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Autoclave Product World 2024

Our Autoclave Line-Up.
For Your Sterilisation Process.

Sterilize instruments safely and efficiently? Then a steam sterilizer according to DIN EN 13060 is a must! In our autoclave product world you get all the information at a glance.

Unsure about your choice? You can find our autoclave product finder here!

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Premium Class Evolution

A class of its own and for you: Sterilization of more instruments in less time? No problem with the Evolution Series!

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Prime Line

The MELAG price-performance winners: The new autoclaves offer a price/performance ratio that stands up to any comparison.

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Pro Line: Class B

You know the world's best-selling Pro-Class autoclaves? Then you will love the new MELAG device generation - from the functions to the price!

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Pro Line: Class S

The reliable Pro Line Class S autoclaves offer an even more cost-effective alternative for practices and clinics that do not require a Class B autoclave due to the instruments used. Discover the ground-breaking advantages of our new Class S autoclaves.

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Vacuclave 105 / 305

To the future, get set, go! With the fastest autoclaves in their class, we are redefining the limits of speed: with Vacuclave 105 & Vacuclave 305 you can sterilize your instruments on 2 trays in record time from 6.5 min (plus flexDRY drying).

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Vacuclave 550

Think BIG: The large small autoclave with 50 litres and trend-setting product highlights.

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Large Autoclaves

CSSD Excellence: The Cliniclave 45 Series with 105 - 200 litres for maximum capacity and safety.

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MELAquick 12 Series

The ideal complement: The quick autoclave sterilizes up to 12 handpieces in just 7 minutes.

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Vacuklav 24 BL+

Space miracle with 60 cm deep chamber: Vacuklav 24 BL+ is particularly suitable for the sterilization of extra-long instruments.

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Accessories for Autoclaves

As varied as you: Find the right accessories for you. And for your MELAG autoclave.

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Struggling to choose the right autoclave?

With our product finder, you can find the right autoclave for your practice in a flash.

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What is an autoclave?

Sterilization achieves the inactivation of all pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores): In medical practices, the use of an autoclave with saturated steam is recommended for this purpose. The terms autoclave and steam sterilizer are often used interchangeably. Steam sterilizers are defined as gas-tight sealable pressure vessels for the thermal reprocessing. The temperature of the saturated steam in combination with the holding time and pressure ensures the sterilisation of medical instruments, textiles and other medical devices.

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Steam sterilization process

How does an autoclave work?

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), all surgical instruments must be sterilized in packaging after cleaning and disinfection - preferably with saturated steam. The following section presents the programm steps of steam sterilization in an autoclave:

Sterilisation process according to EN 13060

Class B, S and N Steam Sterilization

The European standard DIN EN ISO 13060 divides autoclaves into the classes B, S and N. All sterilisation processes aim to inactivate microorganisms capable of reproduction. MELAG Class B and Class S autoclaves provide the most reliable steam sterilization solution for all medical fields. The next section explains the differences between these classes.

Class B Sterilization

Class B autoclaves enable the sterilization of both wrapped and unwrapped instruments, no matter their type and complexity. The fractionated vacuum reduces the air in the sterilization chamber through repeated evacuation and steam injection. This process permits the sterilization not only of solid and porous instruments, but also of complex hollow body instruments with narrow lumen such as surgical hand pieces and endoscopes.

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Class S Sterilization

If you do not use complex hollow body instruments, we recommend to prefer a Class S steam sterilizer over a Class B steam sterilizer. The cost-efficient Class S autoclaves either use the method of gravity displacement or a simple fractionated pre-vacuum.

The user manual of your Class S steam sterilizer provides a detailed overview of the intended use: Depending on the model, this ranges from simple hollow instruments (e.g. scissors and pliers) to more complex hollow instruments.

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Class N Sterilization

A class N autoclave can be used for steam sterilization of very simple loads, such as solid and unwrapped instruments. Class N devices do not have a vacuum pump. Sterilization is therefore carried out without a vacuum process and it is not possible to sterilize hollow or porous loads and wrapped instruments. Due to the limited field of application as well as the inadequate safety of the process, class N autoclaves are no longer used in medical facilities.

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Stand-alone vs. fixed water autoclaves

Whether you choose a stand-alone device or a steam sterilizer with a fixed water connection, MELAG provides best solutions to meet all requirements in your decontamination room.

Stand-alone Autoclaves

The stand-alone autoclave gives you the opportunity to be flexible and location-independent. The only pre-condition is an electrical power outlet in your decontamination room. As there is no additional installation required to ensure the water supply, demineralized water is to be manually filled into the integrated water tank of the autoclave. MELAG stand-alone steam sterilizers are fitted with high-performance air-cooling of the membrane pump to guarantee the reliable use during non-stop operation.

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Fixed-Water Autoclaves

Autoclaves with a fixed water connection save both time and money through the automated supply of high-quality demineralized water. These steam sterilizers require feed water and waste water connections. A small amount of tap water is reprocessed with a water treatment unit to be used for steam sterilization. The other fraction of tap water is used for effective cooling of the vacuum pump and other components. The time-consuming acquisition and disposal of aqua dem canisters is not more than a distant memory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Autoclaves for the sterilisation of instruments

In the world of medicine, sterility is not a luxury, but a necessity. The autoclave, also known as a steam steriliser, is an indispensable piece of equipment in every medical and dental practice that significantly supports the safety and effectiveness of patient treatment. This is because numerous instruments are used in medical and dental practices every day, which must be sterile in order to avoid cross-contamination and infections.

An autoclave is a device that sterilises medical and surgical instruments using saturated steam under high pressure. This process is one of the most effective ways to kill all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and spores. The function of the autoclave is based on the principle that moist heat penetrates faster and more effectively than dry heat, making sterilisation efficient and reliable.

Choosing the right autoclave depends on various factors, including the size of the practice, the type of instruments to be sterilised and the frequency of use. Here are some important aspects to consider:

  1. Capacity: Choose a model whose capacity matches your daily needs. Autoclaves that are too large consume energy unnecessarily, while those that are too small can cause inefficient running times and bottlenecks.

  2. Efficiency: Modern autoclaves offer fast cycles and low energy consumption, saving time and money in a busy practice. Look for models with good energy efficiency ratings.

  3. Ease of use: A user-friendly interface is crucial to make the sterilisation process as simple and error-free as possible. Devices with touchscreens and pre-programmed cycles make daily work much easier.

  4. Maintenance and service: Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of your autoclave. Choose models for which you can easily obtain spare parts and which are supported by a service that is fast and competent.

Sterilisation in an autoclave is based on the principle of saturated steam sterilisation. The process utilises steam under high pressure that reaches a higher temperature than the boiling point of water, typically between 121°C and 134°C. These high temperatures together with the pressure allow the steam to effectively kill all microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and spores.


Steps of the sterilisation process

  1. Preparation of the instruments: The instruments to be sterilised must first be thoroughly cleaned and prepared if necessary. This may include sorting, oiling and wrapping in sterilisable film.

  2. Loading the autoclave: The prepared instruments are loaded into the autoclave. It is important that the instruments are arranged in such a way that the steam can circulate freely. Overloading or incorrect arrangement can lead to ineffective sterilisation.

  3. Sterilisation cycle: The autoclave is closed and the sterilisation cycle is started. The cycle runs through several phases:

    1. Heating phase: The autoclave heats the steam and builds up pressure.

    2. Sterilisation phase: The steam is kept at a constant temperature and pressure in order to achieve the required microorganism kill rate. The duration of this phase depends on the type of instruments and the specific sterilisation requirements.

    3. Drying phase: After sterilisation, the steam is removed and the instruments are dried to remove moisture residues that could cause recontamination.

      Unloading and cooling: Once the cycle is complete, the instruments must cool down in the autoclave. The autoclave can only be opened and the instruments removed once the pressure has been completely released and the temperatures have dropped to a safe level.

  4. Post-processing and use: The sterilised instruments are now ready for storage or immediate use. They should remain in their sterile packaging until they are needed to maintain sterility.

The correct use of an autoclave is critical to the safety and effectiveness of sterilisation processes in medical facilities. By understanding how it works and how the process works, healthcare professionals can ensure that all instruments are sterilised correctly, contributing to overall patient safety and infection control.


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