Astell Retrospective – 1930’s vacuum autoclave

Period ‘High Pressure’ vacuum autoclave provides sterility and dryness for dressings. Use of an autoclave for medical applications will likely require certain loads (i.e. fabrics) to be dry at the end of a sterilization cycle. In these cases, use of a vacuum is essential to avoid condensate moistening the load. Even back in the 1930’s it was possible to utilise vacuum technology to overcome this issue, as this extract from an 80 year old Charles Hearson & Co. catalogue shows. Fig.2 is of an ‘Improved Vacuum Model’ vertical autoclave which utilises the same basic principle for porous loads as we use today. “With this apparatus, the creation of a vacuum at the beginning of the process and the withdrawal of the steam from the chamber at the end, ensures sterility and dryness of the dressings.” The current Astell top loading autoclave range is available in three chamber sizes of 95, 120, 135 litres and can be specified with AVC001 – Advanced Pulsar Vacuum. Working in conjunction with the steam generator option (or direct steam) and jacket option, the AVC001 vacuum provides the best method for removing air from porous loads and discard waste. When used in medical applications, dressings and wrapped instruments will be touch-dry on completion of the sterilization process. Astell’s circular chamber autoclaves benefit from modern materials and technology and as such feature 316 stainless steel electropolished chambers, fast-action safety linked door mechanism, advanced colour touchscreen controller, and (optional) castor wheels for easy movement. Units are manufactured in accordance with Medical Devices Directive (MDD 93/42/EEC) and Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) quality standards. For more information on Astell vacuum sterilizers or to receive a quotation, please visit our website.

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