Pressure Tank Essentials: Membrane vs Air Cushion Autoclaves

SELECTION AND SIZING OF THE AUTOCLAVE

The supply pressure tank, or autoclave, is used to limit the number of pump starts per hour by supply part of its water reserve to the circuit, which is kept pressurised by the air above it. The autoclave may be of the air cushion or membrane type. In the membrane type there is no contact between the air and the water since they are separated by an elastic membrane inside the tank. In the air cushion type, there is no clear separation between the air and the water. Since the air and water tend to mix together to some extent, the separation must be restored by an air supply or compressor.
The formula used to determine the volume of an autoclave is:

If we know the maximum circuit absorption in I/min (Amax) and the maximum number of pump starts permitted per hour (Nmax), the table allows us to calculate the necessary size of vessel.

AIR CUSHION AUTOCLAVE
MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS

• Maximum operating pressure PN: 10 bar at 20°C
• Maximum operating temperature: 50°C
• Fluid: water

SUPPLY OPERATION SCHEME