Autoclave

A sterilizing autoclave (10) comprises a chamber (11) for infected material, an input connection (22) for sterilizing steam, a condensate- collecting vessel (14) and a tubular connection (26) by which the waste condensate solution flows from the chamber (11) into the condensate collecting vessel (14), the sterilizing steam feed line (13, 17) runs in the form of a coil-like member (15) through the condensate-collecting vessel (14) before conducting the sterilizing steam into the chamber (11). The autoclave 10 can be maintained as an entirely closed system for a period of time such that complete annihilation of any microorganisms contained in the initial portions of waste solution formed from the infected material is assured before the valve means (24) in the outlet line (27) leading from the condensate collecting tank (14) to the sewage system is opened. In the sterilizing steam feed line (13, 17) there are provided condensate separators (26, 21) (for condensing any water that may be present or arise in the heating steam) and an air filter for bacteria (18) for heating to a temperature to kill microorganisms in the outflow of air needed to create and/or maintain a partial vacuum in the chamber.