What is the Steris Amsco V116 Steam Sterilizer?
Autoclaves: Beyond the Tabletop
Autoclaves come in a wide range of designs, specifications, and cycles. With hundreds of different steam sterilizers from manufacturers worldwide, the industry is constantly evolving to meet new demands.
Tabletop sterilizers are the models you likely see most often. They are versatile, fit a variety of environments, and sit conveniently on a counter. But what if a tabletop unit isn’t enough? What if you need something with more capacity and power? There are autoclaves for that, too. Interestingly, despite their size, these “standing” units are often discussed less than their smaller counterparts.
Standing autoclaves, like the Steris Amsco V116, are industrial titans. These powerful units can handle a full day’s workload with double the capacity of a tabletop, matching the best in the business for speed and power. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Steris Amsco V116 and explore standing autoclaves in general. Our goal is to provide a better understanding of these machines and perhaps offer a new solution for your busy practice.
Why Choose a Standing Autoclave?
Large floor-standing autoclaves excel where tabletop units reach their limits. It ultimately comes down to the use case. Tabletop autoclaves are intended for standard workloads, such as a dental or medical practice with moderate traffic. Their sterilization capacity and output times are perfectly suited for those environments.
Standing autoclaves, however, are built for a much different workload in terms of both capacity and durability. If you are considering a model like the Steris Amsco V116, it means you require powerful steam sterilization technology on a scale that fits a high-volume workflow. These units feature much larger chambers, allowing you to consolidate what would be two or three tabletop cycles into one massive cycle.
Furthermore, large standing autoclaves feature a more durable design. While many tabletop units utilize a plastic outer shell, standing models sport robust materials throughout the entire unit. This industrial durability ensures they can run back-to-back cycles without buckling under the pressure. The Steris Amsco V116 fits the description of an “industrial workhorse” perfectly.
The Steris Amsco Model 116V
The Steris Amsco Model V116 is a stalwart, floor-mounted unit. Despite its industrial power, its footprint is remarkably efficient. The unit stands at a height of 74.5 inches, with a width of 30 inches and a depth of 35.75 inches (measurements include the door lock-wheel).
At the heart of the V116 is a 16″ x 16″ x 26″ square chamber. This design maximizes internal capacity compared to more common cylindrical chambers. The square configuration is highly efficient for sterilizing both standard surgical cassettes and larger instrument trays. The interior includes a rack and two shelves for easy loading.
The V116 features a vertical sliding door, which is operated by a hands-free foot pedal at the base of the unit. This door maintains a sterile environment through a non-lubricated, steam-activated seal, ensuring proper sterilization every time.
Cycle Specifications
The V116 ’s performance is anchored by its versatile cycle types. Unlike basic gravity sterilizers that rely on steam to slowly displace air, the V116 utilizes a powerful vacuum pump to actively pull air out of the chamber before the sterilization phase begins. This allows for superior steam penetration on tough-to-reach, porous instruments.
The V116 offers a wide range of cycles, from pre-vacuum air removal and gravity displacement to fast “flash” cycles and diagnostic tests like leak tests and Bowie-Dick tests.
Available Cycle Types:
Each cycle is engineered for speed and efficiency, significantly increasing your daily output.
Factory Preset Cycle Speeds:
Pre-Vacuum Cycles
- PREVAC (Single Pack): 270°F | 4 min exposure | 5 min dry
- PREVAC (Wrapped/Fabric): 270°F | 4 min exposure | 20 min dry
- GRAVITY: 250°F | 30 min exposure | 15 min dry
- LIQUID: 250°F | 45 min exposure | 0 min dry
Steam Flush Pressure-Pulse (SFPP) Cycles
- WRAP / SFPP: 270°F | 4 min exposure | 20 min dry
- SFPP (Fabric Packs): 270°F | 4 min exposure | 20 min dry
- PREVAC (Wrapped/Fabric): 270°F | 4 min exposure | 20 min dry
- VACUUM (Fabric Packs): 250°F | 30 min exposure | 15 min dry
Test Cycles
- LEAK TEST: 270°F | N/A exposure | N/A dry
- DART / BOWIE-DICK (SFPP): 270°F | 3.5 min exposure | 1 min dry
- PREVAC TEST: 270°F | 3 min exposure | 1 min dry
The V116 also allows for customizable cycle options, enabling you to create and rename presets to fit your specific cataloging needs.
Display and Connectivity
The V116 is operated via a high-contrast, touchscreen display. The screen provides clear, easy-to-read characters and real-time readouts of temperature, pressure, and cycle phases.
For data logging, the V116 includes an ink-on-paper impact printer. Additionally, the system features built-in help screens for programming and troubleshooting. You won’t have to worry about cryptic error codes; the Amsco V116 provides clear guidance right at your fingertips.
Final Thoughts
The Steris Amsco V116 is an incredible solution for facilities that have outgrown tabletop sterilization. It is an industrial powerhouse that transforms your workflow by merging massive capacity with elite efficiency. From the hands-free convenience of its vertical door to the peace of mind provided by its diagnostic help screens, every inch of this unit is engineered for high-caliber output.
If you’d like to read more info on the Steris Amsco V116, you can find it on our site here. If you have any questions about the sterilizer or anything else, give us a call at 704-966-1650 Option 3 for our Free Tech Support Line. You can also find our various programs available to anyone for free using the links below.
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.
The Refurbished Steris Amsco V116 Steam Sterilizer is available to view on our site here.