Product category:
Temperature, pressure and flow measurement
News Release from: Labfacility | Subject: Autoclave load thermocouple assemblies
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 28 September 2005
Autoclave measurement probe
considerations
The rigorous environment of autoclave steriliser chambers means that temperature measurement probes must be designed to cope with high levels of pressure and moisture
Autoclave load thermocouple assemblies are specially designed to provide the best possible accuracy and stability in the rigorous environment of steriliser chambers The proven, Labfacility design has been subjected to successful, thorough evaluation by CMI Healthcare including leak testing in a vacuum chamber and processing through normal, porous load sterilisation cycles
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 27 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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The sensor complies with test standard HTM 2010, clause 6, 19/6.21.
Harsh conditions in the autoclave subject the thermocouple to high levels of pressure and moisture.
A special multiple seal construction in this design of autoclave thermocouple ensures that moisture ingress is prevented, even at elevated pressure.
The combination of a type T thermoelement and exceptionally rugged construction ensure high accuracy, high stability and long term reliability.
Ordinarily, in order to achieve the sort of accuracy demanded for such an application, typically +/-1C or better, the sensor would utilise a platinum resistance thermometer.
However, such a sensor would be prone to damage in harsh physical conditions and also be particularly vulnerable to deterioration due to the ingress of moisture if any seals were damaged.
This design of type T thermocouple assembly uses close tolerance, selected thermocouple wire to achieve the high accuracy and stability needed for steriliser applications but combined with the ability to withstand arduous conditions and handling.
The sensor is protected by a 316 grade stainless steel sheath and bulkhead tube: strong, flexible stainless steel armour conduit protects the extension lead with an additional length of silicone rubber exiting the bulkhead tube.
The cable is colour coded to BS EN IEC 584-3.
Single and duplex versions can be constructed.
By locating the sensor in close proximity to the 'load' inside the autoclave, an accurate measure of the temperature applied to the actual product is obtained as opposed to simply monitoring the internal temperature of the autoclave in the chamber wall; control of the autoclave temperature is typically based on such a location.
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