YM30B/YM50B/YM75B Series Vertical Steam Sterilizer (Automatic Water-Level Controlled Type)

Overview

The YM30B/YM50B/YM75B Series Vertical Steam Sterilizers are fully compliant, gravity-displacement-type autoclaves engineered for routine sterilization of heat-stable laboratory and clinical materials—including culture media, glassware, surgical instruments, and textile packs. Designed in accordance with ISO 17665-1:2017 (Sterilization of health care products — Moist heat — Part 1: Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices), these units operate on saturated steam under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. Unlike vacuum-assisted sterilizers, the YM series relies on natural air removal via gravity displacement—ensuring predictable steam penetration into porous loads without complex vacuum pumps or drying cycles. Each model features a vertical cylindrical chamber constructed entirely from high-grade 304 stainless steel (inner and outer jacket), offering corrosion resistance, structural integrity, and compliance with GLP/GMP environmental requirements for cleanroom-adjacent lab installations.

Key Features

• Stainless steel construction (AISI 304) throughout chamber, door, and exterior housing—resistant to repeated thermal cycling and chemical exposure.
• Patented radial self-inflating silicone rubber gasket ensures consistent sealing force across the full lid circumference, extending service life beyond 10,000 cycles.
• Intelligent water-level management system: detects low water condition, triggers audible/visual alarm, initiates automatic refill from external reservoir, and resumes heating only after safe level restoration—eliminating dry-heating risk.
• Gravity displacement air removal: steam enters chamber from top, displacing cooler air downward through dedicated exhaust port—verified by Bowie-Dick test compatibility per ISO 11140-1.
• Dual-function analog pressure/temperature gauge with dual-scale readout (0–0.3 MPa / 0–140 °C) enables real-time monitoring without reliance on digital displays.
• Overpressure safety interlock integrated with spring-loaded relief valve (set at 0.22 MPa ±0.01 MPa) and redundant mechanical cut-off switch.
• Lockable swivel casters (φ100 mm, TPE tread) support smooth repositioning and stable stationary operation—critical for shared lab environments with limited floor space.
• Immersion-type heating elements embedded in jacket water provide uniform thermal distribution and rapid heat-up time (typical cycle start-to-sterilize: ≤25 min for YM30B at 121 °C).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YM series accommodates standard laboratory load configurations including wrapped instrument sets (up to 300 mm height), Petri dish stacks, Erlenmeyer flasks (≤1000 mL), and autoclavable biohazard bags. Chamber dimensions are optimized for Class B load classification per EN 13060:2014 (Small steam sterilizers)—supporting both solid and porous item sterilization cycles. All models include documentation packages compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 820 (Quality System Regulation) and EU MDR Annex I essential requirements. Factory-installed calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are provided for pressure and temperature sensors. Optional IQ/OQ protocols available upon request for regulated laboratories requiring audit-ready validation.

Software & Data Management

While the base YM series operates via electromechanical controls (no onboard microprocessor), optional digital controller upgrade (YM-DL variant) adds RS485 Modbus RTU interface, cycle logging (≥10,000 records), password-protected parameter editing, and USB data export compatible with LabArchives and ELN systems. All sterilization cycles—whether manual or pre-programmed—generate immutable timestamped records meeting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). For facilities operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or CLIA, the controller supports electronic signature workflows aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A requirements when deployed with validated third-party software.

Applications

These sterilizers serve as primary decontamination tools across academic research labs (microbiology, molecular biology, tissue culture), hospital central sterile supply departments (CSSD), veterinary diagnostic centers, and pharmaceutical QC laboratories. Typical use cases include: preparation of agar-based growth media; sterilization of pipette tips and centrifuge tubes; deactivation of non-infectious biological waste prior to disposal; and validation of steam penetration in multi-layered packaging configurations. The YM75B model—with its 75 L chamber—is routinely specified for batch processing of large-volume liquid media (e.g., 20 L batches of LB broth) under validated 121 °C × 20 min cycles.

FAQ

Is this sterilizer suitable for sterilizing liquids in sealed containers?
No. The YM series is not designed for liquid cycle sterilization (e.g., bottled media) due to absence of programmable slow-cool and pressure-release profiles. Use only for open or vented containers.
Does it comply with international sterilization standards?
Yes. Validated performance meets ISO 17665-1:2017, EN 13060:2014, and GB 8599–2008 (Chinese national standard for steam sterilizers).
Can the unit be connected to a building’s steam supply?
No. It is electrically heated and generates steam internally via jacket water—no external steam line required.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Daily: check water level and drain valve function. Quarterly: inspect gasket integrity and clean chamber interior with neutral detergent. Annually: third-party verification of pressure sensor accuracy and safety valve set point.
Is installation training included?
Yes. On-site commissioning and operator training (2 hours) are standard with FOB Shanghai delivery. Documentation includes English-language SOPs, maintenance log templates, and troubleshooting matrix.