Autoclave

Uncommon card · No. 86948

An autoclave is a machine used to carry out industrial and scientific processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure in relation to ambient pressure and temperature. Autoclaves are found in many medical settings, laboratories, and other places that need to ensure the sterility of an object. The autoclave was invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879, although a precursor known as the steam digester was created by Denis Papin in 1679. The name comes from Greek auto-, meaning "self", and Latin clavis meaning "key", thus a self-locking device. All autoclaves operate according to the same fundamental principles as a kitchen pressure cooker. The simplest autoclaves (so-called "stovetop autoclaves") are largely indistinguishable from pressure cookers used in food preparation. Autoclaves are most commonly used before surgical procedures to sterilize medical instruments and supplies. This is accomplished by subjecting these items to pressurized saturated steam at 121 °C (250 °F) at a gauge...

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