Review -Veterinary Autoclave - The Clave 23+ Steam Sterilizer with Drying Compressor
The Clave 23+ Steam Sterilizer with Drying Compressor is a Class N autoclave for vets that sterilize several pieces of equipment every day. At 23L incapacity, it is the largest steam sterilizer in its class. It equips users with assisted drying technology, which features an ultra-fast closed drying door, a USB port for recording cycles, and a port for the optional printer (records cycles on paper.)
Whichever way you slice it, the Clave 23+ autoclave is a well-built, feature-rich Class N steam sterilizer with a spacious chamber, a durable build, and an assortment of technologies that make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Clave 23+ Steam Sterilizer: Features and Specs
Build Quality and Dimensions
The Clave 23+ measures 18.9" long by 18.3" wide by 27.6" high, a compact size that will easily fit into small and average-sized clinics. It has a manual door with a safety locking switch to prevent it from coming open mid-cycle. The touchpad control next to it features a Select button, a Set button, Up and Down buttons to navigate the menu, and a Start button.
The unit rests on rubber legs, which are higher at the front to allow the water to drain backward. The two drain ports at the front are for the used water and the distilled water.
It's got a solid build, and even though that makes it more durable, it also increases its weight significantly. At 100 pounds, lifting the Clave 23+ onto a countertop or workbench is a two-person job. You'll need the carrying straps as well.
Out of the box, you get:
The Cleaver 23+ Steam Sterilizer unit
4-tray equipment rack
Two silicone drainage tubes
A tray handle
A spare door gasket
A door tool
A USB drive
Extra O-rings (for the drain ports)
A priming kit
Instruction manual and sheet
The Clave 23+ is built from quality European parts, so getting replacements should be easy. These universally available parts are far easier to repair.
A pressure valve sits at the back of the unit, a welcome safety feature that prevents pressure from building up beyond the machine's capabilities. You will also see a circuit breaker, which should always be activated when the machine is in action, a 120V connector, and an air vent that often dispels a bit of mist.
The condenser is also at the back, so leaving a 4-inch gap between the unit and the wall is necessary to prevent overheating.
Water Reservoir
The Clave 23+ features a conveniently placed water reservoir right at the top. It's easy to access, making the 2 - 3-day refilling schedule less of a hassle. Inside, the water filter is easy to remove, which you'll need to do when priming the steam sterilizer for the first time. You don't need tools to access any of these components.
There's a water level sensor inside the reservoir, which alerts you when you're running low. That's usually after about 5 - 6 cycles, which is the manufacturer-estimated capacity of the Clave 23+ Steam Sterilizer.
Sterilization Programs
The Clave 23+ sterilizer comes with five sterilization cycles pre-programmed into it. There's a solid/unwrapped cycle for bare tools, a cycle for wrapped equipment, liquids, textiles, and prions. You can sterilize just about anything in your clinic in a few minutes, all from the default programs in the sterilizer.
The sterilization mechanism consists of an independent steam generator capable of steam-injected pressure pulsing. This type of setup allows for positive pressure displacement, which translates to more thorough sterilization.
Drying Technology
Integrated pressure drying is a welcome addition to the Clave 23+ steam sterilizer. It cuts down cleaning times by half, and more importantly, eliminates the need for separate drying equipment.
Pressure drying ensures the thorough removal of all moisture without using harsh heat that may affect the material in the sterilization process.
The closed-door drying is ultra-fast, typically taking about 10 - 20 minutes per cycle.
Door Protection System
As an extra safety feature, the Clave 23+ includes two-door protection systems to prevent the loss of steam during a cycle. It's a redundant safety feature that protects you and your equipment from interrupted sterilization cycles.
Cycle Recording
With the Clave 23+, you get two-cycle recording options. The first is a USB port on the left side. You can digitally store your cycle details on any USB stick, and the sterilization unit comes with a complimentary drive.
The second is the optional printer port under the USB port. If you choose to buy the printer, you can connect it here to print out reports about each sterilization cycle you undertake.
Clave 23+ Steam Autoclave: Benefits
Quick Sterilization Time
In the solid/unwrapped cycle, the tool goes through a 4-minute cycle at 134C or a 20-minute cycle at 121C. The wrapped mode takes items through a 10-minute cycle at 134C or a 30-minute cycle at 121C.
Within an hour, you can sterilize any set of tools you wish to use, and follow it up with a thorough drying cycle, courtesy of integrated drying technologies, which only takes 20 minutes.
Integrated Pressure Drying
The Clave 23+ equips you with drying capabilities out of the box, eliminating the need for separate drying equipment or extended sterilization processes.
The steam sterilizer is ideal for professional environments as it reduces downtimes without compromising the proper sanitation of your veterinary equipment.
Chamber Size
The Clave 23+ has a sizeable 23L chamber, which fits more items than ever. That allows you to sterilize items in bulk, such as at the end of a procedure, and have them ready by the next session.
Warranty
This steam sterilization unit comes with assurance in the form of a 2-year parts warranty for all its removable bits.
Maintenance Practices
Clean the external surface and the door seal on a daily basis.
Clean the sterilization chamber and the water reservoir once every week.
Clean the filters in the sterilization chamber and the water tank once every month.
Replace the door seal (gasket) every three to six months.
Replace the silicone drainage tubes every year.
Replace the battery (main PCB) every two years.
Final Word: Should You Get the Clave 23+ Steam Sterilizer?
As a veterinarian, the Clave 23+ can be a handy helper when it's time to rid your equipment of contaminations. It offers dual functionality, which means you can sterilize and dry items simultaneously and use the same piece of equipment.
Its larger chamber, accessible water reservoir, and durable stainless-steel construction make it an excellent long-term investment for veterinarians in need of a thorough sterilization unit.
Written by: Rachel Best