autoclaves in the school of life sciences at warwick janine kimpton – technical services centre...
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Autoclaves in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick
Janine Kimpton – Technical Services Centre Manager
Dave Hibberd – Workshop & Infrastructure Manager
Distribution15 autoclaves in 8 locations across 3 sites
3 prep room 1 media prep 4 containment 1 BSU (Total of 9 at Gibbet Hill) 2 Phytobiology 4 Wellesbourne
(plus numerous bench tops)
Gibbet Hill
Makes/Models
Boxer – 400/700L, 400/500L
400/300L, 400/150L
Priorclave – PS/RSC/SH350D, PS/RSC/SH700, PS/RSC/SH350
MaintenanceAnnual service – in house (Workshop &
Infrastructure Team) or Autoclave Services ([email protected])
Annual validation – priority given to containment machines (schedule in downtime) and those handling licensed material
Significant commitment - c£20K/annum
Remote Monitoring
ABB 4 channel recorder
Web based, remote accessEarly warning of problems
Purchasing History
1980-2006: Rodwell → Drayton Castle → Boxer → Priorclave → Boxer
Historically largely dependent on contacts and word of mouth
What would we buy if we bought a new one now? – market has changed
Power Options
Gas steam generationElectric self-generationDual gas-electric integration
Gas Steam GenerationInstallation and maintenance costs highGenerator consistently running at full
pressure Steam can be turned off overnight when
not in use, but must then reheat next morning
Only cost effective & energy efficient if running multiple large autoclaves for many hours a day
Electric Self-GenerationLow pressure
heat from cold (via elements) only use significant energy during the heating
phase of the run can be slow to reach temperature
High pressure self contained boiler – keep on - quicker higher energy consumption recommend fitting a timer
The Reality in Life Sciences
School consists of several buildings of varying ages
Recent rationalisation from 2 prep rooms to 1
Concentration of high throughput machines now in one building
1 steam plant shut down
Current situation – dual gas-electric
2 gas powered steam generators (run on alternative weeks)
Steam at 10Bar/11 hours a day6 autoclaves running off steam (electric
used less frequently)Total electrical power requirement would
be around 400Ah – would require a huge upgrade to the existing substation.
Other Considerations
Location and air handling Single machine can take ambient temp up to
30-35oC Produce radiated as well as convected heat Water rather than air cooling the chamber
rather can help - air cooling can dramatically increase the ambient temperature.
Other Considerations
Local Exhaust Ventilation - requiredPlumbing & Electrics – can be extensive
‘New’ locations can be costly
Other Considerations
Metal boxes - improve the thermal conductivity of the steam, ensuring that the load has achieved sterilizing temperature as quickly as possible.
Rationalisation – but not good practice to share use between waste and media prep