SELECTION OF MATERIALS

SHELL
The tank was made up of grade 304 stainless having inside diameter 350 mm
of and thickness of 0.5 mm. The material is made up of stainless steel which is
valued for its anti-corrosion properties rather than its resistance to staining. It is an alloy
composed primarily of ironbut when combined with other elements, it can achieve properties
desirable for a range of applications. Grade 304 stainless steel has a high resistance to rust. It
will withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids and is often used for kitchen and food
applications. (Done, 2015)

FLAT HEAD
The head of the tank is made up also of grade 304 stainless steel with dimensions:
inside diameter is 350 mm with 1.0 mm thickness.

GASKET
The gasket that is used is made up of Elastomers without fabric or a high percentage of
asbestos fiber. (Gasket Materials and Contact Fittings, 2015) Its function is to prevent leakage
of pressure and to create a positive seal between two relatively stationary parts. Gasket material
use also depends on the working pressure and temperature of the equipment. (Sealing Device
Inc., n.d.)

PERFORATED CONTAINER
A perforated container, made of stainless steel grade 304 with holes stamp with 2 mm
spacing and has a diameter of 2mm. This is to ensure for even distribution of steam in the
equipment.
NUT AND BOLTS
Its primary function a primary function to hold things or components together. A bolt
features a thread on a cylindrical shape and the nut features an internal thread which binds with
the thread on the bolt. By running the bolt through the nut, it forms a very strong bond which has
the ability to withstand great amounts of stress. The process of binding a nut and a bolt
together. For this equipment, winged nut and bolt is used.
SAFETY VALVE
A safety valve is placed on the flat head for overpressure protection.
PRESSURE REGULATOR

The pressure regulator maintains jacket and chamber pressure at a minimum of 15 psi,
the pressure required for steam to reach 121 oC.

VII. Construction of AUTOCLAVE

SPECIFICATION SHEET

TYPE OF EQUIPMENT
PURPOSE
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PRESSURE
TEMPERATURE
TIME OF OPERATION
MATERIAL
THICKNESS
HEATING ELEMENT
SHELL:
INSIDE DIAMETER
HEIGHT
FLAT HEAD:
THICKNESS
INSIDE DIAMETER

AUTOCLAVE
Sterilization
15 psi / 27 psi
121 OC / 132 OC
15 min / 10 min
GRADE 304 STAINLESS STEEL
0.5 mm
HEATING COIL
350 mm
430 mm
1.0 mm
350 mm

REFERENCES:
Done, B. (2015, August 19). 304 Stainless Steel Vs 316 Stainless Steel. Retrieved
from Reliance Foundry: http://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/304-vs-316stainless-steel
Gasket Materials and Contact Fittings. (2015). In D. R. Moss, Pressure Vessel Design
Manual (p. 32). Gulf Publishing Company. Retrieved October 1, 2015
MEsteeL. (n.d.). Steel Thickness Conversion Table (Gauge - Inch - MM). Retrieved
September 2015, from LINKING STEEL SELLERS AND BUYERS IN THE MIDDLE
EAST: http://www.mesteel.com/cgi-bin/w3-msql/goto.htm?
url=/info/carbon/thickness.htm

Sealing Device Inc. (n.d.). Factors Affecting Gasket Performance. Retrieved from
Sealing Device Inc.: http://www.sealingdevices.com/factors-affecting-gasketperformance