Autoclave steam sterilizers are an irreplaceable feature of modern hospitals, clinics and laboratories where sterile equipment and environments are mandatory. Here, autoclaves operate by exposing materials and equipment to saturated high pressure, high temperature steam (often above 15 psi and 130 °C) which eliminates bacteria, virus and fungi, rendering the desired laboratory equipment or medical device sterile. Today, autoclaves are an integral part of modern healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing, dental and other industries due to their sterilization effectiveness and relative ease of use. 

Despite their sterilization efficiency, the use of high pressure and high temperature saturated steam necessitates the use of high quality building materials in the construction of autoclave devices. In particular, the autoclave door seal must be able to effectively withstand high temperatures, be water resistant and seal against high pressures. This is especially problematic as many common elastomers that are used in general sealing applications are unable to withstand such temperatures and pressures over a long lifetime.  

Compared to other organic rubber materials, silicone rubber is an exceptionally high temperature resistant material, with an autoignition temperature above 450 °C and a typical maximum service temperature of 200-300 °C. Additionally, silicone is a highly hydrophobic material and is non-swelling in water and other polar solvents, providing it with excellent steam and water resistance. As primary end users of autoclaves are predominantly healthcare, pharmaceutical, food processing and related businesses, food and medical grade silicone rubber is also free of common volatile organic compounds and toxic impurities which prevents leaching of toxic compounds into sterilized equipment.  

Based on its inherent properties, silicone rubber autoclave door seals are durable, steam resistant and unlike other organic rubber materials, do not leach toxic volatile organic compounds into its surroundings. At Jehbco, autoclave seals are also graphite coated as a lubrication to aid in installation and to enhance chemical resistance. While silicone does offer improved steam resistance over common organic rubber materials, autoclave seals still have a lower general durability than a standard seal in a room temperature dry environment due to its operation in a harsh high pressure steam environment. For more information on autoclave graphite seals, please contact us through our website portal.