AC-SB dewaxing autoclave

In investment casting, the dewaxing autoclave melts the wax pattern out of ceramic shell moulds with direct steam without harming the shells. In TSB Energy's AC-SB design the autoclave body sits inside an electric steam generator. Because the body is brought to steam temperature before steam is admitted, there is no sudden condensation or pressure drop, and the autoclave reaches 6 bar in 3 seconds. Internal diameter is up to 1600 mm, length up to 3 m and pressure up to 10 bar.

Pressure is equalised within 3 seconds so the wax can expand and melt without stressing the mould; at constant pressure the melt-out is complete in 10–15 minutes. Pressure is then reduced under control so the shells do not crack, and the molten wax drains from the bottom sump at about 1–1.5 bar. The autoclave is horizontal, with a manual or hydraulic-pneumatic lever door opening to the side or top, and uses a low-cost, easily replaced, long-life gasket. It ships on a single skid together with the electric steam boiler and needs only a power connection.

Design follows PED 2014/68/EU, ASME VIII Div. 1, EAC (GOST), EN 13445 and AD 2000-Merkblatt. Shell and heads are P355GH plate, nozzles P235GH tube and jaws forged P355NH; 100 mm of ceramic wool insulates the structure. The autoclave serves investment casting for aerospace and defence, automotive, medical implants and surgical tools, energy equipment, industrial machinery, marine parts, jewellery and firearms.