Electric Autoclave
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Electric Autoclave
I'm seeing a bunch of electric autoclaves on EBay for around $175 US, shipping included. 18L, heater coil in the bottom, stainless steel. How hard is it to cut the top for a column? This looks pretty cost effective, but I've been into other money pits on other projects.
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- Swill Maker
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Re: Electric Autoclave
A 175$ new electric autoclave is a gigantic hunk of shit and probably made from aluminum as well.
Quality American Sterilizer products start about 400$ for non heated units and go up to about 1000 for large heated units. These are not true autoclaves. A decent sized autoclave will set you back 5k easy.
Quality American Sterilizer products start about 400$ for non heated units and go up to about 1000 for large heated units. These are not true autoclaves. A decent sized autoclave will set you back 5k easy.
- still_stirrin
- Master of Distillation
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Re: Electric Autoclave
badflash,
I went to ebay and searched for what you’ve described, and I found a Chinese made 18-liter stainless steel dental autoclave for around $170-175 US. It is essentially a electric element (120VAC 2kW) heated pressure cooker. It does have a pressure relief valve and a pressure gage (both would be unnecessary for a boiler vessel).
But I would be apprehensive of the seal material, as that undoubtedly is a rubber compound...typically pressure vessel seals are.
Bottomline, the pressure cooker could work if you address the things necessary to convert to a boiler. One thing you will need to do is open up a port for the vapor discharge...neither the pressure gage or relief vent openings are big enough for still head attachment. And you’ve got to deal with the pressure seal...silicone doesn’t work.
ss
I went to ebay and searched for what you’ve described, and I found a Chinese made 18-liter stainless steel dental autoclave for around $170-175 US. It is essentially a electric element (120VAC 2kW) heated pressure cooker. It does have a pressure relief valve and a pressure gage (both would be unnecessary for a boiler vessel).
But I would be apprehensive of the seal material, as that undoubtedly is a rubber compound...typically pressure vessel seals are.
Bottomline, the pressure cooker could work if you address the things necessary to convert to a boiler. One thing you will need to do is open up a port for the vapor discharge...neither the pressure gage or relief vent openings are big enough for still head attachment. And you’ve got to deal with the pressure seal...silicone doesn’t work.
ss
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Re: Electric Autoclave
That is exactly what I was asking. I had not thought about the seal. I'm wondering how difficult it is to drill out a port for the column.
- still_stirrin
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Re: Electric Autoclave
You could just go to your local Walmart and buy a 20 quart stainless steel stock pot for around $15-20 US. Then, get a box of small binder clips from the stationary department while you’re there (about $4 US).badflash wrote:That is exactly what I was asking. I had not thought about the seal. I'm wondering how difficult it is to drill out a port for the column.
And from your local big box/hardware store, get a 1-1/2” copper male pipe adapter and packing nut (about $12-15 US and $2.50US, respectfully). And you’ll be ready to start your build.
You simply don’t need a pressure cooker for a boiler...expensive and a waste of material ($$$).
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
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My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
Re: Electric Autoclave
How do you seal the lid Doesn't it need a gasket?
Re: Electric Autoclave
Never mind, I see the posts on sealing with flour paste. I will give that a shot. I will get a 10 gallon stock pot, silver solder the handle rivets, and get some clips.
- still_stirrin
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Re: Electric Autoclave
I simply wrap the edge of the pot with PTFE plumber's tape....a couple of wraps works great. The binder clips clamp the lid firmly onto the pot lip and that makes a fine seal. Slam...dunk! Cheap and easy.badflash wrote:How do you seal the lid Doesn't it need a gasket?
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
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- Master of Distillation
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Re: Electric Autoclave
I'm gunna try that, I have been using flour dough. Tape would be much less effort.still_stirrin wrote:I simply wrap the edge of the pot with PTFE plumber's tape....a couple of wraps works great. The binder clips clamp the lid firmly onto the pot lip and that makes a fine seal. Slam...dunk! Cheap and easy.badflash wrote:How do you seal the lid Doesn't it need a gasket?
ss
Geoff
The Baker