Vacuum Leak Test used in Autoclave

Procedure for Vacuum Leak Test

  • The Vacuum Leak Test is used to evaluate the air-tightness of the chamber and pipework of a pre-vacuum autoclave.
  • In this test, the piping and parts of the autoclave are subjected to vacuum conditions, and the amount of vacuum depth lost over a predetermined time is recorded.
  • Three vacuum/pressure pulses are typically used in a vacuum leak test cycle, which is followed by a 15-minute dwell time at deep vacuum.
  • After the cycle is over, the autoclave’s control panel will show the leak rate in units like psia/min, kPa/min, mbar/min, or mmHg/min. 
  • The user’s specifications ultimately determine whether a test passes or fails, however industry standards demand for an average leak rate of 1mmHg/min or less.
  • The user’s specifications ultimately determine whether a test passes or fails, however industry standards demand for an average leak rate of 1 mmHg/min or less.
  • The facility SOP and risk tolerance determine how frequently the test is performed. An increased level of trust in the integrity of the chamber and piping is made possible by routinely executing a vacuum leak test.
  • Laboratory autoclaves are calibrated when they are installed, but it is crucial to regularly check that they are still working properly.
  • Wherever pre-vacuum autoclaves are utilized, the Bowie-Dick test and Vacuum Leak test are straightforward operational checks that need to be included in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

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Vacuum test: what is it and why is it important?

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