Autoklaavaus

Autoklaavaus is a sterilization method that uses heat, steam, and pressure to kill microorganisms. The term comes from the autoclave, a sealed vessel that is pressurized and heated. Autoclaves are commonly used in laboratories, healthcare settings, and industries to sterilize equipment, media, and waste. The process typically involves raising the temperature inside the autoclave to 121 degrees Celsius (249.8 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, under pressure, for a specific duration, usually 15-30 minutes. The high temperature and pressure effectively denature essential proteins and enzymes within microorganisms, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. Different cycles and parameters may be used depending on the materials being sterilized and the specific autoclave model. Regular maintenance and validation of autoclaves are crucial to ensure their effectiveness and the safety of the sterilization process. In some applications, like material processing, autoklaavaus refers to curing composite materials under elevated temperature and pressure to achieve desired structural properties.