MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-60-4-1213-01 | 
VIEW ARTICLE
Matthew T. Cottrell. Quality Manager and Microbiologist, Lord Hobo Brewing Company, Woburn, MA, USA
Abstract
Application of an Internet of Things (IoT) solution for automating control of an economical pressure cooker-like autoclave was explored to address problems of inconsistent sterilization often seen with manually operated autoclaves. Validating sterilization using a biological indicator revealed failures that appeared related to manual autoclave operation. To test the idea that inconsistent venting of trapped air from the autoclave caused sterilization failure, we developed an IoT-based approach for automating the venting step. Consistent application of the venting step controlled by automation eliminated the variability seen without the venting step, producing successful sterilization with 100% reliability. IoT approaches for adding capabilities to affordable instrumentation can help offset shortcomings associated with cost-saving approaches to equipping brewery laboratories.
