Cement Autoclave And Replacement Gaskets
The Cement Autoclave provides an accelerated means of estimating delayed expansion of Portland cement caused by hydration of CaO, MgO, or both in accordance with procedures described in ASTM C151. In this operation, changes in length of test bars of cement are measured after being exposed to controlled steam pressure and temperature for a prescribed period of time. The Boekel cement autoclave is ASME certified and is the leader in expansion testing apparatus.
The Cement Autoclave consists of a welded ASME certified steel cylinder with a bolted cover mounted on a sturdy supporting frame and enclosed in a heat insulated metal housing. The unit is designed to handle pressure in the 60-350 psi (0.4 -2.4 MPa) range and consists of steam vessel, pressure regulator, pressure gauge (0-600psi), air vent valve, power switches, and a safety pop valve set at 350 psi. All components are pressure tested and designed to meet the highest safety standards.
Overview
The autoclave consists of a welded steel cylinder with bolted cover, mounted on a sturdy supporting frame and enclosed in a heat insulated metal housing. The steel cylinder is fitted with a high temperature gasket and a heavy cover held in place by 16 cap screws bearing upon washers. A T-Handle wrench supplied with the autoclave may be used to tighten the nuts gradually and uniformly to make a leak-proof assembly. The cylinder assembly is designed for a safe working pressure of 525 PSIG, or one and one-half the maximum working pressure. A safety valve set to release at 350 PSIG is provided for protection and modification is not recommended for safe operation. A dial pressure gauge indicates the steam pressure in PSIG. Temperature readings are taken with a No. NP22507 thermometer ASTM #2F, which is placed in the thermometer well provided in the cylinder cover. An air-vent valve allows the escape of entrapped air during the early part of the heating period and releases any steam pressure remaining at the end of the cooling period. The autoclave is heated by two electric heaters attached to the cylinder. The heating unit is controlled from a switch panel on the control box. The control box houses the pressure
regulator. A main toggle switch controls the entire electrical circuit including the automatic regulator. Separate on-off toggle switches, in series with pilot lights, control the current to the two heating elements. Switch functions are indicated on the switch panel.