what is an autoclave

An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on items that are placed inside it. Autoclaves are used in various fields such as healthcare, industrial, scientific research, and pharmaceutical industries. The high heat and pressure generated by autoclaves help to ensure that the best possible physical properties are repeatable. Autoclaves are also known as steam sterilizers and are used before surgical procedures to perform sterilization and in the chemical industry to cure coatings and vulcanize rubber and for hydrothermal synthesis. Autoclaves are designed to hold items that are placed inside and then the lid is sealed. Due to the pressures involved, safety valves are important to ensure that pressure of the steam inside is safely maintained. Autoclaves used in healthcare are typically referred to as steam sterilizers and are used to sterilize medical devices. Autoclaves used in scientific research and pharmaceutical industries are used to sterilize equipment used in laboratory.