Astell autoclaves chosen at RHS Hilltop, Wisley – The home of gardening science.
Astell install one of their classic top loading autoclaves at the UK’s first dedicated horticultural research centre within RHS Garden Wisley.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is best known as UK’s leading gardening charity, working to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture through its gardens and shows.
RHS Hilltop is the UK’s first research centre for gardening science and was the largest ever investment in horticultural science. The UK’s ‘home of gardening science’, the centre aims to “protect the future of plants, people and the planet” at the charity’s flagship garden.
Opened in 2021, RHS Hilltop is home to research scientists working in areas including Cultivated Plant Diversity, Environmental Horticulture and Plant Health and provides an information service to RHS Members, gardeners and the horticultural industry.
Plant health research
At RHS Hilltop, the Plant Health team performs research and provides training and advice on plant health problems, biosecurity issues and biodiversity in gardens. This involves working with contaminated plant and soil samples, so strict biosecurity measures are essential.
Therefore, sterilisation is a priority before disposal. For this purpose, the laboratory had an autoclave. However “the autoclave was very well used ”, says Ian Waghorn, laboratory manager at RHS Hilltop. “We needed one that could more efficiently handle difficult loads like rootballs and soil.”
Astell’s solution
The RHS’ preferred lab equipment supplier, Scientific Laboratory Supplies, are distributors of Astell autoclaves. SLS’s Senior Sales Territory Manager, Clare Brazier, discussed the problem with Ian, then worked with Astell’s Neil Davies to set up a trial. Neil used a unit on the production line to test some soil to be sure the steam would penetrate the soil.
Probes were placed inside the sample to validate the time and temperature needed for sterilisation, and the results were excellent. Neil recommended an Astell AMA440 Classic 63 litre top loading autoclave. Clare arranged delivery, installation and commissioning of the new autoclave and organised an annual calibration and service agreement which is carried out by Astell’s engineers.
Ian is pleased with the new autoclave. “It’s faster, quieter, more user friendly and more energy efficient”, he says, “all of these factors helped us achieve a certification in laboratory sustainability!”
The RHS also has an Astell benchtop autoclave for laboratory glassware and consumables.
The Astell AMA Classic range features:
• Simple ‘Plug & Play’ operation via 5.7” colour touchscreen with integrated USB data port
• Electropolished stainless steel chamber
• Castor mounted for easy movement
• Media holdwarm and delayed start facility
• At the end of each cycle the user is prompted by the touchscreen display to top up the water level to the correct point before starting another sterilization cycle
