Thermal devices

Thermostat
A device that maintains a constant selectable temperature inside a certain space. In practice, it can take the form of a closed volume with double walls that are filled with insulation. Inside this volume, a constant temperature is maintained by the regulation.

Sterilizer and autoclaves
They are devices for sterilizing tools and textiles using heat.

Autoclave
Vessel with excess water vapor pressure and a temperature of 120°C.

Water baths
Containers with electric heating element and stirrer, controlled to a constant temperature. Similar to thermostats.

Tempered operating tables
Artificial hypothermia during surgical interventions. Under the table top is a pipe with water that keeps the patient's body temperature at a constant selected temperature.

Cooling device
Equipment where the temperature is artificially reduced significantly below the ambient temperature.
 * Compressor principle of cooling – a suitable gas (ammonia) is sufficient, which then liquefies in the condenser, and in the evaporator inside the refrigerator the liquid evaporates, the gas expands and cools the surroundings.
 * Absorption principle – ammonia is absorbed in water and expelled from the water again outside the refrigerator.

Related articles

 * Disinfection
 * Sterilization (hygiene)