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Autoclaves operate under high thermal energy and saturated steam pressure (typically 121°C to 134°C at 15 to 30 PSI). Routine preventative maintenance (PM) is essential to prevent boiler scaling, door gasket blowouts, air entrainment, and sterilization cycle abortion caused by clogged thermodynamic steam traps. This Standard Operating Procedure provides a structured maintenance checklist for laboratory autoclave facility managers.
Preventative Maintenance Checklist
| Frequency | Component | Maintenance Action & Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Chamber Drain Strainer | Remove wire mesh strainer located in bottom drain well. Clean out debris, lint, agar residue, and autoclave tape. A blocked drain prevents air evacuation and causes cycle failure. |
| Weekly | Door Gasket & Mating Surface | Wipe silicone door gasket with a lint-free cloth moistened with mild detergent. Inspect for cracks, hardening, or gouges that cause steam leaks. |
| Monthly | Thermostatic Steam Trap | Inspect thermostatic bellows / balanced-pressure steam trap on exhaust line. Verify trap opens to discharge cool condensate/air and snaps shut upon contacting 121°C saturated steam. |
| Semi-Annual | Safety Relief Valve | Manually lift the test lever on ASME-stamped safety pressure relief valve under pressure to ensure valve seat is free of corrosion and reseals cleanly. |
| Annual | Generator Boiler Descaling | Flush steam generator boiler using approved sulfamic/citric acid descaling solutions to remove mineral scale from heating elements and water level sight glasses. |
