YAMATO SN310C Vertical High-Pressure Steam Sterilizer
| Brand | YAMATO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | SN310C |
| Type | Vertical Sterilizer |
| Max Temperature | 135 °C |
| Max Pressure | 0.255 MPa |
| Operating Temperature Range | 45–135 °C (with programmable sub-ranges: 45–80 °C preheat, 45–60 °C keep-warm, 65–100 °C dissolution, 105–135 °C sterilization) |
| Heating Power | 2 × 800 W (100 V) |
| Cooling | Integrated axial-flow fan |
| Safety | Triple mechanical pressure-lid interlock system |
| Voltage Options | AC 100–120 V or AC 200–240 V |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 5–35 °C |
| Control System | Microprocessor-based PID temperature control with digital keypad interface and real-time display |
| Interface Ports | 1/4″ sample sensor port, 1/4″ chart recorder port, pressure gauge port with solenoid valve branch |
Overview
The YAMATO SN310C is a vertically oriented, microprocessor-controlled high-pressure steam sterilizer engineered for precision, repeatability, and operational safety in regulated laboratory environments. It operates on the fundamental principle of saturated steam under elevated pressure to achieve thermal inactivation of microorganisms—including bacterial spores—through irreversible protein denaturation and nucleic acid disruption. Designed for compliance with international sterilization validation requirements, the SN310C supports both routine sterilization cycles (e.g., 121 °C / 15 min, 135 °C / 5 min) and specialized thermal processes such as agar medium dissolution, preheating, and extended hold phases for heat-labile formulations. Its robust stainless-steel chamber, dual heating elements, and integrated axial cooling fan collectively reduce cycle turnaround time without compromising process integrity or thermal uniformity.
Key Features
- Triple-mechanical lid interlock system prevents accidental opening during pressurized operation, meeting ISO 13485 and EN 285 design-safety expectations for Class B sterilizers.
- Programmable multi-stage temperature profiles: independent settings for preheating (45–80 °C), keep-warm (45–60 °C), dissolution (65–100 °C), and sterilization (105–135 °C), enabling reproducible handling of diverse biological and media preparations.
- Dual 800 W heating elements (100 V configuration) ensure rapid, uniform chamber heating and stable temperature maintenance across load variations.
- Standard axial-flow cooling fan significantly reduces post-cycle cooldown time—critical for high-throughput labs performing multiple daily sterilization runs.
- Front-mounted digital control panel with intuitive up/down key navigation and real-time PID-controlled temperature display enhances operator ergonomics and minimizes training overhead.
- Configurable voltage options (AC 100–120 V and AC 200–240 V) support global deployment without hardware modification, facilitating seamless integration into North American, European, and APAC laboratory power infrastructures.
- Multiple auxiliary ports (1/4″ sample sensor, chart recorder, and pressure gauge interfaces) allow for external data logging, third-party validation, and GLP/GMP-compliant audit trail generation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SN310C accommodates standard autoclave-compatible loads including glassware, stainless-steel instruments, wrapped surgical packs, liquid media (in vented containers), and agar-based culture media. Its chamber dimensions and steam distribution architecture are validated for uniform heat penetration per ISO 17665-1:2017 (Moist Heat Sterilization). While not a fully automated Class B vacuum-assisted sterilizer, its full-open and slow-release exhaust valves enable controlled steam evacuation suitable for liquids and porous loads. The unit complies with JIS B 8601 (Japanese Industrial Standard for Steam Sterilizers) and incorporates design safeguards aligned with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. Optional calibration certificates and IQ/OQ documentation packages are available to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation protocols.
Software & Data Management
The SN310C employs embedded microcontroller firmware—not PC-dependent software—to execute all cycle logic, parameter storage, and real-time PID regulation. All user-defined programs (up to 99 stored sequences) persist through power interruption. While no native Ethernet or USB interface is included, analog output ports (via pressure gauge and temperature sensor interfaces) permit connection to external data acquisition systems compliant with ASTM E2500 or ISO/IEC 17025 traceability frameworks. For laboratories requiring electronic records, integration with validated chart recorders or third-party SCADA platforms enables time-stamped, tamper-evident cycle documentation meeting GLP and GMP audit requirements.
Applications
- Routine sterilization of reusable labware (pipette tips, Petri dishes, flasks) and surgical instruments in academic, clinical, and pharmaceutical research labs.
- Preparation and dissolution of solidified growth media (e.g., nutrient agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar) without boil-over or excessive evaporation.
- Thermal processing of protein-based reagents where controlled denaturation at 135 °C is required—for example, in epitope unmasking protocols prior to immunohistochemistry.
- Validation studies requiring precise, repeatable exposure to defined temperature–time profiles under saturated steam conditions.
- Quality control workflows in contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) where equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) must align with ISO 13485 or EU Annex 1 standards.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable working pressure of the SN310C?
The SN310C is rated for a maximum operating pressure of 0.255 MPa (equivalent to ~2.6 bar or ~37 psi), consistent with its 135 °C saturated steam capability.
Does the SN310C support vacuum-assisted air removal?
No—the SN310C uses gravity displacement for air removal and lacks a vacuum pump; it is classified as a Class N (non-vacuum) sterilizer per EN 13060.
Can the unit be validated for use in GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—when paired with calibrated external sensors and documented IQ/OQ procedures, the SN310C meets foundational requirements for sterilizer qualification under EU GMP Annex 1 and USP <1211>.
Is the cooling fan controllable or automatic?
The axial cooling fan activates automatically upon cycle completion and operates until chamber temperature falls below user-defined thresholds; manual override is not provided.
What regulatory standards does the SN310C conform to?
It adheres to JIS B 8601, IEC 61010-1, and incorporates mechanical safety features aligned with EN 285 principles; CE marking is applicable for EU market variants.
