Lab Innovations 2021: Astell explain why each of their autoclaves is unique, but their control-system is always the same.

Astell Scientific has been experts in sterilisation since 1884. Over the last 137 years it has advanced the field of steam sterilisation, introducing technology such as electrical heating (1908), front loading systems (1924), swiftlocking closures (1989), microprocessors (1984), ecofill (2000), and the digital touch-screen control system (2009).

Time-tested experience and continuous development have resulted in a diverse range of customisable autoclaves. Whether top-loading or front-loading, cuboid or cylindrical chambered, Astell refine each autoclave to exactly meet customer requirements by building every unit to order. Using the latest lean manufacturing procedures, Astell creates cost-efficient autoclaves equipped with exactly the right hardware configuration for the end user – no more or less.

Such flexibility in construction has seen Astell autoclaves installed across the globe for myriad purposes; rarely are two units identical due to varying user needs. However, one element remains consistent throughout: the Astell touch-screen control computer system. With a base model capable of storing fifty cycle programs, archiving data from five-thousand past cycles, and transferring data via USB, the simple-to-use system provides an equal array of advanced features to all Astell autoclaves.

The control system is also equipped with a 5.7-inch display that provides instantaneous data feedback to the operator, while a pressure sensitive resistive touch-screen allows for input by any ridged object, including styluses, and bare or gloved fingertips. Tested for resistance to over 60 laboratory and household chemicals, the rugged display showed no signs of damage after a 24-hour exposure period.

Harmful chemicals are not the only thing the device can resist; multilevel password protection provides different degrees of tamper-proofing to the system’s settings, with specified permissions granted to distinct user groups. The FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11 compatibility option takes autoclave security further by providing user-specific activity reports: logging all modifications to settings and cycles.

Yet to approved users, changing attributes on the controller is a simple task. From changing language settings to designing new sterilisation cycles, the touch-screen system allows modification and adjustments to autoclave functions and processes based on operator requests.

This fits well with the Astell philosophy; providing system customisation to closely meet user requirements. So, while the touch-screen control hardware remains consistent between all the Astell autoclaves, it is possible that with user-modified settings and cycles, no two control systems are identical either.

For a cost-efficient autoclave that precisely meets your requirements, tell your Astell sales representative what needs sterilising, inform them of your site utilities, and receive a rapid quote for the exact autoclave required.

The Astell team will be at the Lab Innovations 2021 exhibition as part of the Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) stand (E40).

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