The main difference between a 121 °C and 134 °C autoclave is the temperature and time required for sterilization. According to the references, the killing effect, or lethality value, is achieved when sterilizing at 121 °C for 15 minutes or at 134 °C for 3 minutes.
Choosing the higher temperature of 134 °C can save time if the product being sterilized can withstand the higher temperatures. This is particularly useful for sterilizing bulky objects or large volumes of liquids, as they require longer heating times to reach the sterilization temperature.
Autoclaves operate on a time and temperature basis, with standard temperatures usually set around 121 °C. The sterilization process involves subjecting equipment and supplies to pressurized saturated steam for a specific time period, depending on the size of the load and its contents. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and lab coats, should be used when handling the autoclave for safety purposes.
Autoclaves come in different sizes, including benchtop models and floor models, to accommodate various laboratory needs. The size of the autoclave depends on the number and type of laboratory supplies intended for sterilization.
There are different types of autoclaves based on size and principle. Large-scale autoclaves, suitable for hospitals and clinical and research laboratories, have a significant size and can have double chambers with capacities ranging from 500 liters to over 1500 liters. Small-scale autoclaves, suitable for university and college laboratories, are smaller in size and can accommodate 20-300 liters of autoclavable materials.
Based on principle, there are gravity displacement autoclaves, where hot steam forces air through a vent, and positive pressure displacement autoclaves, where steam is generated separately and transferred into the autoclave. There are also negative pressure (vacuum) displacement autoclaves, which have both a steam and vacuum generator to remove air from the chamber.
The autoclave sterilization process involves boiling water to generate steam, removing air from the chamber, increasing pressure and temperature, holding the sterilization temperature for a specified time, releasing steam to reduce pressure, and finally cooling down the load before opening the autoclave. The length of the sterilization cycle varies depending on the materials being autoclaved and the size of the load.
In summary, the difference between a 121 °C and 134 °C autoclave is the temperature and time required for sterilization. Choosing the higher temperature can save time, but it is important to consider the product's ability to withstand higher temperatures. Autoclaves operate on a time and temperature basis, and there are different types and sizes of autoclaves available to suit specific laboratory needs.
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