Key Features

• Stainless Steel Construction: Inner and outer chambers are made of stainless steel for durability and regular laboratory use.

• SS 304 Pressure Vessel: Pressure vessel and top lid use SS 304 grade stainless steel as specified.

• Secure Lid Locking: Available configurations include double-wingnut, double-radial and triple-locking arrangements.

• Jointless Silicone Gasket: Moulded silicone rubber gasket supports a secure chamber seal.

• Polished Internal Joints: Argon arc-welded joints are ground and polished to provide smooth internal surfaces.

• Multiple Safety Devices: Includes a pressure gauge, spring-loaded safety valve, additional safety valve, manual exhaust valve and vacuum breaker.

• Water Level Indicator: Helps the operator monitor the water level during operation.

• Easy Chamber Cleaning: A drain valve facilitates water removal and chamber cleaning.

• Energy-Efficient Heating: Industrial-grade heaters are designed for efficient heating.

• Electrical Protection: An MCB provides mains switching and electrical protection for the control panel.

• Multiple Capacity Options: Available capacities range from 22 litres to 180 litres across the supplied model configurations.

• Optional Semi-Automatic Controls: Can include automatic pressure control, low-water cut-off and a digital temperature controller with timer.

• Optional Fully Automatic Controls: Can include programmable sterilization cycles, pressure display, process alarms and user-settable drying time.

• Laboratory Applications: Suitable for sterilization workflows involving compatible laboratory instruments, glassware and materials.

Working Principle

The OPXICA Vertical Autoclave OPX-146 operates using moist heat sterilization under pressure. Water is heated to generate steam inside the chamber. As steam fills the chamber and reaches the required temperature and pressure, it transfers heat to the items being sterilized.

The supplied working specifications list a temperature range of 121–125°C and a working pressure of 15–20 PSI. The actual sterilization cycle depends on the selected temperature, pressure, load type and validated exposure time.

During operation, the pressure gauge helps monitor chamber pressure. The safety valves provide pressure-relief protection, while the water level indicator helps the operator check the available water. After the sterilization cycle, the chamber pressure must return to a safe level before the lid is opened.

Optional semi-automatic or fully automatic controls can support temperature regulation, pressure control, cycle timing and other process functions, depending on the selected configuration.

Operating note: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading, water level, cycle selection, pressure release and safe unloading. Sterilization effectiveness depends on using a validated cycle appropriate for the load.

Optional Control Systems

1. Semi-Automatic Control System

The optional semi-automatic configuration can include:

• Automatic pressure control switch

• Automatic low-water cut-off system

• Microprocessor-based digital temperature indicator and controller

• Temperature set-value and process-value display

• Digital timer, subject to the selected configuration

2. Fully Automatic Control System

The optional fully automatic configuration can include:

• Automatic low-water cut-off system

• Automatic pressure control switch

• ON/OFF/T.P. control configuration, as specified by the manufacturer

• PT-100 chamber temperature sensor input, subject to final controller configuration

• User-settable purging range

• User-settable post-sterilization drying time

• User-settable boiler control

• Buzzer alarms for high pressure, low pressure and process completion

• Pressure display

• Built-in sterilization cycle process

Confirm the exact controller functions and sensor arrangement with the manufacturer before selecting or ordering an automatic model.

Applications

The OPXICA Vertical Autoclave OPX-146 may be used in facilities that require steam sterilization of compatible materials.

• Microbiology Laboratories

• Educational and University Laboratories

• Research Laboratories

• Pharmaceutical Laboratories

• Biotechnology Laboratories

• Clinical Laboratories

• Pathology Laboratories

• Medical and Nursing Colleges

• Laboratory Glassware Sterilization

• Compatible Laboratory Instrument Sterilization

• Research and Testing Facilities

• Industrial Quality Control Laboratories

The suitability of a particular item depends on its material, packaging, heat tolerance and the validated sterilization cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the OPXICA Vertical Autoclave OPX-146 used for?

The OPXICA Vertical Autoclave OPX-146 is designed for steam sterilization of suitable laboratory instruments, glassware and other compatible materials using heat and pressure.

2. What is the working temperature of the OPX-146?

The supplied specifications state a working temperature range of 121–125°C. The required temperature depends on the material being sterilized and the validated cycle.

3. What is the working pressure of this vertical autoclave?

The specified working pressure is 15–20 PSI. Operators should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the validated operating parameters for the selected model.

4. What material is used for the chamber?

The supplied specifications state that the pressure vessel, top lid and external wall use SS 304 grade stainless steel. The inner and outer chambers are described as stainless steel.

5. Which capacities are available?

The supplied model table lists six capacities: 22, 40, 50, 78, 98 and 180 litres. Confirm the mapping between these capacities and the final OPXICA model numbers before ordering.

6. What safety features are included?

The listed safety features include a pressure gauge, spring-loaded safety valve, additional safety valve, manual exhaust valve, vacuum breaker, water level indicator and miniature circuit breaker.

7. Does the OPX-146 have an automatic control option?

Yes. Optional semi-automatic and fully automatic configurations are described. Their functions can include pressure control, low-water cut-off, temperature regulation, cycle timing and process alarms.

8. What is the purpose of the silicone rubber gasket?

The moulded, jointless silicone rubber gasket helps create a seal between the lid and chamber during operation. It must be inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

9. How does a vertical autoclave sterilize materials?

It uses pressurized steam to transfer heat to the load. Effective sterilization depends on achieving the required temperature throughout the load and maintaining the validated exposure time.

10. What power supply does the OPX-146 require?

The supplied specifications mention approximately 220–230V AC and also list 50/60 Hz. The electrical rating should be confirmed for the specific model, particularly because heater loads range from 1.5 kW to 6 kW.

11. Is the OPX-146 suitable for pharmaceutical laboratories?

It may be suitable for compatible pharmaceutical laboratory sterilization tasks. Suitability for a regulated process depends on the equipment configuration, process validation, load requirements and applicable quality procedures.

12. Why choose the OPXICA Vertical Autoclave OPX-146?

The OPX-146 offers stainless steel construction, multiple capacity options, pressure-monitoring and safety components, and optional automatic controls. The available configurations allow laboratories to select a unit according to their load capacity and operating requirements.