Brookfield YXQ-LS-50A Vertical Steam Sterilizer

Overview

The Brookfield YXQ-LS-50A Vertical Steam Sterilizer is a fully automated, microprocessor-controlled Class B gravity displacement and internal recirculating steam sterilization system designed for reliable terminal sterilization of heat-stable laboratory and clinical materials. It operates on the validated principle of saturated steam under elevated pressure—achieving microbial inactivation through protein denaturation and nucleic acid disruption at temperatures up to 135 °C and pressures up to 0.22 MPa (working) / 0.25 MPa (design). Engineered for reproducible performance in regulated environments, the unit complies with core sterilization process requirements outlined in ISO 17665-1:2017 (Sterilization of health care products — Moist heat — Part 1: Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices) and supports adherence to GLP and GMP documentation practices. Its vertical configuration optimizes floor space utilization while maintaining full accessibility to the 50 L sterilization chamber.

Key Features

• Microcomputer-based intelligent control system with digital LED display for real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, time, and cycle phase
• Dual-safety interlocked handwheel-type rapid-opening door mechanism compliant with EN 13445-3 and ASME BPVC Section VIII requirements for pressure vessel access
• Double-walled stainless steel construction (SUS304 inner chamber and outer jacket) ensuring corrosion resistance against repeated exposure to condensate, saline solutions, and alkaline cleaning agents
• Self-expanding silicone sealing gasket providing consistent radial compression and leak-tight integrity across 5,000+ operational cycles
• Automated cold air purge sequence prior to pressurization, minimizing air pockets that compromise thermal penetration and sterility assurance
• Three programmable exhaust modes: fast exhaust (for non-liquid loads), slow exhaust (for liquid media to prevent boil-over), and no-exhaust hold (for post-sterilization equilibration)
• Integrated 3 L steam condensate collection bottle enabling safe handling of residual vapor and facilitating compliance with local environmental discharge regulations
• Comprehensive safety architecture including high/low water level sensors, dry-run prevention circuitry, overtemperature cut-off (138 °C design limit), and mechanical pressure relief valve (set at 0.25 MPa)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YXQ-LS-50A accommodates a broad range of load types: wrapped or unwrapped surgical instruments, textile dressings, glassware (including volumetric flasks and culture tubes), autoclavable plasticware (e.g., polypropylene centrifuge bottles), and aqueous liquid media (e.g., nutrient broths, agar preparations). Load configuration utilizes three removable SUS304 wire mesh baskets (Ø280 mm × 210 mm each), permitting flexible stacking and uniform steam circulation. The sterilizer meets national medical device regulatory criteria per YY 0504–2005 (Chinese standard for horizontal/vertical steam sterilizers) and supports validation protocols aligned with ISO 11134, ISO 11140, and AAMI ST79:2017. Optional printer integration enables direct output of cycle logs—including start/end timestamps, peak temperature/pressure values, and alarm events—for audit-ready record retention.

Software & Data Management

While the base YXQ-LS-50A operates via embedded firmware without external PC connectivity, its control interface supports full traceability through on-device event logging. All critical parameters—including setpoints, actual measured values, phase transitions, and fault codes—are timestamped and retained in non-volatile memory for ≥1,000 cycles. Optional RS232 or USB data export modules (sold separately) permit transfer of cycle reports to LIMS or electronic quality management systems. When configured with the optional thermal printer, the unit generates hard-copy records compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles—featuring operator ID entry, cycle signature fields, and tamper-evident print formatting. Firmware updates are performed via secure USB key, maintaining version control and cybersecurity integrity.

Applications

• Sterilization of reusable surgical instruments and dental handpieces in outpatient clinics and university teaching hospitals
• Preparation of sterile microbiological growth media and buffered saline solutions in academic and industrial R&D laboratories
• Decontamination of biohazardous waste (e.g., spent cultures, animal tissue residues) prior to disposal in BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities
• Validation of sterilization processes for ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturers conducting bioburden reduction studies
• Heat stability testing of pharmaceutical excipients and packaging components under controlled steam exposure conditions

FAQ

What sterilization standards does the YXQ-LS-50A support?
It is engineered to meet ISO 17665-1:2017 process requirements and aligns with national standards YY 0504–2005 and AAMI ST79:2017 for steam sterilization efficacy verification.

Can this unit sterilize liquids safely?
Yes—its programmable slow-exhaust mode prevents violent boiling and container rupture during depressurization of liquid loads up to 3 L per basket.

Is the chamber volume usable volume or gross volume?
The 50 L rating refers to net usable chamber capacity—verified by water-fill displacement test per ISO 17665 Annex C.

What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Daily: visual inspection of door seal and water level; Weekly: chamber interior wipe-down with deionized water; Annually: third-party calibration of temperature/pressure sensors and safety valve certification.

Does it support drying cycles?
The base YXQ-LS-50A model does not include active drying; however, the YXQ-LS-50G variant (optional upgrade) adds vacuum-assisted drying functionality for moisture-sensitive instrumentation.