Brookfield BXM-110VF Vertical Steam Sterilizer

Overview

The Brookfield BXM-110VF Vertical Steam Sterilizer is a fully integrated, microprocessor-controlled autoclave engineered for reliable, repeatable steam sterilization of laboratory and clinical loads in compliance with international standards including ISO 17665-1, EN 285, and relevant sections of USP and FDA 21 CFR Part 820. It operates on the principle of saturated steam under pressure—typically at 121 °C (250 °F) at 0.11 MPa gauge pressure or 134 °C at 0.22 MPa—to achieve microbial inactivation through protein denaturation and nucleic acid disruption. Designed for high-throughput environments, the BXM-110VF features a 110 L chamber with optimized geometry for uniform heat distribution and enhanced steam penetration, validated by temperature mapping per IQ/OQ protocols. Its vertical orientation minimizes footprint while supporting scalable loading of culture media, glassware, surgical instruments, textiles, waste bags, and pre-packaged items.

Key Features

• PMMA II intelligent control system with 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface enabling real-time monitoring of phase progression, pressure, chamber temperature, jacket temperature, and drying vacuum level
• Eight pre-programmed cycles (sterilization, drying, melting, holding, liquid, porous load, rapid cycle, and maintenance) plus six user-definable programs with adjustable parameters
• Positive-pressure pulsing with up to six programmable air removal stages to ensure complete cold air evacuation—critical for achieving sterility assurance level (SAL) ≤10⁻⁶ in dense or wrapped loads
• Vacuum-assisted drying function with six-stage pressure release control, eliminating post-cycle manual transfer and mitigating recontamination risk for instruments and fabrics
• Triple-layer safety architecture: mechanical pressure interlock, lid self-check sensor, independent electronic overpressure cutoff, and redundant thermal fuses
• Integrated rapid cooling system combining forced-air convection, secondary water cooling, and condensate management—reducing post-cycle wait time by up to 40% compared to passive cooling
• Three-tier access control (Engineer, Administrator, Operator) with password protection, audit trail logging, and session timeout functionality compliant with GLP/GMP documentation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BXM-110VF accommodates a broad range of load types: liquid media (including agar-based formulations), hollow devices, textile packs, stainless-steel trays, borosilicate glassware, and biohazardous waste in autoclave bags. Its chamber dimensions (Ø400 × 835 mm) support standard 370 × 245 mm baskets (three included), and optional validation ports (G1/2A threaded) allow integration of calibrated PT100 sensors for routine temperature distribution studies. The unit meets EN 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility requirements and incorporates a factory-calibrated pressure transducer traceable to NIST standards. Optional 0.2 µm hydrophobic vent filters enable safe exhaust filtration for biosafety-level applications.

Software & Data Management

Data integrity is maintained via built-in event logging with timestamped records of all critical parameters—including F₀ calculation when paired with an optional sample temperature probe. The system supports RS-485 Modbus RTU communication for integration into centralized lab information management systems (LIMS). An optional thermal printer (SPR-200 series) provides hard-copy output of cycle ID, start/end times, temperature profiles, pressure curves, and calculated F₀ values—stored internally and exportable via USB flash drive. All logs comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with electronic signatures and role-based permissions.

Applications

This sterilizer serves core functions across academic research laboratories, pharmaceutical QC/QA departments, hospital central sterile supply departments (CSSD), veterinary clinics, and biotechnology manufacturing facilities. Typical use cases include sterilization of microbiological growth media prior to pour plating; depyrogenation of glass vials and syringes; terminal sterilization of reusable surgical kits; decontamination of animal bedding and cage components; and processing of regulated biological waste streams. Its altitude-compensated boiling point adjustment ensures consistent performance at elevations up to 3000 m above sea level without recalibration.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable working pressure and corresponding temperature?
The BXM-110VF is rated for a maximum design pressure of 0.38 MPa, with typical sterilization operating pressure set at 0.22 MPa (equivalent to ~134 °C saturation temperature).
Does the unit support validation and qualification documentation?
Yes—standard G1/2A validation ports, optional wired temperature probes, and comprehensive cycle logging enable IQ/OQ/PQ execution per ISO 13485 and Annex 1 guidelines.
Can the drying function be used independently of sterilization?
Yes—standalone drying cycles are configurable within the PMMA II interface, allowing controlled moisture removal from pre-sterilized instruments or glassware.
Is remote monitoring or network connectivity supported?
RS-485 interfaces support serial connection to SCADA or LIMS platforms; Ethernet or Wi-Fi modules are not standard but may be added via third-party gateways.
What safety certifications does the BXM-110VF hold?
It conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment), EN 61326-1 (EMC), and carries CE marking for medical device Class IIa application under MDR 2017/745.