SQUARE PRESSURE VESSEL SIZES AND OPTIONS
Astell Scientific offer a comprehensive standard range of square section autoclave chamber sizes, each one designed and manufactured with precision and care. During and after manufacturer all pressure vessels are stage inspected, hydraulically tested and stamped by a notified body. Astell pressure vessels are manufactured to PED, ASME U standards and carry numerous approvals for many other countries.
Standard SQUARE pressure vessel sizes:
- 500x500mm
- 600x600mm
- 700x700mm
- with depths from 500mm to 2000mm
Astell also have the ability to manufacture pressure vessels to meet customer requirements – a great advantage over many other autoclave manufacturers. Contact us for details.
Autoclave pressure vessels are available in polished, electro-polished or bead blast chamber finishes, with each designed to ensure the base of the chamber creates a positive path to the drain for condensate. All components in contact with steam are manufactured from 316 stainless steel (other materials can be used on request), and as standard all connections are screwed, but pressure vessels with welded Tri-clover fittings to accept sanitary fittings can be accommodated should the customer require this. Finally, all Astell pressure vessels are fitted with bosses to accept rails for loading equipment and/or a standard base shelf.
Where a jacketed chamber is necessary, for the provision of superior drying for example (i.e. sterilizing wrapped instruments or fabrics), Astell pressure vessels are fully jacketed (not sectional as with some manufacturers) providing the best heat distribution and maximum surface area for quick and efficient cooling. Jacketed pressure vessels are designed to ensure full drainage after a cooling cycle to reduce water hammer.
Double-Door SQUARE Autoclave (250–3,000 L)
Astell double-door SQUARE autoclaves give laboratories and production facilities a chamber for processing loads and transferring them between separate areas. A door at each end allows loading on one side and unloading on the other, supporting controlled transfer in cleanroom or containment applications. Each steam sterilizer is built to order, with options for vacuum air removal, drying and faster liquid cooling.
Choose from chamber capacities of 250 to 3,000 litres, with the chamber dimensions, loading arrangements and transfer controls specified around your load and facility. Available combinations depend on the configuration. Autoclaves with designs or chamber sizes outside the specifications of the standard Astell ranges are available as Custom Units. Chambers larger than 3,000 liters are available subject to engineering review.
Double-door designs are typically based on the SQUARE or SQUARE MAX ranges. The SQUARE uses vertically sliding doors; for taller chambers or lower loading heights, investigate the sideways-sliding SQUARE MAX design.
Design around the transfer process
Start with the items that must pass between the two areas. Their dimensions, materials and loading arrangement determine the chamber and cycle requirements. Allow for baskets, trays or loading carriages as well as the items themselves. Anything too large for the usable opening or chamber cannot travel through this route.
Door interlocking (controlling whether both doors can open at the same time or not), cycle-dependent release (if, when, and which door unlocks based on the specific cycle selected and its outcome) and the required direction of transfer should be agreed as part of the specification. A controlled transfer process depends on the complete installation and its operating procedures, as well as the autoclave’s sterilization cycle. Read more in Features to consider when purchasing a pass-through autoclave.
The processing options must also suit the load. Liquids need controlled heating and cooling, while bagged discard, wrapped items and complex equipment may need effective air removal. Where loads must leave the chamber dry, specify vacuum, a heated jacket and a suitable steam supply.
Throughput matters because the autoclave can become a bottleneck in the transfer workflow. Liquid loads can take a long time to cool without suitable cooling options, delaying the transfer of subsequent loads. Astell can assess the required cycle frequency and recommend a chamber size and processing configuration.
Barrier seals and facility integration
For a wall-mounted pass-through installation, a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) bacteriological seal can be specified to seal the interface between the autoclave and the surrounding barrier. The seal and installation details must suit the facility’s separation requirements.
Containment applications, including Containment Level 3, may require exhaust filtration and effluent retention or treatment. These requirements should be assessed alongside the load, transfer direction and facility design. Astell can discuss specialist integrations, including interfaces with Class III biological safety cabinets or gloveboxes.
Monitoring and controls on both sides
A secondary display can be fitted beside the second door so operators in both areas can monitor cycle progress. Controls can also be provided on the second side, with permitted functions and access agreed as part of the operating arrangement.
Explore the processes in more detail
Where autoclave cycle time actually goes
Discuss your pass through requirements
Tell us the load dimensions and materials, the required transfer direction, the nature of the two areas, the expected throughput and the services available on site. Astell can work through the chamber, barrier, cycle and loading arrangements with you, then provide a specification and quotation for the proposed installation.
Call +44 (0)20 8309 2031 or request a quotation.
Model: AND250G to AND980G (250 to 980 litres)Model: AVD250G to AVD980G (250 to 980 litres)
Model: MND250G to MND980G (250 to 980 litres)
Model: MVD250G to MVD980G (250 to 980 litres)
Model: AND250D to AND980D (250 to 980 litres)
Model: AVD250D to AVD980D (250 to 980 litres)
Model: MND250D to MND980D (250 to 980 litres)
Model: MVD250D to MVD980D (250 to 980 litres)
Model: SND250G to SND3000G (250 to 3000 litres)
Model: SVD250G to SVD3000G (250 to 3000 litres)
Model: SND250D to SND3000D (250 to 3000 litres)
Model: SVD250D to SVD3000D (250 to 3000 litres)
SQUARE MAX Autoclave (125–3,000 L)
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.
Chamber dimensions W × H × D (mm) | Approx. volume |
500 × 820 × 800 | 328 L |
700 × 1000 × 1000 | 700 L |
820 × 900 × 1300 | 959 L |
700 × 1250 × 1000 | 875 L |
700 × 1000 × 2000 | 1,400 L |
700 × 1250 × 1725 | 1,509 L |
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
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.
Model: SNS125G to SNS3000G (125 - 3,000 litres)Model: SVS125G to SVS3000G (125 - 3,000 litres)
Model: SNS125D to SNS3000D (125 - 3,000 litres)
Model: SVS125D to SVS3000D (125 - 3,000 litres)
SQUARE Autoclave (125–980 L)
Astell SQUARE autoclaves give laboratories and production facilities a square chamber for processing liquids, glassware, instruments and laboratory discard. The chamber shape can make efficient use of loading space for bottles, trays and other regularly shaped items. Each steam steriliser is built to order, with options for vacuum air removal, drying and faster liquid cooling.
Choose from a range of chamber sizes from 125 to 980 litres. Standard chamber cross-sections are 500 × 500 mm, 600 × 600 mm and 700 × 700 mm in width and height, with depths from 500 to 2,000 mm. Available combinations depend on the configuration. For taller chambers and lower loading heights, first investigate the SQUARE MAX autoclave. Autoclaves with designs or chamber sizes outside the specifications of the standard Astell ranges are available as Custom Units.
The same chamber can also form the basis of a double-door or pass-through autoclave. Double-door models have a minimum chamber capacity of 250 litres.
What do you need to process
Bottled liquids and growth media take time to heat through to their centre. Load-sensed process timing starts the sterilising hold only when a representative vessel reaches the required temperature. Controlled exhaust limits boiling and liquid loss as pressure falls, while the load cools to a safe unloading temperature. Read more in Getting liquid cycles right.
Bagged discard and items with complex geometry can trap air. The cycle, air-removal options and loading pattern must allow steam to reach the material being treated. Glassware and instruments may need shelves, loading equipment or a drying stage before they are ready to use again.
Wrapped instruments, textiles and other porous loads require effective air removal. For loads that must also leave the chamber dry, specify vacuum, a heated jacket and a suitable steam supply from an integral generator or an external source.
For practical loading guidance, read Inside the cycle: A practical guide to loading liquid and discard autoclave runs.
Options that shorten the cycle
For liquid loads, cooling is often the longest part of the cycle. Cooling options such as a cooling jacket, fans and water cooling can reduce the wait after sterilisation. Air ballast provides support pressure during rapid cooling to help limit boil-over and protect suitable containers. Astell can recommend a combination for your load, throughput and site services.
Door steam and vacuum configurations
Choose a manual or automatic vertically actuated door, with or without vacuum, and a chamber size to suit your load. The product code identifies the configuration: the first letter is A for an automatic door or M for a manual door; the second is V for vacuum or N for no vacuum; and S indicates a single-door model. The numeric part specifies the chamber capacity in litres.
The final letter identifies the steam source. Direct-steam models receive steam from an external supply, such as a stand-alone steam generator, and end in D. Models with an integral steam generator end in G.
These configurations cover the 125–980 L range within the standard dimensional rules. Chambers outside those rules are specified as Custom Units. For example, AVS250D identifies an automatic-door, vacuum, single-door model with a 250 litre chamber and an external steam supply.
Explore the processes in more detail
Where autoclave cycle time actually goes
Discuss your requirements
Tell us what you need to sterilise, the load dimensions and quantities, and the number of cycles you need to run. Details of the available space, access route, water, drainage, electricity and any external steam supply will help Astell recommend the chamber and options for your facility.
Call +44 (0)20 8309 2031 or request a quotation.
Model: ANS125G to ANS980G (125 to 980 litres)
Model: AVS125G to AVS980G (125 to 980 litres)
Model: MNS125G to MNS980G (125 to 980 litres)
Model: MVS125G to MVS980G (125 to 980 litres)
Model: ANS125D to ANS980D (125 to 980 litres)
Model: AVS125D to AVS980D (125 to 980 litres)
Model: MNS125D to MNS980D (125 to 980 litres)
Model: MVS125D to MVS980D (125 to 980 litres)
SQUARE ECO Autoclave (125–360 L)
The SQUARE ECO Range from Astell is designed with price and economy in mind - the ECO range offers all the functionality of Astell's standard circular range of autoclaves, but with increased usable capacity due to a square chamber design.
The ECO range is designed to be water efficient, with Autofill and Autodrain options fitted as standard, and low in power consumption by utilising 16kW heaters in chamber across the range.
The SQUARE ECO Range is the perfect research grade square-chambered autoclave. These units can sterilize almost all autoclavable material used in the laboratory – from instruments and glassware, to discard and liquids. They cannot dry fabric, and have a manual door, which make them our simplest square-chambered autoclaves. Ranging from 125 to 360 litres, the SQUARE ECO provides the usability of a square chamber autoclave at a fraction of the price.
Contact us now on +44 (0)20 8309 2031 to find out more, or request a quotation by clicking here. For organisations outside the UK, please contact your national dealer who can be found on our Find a Dealer page.
Model: MNS125E (125 litres)Model: MNS216E (216 litres)
Model: MNS250E (250 litres)
Model: MNS360E (360 litres)
