Astell SQUARE MAX autoclaves give laboratories and production facilities a square or rectangular chamber with an automatic sideways-sliding door. This arrangement allows taller chambers and lower loading heights, making it suitable for bulky equipment, trolley loads and high-throughput processing. Each steam sterilizer is built to order, with options for vacuum air removal, drying and faster liquid cooling.

Single-door chamber capacities range from 125 to 3,000 litres, with dimensions and loading arrangements selected around your load within the range’s design rules. Models have been built with loading heights of around 500 mm above floor level; lower loading heights may be possible depending on the design. Autoclaves with designs or chamber sizes outside the specifications of the standard Astell ranges are available through Custom Units. Chambers larger than 3,000 litres are subject to engineering review and the necessary exemptions or approvals.

For loads that suit a vertically sliding door and a chamber capacity of 125–980 litres, investigate the SQUARE range. The SQUARE MAX design can also form the basis of a double-door or pass-through autoclave, with a minimum chamber capacity of 250 litres.

Chambers shaped around your load

The examples below illustrate bespoke chamber dimensions from previous builds. Chambers outside the standard dimensional rules are classified as Custom Units; these examples do not define a standard SQUARE MAX size range.

Volumes are approximate geometric calculations from the dimensions shown. Available loading space depends on the chamber fittings and loading arrangement.

Astell’s current PED certification covers steam autoclaves up to 3,000 litres. Larger chambers may be possible as bespoke projects, subject to engineering review and the necessary exemptions or approvals. Contact Astell to discuss feasibility.

What do you need to process

SQUARE MAX can be specified with a wide range of Astell options for liquids, glassware, laboratory discard and more demanding loads. Vacuum air removal helps steam reach loads that trap air. For wrapped and porous loads that require drying, specify vacuum, a heated jacket and a suitable steam supply.

For liquids and other loads that cool slowly, advanced cooling options can reduce cycle time. The cooling arrangement and any air ballast are selected around the load, containers and required throughput.

Door vacuum and steam configurations

Choose a single-door machine, or a double-door pass-through arrangement where loading and unloading take place in separate areas. Double-door models have a minimum chamber capacity of 250 litres. Chamber dimensions and loading arrangements are agreed for each build, with designs outside the standard dimensional rules specified as Custom Units.

The SQUARE MAX product code identifies its configuration. The first letter, S, denotes the automatic sideways-sliding door. The second letter is N for no vacuum or V for vacuum. For single-door models, the third letter is S. The numeric part specifies the chamber capacity in litres.

The final letter identifies the steam source: G = integral steam generator; D = direct steam from an external supply, such as a stand-alone steam generator.

Explore the processes in more detail

Getting liquid cycles right

The other half of the job

Why sterile isn’t always dry

Where autoclave cycle time actually goes

Discuss your requirements

Tell us the load type, maximum dimensions and weight, the quantities to process and your required throughput. Include the available space, access route and site services so Astell can work through the chamber, loading system and cycle options with you.

Call +44 (0)20 8309 2031 or request a quotation.