Heat sterilization of water in a large open vessel.

A safe, convenient, and economical method of preparing and dispensing a large volume of sterile water in a movable container is described. A caster-mounted, rectangular, 100-gal, stainless-steel water tank was fabricated. An audible, solid-state water-level alarm was developed for use with a detachable sensing probe that could be autoclaved. A filter system was constructed to allow the tank to be autoclaved as an open vessel. Thermocouples were mounted within the tank of water to study the time-temperature relationships of the water during the sterilization cycle. In a downward displacement autoclave with a hot jacket, 75 min were required for the water temperature to rise from 140 to 240 F (60 to 116 C). A total of 3 hr for heating and holding includes an adequate safety factor to insure the sterility of the water immediately after autoclaving. The long-term sterility of the water and the safety of the system were verified by using the water to maintain a germ-free animal colony.