious waste and other materials. This machine not only helps to eliminate the problem of environmental pollution by doing away with methods like incineration but also helps to minimize and eliminate the expense of disposing off untreated medical waste.

Pressure Steam Sterilizing Process
These pharmaceutical sterilizers sterilize the waste by exposing it to steam under high pressure, thereby making it free of any contaminants. Steam must be fully saturated so that it will quickly release heat through condensation when it comes into touch with a cool object. Sterilization will not take place unless all air is removed from the chamber at the beginning of the process and periodically throughout sterilization. The packaging of medicinal supplies and other products and loading of the sterilizer must be done so that steam comes in contact with all areas of the items being sterilized. Manufacturers can manufacture sterilizers to suit the needs of individual clients and the waste treating capacity varies depending on the size of the plant. The sterilization process depends on three factors:

• Temperature: Steam sterilizers must achieve high temperatures ranging from 250 Fahrenheit for gravity displacement.
• Time: Sterilization time is measured utilizing a scientific factor called D-Value or decimal reduction time. This is the amount of time at the required temperature to kill 90% of micro-organisms.
• Moisture: Bacteria likes to hide in nooks and corners of the vessel, therefore, all gross matter must be removed from all objects prior to the sterilization cycle. Proper moisture is required to properly remove any gross matter.

Steam Sterilizers can be used on electricity as well as on any external heat source such as

• Kerosene stove
• Gas burner
• Wood and
• Charcoal.

Advantages of Steam Sterilizers

• It is one of the easiest ways to  destroy microorganisms.
• Method is non toxic
• Kill spores
• Inexpensive way to destroy germs
• Cycles are fast

Disadvantages of using Steam Sterilizers

• Steam can prove to be dangerous to certain pieces of equipments
• Purity of steam is not sure and impurities can get into small lumens and block them.

Applications of Medical Waste Sterilizers / Steam Sterilizers

• Pharmaceutical
• Chemicals
• Food and Catering
• Waste processing Centers