Steris 3013 Sterilizer Specs

The Steris 3013 steam sterilizer, or autoclave, is used in hospitals and laboratories to sterilize medical equipment. This microprocessor-controlled model was manufactured in the mid-2000s by Steris, an American firm that specializes in medical infection control equipment. It is sometimes known as the Steris Amsco or Steris Amsco Eagle 3013, as Steris acquired Amsco, its original manufacturer. While it is no longer manufactured as of April 2011, this model is available as a refurbished unit directly from Steris as well as from third-party retailers.

Physical Specifications

• The Steris 3013 has a 16-inch-wide-by-16-inch-high-by-26-inch-deep sterilization chamber with a single door hinge. The chamber includes a rack and two shelves. Its housing is a large steel cabinet that can be installed as a recessed or freestanding unit. The sterilizer includes a black control panel on its left-hand side, and this panel is equipped with a fluorescent display as well as a printer.

Methods of Operation

• This model is a Vacamatic, or prevacuum, sterilizer. It can fully sterilize heat- and moisture-resistant materials, including fabrics, wrapped hard goods, glassware and even laboratory animal bedding, at 270 degrees Fahrenheit. It also can be used for gravity sterilization of liquids in flasks at 250 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as for gravity sterilization of heat- and moisture-resistant materials at 270 degrees Fahrenheit. Prevacuum sterilization, which is aimed at large-volume rapid sterilization, entails use of the mechanical air-evacuation system of the Steris 3013 as opposed to gravity downward-displacement cycle settings. Available cycles include flash, express, leak test and daily air removal as well as prevacuum and gravity cycles. Steam under pressure is the sterilizing agent for both methods of operation.

Power Requirements

• The Steris 3013 is available with either a 208/240-volt AC or 480-volt AC steam generator. Alternately, it can be hooked up to a central steam boiler in a medical or laboratory facility. A 120-volt 50 or 60 Hz power supply is needed for the controls and printer, and it should be rated at one ampere.

Cold Water Supply Requirements

• Cold water no higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit is required, and water hardness should be from 3 to 8 grains with pH between 6.8 and 7.5. Conductivity of the input water should be no less than 38.5 micromhos with resistance of no more than 26,000 ohms per centimeter. Total dissolved solids should not exceed 500 parts per million (ppm), with alkalinity of no more than 250 ppm. Feed water pressure should be 20 to 50 static pounds per square inch per gallon, and the feed pipe is 1 inch in diameter with NPT standard threads. Drainage requires a 1-1/2-inch drain terminal (ODT oil drain tank standard thread).

Steam or Hot Water Requirements

• If a Steris 3013 is hooked up to an outside steam source, that source should connect to the unit using a 1/2-inch-diameter NPT thread connector. Pressure should be 50 to 80 pounds per square inch per gallon, and vapor quality should be 97 to 100 percent. If hot water is being used with the optional steam generator, it should be connected using a 1/2-inch-diameter NPT thread connector at 50 to 80 pounds per square inch per gallon. Cold water can be used in place of hot if necessary, but using cold water will increase start-up time.