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Student Research ProjectsPROJECT DESCRIPTION
The San Diego State University autoclave is a continuing project, that when completed, will allow students to create composite materials. The autoclave is being constructed from a gas filtration vessel. This vessel will allow for temperatures up to 750°F and potential pressures of 400 PSIG.
This is the pressure vessel as it currently resides in the Facility for Applied Manufacturing Enterprise center.
Pro/E models have been created of the autoclave and it's individual components for ease of assembly and should any parts or components need to be built off campus.
This is the current design for the autoclave, including the gas filtration vessel, instrument panel, and piping system.
AUTOCLAVE DESIGN
The autoclave has been designed in individual components using Pro/E and then brought together into one complete unit. The first of these components is the base for the system components. In order to save room the system components have been designed to fit under and in front of the autoclave, using an L configuration. This will not only save space but will allow for ease of maintenance.
In order to connect all of the sub systems a piping system needed to be created. A group took on the task of designing the piping as part of their senior project. Pro/Piping was utilized in order to determine where the piping can be placed as there are many confined spaces on the autoclave. The system was created, as a reference, for an outside company who would be responsible for fabrication of the autoclaves piping system.
This is a Pro/E model of the cart that will be used to move the box containing the vacuum bag, molds, and completed parts in and out of the autoclave. Wheels have been added so that the cart and composite parts can be easily accessed through the use of railed track. This railing can not be welded to the autoclave, so an alternative method will have to be utilized to secure the track to the interior.
Here is how the cart fits into the autoclave
This is the drawing of the complete autoclave. You can now see how the individual system components, pressure vessel, piping layout, and control panel are to be incorporated into the final design.
AUTOCLAVE CONSTRUCTION
The autoclave is being constructed utilizing the following components:
LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR: Maintains equal pressure in box and autoclave
HIGH PRESSURE REGULATOR: Lowers pressure in the lines from 2,000psi to 0-5psi
NITROGEN GAS TANK: Used to heat and pressurize the section of the autoclave where parts are formed
HEAT EXCHANGER: Electrical coils that raise the temperature of the gas in the pipes
RESERVOIR: Builds inertia into the vacuum system in case of leaks
TRAP: Contains liquid gas and removes moisture or solvents before entering the vacuum pump
.5Hp VACUUM PUMP: Creates necessary vacuum for forming the parts
25 Hp COMPRESSOR: Compresses the gas in the autoclave shell
REGULATOR: Maintains pressure between 0-500psi
Below is a schematic of the autoclave and its individual systems.
