Introduction

An autoclave is a vessel, usually of steel, which is able to withstand high temperatures and pressures with medium of heating being air, gas or steam.

The name autoclave indicates a self-closing vessel with internal pressure sealing its joints, but many autoclaves are kept closed by external mechanical means.

Uses:

In Health Care Sector, autoclaves are widely used in Hospitals, Pharma, Bio- Tech, Microbiology, Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry  etc.

In Chemical Industry various types of autoclaves are used in manufacturing and in chemical reactions requiring high pressures.

In Aviation Industry large autoclaves are used for curing the large carbon-fiber composites such as wings and fuselage parts.

Autoclaves are widely used in industries like:

Ø   Cement   

Ø   Investment Casting   

Ø   Nuclear

Ø   Composites

Ø   Glass

Ø   Engineering etc

Autoclaving

It is the process in which high temperature and pressure are applied to the target object to achieve certain pre determined result. For example: In Health Care Sector, steam under pressure is applied to kill bacteria and micro organism; polymers are cured under high temperature (approx 121^o C) steam; composites are cured under high temperature and pressure (approx 250^o C  & 7 barg) for a prolonged period of time etc

Air Removal

Whatever be the use and goal of autoclave and irrespective of the medium of heating, it is important to ensure that all of the initial trapped air, including Gas Load is removed.

When the medium of heating is steam, as in medicine and health care sector, air can be removed by vacuuming, steam pressure pulses and / or by steam trap.

When the medium of heating is air or gas, as in industrial uses, initial air is removed by vacuuming and filtered, dust free air or gas is inserted.

Disclaimer

The content of this issue is presented for general information only as perceived by the writer of the article. Reader should independently verify the correctness and accuracy of the material before using the same for any purpose whatsoever. The Company or Management or Staff of Puneet Industries or the Writer shall not be responsible for any inaccuracy or error in the article.

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