by jaybo » Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:02 pm
This looks like about a 2 cu ft steam sterilizer, possibly from the 60s. American Sterilizer Company (AMSCO) was absorbed by the Steris corporation some time ago. The top vessel is the steam (sterilization) chamber, and the black apparatus on the bottom is the steam generator. Steam sterilizers work through a combination of heat and pressure. The steam reaches over 300 degrees F. If the sterilizer has been sitting around for a long time, I would be willing to bet the gasket around the door is no longer functional. Please do not attempt to run this autoclave until it has been thoriughly checked. Steam could leak through the door and cause VERY SERIOUS BURNS. If you know someone at your local hospital see if they can put you in touch with one of their Biomedical Technicians. These are the folks that know how to service this piece of equipment. More than likely no one at your gas company would have the foggiest idea.