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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food and beverage companies does Consolidated Sterilizer Systems work with?

Our sterilizers are used in a wide variety of facilities, including poultry farms, breweries and wineries, food manufacturing plants, mushroom labs, cannabis labs, agricultural research labs and food testing labs.

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What types of food and beverage applications are Consolidated autoclaves designed for?

Our food-grade sterilizers are suitable for autoclaving soil, glassware, media, waste, liquid pouches, substrates, inoculums and more.

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Can Consolidated autoclaves be used for retort processing and aseptic packaging?

Consolidated does not provide retort sterilizers at this time.

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What type of autoclave do I need to sterilize porous loads?

The materials you intend to sterilize will dictate what type of autoclave you need. For example, porous items and objects that are susceptible to trapping cold air pockets will likely require a Class B sterilizer with vacuum functionality.

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How does an autoclave work?

Autoclaves use extreme heat in the form of pressurized steam in order to sterilize goods. Similar to a pressure cooker, an autoclave uses a locked door to create a sealed chamber. The air within that chamber is then replaced by steam, which is pressurized until the goods within the chamber have been sufficiently sterilized.

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Can I use a Class N autoclave to sterilize porous materials?

The primary difference between Class B and Class N autoclaves is how they remove air from the chamber prior to sterilization. Class B autoclaves utilize a vacuum pump to completely remove air from the chamber, which enables steam to better penetrate the load. Class N autoclaves use steam from a boiler or generator to create […]

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How does autoclaving kill bacteria?

Autoclaves use steam heat to raise temperatures to such a degree that proteins within the cell walls of a microbe break down and begin to coagulate, thereby killing the bacterium and achieving sterilization.

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What type of autoclave do I need to sterilize medical devices?

The materials you intend to sterilize will dictate what type of autoclave you need. For example, complex loads such as wrapped instruments, porous materials, and red bagged waste products will likely require a Class B sterilizer with vacuum functionality.

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Why is autoclaving items better for sterilization purposes than boiling them?

Steam is a very efficient medium for heat transference. As a result, you can achieve higher temperatures using steam than boiling water, which makes it a more effective method of killing bacteria and other microorganisms.

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Can all medical devices be sterilized in an autoclave?

Only autoclave-safe items can be sterilized using an autoclave. Our autoclaves are capable of sterilizing a wide variety of critical, semi-critical, and noncritical items, including (but not limited to): surgical instruments, hypodermic needles, implanted devices, endoscopes, stethoscopes, and medical waste. Always consult a device’s instructions for use (IFU) to ensure it can safely withstand the […]

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CSS News & Events

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12.10.25

AAMI ST108 Compliance

Introducing SterilSteam Sampler, The Steam Condensate Sampler for AAMI ST108 Compliance →

Released in 2023, AAMI/ANSI ST108 establishes water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. In addition to these requirements, ST108 mandates quarterly testing of steam condensate quality to ensure incoming steam does not stain instruments or pose a risk to patient safety. To help healthcare facilities […]

11.6.25

Critical Water for Autoclaves

AAMI ST108 & Critical Water for Autoclaves: What ASCs Need to Know →

A major step forward in patient safety, ANSI/AAMI ST108 establishes new minimum water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Despite providing guidance on water quality management for sterile processing, ST108 has also created confusion, especially regarding test protocols, water treatment, and critical water requirements. In […]

10.20.25

woman with long dark hair wearing a white lab coat and blue rubber gloves removes trays from an autoclave

What Is an Autoclave Machine Really Used for? [Applications, Costs & More] →

Autoclave machines are mission-critical equipment in a variety of industries, from healthcare to biotech, ensuring equipment and materials are sterilized and safe for use. Whether you’re considering purchasing an autoclave for a new facility, replacing a broken one, or expanding your current sterilization capacity, understanding the ins and outs of autoclave technology is key to […]
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