Sterilisation is a critical process in every laboratory and medical setting. To maintain safety, compliance and research integrity, it’s essential to have a reliable way of eliminating bacteria, viruses and spores. Lab autoclaves are the perfect solution, using high-pressure saturated steam to deliver thorough and repeatable steam sterilisation across a wide range of materials - from media and labware to hazardous waste.
At Teknomek, we’re proud to partner with Priorclave to offer our customers with a trusted autoclave range that provides the same high-quality performance you would expect from a Teknomek product. In the blog below, we will explore the benefits of autoclave sterilisation, both during use and in achieving sustainability goals, as well as shed light on how the additional accessories work together to produce a safer sterilisation process that prioritises regulatory compliance.
What is an autoclave?
An autoclave is a device which sterilises items by subjecting them to high-pressure saturated steam at high temperatures for a specific duration. This method is widely used in medical and laboratory environments to ensure the eradication of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
What are the benefits of using an autoclave?
This method of sterilisation is often preferred over the use of chemical agents due to its high effectiveness and lack of environmental impact. The high-pressure steam can kill a wide spectrum of microorganisms making it a better choice than many chemical agents. This steam can also infiltrate porous materials for a more thorough cleaning process.
By relying on just water and heat, you can be certain that there is no potentially harmful residue left behind. There is also no hazardous waste left to dispose of. This eliminates the need to handle dangerous chemicals as part of the cleaning process with a reduced risk of exposure to toxic, corrosive or carcinogenic substances.
Why the Priorclave Base range?
Our Priorclave Base range offers reliable sterilisation up to 138˚C that is tailored for environments performing up to two sterilisation cycles per day. Choose between front or top-loading autoclaves with compact bench-top models also available. Featuring programmable controls and advanced safety features, these new additions to the Teknomek range ensure efficient sterilisation of media and labware.
Operating with precision
These autoclaves use an electronically heated chamber to deliver precise temperature control and consistent sterilisation performance. This is more sustainable than steam-jacketed or continuously fed steam systems as the steam is generated directly in the chamber, removing the need to keep a large external jacket hot when the machine is idle, reducing wasted heat and energy. This design also eliminates the constant flow of cooling water that jacketed systems often require, so water use is lower.
They also feature a quickseal single-action door which prevents the appliance from being opened at high temperatures, ensuring the safety of operators and preventing the disruption of the sterilisation process.
Maximum compliance
Ensuring maximum transparency and compliance, the Tactrol® 3 microprocessor control system enables precise cycle programming with a 5-program memory for repeatability. A built-in USB port facilitates data logging and the Priorclave Tactrol thermal printer (sold separately) delivers clear, smudge-free records - supporting traceability and helping you to stay audit-ready every day.
What accessories do you need?
Teknomek offers a range of purpose-designed accessories to optimise the performance, safety and efficiency of the larger Priorclave Base rectangular front-loading autoclaves. Built in durable stainless steel, each accessory is engineered for hygiene, longevity and seamless integration with the autoclave system.
False floor
The Priorclave false floor raises solid waste above any liquid that collects at the base of a discard container. By preventing contact with residual liquid, it reduces the risk of contamination when waste is removed to create a safer sterilisation process.
Discard containers
These stainless steel containers provide secure containment of laboratory waste, reducing spills and contamination risks.
Cassettes
Loading cassettes are engineered to organise, secure and transport materials efficiently throughout the sterilisation cycle. They enable smooth, ergonomic transfer between preparation areas and the autoclave while integrated retaining latches stabilise loads (even on inclines up to 15°) reducing the chance of spillage or contamination.
Trolleys
Priorclave loading trolleys streamline the movement of autoclave loads, minimising manual handling risks. Available in fixed-height or adjustable-height versions, the adjustable model features a hydraulic scissor jack for effortless height alignment between bench and autoclave, reducing strain and improving workflow efficiency.
Here’s what the autoclave system looks like in action:
Load sensed process timer:
Suitable for all Priorclave autoclaves, this temperature probe is designed to ensure precise and effective sterilisation by monitoring the temperature within the load itself. Unlike standard process timing, which begins when the chamber reaches the set temperature, this system delays the start of the dwell stage until the load temperature achieves the pre-set sterilisation threshold.
Your unique requirements
Whether you need to sterilise media, labware or laboratory waste, this system provides everything required for efficient daily workflows, reduced contamination risks and full traceability.
If you’d like to learn more about the Priorclave autoclave range, or need guidance on selecting the right accessories for your laboratory, contact our expert sales team on +44 (0)1603 788 833 or email us at mail@teknomek.co.uk. We’ll help you find the right solution for your sterilisation needs.
