Project Description

An autoclave is a device used to sterilize medical equipment. While there are many sterilization techniques available, the preferred method is steam sterilization. In this process, water is pressurized to raise its boiling point. When this occurs, steam will be created at a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius. In fact, in order to fully eliminate all prions and bacteria associated with disease, saturated steam needs to be at least 121 degrees Celsius when in contact with the equipment being sterilized. Currently, many advanced designs are being used in western countries. These designs are usually powered with electricity and use computers to monitor the internal temperatures and pressures. Unfortunately, many developing areas around the world do not have the technology available to operate these types of autoclaves. As a result, nurses and doctors at remote health clinics in these rural areas are continually challenged with the decision to operate with unsanitary equipment, risking the spread of infection, or to not operate at all. A solar autoclave provides an alternative solution to this problem. Using only solar radiation, a solar autoclave can provide remote health clinics with an inexpensive, efficient way to sterilize medical equipment.