An autoclave having end walls sturdily attached to one another by rods and a mobile
The present invention improves upon known autoclaveS by introducing new features and benefits. The novel autoclave includes a cylindrical lateral wall which slides into engagement with an assembly comprising two end walls fixed to one another by a plurality of connecting rods spanning the end walls. When the lateral wall is in place, a chamber is defined between the end walls and inside the lateral wall. This chamber is the working chamber which contains items being subject to processing.
The novel autoclave enjoys the advantages of a cylindrical pressure vessel having end walls fixed to one another. Each end wall reinforces its opposed counterpart, so that the function of reinforcement of any end wall need not fall upon the lateral wall nor on any other member of the autoclave. In the novel arrangement, a plurality of rods passing through the working chamber connects the end walls. This arrangement provides sufficient support to each end wall such that the end walls need not be domed.
The connecting rods pass through the working chamber, so that the end walls comprise a unitary or fixed assembly. The end wall assembly is fixed to a base of the autoclave with the longitudinal axis of the working chamber vertically oriented. Therefore, the lateral wall is pulled upwardly to expose items being treated. This configuration is useful since steam treatment of objects normally generates condensate. A peripheral wall for retaining condensate is attached to the lower end plate. Therefore, when the lateral wall is drawn upwardly, thus exposing the working chamber, condensate is trapped and does not spill onto environmental surfaces and other objects.
The lateral wall is fully removable from engagement with the end wall assembly. This feature expedites replacement of the end wall assembly, if required, and improves access to the working chamber. Full access to the working chamber enables the entire volume thereof to be utilized.
For its part, the lateral wall spanning the end walls and thereby completing enclosure of the working chamber exploits cylindrical configuration, so that massive or reinforced construction need not be provided. Pressure forces acting radially outwardly upon the cylindrical lateral wall are counteracted in part by circular configuration of this wall, thereby minimizing thickness or strength of the constituent material of this wall.
Thus, the combination of mutually reinforcing end walls and a lateral wall having circular configuration both increases strength of the pressure vessel, and also minimizes pressure required to be exerted on either end wall and on the lateral wall to assure effective sealing of the pressure vessel.
In a further option, the lateral wall of the chamber is frustoconical rather than cylindrical. This configuration does not contravene structural advantages of a cylindrical lateral wall, since at each cross section taken perpendicularly with respect to its length, the lateral wall remains circular. In this embodiment, sealing is enhanced since downward pressure against the lateral wall compresses O-rings or corresponding gaskets or seals for sealing the chamber. This embodiment further expedites removal of the lateral wall should a seal distort, thereby causing the lateral wall to bind.
Optionally, the autoclave includes a powered element for moving the lateral wall between an operable position, wherein the lateral wall is lowered over the end walls, thereby sealing the working chamber, and a retracted position exposing and affording access to the working chamber.
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