Method of checking a gas steriliser for leaks and gas steriliser for performing the method

摘要

In the conventional methods of checking for leaks in an autoclave of a gas steriliser filled with packaged items to be sterilised, the autoclave is evacuated to a predetermined pressure. After a specified time, the pressure in the autoclave is measured and compared with a maximum permissible pressure value. Because pressure equalisation takes place between the items to be sterilised and the autoclave, it is possible for a leak in the autoclave to be simulated. On evacuation or the subsequent pressure measurement in the method according to the invention, pressure equalisation between the packaging of the items to be sterilised and the interior of the autoclave is permitted and taken into account in the measurement. This renders measurement largely independent of the type and amount of items to be sterilised in the autoclave. The method is employed for checking a gas steriliser for leaks. <IMAGE>