How autoclaves save lives
It might be a simple device, but the autoclave lies at the heart of all hospital and dental clinic operations, ensuring patients are cared for in only the most hygienic environments, safe from harmful micro-organisms. But what does it do exactly?
After use, medical or dental instruments are placed in an autoclave where steam (at 134°C or more) and water, superheated under high pressure, kill all infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and other potentially harmful microbes.
Exacting industry standards
It’s crucial that every component is robust and reliable as one tiny flaw could mean the difference between a successful operation and a runaway infection. Because of this, every Danfoss valve and sensor has to meet exacting industry standards.
Rodrigo Souza, Sales Engineer in Danfoss Brazil, explains why this interested Danfoss and its customers. “When we began to focus on the healthcare industry about 10 years ago, we realised we could take some of our valves that had already proven their reliability in the field and apply them without any modification, so they met the specifications and standards demanded by dental clinics and hospitals.”
In hospital autoclaves, the MBS 4500 and MBS 33 (absolute version) pressure transmitters control pressure inside the internal and external chambers, while MBT 153 temperature sensors to control the temperature. EV225B and EV210B solenoid valves control the steam and water, and the EV250B helps control the vacuum pump.
A fruitful partnership
Early on, Danfoss partnered with Cristófoli, who at that time were manufacturing only 100 dental autoclaves a month. The partnership proved fruitful. “Cristófoli liked the fact they could buy high quality solenoid valves from a large global manufacturer, which means they can count on us wherever they sell their machines” says Rodolfo. “And now they produce close to a 1000 units a month – all with reliable Danfoss components.”