Compare the Enigma Type B models
| Specification | 8L | 12L | 17L | 22L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer code | 318 | 314 | 280 | 313 |
| Number of trays | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Tray dimensions | 260 × 130mm | 320 × 160mm | 280 × 180mm | 380 × 190mm |
| Overall dimensions (L × W × H) |
500 × 350 × 330mm | 570 × 400 × 400mm | 590 × 460 × 450mm | 670 × 460 × 450mm |
| Cycle and test options | Two fast-cycle options | Four fast-cycle options plus Bowie-Dick and air-leak tests | Four fast-cycle options plus Bowie-Dick and air-leak tests | Four fast-cycle options plus Bowie-Dick and air-leak tests |
Before selecting a model, measure the longest and widest instruments or pouches that will be processed. The tray dimensions are particularly important because the nominal litre capacity alone does not indicate whether a specific instrument will fit.
The overall dimensions do not include the additional ventilation and front door clearance required during installation and operation.
Load suitability and cycle selection
The Type B vacuum process is designed for compatible solid instruments, hollow devices, wrapped instruments and porous loads. The correct programme depends on the item, its packaging and the sterilisation instructions supplied by its manufacturer.
Only process reusable items whose instructions permit steam sterilisation at the selected temperature.
Installation and water requirements
The Enigma is intended for straightforward customer setup rather than on-site engineer installation. It should be positioned on a stable, level and adequately ventilated bench with sufficient clearance around the ventilation openings and in front of the chamber door.
The machine connects to an appropriate electrical supply and is filled manually with distilled water. A permanent water connection is not required. Customers should check the proposed location, available clearance and electrical supply before ordering.
A model-specific installation video is available on the product page. Contact Premier Healthcare & Hygiene in the first instance if assistance is required with positioning, setup or initial operation.
What is supplied?
- The selected 8L, 12L, 17L or 22L Enigma Type B autoclave
- Two trays with the 8L model or three trays with the 12L, 17L and 22L models
- External micro-printer for cycle records
- Operating manual
- Product certification
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty
Warranty, servicing and support
Each Enigma autoclave is supplied with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. The first routine service is normally due at approximately 12 months, after the initial warranty period.
Manufacturer servicing is available across mainland UK. Customers on islands should contact Premier Healthcare & Hygiene for assistance, as an appropriate alternative service provider may be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Does the autoclave require engineer installation?
On-site engineer installation is not normally required. The machine is designed for customer setup using the supplied manual and the model-specific installation video. Contact Premier Healthcare & Hygiene if help is needed before or during setup.
What water should be used?
Only distilled water meeting the requirements in the operating manual should be used. Using unsuitable water may cause mineral deposits and affect the performance or service life of the machine.
Can it process wrapped or hollow instruments?
The Type B fractionated-vacuum process is designed for compatible wrapped, hollow and porous loads. Always check the instrument manufacturer’s instructions before selecting a sterilisation programme.
Does it produce a cycle record?
Yes. An external micro-printer is supplied to produce a physical record of the sterilisation cycle. Records should be retained in accordance with the organisation’s own decontamination and quality procedures.
Which capacity should be selected?
Consider the dimensions of the instruments, the number processed together, available bench space and anticipated workload. Premier Healthcare & Hygiene can provide selection guidance where the most appropriate capacity is unclear.
Reviews
Enigma Type B Vacuum Autoclave | 8L to 22L
Enigma Type B Vacuum Autoclave | 8L to 22L
This item comes with 1 year manufacturer warranty
Direct from Supplier Ships direct from the supplier for delivery within 7 working days.
Delivery & dispatch
Direct from Supplier Ships direct from the supplier for delivery within 7 working days.
Standard delivery: £5 ex VAT (£6 inc VAT)
Free delivery over £50 ex VAT (£60 inc VAT)
The Excel Healthcare Enigma Type B Vacuum Autoclave is a benchtop steam steriliser available in 8L, 12L, 17L and 22L capacities. Its fractionated-vacuum process is designed for compatible solid, hollow, wrapped and porous loads, making it suitable for professional instrument decontamination workflows.
All four models provide automated steam sterilisation, drying, cycle monitoring and printed cycle records. The choice of capacity determines the machine footprint, tray dimensions and the volume of instruments that can be processed in each load.
Key features and benefits
- Type B fractionated vacuum: Removes air before steam sterilisation to support the processing of compatible hollow, wrapped and porous loads as well as solid instruments.
- 121°C and 134°C programmes: Allows the appropriate temperature and programme to be selected for compatible instruments and packaging.
- Automated operation: Pre-programmed cycles manage the vacuum, heating, sterilisation and drying stages.
- Drying phase: Vacuum drying helps reduce residual moisture following the sterilisation stage.
- Cycle monitoring: The LCD display shows information including cycle progress, chamber temperature and pressure.
- Printed cycle records: An external micro-printer is supplied as standard to support routine sterilisation record keeping.
- Test programmes: The 12L, 17L and 22L models include Bowie-Dick and air-leak test cycles for routine performance checks.
- Distilled-water operation: A manual-fill clean-water reservoir and separate used-water collection system avoid the need for a permanent water connection.
- Built-in safeguards: Door interlocks prevent operation until the chamber is secured, while additional protection covers excessive pressure, overheating and electrical faults.
- Choice of capacity: Four sizes allow the machine to be selected according to instrument dimensions, available bench space and typical batch volume.
Compare the Enigma Type B models
| Specification | 8L | 12L | 17L | 22L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer code | 318 | 314 | 280 | 313 |
| Number of trays | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Tray dimensions | 260 × 130mm | 320 × 160mm | 280 × 180mm | 380 × 190mm |
| Overall dimensions (L × W × H) |
500 × 350 × 330mm | 570 × 400 × 400mm | 590 × 460 × 450mm | 670 × 460 × 450mm |
| Cycle and test options | Two fast-cycle options | Four fast-cycle options plus Bowie-Dick and air-leak tests | Four fast-cycle options plus Bowie-Dick and air-leak tests | Four fast-cycle options plus Bowie-Dick and air-leak tests |
Before selecting a model, measure the longest and widest instruments or pouches that will be processed. The tray dimensions are particularly important because the nominal litre capacity alone does not indicate whether a specific instrument will fit.
The overall dimensions do not include the additional ventilation and front door clearance required during installation and operation.
Load suitability and cycle selection
The Type B vacuum process is designed for compatible solid instruments, hollow devices, wrapped instruments and porous loads. The correct programme depends on the item, its packaging and the sterilisation instructions supplied by its manufacturer.
Only process reusable items whose instructions permit steam sterilisation at the selected temperature.
Installation and water requirements
The Enigma is intended for straightforward customer setup rather than on-site engineer installation. It should be positioned on a stable, level and adequately ventilated bench with sufficient clearance around the ventilation openings and in front of the chamber door.
The machine connects to an appropriate electrical supply and is filled manually with distilled water. A permanent water connection is not required. Customers should check the proposed location, available clearance and electrical supply before ordering.
A model-specific installation video is available on the product page. Contact Premier Healthcare & Hygiene in the first instance if assistance is required with positioning, setup or initial operation.
What is supplied?
- The selected 8L, 12L, 17L or 22L Enigma Type B autoclave
- Two trays with the 8L model or three trays with the 12L, 17L and 22L models
- External micro-printer for cycle records
- Operating manual
- Product certification
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty
Warranty, servicing and support
Each Enigma autoclave is supplied with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. The first routine service is normally due at approximately 12 months, after the initial warranty period.
Manufacturer servicing is available across mainland UK. Customers on islands should contact Premier Healthcare & Hygiene for assistance, as an appropriate alternative service provider may be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Does the autoclave require engineer installation?
On-site engineer installation is not normally required. The machine is designed for customer setup using the supplied manual and the model-specific installation video. Contact Premier Healthcare & Hygiene if help is needed before or during setup.
What water should be used?
Only distilled water meeting the requirements in the operating manual should be used. Using unsuitable water may cause mineral deposits and affect the performance or service life of the machine.
Can it process wrapped or hollow instruments?
The Type B fractionated-vacuum process is designed for compatible wrapped, hollow and porous loads. Always check the instrument manufacturer’s instructions before selecting a sterilisation programme.
Does it produce a cycle record?
Yes. An external micro-printer is supplied to produce a physical record of the sterilisation cycle. Records should be retained in accordance with the organisation’s own decontamination and quality procedures.
Which capacity should be selected?
Consider the dimensions of the instruments, the number processed together, available bench space and anticipated workload. Premier Healthcare & Hygiene can provide selection guidance where the most appropriate capacity is unclear.
Reviews
The Excel Healthcare Enigma Type B Vacuum Autoclave is a benchtop steam steriliser available in 8L, 12L, 17L and 22L capacities. Its fractionated-vacuum process is designed for compatible solid, hollow, wrapped and porous loads, making it suitable for professional instrument decontamination workflows.
All four models provide automated steam sterilisation, drying, cycle monitoring and printed cycle records. The choice of capacity determines the machine footprint, tray dimensions and the volume of instruments that can be processed in each load.
Key features and benefits
- Type B fractionated vacuum: Removes air before steam sterilisation to support the processing of compatible hollow, wrapped and porous loads as well as solid instruments.
- 121°C and 134°C programmes: Allows the appropriate temperature and programme to be selected for compatible instruments and packaging.
- Automated operation: Pre-programmed cycles manage the vacuum, heating, sterilisation and drying stages.
- Drying phase: Vacuum drying helps reduce residual moisture following the sterilisation stage.
- Cycle monitoring: The LCD display shows information including cycle progress, chamber temperature and pressure.
- Printed cycle records: An external micro-printer is supplied as standard to support routine sterilisation record keeping.
- Test programmes: The 12L, 17L and 22L models include Bowie-Dick and air-leak test cycles for routine performance checks.
- Distilled-water operation: A manual-fill clean-water reservoir and separate used-water collection system avoid the need for a permanent water connection.
- Built-in safeguards: Door interlocks prevent operation until the chamber is secured, while additional protection covers excessive pressure, overheating and electrical faults.
- Choice of capacity: Four sizes allow the machine to be selected according to instrument dimensions, available bench space and typical batch volume.
