Sterilisation by steam under pressure

Autoclave - Moist heat, steam under pressure. 121C for 15 min Two types of autoclaves are available : gravity displacement type and high vaccum sterilizers. In its simplest form, the laboratory autoclaves consist of a veical or horizontal cylinder of gunmetal or of stainless steel in a suppoing sheet iron case. The lid or door Is fastened by screw clamps and made aiight using suitable washer. The autoclave has on its lid or upperside a discharge tap for air and steam, a pressure gauge and a safety valve that can be set to blow off at any desired pressure. Heating is by gas or electricity Ref : Ananthanarayana textbook of Microbiology 9th edition Pgno : 32