Steam sterilizers have the capability to sterilize various types of loads through adjustments in time, temperature, and pressure at each cycle phase. From glassware to redbag waste, Consolidated’s sterilizers can run the necessary cycles to accurately sterilize your specific loads. Show
Use the table and graphical information below to learn more about our basic and advanced cycle types, specific applications, sterilization cycle phases, and critical cycle parameters. Additionally, you will also find guidelines for optimum cycle types and even minimum recommended settings for various liquid volumes. If you have a specific question you can’t find the answer to here, simply fill out the form below and our autoclave engineers will assist you. There Are Four Standard Sterilization Cycles:Basic CyclesDescriptionTypical Application or Load TypeGravityThe most basic sterilization cycle. Steam displaces air in the chamber by gravity (i.e. without mechanical assistance) through a drain port.Glassware, unwrapped goods, waste, utensils, redbags.Pre-Vacuum and/or Post-VacuumAir is mechanically removed from the chamber and load through a series of vacuum and pressure pulses. This allows the steam to penetrate porous areas of the load that couldn’t otherwise be reached with simple gravity displacement.Wrapped goods, packs, animal cage bedding, cages, porous materials, redbags.LiquidsA gravity cycle with a slower exhaust rate to minimize boil-over.Media, LB broth, water, etc.Flash (Healthcare sterilizers only)High temperature cycle (over 270F) for a shorter period of time.Unwrapped goodsSome loads, like small quantities of liquid or heat sensitive goods, cannot withstand the parameters of a standard sterilization cycle. Advanced cycles alter parameters to sterilize the medium without destroying it. Advanced CyclesDescriptionTypical Application or Load TypeEffluent DecontaminationAll steam effluent is captured, filtered, and sterilized prior to discharging down the drain.BSL-3 contaminated goods such as waste, liquids, etc.Low TemperatureSterilization near the boiling point of water (180-220F)Insippation or pasteurization of heat-sensitive goods.Air-Over-PressureAir maintains the pressure in chamber during exhaust phase until temperature of load drops below an adjustable value.Small quanitites of liquids (<10ml/vial) in danger of boiling over.F0 CycleSterilization begins when temperature reaches a minimum of 212F and is completed when the F0 set-point is achieved. F0 is adjustable.Heat-sensitive media and liquidsValidation, Bowie-Dick TestDaily air removal test, typically for healthcare applicationsValidating the sterilizer.Validation, Vacuum Leak TestTests for air-tight integrity of chamber.Validating the sterilizer.Pressure RampingSteam pressure in the chamber can be ramped-up or ramped-down at an adjustable rate.Loads sensitive to rapid pressure change (e.g. heart valves)Temperature RampingTemperature in the chamber is ramped-up at an adjustable rate until exposure set-point temperature is achieved.Loads sensitive to rapid temperature changeRapid Cool – JacketDuring the cooling phase, cold water enters the jacket to speed up the cooling process.Customers looking to decrease cycle timeRapid Cool – SprayDuring the cooling phase, cold water is sprayed into the chamber, showering the load, thereby speeding up the cooling process.Customers looking to decrease cycle timeContinuousAny sterilization cycle can be programmed to be continuously repeated (number of times is adjustable) without any input from the operator.Validation of product.Steam-Air MixSterilization at an elevated pressure relative to temperature. Extra pressure is achieved using air.Liquid-filled syringes.Tight Temp ControlUtilizes an additonal, small chamber steam valve to tightly control temperature during sterilization. Also includes temperature ramp up.Customers with strict temperature tolerance.ATF BioreactorThis cycle incorporates a series of temperature ramps and hold times to prevent damage to the fiber filter.Bioreactors with hollow fiber filtersThe Steam Sterilization Cycles Article SeriesTo help you identify, create, and use the proper sterilization cycle for each load, CSS has introduced a new series of articles on steam sterilization cycles. This article series covers why, how, and when to use various different sterilization cycles.
Sterilization Cycles At-A-GlanceSterilization cycles can be understood through a graphical expression of the change in pressure and temperature over time. Keep in mind, the frequency and duration phases will vary depending on sterilizer configuration, control selection and programming.  Sterilization Cycle Phases
Sterilization Cycle ParametersMany first-time sterilizer users want to know how to select the best cycle parameters for their applications. The answer depends on at least four factors:
Guidelines for Optimum Cycle TypesCycle TypeApplication/LoadTemperatureSterilization Time (Minutes)Pre-Vac Pulsespsi – in/Hg Dry Time 18 psi, 20in/Hg 0-6 pulses 0-30LiquidsMedia, LB broth, water250°F (121°C)20-90–0.5 psi/minuteFlashUnwrapped goods270°F (132°C)3-10–0-10Minimum Recommended Settings for Various Liquid VolumesThe following chart suggests minimum exposure times. Additional time may be required if flasks are placed in a plastic container. Best practice suggests using smaller volumes whenever possible. Larger liquid volumes will take longer to achieve temperature. Temperature SettingLiquid Quantity (ml)Time Setting (minutes)250°F (121°C)7525250°F (121°C)25030250°F (121°C)50040250°F (121°C)100045250°F (121°C)150050250°F (121°C)200055
Have Your Sterilization Questions Answeredby Our Autoclave ExpertsDo you have additional questions about sterilization cycles? Are you curious about how to program custom cycles? Simply fill out the form below with your sterilization cycle questions, and our engineers will contact you with a response.
Send Your Question Δ Privacy PolicyWe respect your privacy. Your email address will never be shared with any 3rd parties. Nor will we send you unsolicited email.What is the time temperature and pressure of the autoclave?Autoclaves use saturated steam under pressure of approximately 15 pounds per square inch to achieve a chamber temperature of at least 250°F (121°C) for a prescribed time—usually 30–60 minutes. In addition to proper temperature and time, prevention of entrapment of air is critical to achieving sterility.
What is the minimum pressure used for sterilization?To be effective, the autoclave must reach and maintain a temperature of 121° C for at least 30 minutes by using saturated steam under at least 15 psi of pressure.
What is the temperature and time required for dry heat sterilization?4.3.
Dry heat sterilization is not as effective and efficient as wet heat (steam) sterilization. Higher temperatures and longer times compared to steam sterilization are generally required. Temperatures range from 160 to 170°C (320–338°F) for periods of 2–4 hours.
Why is autoclave pressure 15 psi?At 15 psi steam pressure the temperature reaches 121 ºC. Around the working range of 15 psi, each psi raises the autoclave temperature by approximately 1ºC.
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