Abstract:
The present invention concerns a device for monitoring the pressure in at least two pressure-tight analysis vessels, that have been sealed by means of lids, whereby heat is supplied to the analysis vessels by means of a heating apparatus. The internal pressure of the analysis vessel acts on its lid. The lid is connected to a piston in a closed hydraulic system. The force, that is dependent on the internal pressure of the analysis vessel, is transferred by the lid to the piston in the hydraulic system. A lid and a piston are assigned to every analysis vessel. In addition, a stop device is assigned to each piston, whereby the stop device limits the outward movement of the piston in the event of excess pressure in the hydraulic system relative to the internal pressure of the analysis vessel. The pistons are connected to one another via the hydraulic system.
Abstract:
A method of autoclaving porous piece-goods, by steam under pressure, wherein the autoclaving operation includes sequential phases of heating with steam, holding, and then relaxing the pressure and temperature, wherein the holding phase includes a drying process. In order to obtain as dry a product as possible with the smallest possible energy input, it is provided that a drying process is carried out within the holding phase in which the autoclave is heated more than to compensate for heat losses and to a temperature above the temperature of vaporization of the water so that the material is dried by controlled discharge of steam from the interior of the autoclave. The steam discharged from one or more autoclaves during the drying process is used to heat up at least partially an autoclave to be heated.
Abstract:
A device for heating substances under the development of high pressures in a microwave field is disclosed. Those parts of the device lying in the microwave field comprise material transparent to microwaves. The device comprises a pressure-resistant cylindrically shaped outer container and a cylindrically shaped inner container disposed inside the outer container. Both the inner and outer container is provided with a cover or a cap for closure thereof. An interspace is provided between an inner jacket surface of the outer container and an outer jacket surface of the inner container, which space is connected with a space outside the device via connecting channels. The interspace preferably contains a cooling media which is transported to and from the interspace and outer space via the connecting channels.
Abstract:
A system and method of exhausting vapor, such as steam, from a pressure chamber following the sterilization phase of a sterilization cycle under superatmospheric pressure conditions are provided. The system and method preferably employ a microprocessor and an appropriate pressure transducer to measure the chamber pressure at the conclusion of the vapor exposure period to determine an initial chamber pressure. The method includes the further steps of exhausting vapor from the chamber for a period of time, preferably up to about one minute, to lower the chamber pressure, measuring the chamber pressure at the conclusion of such first period of time to determine a second chamber pressure and calculating the difference between the initial chamber pressure and the second chamber pressure to determine an exhaust rate. The exhaust rate is used to predetermine successively lower next target chamber pressures to be reached at the conclusion of successive intervals of a predetermined second period of time, such as three seconds, until a predetermined final chamber pressure is reached. Vapor is exhausted from the chamber during each successive interval of the second period of time until the target chamber pressure for that particular second period of time is reached. After each such interval of time, the chamber pressure is measured to determine whether the calculated next target chamber pressure has been reached.
Abstract:
A process vessel has an inlet for receiving a process fluid and an outlet for exhausting process fluid into the atmosphere should the pressure within the vessel exceed a preset limit. A pneumatic safety device positioned within such inlet shuts down the flow of process fluid into the process vessel when actuated pneumatically. A pressure-relieving device positioned within such outlet exhausts process gas into the atmosphere when the pressure within the process vessel exceeds the preset limit as established by the burst pressure level of the pressure relieving device. A pneumatic control link connects the pressure-relieving device to the pneumatic safety device. Such control link actuates the pneumatic safety device to shut-down the flow of process fluid into the process vessel in response to the exhausting of process fluid from the process vessel into the atmosphere.
Abstract:
The pressurization period of an autoclave is controlled by an oscillator which provides an output to the autoclave control unit. The control unit has a microprocessor with its own clock. The number of times that a portion of the program is carried out by the microprocessor during the pressurization period of the autoclave, is counted into a register to decrease a separately established count in the register. This separately established count is representative of the correct operating time of the pressurization period. If, at the end of the pressurization period, the count in the register exceeds zero by more than an allowable error, a fault indication is produced on a display and the autoclave door is maintained locked so as to prevent access to articles in the autoclave.
Abstract:
A molecular restricter for inhibiting or preventing gas molecules from flowing past a point, such as a piece of optical equipment, substantially without inhibiting particles mixed therewith from passing therethrough is described. The molecular restricter has a plurality of elongated cells with each end open to permit the particles to pass through. However the width of the cell must be less than the mean free path .gamma. of the molecules under the conditions the restricter is to be used with. In one embodiment, the length of the cell is at least ten times longer than its width. The cells are arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel orientation. The walls of each cell must also be parallel to permit free transmission of the particles or light therethrough.
Abstract:
An optical probe is sealingly mounted in an access port of a pressurized container. The probe comprises a glass rod of a predetermined thickness having a conical end tip. An optical transmitter and receiver is connected to the glass rod. The fiber optic transmitter and receiver sends visible red light down the glass rod. When the liquid level inside the container drops below the end tip of the glass rod, reflected light will be received from the glass rod and detected.
Abstract:
A valve that opens and closes in response to changes in the physical environment of the valve. This valve is particularly suited as a relief valve in a microwave system-based, closed vessel digestion procedure. This valve includes a pressure-deformable, resilient wall member having a fluid vent port, and an obstructing member that cooperates with the wall member to open and close the valve.Also provided is a lidded vessel employing this improved valve, an apparatus that includes a microwave system and this lidded vessel, and methods using this improved valve.