ETC’s proven process for installing bulk size units in basements, on upper floors and in other challenging facility locations is based on the practice of installing the sterilizer in modular segments, or sections. Each section is delivered to the final destination by existing freight elevators, hallways and doorways, and utilizes the available space completely, with no additional modifications. This practice is just another example of ETC solving the challenges of limited space or access, while satisfying processing requirements.
The sectional autoclave grew out of a customer’s need to replace older, bulk size autoclaves that were virtually landlocked within their facility. Replacing the units with a conventional one-piece autoclave of the same size would have been extremely costly and disruptive to facility operations.
The Fabrication and Installation Process
ETC designs its sectional autoclaves in 2 or more pieces, depending upon access through the facility and/or elevator weight capacities, and can be provided with any of our three door configurations: hinged swinging doors, horizontal sliding doors, and vertical rising doors.
Additional lifting lugs and feet are installed on each section to facilitate handling.
After the assembly is completed, the equipment is stripped down to the bare chamber sections, flipped onto its side for placement on the transport vehicle and the remaining equipment crated. At the site, the sections are offloaded and rigged through the facility to the final installation site.
The sections are up-righted, positioned and fit up within the pit, as applicable. An independent Authorized Inspector (AI) witnesses the initial fit up, final welding, and hydro-static (compressed air for upper levels) testing to the current requirements of the ASME Pressure Vessel Code. Upon completion of the pressure testing, the insulation, sheathing, mechanical equipment & controls are re-installed. The autoclave is then interconnected to the facility as a normal unit, with bio-seal connection, sheet metal fascias, and hook-up of facility utilities, as applicable.
Sectional Autoclave Applications