Shanghai Shen YX280/15 Benchtop Steam Sterilizer with Digital Timer and Pressure-Temperature Monitoring

Overview

The Shanghai Shen YX280/15 is a compact, benchtop vertical steam sterilizer engineered for reliable moist-heat sterilization in academic laboratories, clinical diagnostic settings, and small-scale pharmaceutical QC environments. Unlike dry heat sterilizers—which rely on conduction and prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures—this unit operates on saturated steam principles under controlled pressure, achieving microbial inactivation through protein denaturation and nucleic acid hydrolysis. At its rated working pressure of 0.14 MPa (equivalent to ~1.4 bar gauge), the chamber reliably maintains 121 °C for standard biological load sterilization cycles, or up to 126 °C for accelerated protocols. Its natural convection heating architecture eliminates internal fans or forced-air systems, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements while ensuring stable thermal distribution across the 15 L stainless-steel chamber.

Key Features

• Fully welded 304 stainless-steel chamber and lid—corrosion-resistant, non-porous, and compliant with ISO 17664 for reprocessing validation documentation
• Integrated dual-scale analog pressure/temperature gauge—simultaneously displays absolute pressure (MPa) and corresponding saturation temperature (°C) per IAPWS-IF97 steam tables
• Self-sealing radial expansion lid mechanism with food-grade silicone rubber gasket—ensures leak-tight integrity up to 0.14 MPa and supports >5,000 operational cycles without replacement
• Digital timer with adjustable cycle duration (0–120 min) and automatic power cutoff—programmable for gravity-displacement air removal and timed exposure phases
• Water-level sensing circuit with anti-dry-burn protection—de-energizes heating elements if water falls below minimum fill line, preventing thermal damage to immersion heaters
• Front-mounted steam release valve and bottom-mounted drain faucet—enables complete cold-air purge prior to pressurization and efficient condensate evacuation post-cycle
• Stable base-mounted design with non-slip rubber feet—optimized for vibration-free operation on standard laboratory countertops (load capacity: ≤20 kg)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YX280/15 accommodates common sterilization loads including wrapped instrument packs (up to 28 cm × 21 cm footprint), glassware (e.g., Petri dishes, test tubes, flasks), liquid media in vented containers, and porous textiles. It meets fundamental safety and performance criteria aligned with GB/T 2716-2017 (Chinese national standard for steam sterilizers) and incorporates fail-safes consistent with EN 285:2015 Annex C for small steam sterilizers. While not certified to ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820 out-of-the-box, its mechanical interlocks, pressure relief valve (ASME BPVC Section VIII-compliant set point), and traceable temperature monitoring support integration into GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when paired with external validation hardware (e.g., thermocouple mapping probes, biological indicators per ISO 11138-1).

Software & Data Management

This model operates via embedded digital logic control—no PC interface, cloud connectivity, or proprietary software suite is included. All operational parameters (set temperature, timer value, elapsed time, pressure status) are displayed on a high-contrast LED panel. Cycle logs are not stored internally; however, users may document sterilization events manually using standardized autoclave log sheets compliant with ISO 17665-1 Annex D. For regulated environments requiring audit trails, third-party data loggers (e.g., calibrated Class I thermistors with timestamped CSV export) can be deployed inside the chamber during qualification studies (IQ/OQ/PQ). The unit’s analog gauge and mechanical timer satisfy basic record-keeping needs under CLIA and CAP guidelines for low-risk lab applications.

Applications

• Routine sterilization of reusable surgical instruments, pipette tips, and culture media in teaching labs and field clinics
• Pre-sterilization of agar plates, broth tubes, and buffer solutions prior to microbiological assays
• Decontamination of biohazard waste bags and sharps containers under local biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) protocols
• Validation of sterilization process parameters during equipment commissioning or periodic requalification
• Supporting ISO 11138-3 biological indicator challenge tests using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended load volume for optimal steam penetration?
For uniform sterilization efficacy, load mass should not exceed 70% of chamber volume (i.e., ≤10.5 L of porous or wrapped items). Overloading impedes air removal and delays thermal equilibration.
Does this unit support vacuum-assisted air removal?
No—the YX280/15 relies solely on gravity displacement. For loads with high air entrapment (e.g., lumened devices), pre-vacuum cycles require a Class B sterilizer per EN 13060.
Can it be used for liquid sterilization without boil-over?
Yes—when operated with slow exhaust and extended dwell time at 121 °C, liquids in loosely capped containers achieve sterility with minimal evaporation. Rapid depressurization must be avoided.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Factory calibration certificates for the pressure gauge and temperature sensor are available upon request; on-site verification using NIST-traceable references is recommended annually.
What maintenance intervals are advised for long-term reliability?
Inspect gasket integrity and clean drain valve monthly; descale heating elements quarterly using 5% citric acid solution; verify safety valve function semiannually per manufacturer service bulletin SB-YX280-2023.