Situation:
"We have a number of products that require steam sterilization."
Steam sterilization is a widely-used method for heat sterilization
A widely-used method for sterilization is the autoclave. Autoclaves commonly use steam heated to 121 °C (250 °F), at 103 kPa (15 psi) above atmospheric pressure. Solid surfaces are effectively sterilized when heated this temperature for at least 15 minutes or to 134 °C for a minimum of 3 minutes. However, liquids and instruments packed in layers of cloth require a much longer time to reach a sterilizing temperature. After sterilization, autoclaved liquids must be cooled slowly to avoid boiling over when the pressure is released.
