Used Autoclaves
Industrial autoclaves use pressurized steam to sterilize equipment, process materials, and decontaminate waste across manufacturing and research environments. These large-capacity pressure vessels operate at elevated temperatures and pressures to achieve reliable sterilization for applications where standard sterilizers cannot meet volume or material demands.
Federal Equipment Company occasionally stocks used industrial autoclaves in horizontal and vertical configurations. Our inventory can include carbon- and stainless-steel units with chamber volumes ranging from small laboratory models to large production-scale systems capable of handling bulk loads, carts, and oversized equipment.
Can't Find What You Need?
Request Sourcing Help — If you don't see the autoclave configuration or capacity you need, our sourcing team can locate equipment through our network of suppliers and partner facilities.
Sell Your Equipment — Have surplus autoclaves or related sterilization equipment? Federal Equipment Company purchases quality used processing equipment and offers consignment services.
Browse our selection below and request a quote for more information regarding our Used Autoclaves.
You can also view our full on-hand inventory across all categories.
Industrial autoclaves are pressure vessels used to sterilize materials, equipment, and waste by applying saturated steam under pressure. Unlike smaller laboratory sterilizers, industrial autoclaves handle high-volume loads and accommodate oversized items such as production equipment, bulk containers, and material carts. The pressurized environment allows steam to reach temperatures above 250°F (121°C), destroying microorganisms and achieving sterility for downstream processing or safe disposal.
These units consist of a pressure-rated chamber, door system (swing, sliding, or vertical lift), steam distribution manifolds, and control systems for cycle management. Horizontal configurations suit cart-based loading and pass-through installations, while vertical designs work well for smaller footprints and gravity-displacement cycles. Chamber construction varies by application—carbon steel is used for general industrial applications, while stainless steel meets sanitary requirements for pharmaceutical and food processing environments.
Federal Equipment Company carries used autoclaves from established manufacturers in configurations suited to manufacturing, laboratory, and research applications. Our technical staff can help identify units that match your capacity requirements and facility layout. We offer inspection services, documentation support, and can coordinate refurbishment when needed.
Applications & Industries
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: media preparation, equipment sterilization, waste decontamination
- Biotechnology and life sciences: culture media sterilization, laboratory glassware processing
- Research laboratories: instrument sterilization, biohazard waste treatment
- Chemical processing: reactor component sterilization, contamination control
- Food and beverage production: retort processing, container sterilization
- Medical device manufacturing: component sterilization, packaging validation
- Rubber and composites manufacturing: vulcanization, curing processes
- Aerospace and defense: composite fabrication, bonding processes
Specifications & Configurations
Chamber Configurations
- Horizontal: cart-loading, pass-through capable, floor-mounted
- Vertical: top-loading, compact footprint, gravity displacement
Chamber Volumes
- Laboratory scale: 2–10 cubic feet
- Pilot scale: 10–50 cubic feet
- Production scale: 50–200 cubic feet
- Large industrial: 200–500+ cubic feet
Materials of Construction
- Carbon steel: general industrial applications
- 304 stainless steel: food processing, general sanitary
- 316/316L stainless steel: pharmaceutical, corrosive environments
Operating Parameters
- Pressure ratings: 15–150 psig typical
- Temperature range: 250–350°F (121–177°C)
- Cycle types: gravity displacement, pre-vacuum, liquid cycles
Door Systems
- Swing door (manual or powered)
- Horizontal sliding
- Vertical lift
- Quick-opening closures
Why Buy Used
Used industrial autoclaves offer significant cost advantages over new equipment, with savings typically ranging from 40–70% depending on age, condition, and configuration. For facilities expanding sterilization capacity or replacing aging equipment, used units can reduce capital expenditure while maintaining performance standards.
Lead times for new industrial autoclaves often extend 6–12 months due to custom fabrication requirements. Used equipment is typically available for faster delivery, helping facilities meet production schedules or respond to changing capacity needs without extended project timelines.
Federal Equipment Company provides inspection services to verify chamber integrity, door seal condition, and control system functionality. We can coordinate hydrostatic testing, calibration, and refurbishment services when required. Documentation packages, including original equipment specifications, maintenance records, and certification history, are available for many units.
