Autoclave
Autoclaves are used for sterilizing with pressurized hot steam in many sectors.
SC Autoclave consists of following modules:
- Water filling unit
- Heating unit
- Sterilization system
- Cooling unit
- Command and control system
Working principles of SC Autoclave
In the initial use of the system, low level of retort is filled with 100 liter water. Once the operation is completed, this water can be used in the next cycles, thus it is not necessary to drain the retort. Prior to the cycle, water can be optionally heated to a defined temperature level. When the water level reaches the required level and temperature, steam valve opens and pump switch automatically initiates the operation. Water- steam mixture is sprayed from top and lateral sides of the cage. The heat inside the cage is equally and quickly distributed to all points of the cage and containers.
Once the programmed sterilization phase is reached, the system initiates the control mechanism for ±0,1 °C. In this step the programmed pressure is fixed with ± 0,02 bar. Flexible and non-deforming package allows high temperature and pressure to be conveniently applied unlike traditional steam cages.
When the sterilization is completed, cage switch is opened and cold water is admitted in the form of thin injection. Cold water mixes with hot water and avoids immediate thermal shocks or pressure drops (micro-cooling). Within this short period of time, the pressure remains constant. Thus the pressure on the high temperature goods inside the inner case is kept constant during the sterilization. After the first critical cooling phase ends, water valve is completely opened and the temperature inside the cage and container decreases rapidly. The pressure in the retort is linearly programmed according to pressure in the container.
Hot water received by pumps from cage reaches heat exchanging plate through the pipes. There is a bench at the second stage of heat exchanging plate. Cold water upon this bench cools down the good by thermal exchange.
After cooling operation completed, system automatically adjusts the pressure level. Water is automatically reduced from maximum level to medium level. The automatic safety lock prevents the cover from opening due to the pressure and high water level occurs in the meantime.
The operation is automatically controlled by PLC. The interfaces can be viewed by the operators. In addition to the retort temperature and pressure values, elapsed time and remaining time information are displayed in the screen as well. Moreover, water level and flow status of valves, pumps, and heat exchanger are also displayed in the screen in graphical and numerical form. Operational phases are programmed upon request or operations can be saved to the system memory.
During the operation, an illuminated window can be installed to see the inside of retort.
Static and rotary retorts
- Static retorts
SC Industry Inc. provides single or double door static retorts with a diameter of 1400 mm, widespread capacity from 1 up to 6 cages. SC Industry Inc. manufactures 1700 mm diameter retorts with 6-cage production capacity. Pilot retort is the most suitable for new product developments and tests. Heating method is either steam/water mixture spray or only water spray.
- Rotary retorts
Rotary (rotates around an axis) retorts are used for goods to be agitated during the thermal application or for increasing the quality by accelerating the heat transfer. The maintenance cost of rotary retorts supplied by SC Industry Inc. is the lowest in the market. Stainless steel construction reduces the power consumption. They are available in diameters of 1400 mm and 1700 mm. Cage sizes in 1400 mm static retorts are used.
Retort Inspection, Management and Register System
One or more PLC retort control set can be connected to the host computer in order to view the elapsed time, to get information, to get connected, to print out the reports and graphics, alarm system, computer aided readings and solutions.
Why to use SC autoclave?
- Standardized product quality
- Repeatable and adjustable operation phases
- Low power consumption
- Low water use and reduced treatment cost
- Programmable air-high pressure control
- High temperature within short time (HST)
- Equal heat distribution, homogeneous heating and cooling of the good
- Rapid cooling system
- Cartridge unit attachable to the flat surface
- Constant water circulation
- Heat exchanging plate
- Monitorable water level
- No need for chlorination of the water to be cooled at the end of the operation
- Adjustable water and heating layout