Electric Autoclave

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badflash
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Electric Autoclave

Post by badflash »

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.
butterpants
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by butterpants »

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.
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still_stirrin
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by still_stirrin »

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.
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badflash
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by badflash »

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.
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still_stirrin
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by still_stirrin »

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.
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).

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 ($$$).
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badflash
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by badflash »

How do you seal the lid Doesn't it need a gasket?
badflash
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by badflash »

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.
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still_stirrin
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by still_stirrin »

badflash wrote:How do you seal the lid Doesn't it need a gasket?
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.
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The Baker
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Re: Electric Autoclave

Post by The Baker »

still_stirrin wrote:
badflash wrote:How do you seal the lid Doesn't it need a gasket?
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.
ss
I'm gunna try that, I have been using flour dough. Tape would be much less effort.

Geoff
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