Boekel Scientific Cement Autoclave
Boekel Scientific · Model Cement Autoclave
Boekel Scientific's Cement AAutoclave 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 Cement 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 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.
Key tips
- ·A failed biological indicator means the entire load is not sterile - no exceptions, regardless of how the cycle printout looks.
- ·Door gasket wear is the most common real cause of a failed vacuum/pressure test - check it before deeper diagnostics.
- ·Water quality directly affects steam-cycle validity - don't ignore scale or mineral buildup.
Typical Failure Modes
Failure patterns typical of this equipment class - general BMET reference, not verified against this exact unit's own service history unless flagged. Severity is a category-level estimate.
Door gasket / seal leak
HighSymptoms: Pressure loss, long cycle, steam leak.
Root cause: Aged rubber gasket.
Vacuum pump failure
MediumSymptoms: Poor air removal, non-condensable gas fault.
Root cause: Worn vanes/seals.
Chamber temperature sensor drift
MediumSymptoms: Temp out of tolerance, failed Bowie-Dick.
Root cause: Sensor aging.
Water quality / feed fault
LowSymptoms: Scaling, conductivity alarm.
Root cause: RO/DI system failure.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
The parts a BMET typically services on this class of equipment. Service class and relative cost are general engineering estimates for the category, not figures from this unit's documentation. Part numbers appear only when pulled from this unit's own service manual. Always confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Door gasket / seal
Most-replaced wear item.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Steam generator heating element
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Vacuum pump & seals
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Chamber temperature sensor
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door gasket / seal Most-replaced wear item. | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Steam generator heating element | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Vacuum pump & seals | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Chamber temperature sensor | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily biological and chemical indicator test loads
- ·Door gasket / seal inspection
- ·Steam trap and drain strainer cleaning
- ·Annual full PM and pressure-vessel certification
Troubleshooting Approach
A structured starting point derived from the failure modes above. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Door gasket / seal leak
- Confirm the presentation - typically pressure loss, long cycle, steam leak - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: aged rubber gasket.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the door gasket / seal per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Symptom: Steam generator / heater fault
- Confirm the presentation - typically no steam, low temp, cycle abort - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: failed heating element or scale buildup.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the steam generator heating element per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 28 in
- Length
- 48 in
- Orientation
- Floor Standing
- Power Requirements
- 120 VAC
- Weight
- 200 lbs
- Width
- 17 in
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)
- OR sterile core
- Satellite reprocessing areas
Documents & Manuals
No documents available for this device yet.
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