Standard Operating Procedure Yamato High Pressure Steam Sterilizer

Autoclave Training
The university requires all students and employees who use an autoclave to complete a
brief training online. It is quite straightforward. Therefore, before using this equipment
for the first time, go to http://www.ehs.neu.edu/autoclave/frame.htm and complete this
training.
Checks to be made before using:
1. Be sure the drain lock is closed; it is located under the bottle in the front panel.
2. Make sure the steam saucer is in place; it is located on the right hand side of the
machine, and acts as a catch for steam. If it has any liquid in it, you should empty
it before proceeding.
Set Up:
1. Front Bottle - there is a bottle located behind the front panel of the autoclave.
Initially the water in this bottle is used to cool hot steam coming out of the
chamber. The bottle must have 1500mL of water in for this purpose. However,
the sterilizer drains water forcibly to this bottle during the drying process, so you
should not put more than this specified amount into the bottle. The autoclave will
not run without this bottle in place; the exhaust hose and silencer fit inside of the
bottle.
2. Main Chamber there is a plate in the bottom of the main chamber which sits on
top of the heater. Water should be poured into the main chamber up to the same
level as the top of the plate, approx. 2800 3000mL. DI water should be used to
help prevent mineral buildup in the machine. Water can be drawn from the sink in
the hallway of the 2nd floor Egan Center. It can be transferred using a blue bucket
found under the sink of the lab; the bucket has graduated marks on the inside.
Make sure you wash the bucket before use.
3. Baskets There are two stackable baskets in the autoclave which should be used
at all times during the sterilization process. Never run the autoclave without a
basket inside. Place bottles/jars inside basket(s).
4. Close lid make sure lid is closed firmly.
Programming:
There are 2 cycles that the autoclave can be run on. The sterilize cycle should be used
for liquids; the sterilize and dry cycle should be used for glassware.

a. Containers: When sterilizing glassware, make sure that the opening is

completely covered with aluminium foil; the foil prevents non-sterile air
from being drawn into the container when it cools. Put a drop or two of
DI water in the container before covering with foil.
b. Liquids: Do not fill the container completely to the top with liquid, and do
not tighten the cap down very tightly; during the sterilization process,
steam will be generated, and it needs somewhere to go. The bottle cap
should also be covered with foil.

Before programming, please know the following. There are 2 cycles that the
autoclave can be run on. The sterilize cycle should be used for liquids; the sterilize
and dry cycle should be used for glassware.
You toggle between these options after you have programmed the following.
Programming
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Press Mode
Sterilization temperature can be changed.
Press Enter
Use arrows to toggle temperature to 121C.
Press Enter.
Sterilization time can be changed.
Press Enter.
Use arrows to toggle time to 25 minutes for liquids, 20 minutes for glassware.
Press Enter.
Drying temperature can be changed. Use arrows to toggle to 180C.
Press Enter.
Drying time can be changed. Use arrows to toggle to 20 minutes.
Press Enter.
Signal can be toggled on or off.
Press Enter.
Press Enter again and numbers will flash; pressing Menu at this point allows
you to choose between Sterilize and Sterilize and Dry.
Press Enter and cycle will begin.

When running, the top surface of the autoclave will become very hot, so avoid touching
the top.

Completed Cycle
Once the cycle has finished, open the lid, and allow contents to cool. If you have used
the sterilize and dry cycle, adjust the contents of the bottle at the front of the unit so that it
has 1500mL only. Empty the steam catcher on the side of the unit.