Pressure Steam Sterilizers use the pressure generated by heated steam to get rid of the microbial organisms on medical/surgical instruments. A widely used method for steam sterilization is that involving an autoclave. Autoclaves generally use steam heated to 121�134 �C. To completely sterilize the instruments, a buffer period of at least 15 minutes at 121 �C or 3 minutes at 134 �C is desirable.
A typical pressure steam sterilizer is made of heavy gauge stainless steel. It is commonly fitted with pressure gauge, safety valve (weight type), pressure release cock, lid handle, etc. The steam inside is electrically heated by water immersion heaters. Post sterilization, liquids in a pressurized sterilizer must be cooled slowly to prevent boiling over when the pressure is released.