Water is the lifeblood of laboratory autoclaves. The quality of the water used will significantly affect the life of the autoclave chamber and steam generator, as well as the type of load that can be sterilized. To understand why, let's address four common questions about water quality, as well as ways to solve some of the problems you may face with your autoclave.
Can I use tap water in my autoclave?
This depends on the quality of your water (e.g. hardness, minerals, chlorides, etc.). Although many laboratories use tap water with steam autoclaves, this practice can lead to expensive downtime and long-term repairs if the quality is not good. Tap water is certainly a practical source of steam, but it can also be damaging to your autoclave.
What could cause tap water to damage my autoclave?
Tap water contains various dissolved minerals and salts. Depending on your geographical location and water source (well, lake, river, etc.), levels of this dissolved substance can be high. The more minerals there are in the water, the "harder" it is. When hard water is boiled into pressurized steam or used to cool waste, it can leave behind salts and minerals inside steam generators, pipes and valves. These deposits can build up over time like layers of paint. As they build up, they not only clog pipes and valves, they also reduce the efficiency and functionality of your steam generator. Comprehensive requirements: Any water harder than 5 grains (85 mg/L) should be treated. The hardness of your tap water can be found on your municipal wastewater report or by performing a water quality test.
