The 120 - 344 litre front loading autoclave offers five chamber sizes, increased in capacity from the top loading range. The 'Swiftlock' front loading range of autoclaves allows the user a greater choice of options unavailable on the smaller ranges, as well as easy loading access.

Astell’s additional options include Integral Steam Generators, Heated Jackets, Simple/Advanced Vacuum and a choice of Cooling options to name but a few.

Heaters in chamber is the standard configuration fitted to all circular chambered Astell autoclaves and Economy range models. On standard machines, water is manually poured by the user directly into the chamber before each cycle begins. As the heater element(s) reach temperature, the water in the chamber boils to produce pressurised steam to force the air out from the chamber. An Autofill option is available to allow automatic water filling to take place so that the autoclave does not need to be manually filled between cycles. This option is not suitable for sterilization cycles where drying is required for porous loads/fabrics.

The integral steam generator option removes the heating elements from the chamber and replaces them with an integral generator for improved control over steam production. ‘Autofill’ is also fitted as standard to the steam generator; eliminating the need to manually refill the chamber between cycles. A mains water supply enters the steam generator, where it is heated and converted to steam. This then enters the chamber directly from the steam generator as and when it is required. This option is available throughout the range on autoclaves of 120 litres capacity and above. (Excluding the E-Range)

he direct steam option is intended for sites which already have a steam supply, or for larger autoclaves that require a powerful stand alone steam generator. An external steam feed enters the unit as per the illustrated diagram. This option is available on all Astell autoclaves from 95 litres and above. To order direct steam, the last digit of a standard Model number is changed to a ‘2’. i.e an AMA250BT would become an AMA252BT. Astell external steam generators are available for large square section units, with 48kw and 72kw versions available

Typical loads where a jacket would be required for drying include wrapped instruments or porous fabrics. Heated jackets are available on all Astell autoclaves over 95 litres with integral steam generators or with a direct steam supply. They add a secondary external layer to the autoclave allowing steam to circulate outside the sterilization chamber whilst insulating the main vessel. When a jacket is fitted, its effect is two-fold.

Firstly, when sterilizing fabrics and porous loads, the jacket is kept constantly heated which means that the chamber maintains a residual temperature between cycles, avoiding excessive condensate forming inside the chamber and wetting the load when steam enters the vessel. Secondly, after preventing condensation forming at the beginning of a cycle, at the end of a cycle the jacket stays running during a final vacuum, which then evaporates any remaining liquid, allowing porous loads to be touch dry when they are removed at the end of the cycle.

Suitable for all units with an integral steam generator (or external steam supply), the AVC001 vacuum option is Astell’s most advanced method of air removal. It’s ideal for sterilizing porous materials and other loads where air pockets could easily form. An AVC001 vacuum cycle starts with a pre vacuum which is followed by negative and positive pulsing. By introducing steam between vacuum pulses, air is forced out of the autoclave chamber under pressure; the best method for removing air from porous loads and discard waste. Following the sterilization stage, a post vacuum removes the steam from the chamber. In combination with the jacket option, a drying stage then begins to ensure loads are touch dry upon removal.

The AVC002 option is Astell’s basic vacuum system and is only suitable for standard autoclaves with the heaters in the chamber, or direct steam models (see Direct steam models). The cycle begins with a pre vacuum, reducing the chamber pressure and removing the majority of air. A free steaming/ air purge stage then begins. After the sterilizing stage is complete, water in the bottom of the chamber is expelled and then a post vacuum takes place, removing any remaining steam from the chamber and cooling the load. Please note: the AVC002 is a simple vacuum and as such does not have the drying capability of the AVC001 & Jacket option.

A powerful, externally mounted fan helps to reduce the cooling down stage of a cycle. Like all Astell’s cooling options, the operation of external fan system is controlled via the colour touch screen controller. This option is available on all models (except for those fitted with a cooled or heated jacket).

A magnetically driven internal fan is situated in the chamber itself, which creates turbulence. The fan needs to be fitted in conjunction with Water Cooling (Jacket) in order to be effective, and these combined options provide one of the most efficient ways of cooling the chamber and load. The dual system is therefore ideal in situations where large fluid loads need to be processed as quickly as possible. Internal Fan Cooling, when used in conjunction with Water Coolng (Jacket), Air Ballast and Load Sensed Timing makes cooling times up to 70% faster than a standard autoclave fitted with no cooling system.

Water is circulated through cooling coils in direct contact with the outside of the autoclave chamber, resulting in a substantial reduction of cooling time.

This option quickly and effectively cools bottled media and other fluid loads. After sterilization water is circulated in direct contact with the outside of the autoclave chamber, resulting in the rapid decrease of the internal chamber temperature. The effectiveness of Jacket Water Cooling can be further enhanced if the autoclave is fitted with Internal Fan Cooling (see tab for details).

For use in Heaters in Chamber autoclaves only. This feature can be selected on any cycle and will substantially decrease the time required to cool the chamber to a temperature where the door can be safely opened, especially when used in conjunction with the Water Cooling (Coils) or External Fan Cooling. At a pre-selected pressure during the cooling phase of the cycle, any remaining water in the chamber is evacuated to the drain.