High Pressure Autoclaves, an FAQ

We decided to change the blog format a bit and do a set of FAQ’s on our high pressure autoclaves. Amar started out as a vendor for high pressure vessels and even today close to half our portfolio focuses on high pressure projects.

1. Haven’t high pressure vessels been around for ever?! What’s new?
   A: It is true that the modern high pressure autoclave in its current format has been around for more than a century. The more things change, the more some things remain the same. Main changes we see are in the following areas: more automation, more ergonomics and ease of use e.g. automatic raise / lower / tilt features, more integrated control and data capture, more stringent regulations and safety features. So yes, autoclaves evolve as well.
   
2. Why should I use a high pressure autoclave in my lab? My glass equipment works fine.
   A: True, that for many reactions glass equipment works perfectly fine. But today most labs try process intensification. The same reaction that takes an hour may run in minutes if you use high T due to better kinetics. High T often means high P. This needs autoclaves. So install a few high pressure autoclaves in your labs and it will open up optimization possibilities

3. What are the regulatory aspects of using high pressure vessels?
   A: Almost every country has complex rules regulating high pressure vessels. USA has typically the ASME rules including the U stamp. EU has the Pressure Equipment Directive. Australia, Canada, Singapore have their own versions of these rules. Always remember to check out your local codes. At the end it is rare that we at Amar will come across a regulation we cannot comply with. Talk to our experts! [email protected]

4. What are typical MOCs customers order high pressure vessels in?
   A: Stainless Steel high pressure vessels are the most common order we see. Fairly corrosion resistant and great for GMP applications like Foods and Pharma which need CIP. For corrosives we see Titanium and Hastelloy autoclaves being a favourite of our users. For high temperatures and other unique duties Inconel and Monel are in demand but again rarer than Stainless steel and Hastelloy.

5. Are linings an option for high pressure autoclaves?
   A: Yes, some applications prefer linings. Corrosion resistance is possible with PTFE / Teflon linings and Halar is another option. Linings can be both spray on as well as sleeves. Certain linings need a minimum diameter for linings to be used. Other downsides of linings can be abrasion resistance for thin coatings. Also heat transfer through the walls can be degraded. Whenever possible we recommend an integral MOC that is corrosion resistant instead of just a lining. For the most exacting duties Amar also offers an option of Tantalum linking. This is expensive but for some applications nothing else works!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post for more FAQs.