As one of Cancer Research UK's largest core-funded centres, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow has a huge sterilisation load so, when they refurbished their Central Services Facility, they turned to Astell to supply new autoclaves. 

The Institute carries out a programme of world-class science directed at understanding cancer cell behaviour, and translates these discoveries into new therapies and diagnostic tools to help cancer patients. Central Services processes glassware, prepares sterile fluids and media and makes safe waste for the whole of the Institute, so maximising capacity was key to the sterilisation system design. "Astell was able to offer us a bespoke design that made best use of the space in the room," says Research Facilities Manager Sue Fowler. Four square section vacuum autoclaves arranged in a back-to-back arrangement with space-saving automatic sideways sliding doors provide a massive 3500 litres of chamber capacity. "I don't pretend that price wasn't a factor," says Sue, "But Astell's knowledge and innovative design ideas played a major part in contract award." 

To maximise capacity Astell supplied two 100kW steam generators to ensure adequate steam is available to run all four autoclaves simultaneously and the autoclaves are provided with cooling jackets supplemented by internal fans for rapid cooling to allow faster cycle times.  

"Astell were very proactive right through the contract", says Sue. "They worked well with the design team and contractor to ensure that services were correctly placed and that commissioning and validation went as smoothly as possible.".

Visit www.astell.com for further information on Astell's sterilisation solutions.