Vacuum–Steam Autoclave (Saturated Steam Technology)

What does the term “Vacuum Steam” mean?

A vacuum autoclave removes air from the chamber before injecting pressurized steam to sterilize or decontaminate materials.

How does a steam autoclave work?

First, the system creates a vacuum inside the chamber to remove air, since air prevents steam penetration. It then injects saturated steam at high temperature (approximately 121–134 °C), which heats, decontaminates, and sterilizes the products. Next, the system maintains the chamber under pressure to ensure the destruction of microorganisms and spores, and finally performs vacuum drying.

A vacuum steam autoclave therefore uses a pre-vacuum phase to optimize sterilization by improving steam penetration, providing an efficient and cost-effective thermal treatment.

Advantages of this autoclave technology

Vacuum conditions improve steam penetration, enabling more effective sterilization. This technology is therefore highly suitable for sterilizing or decontaminating porous or packaged loads. In addition, steam autoclaves provide improved drying of equipment.

Fields of application

Biology laboratories, hospitals, dental clinics, pharmaceutical industries, and biotechnology companies are sectors where hygiene is critical and strict regulatory standards must be met.

Vacuum steam autoclaves are therefore perfectly suited, ensuring optimal sterilization and decontamination.

Analysis of loads to be sterilized

• Type of Loads: Solid and/or liquid

• Quantity per Batch and per Day

• Load Weight

• Loading/Unloading Method: Trolley, floor-level, etc.

• Collection Tanks

• Associated Treatments: Pre-decontamination washing, H₂O₂ cycle, etc.

Control, automation, and traceability:

• Sterile fluid filtration, with optional in-place integrity testing
• Recipe management and data logging system: batch reports, raw data, exportable to client server

Site planning study & environmental constraints

• Site Planning Based on Environment
• Containment requirements: P3/P4
• cGMP environment
• Autoclave type: single or double door
• Adaptation of door orientation: lateral, vertical, hinged

Sizing & utilities

• Utility, connectivity, and scalability studies
• Sizing of required utilities: electricity, steam, demineralized water, compressed air, N₂, etc.
• Planning for waste disposal
• Integration of a controlled steam generator if necessary