Autoclaves

Steam / Water spraying process description

For the temperature come up and holding phase:

After the products have been introduced into the retort and the door closed, steam is injected into the chamber from the bottom, thus purging the air inside the vessel. This establishes a perfectly even temperature in the vessel. The injection of steam while temperature is rising is closely monitored and regulated according to the requirements. A powerful fan is used to guarantee a perfect circulation of the heat inside the retort.

To put the vessel under pressure, a patented system allows pre-heated air to be injected into the vessel at the retort temperature, preventing thus any thermo shock or air expansion. The computer operates and controls the opening of the valves as the P.I.D regulation of temperature and pressure is integrated in the STERITECH software.

For the cooling phase :

At the beginning of the cooling  phase, the condensates in the lower part of the vessel are recycled by a powerful pump. Cold water is let in through a proportional valve located in the outer piping directly in front of the recycling pump. The computer ensures a constant control of the temperature during cooling phase resulting in a substantial saving of water.

Steam / Water spraying process description

For the temperature come up and holding phase:

A reduced volume of water in the bottom of the vessel is heated up by injection of steam. This hot water is then circulated by a powerful pump and sprayed on the products by nozzles located on the bottom and either sides of the vessel. The spraying pressure of 1 bar guarantees a steady flow of water.

For the cooling phase :

Cold water is mixed with the hot process water at a rate controlled  precisely in order to avoid any thermal shock but at the same time reach a short cooling time.