Autoclave Quotation Request Form

...autoclave quotation request form

Use this form to specify the autoclave you want ASC to quote. The form provides many of the options which affect price and performance.

Note: The information below is designed to narrow your request to provide the exact autoclave for your application. Because each option may dramatically increase the autoclave price, we suggest that you think through your choices carefully.

Tell us how to get in touch with you:

Name
Title
Company
Address
City
State
Country
E-mail
Tel
Fax

What type of quotation are you interested in?

Budgetary +/- 5% This quotation can be provided within 3-4 days after submittal, and will be accurate to +/- 5% for a one year validity.

Firm Fixed Price This quotation will require 1-2 weeks to prepare, but will be a fixed price quotation with validity of 90 days.

When do you need the quotation?

If you requested a firm-fixed price, please provide the Due Date for the quotation below. If ASC is not able to meet the due date you desire, you will be contacted.

Due Date:

What will the autoclave be used for?

Other:

What internal "working diameter" is required?

What internal "working length" is required?

What is the maximum pressure of the autoclave?

Please enter the maximum pressure capability of the autoclave.

maximum pressure capability

If the maximum pressure capability is higher than your normal maximum working pressure, please indicate that normal maximum working pressure below:

normal maximum working pressure.

What is the maximum temperature of the autoclave?

Please enter the maximum temperature capability of the autoclave.

maximum temperature capability

If the maximum temperature capability is higher than your normal maximum working temperature, please indicate that normal maximum working temperature:

normal maximum working temperature

Pressure system selection.....

Pressurization gas

Most autoclaves use either gaseous Nitrogen (GN₂) or compressed air for a pressurization media.   Though the use of compressed air is generally less expensive than Nitrogen, it also promotes combustion and can support an internal fire in the autoclave, especially when operating at higher temperatures and/or with solvent-based materials.

Because of this possible fire danger, most companies have switched their autoclave processing to GN₂ or a mix of GN₂ and air.

What pressurization source gas will your autoclave use?

Pressurization gas source

Please indicate whether the autoclave will use existing services at your facility or whether you want ASC to quote (optionally) the suitable hardware (ie. compressors, tanks, etc.) to create and/or store the gas.   Please select from one of the following choices:

Don't quote.   Select this option if you either have the existing pressurization source, or you want to purchase the hardware from another manufacturer.

Provide air compressors Select this option if you want ASC to provide air compressor(s) to meet your required pressurization rate requirements (Air or Mix applications).

Provide Liquid-N2 vaporizer(s) only. Select this option if you have an existing Liquid-Nitrogen tank and want ASC to quote new Vaporizers to meet the required pressurization rate requirement of the autoclave. Please also enter the existing tank's working pressure here:

Provide Liquid-N₂ Tank and vaporizer(s). Select this option if you want ASC to quote a Liquid Nitrogen tank and vaporizers to meet the pressurization rate requirement of the autoclave. Please also enter the tank capacity required (ie. # of charges between fills) : charges to between tank fills.

Maximum pressurization capability

Pressurizaton rates are dependent on autoclave inlet valve size, gas supply pressure, gas supply flow, and up-stream line size.    Pressurization rates are normally defined as the average maximum rate from atmospheric pressure (ie. 0 PSIG or 0 Bar) to normal autoclave working pressure.

Please be aware that higher pressurization requirements can dramatically increase the cost of the autoclave and support equipment.

What average maximum rate is required for pressurization?   (Typical value: 15 Psig/min.)

from Atmospheric Pressure to

What average maximum rate is required for depressurization?   (Typical value: 15 Psig/min)

from to Atmospheric Pressure.

Pressure control accuracy

Pressure control accuracy depends on the accuracy of the pressure sensor (ie. transducer) and the type and quality of the control valves used.

ASC utilizes transducers with accuracy of .2% of full-scale range, and can provide one of two styles of pressure control valves depending on your accuracy requirements and need for cost savings.

Please select from the following valve options:

Proportional operating valves.   Select this option if your application requires a minimum control accuracy at or better than +/- 1psig (+/-68 mBar). This option can cost $1,000-$1,500 more than On/Off control.
Required accuracy: +/-

On/Off operating valves. Select this option if you want to reduce cost and (see above) and if your process can operate with a pressure control accuracy of +/- 2 psig (+/- 136 mBar).

Fan Circulation system ...

ASC autoclaves utilize a motor-driven fan for circulation of the internal gas atmosphere. Proper circulation in an autoclave is important to guaranteeing good temperature uniformity as well as improved part heat transfer.

Each ASC autoclave is designed to provide a minimum air speed through the internal working envelope. The recommended minimum air-speed is 250 - 300 ft/min (.8-1 M/min), which will provide +/- 5 F (+/- 2.6 C) temperature uniformity throughout the autoclave working area.

Please enter the required minimum air speed:

Please enter the required temperature uniformity (after autoclave temperature reaches steady-state conditions): +/-

Fan motor operation

The fan motor can be operated in one of three ways. Please make selection below:

Direct "across the line" starter
(single speed) This is the least expensive option, but is not recommended for motors larger than 100 HP due to the high in-rush current associated with starting motors of this size.

Solid-state "soft" starter
(single speed) This provides smooth ramp starting and stopping of the motor, but will cost $3,000-$4,000 more than the Direct starter. Recommended for motors over 100 HP.

Variable-speed drive (Inverter) This provides infinite control of air speed and mass-flow, and allows a smaller motor to be utilized in high-flow and high-pressure applications. The cost adder for this is $15,000-$35,000 depending on autoclave size. Recommended for large autoclaves (ie. > 10ft dia.) and high-pressure autoclaves (>250 psig).

Best for my process ASC will select the most cost effective unit that meets your processing requirements.

Thermocouple selection..

A typical autoclave has one thermocouple for air temperature monitoring. Larger and/or more advanced autoclaves often have multiple air temperature thermocouples used for uniformity measurement and data-acquisition.

How many air temperature thermocouples:

If you need to monitor the temperature of parts in the autoclave, the autoclave must have part thermocouple capacity. For composite parts, it is a general recommendation that 2 thermocouples be placed on each part.
How many part temperature thermocouples:

Part and tool load selection.....

In order to properly size the heater and cooling system for the autoclave, we must know what your typical load would be. This load will then be used for calculations of heating and cooling rates.

What is the part and tool load that should be used for heating and cooling calculations (Note: two entries are provided so that you can identify different types of material):

of

and...

of

Heating system selection.....

Maximum Heating Rate

Heating rate is sized based on the average air temperature rate from ambient to max. temperature, when the autoclave is loaded and at maximum working pressure.

What maximum heating rate is required. (Typical = 10 F/min)

Heating Methods.

Please select from the following heating methods.

Electic Least expensive and best control accuracy. Recommended for most applications, except processes that require live steam.

Gas-fired Most expensive, but will save operating costs in the future in areas with high electricity costs. Recommended only for larger autoclaves (10ft dia. and greater). Usually requires air-pollution permits to operate. Can add $100,000+ to a large autoclave price.

Oil-heated, 450F and lower This method uses an external oil heater (usually gas-fired) and a pump which transfers oil through an internal autoclave heat exchanger. This type of system is cost effective and efficient, but results in higher future maintenance costs and possible spill contamination. (Limit: 450 F and lower)

Steam via Exchanger This method uses customer supplied steam into an internal autoclave heat exchanger. This method is cost effective, efficient, but is limited to temperatures based on available steam pressure.

"Live" Steam This method is used on sterilizers, vulcanizers, and other autoclaves. Live steam is injected into the autoclave, and autoclave pressure/temperature is controlled by that steam. On this type of autoclave, the vessel is externally insulated.

Cooling system selection.....

Maximum Cooling Rate

Cooling rate is sized based on the average air temperature rate from max. temperature to 60 Deg.F above ambient (ie. 130 F), when the autoclave is loaded and at maximum working pressure.

What maximum cooling rate is required.

The autoclave can include a closed-loop cooling water supply system or it can utilize your plant's existing water system. Please select from the following options

Use customer supplied cooling water from plant source. ASC will not include any pumps, tanks, or towers.

ASC to provide closed-loop cooling system.
Stainless-steel tank, water circulation pump, tower circulation pump, evaporative cooling tower, level controls, and coil-drain pump and tank. This option could add $15,000-$45,000 depending on autoclave size.

Other...Please describe:

Please select from the following cooling control methods. The range of options could vary autoclave price by as much as $1,500.00 US.

Best for my process ASC will select the least expensive option that will meet your processing needs.

Proportional valve with Air/Mist trim capability
Most expensive, but provides the best cooling control. Recommended for composite claves that will cure parts above 350 F, and processes that require good control of cooling ramps..

Proportional valve only
Standard grade providing good cooling control for typical 350F and lower cycles. Above 350F, we recommend an air/mist system.

On/Off valve with Air/Mist trim capability
"Stair-step" cooling control during ramps, but usually adequate for glass, rubber, and some lower-grade composite work.

On/Off valve only
"Stair-step" cooling control during ramps, but only recommended for lower temperature (<400F) processing of materials.

Vacuum system selection.....

Vacuum system options are utilized on autoclaves that process bagged parts (ie. composites). If you need a vacuum system, select Yes below and continue with this section. If you don't need a vacuum system, move on to next section.

Do you need a vacuum system on the autoclave?

No Move on to next section

Yes Continue with this section

The autoclave can be supplied with a vacuum pump(s), or it can be connected to your existing plant vacuum source.   Please indicate below if you want ASC to quote a vacuum pump or pumps for this autoclave.

No The autoclave will use customer's plant vacuum source.

Yes The autoclave should be equipped with properly sized vacuum pump(s). Other information:

The autoclave can have the ability to control vacuum levels. This is a capability that is recommended and often required for composite processing autoclaves.   Do you need vacuum level control?

No The autoclave will provide full vacuum only - no control will be provided.

Yes The autoclave will be able to control vacuum level between 0-29"Hg. (101-0kPa)

Vacuum source lines are required for individual connections to internally bagged parts.   How many vacuum source lines are required?

Vacuum source lines can be manually or automatically controlled to switch from OFF to VAC to VENT. Automatic control provides a number of capabilities, including automatic leak test and automatic isolation on bag failure. Automatic control is more expensive than a manual system, but is strongly recommended for composite autoclaves.   Do you want automatic vacuum line control?

No Autoclave source lines will include manual ball valves for connection to VAC, OFF, or VENT.

Yes Autoclave source lines will include automated valves for PC control of VAC, OFF, or VENT.

Vacuum probe lines are used to monitor the vacuum level in bagged parts. Each probe line includes a transducer which can be connected to the PC control system.   How many vacuum probe lines are required?

Control system selection.....

ASC has standardized on its CPC Control System for all new autoclaves. This PC-based system is inexpensive, easy to use, and provides all the capabilities needed for composites, glass, vulcanizing, and sterilizing processes.

Please select from the following control systems choices...

CPC Level-I system This is the most affordable solution for autoclave control. It includes a Pentium PC, 17" Monitor, color report printer, I/O hardware, enclosure, and a Nema-12 PC station. Full recipe-based part control, part reporting, and data-acqusition is provided.

CPC Level-II system This dual-PC control system is approx. $5000.00 more than the Level I system, but provides complete redundant control via a second "backup" PC system. The dual-PC system is recommended for larger autoclaves. This backup capability provides automatic backup of the process, including data collection, part entries, and other capabilities.

CPC Level-III system This dual-PC control system includes a 3rd level of backup - manual setpoint controllers. ASC seldom recommends this option, primarily due to the high initial cost, high maintenance costs, high calibration cost, and increase in system complexity.

Oxygen monitoring and purge systems.....

It is recommended that larger autoclaves (greater than 10ft. long) include oxygen monitoring equipment to measure and alarm if the autoclave is not safe to enter. A purge system may also be included to purge the autoclave with fresh-air prior to door opening.

None Autoclave is small and/or we don't allow operators to enter the autoclave.

Oxygen monitor and indicator ASC will provide an oxygen sensor connected to the control system. If the door is open and the oxygen level is unsafe, a beacon indicator will flash.

Oxygen monitor and fresh-air purge system At the end of a run, an autoclave can be purged with fresh air by opening the door with the circulation fan still running. Though this purge method is used by many companies, many others require that the autoclave be purged prior to opening the door. In this case, a purge system must be installed. The ASC fresh-air purge system will include a purge valve, purge blower, enlarged exhaust valve, and electrical door interlocks. This option may add $3,000-$6,000 to the price depending on autoclave size.

Installation, startup, and training options.....

ASC can provide provide a turnkey autoclave, including shipping, installation, startup, and training. These options will be priced optionally. Please select .

Autoclave only Customer will provide rigging and transportation from ASC to site. Customer will install autoclave per ASC installation drawings. Note: ASC training can be provided at $1000/day (approx.) + expenses.

Turnkey ASC to provide a complete turnkey autoclave, including rigging, transportation, installation, startup, checkout, and training. This option does not include civil work (ie. foundation, building walls, etc.). This option assumes free-and-clear access at site and utilities within 30 ft. Note: Depending on the size and complexity of the autoclave and auxiliary components, this option could range from $15,000 to $150,000.
Please provide installation information below (ie. site location, city, state, building #, floor, free access?, union restrictions?, work hours, weekends?, guarded or unguarded?, etc.)

Installation supervision only This option provides an ASC field supervisor to instruct customer on installation, startup, and checkout of the autoclave. Depending on autoclave size and complexity, this option could range from $5,000 - $35,000.00.

Additional information:

ASC Process Systems

14062 Balboa

Sylmar, CA 91342

Email: info@aschome.com

Toll-Free: (888) 833-4ASC

Ph: (818) 833-0088

Fax: (818) 833-0080

	Budgetary +/- 5%	This quotation can be provided within 3-4 days after submittal, and will be accurate to +/- 5% for a one year validity.
	Firm Fixed Price	This quotation will require 1-2 weeks to prepare, but will be a fixed price quotation with validity of 90 days.

	Don't quote.	Select this option if you either have the existing pressurization source, or you want to purchase the hardware from another manufacturer.
	Provide air compressors	Select this option if you want ASC to provide air compressor(s) to meet your required pressurization rate requirements (Air or Mix applications).
	Provide Liquid-N2 vaporizer(s) only.	Select this option if you have an existing Liquid-Nitrogen tank and want ASC to quote new Vaporizers to meet the required pressurization rate requirement of the autoclave. Please also enter the existing tank's working pressure here:
	Provide Liquid-N₂ Tank and vaporizer(s).	Select this option if you want ASC to quote a Liquid Nitrogen tank and vaporizers to meet the pressurization rate requirement of the autoclave. Please also enter the tank capacity required (ie. # of charges between fills) : charges to between tank fills.

	Proportional operating valves.	Select this option if your application requires a minimum control accuracy at or better than +/- 1psig (+/-68 mBar). This option can cost $1,000-$1,500 more than On/Off control. Required accuracy: +/-
	On/Off operating valves.	Select this option if you want to reduce cost and (see above) and if your process can operate with a pressure control accuracy of +/- 2 psig (+/- 136 mBar).

	Direct "across the line" starter (single speed)	This is the least expensive option, but is not recommended for motors larger than 100 HP due to the high in-rush current associated with starting motors of this size.
	Solid-state "soft" starter (single speed)	This provides smooth ramp starting and stopping of the motor, but will cost $3,000-$4,000 more than the Direct starter. Recommended for motors over 100 HP.
	Variable-speed drive (Inverter)	This provides infinite control of air speed and mass-flow, and allows a smaller motor to be utilized in high-flow and high-pressure applications. The cost adder for this is $15,000-$35,000 depending on autoclave size. Recommended for large autoclaves (ie. > 10ft dia.) and high-pressure autoclaves (>250 psig).
	Best for my process	ASC will select the most cost effective unit that meets your processing requirements.

	Electic	Least expensive and best control accuracy. Recommended for most applications, except processes that require live steam.
	Gas-fired	Most expensive, but will save operating costs in the future in areas with high electricity costs. Recommended only for larger autoclaves (10ft dia. and greater). Usually requires air-pollution permits to operate. Can add $100,000+ to a large autoclave price.
	Oil-heated, 450F and lower	This method uses an external oil heater (usually gas-fired) and a pump which transfers oil through an internal autoclave heat exchanger. This type of system is cost effective and efficient, but results in higher future maintenance costs and possible spill contamination. (Limit: 450 F and lower)
	Steam via Exchanger	This method uses customer supplied steam into an internal autoclave heat exchanger. This method is cost effective, efficient, but is limited to temperatures based on available steam pressure.
	"Live" Steam	This method is used on sterilizers, vulcanizers, and other autoclaves. Live steam is injected into the autoclave, and autoclave pressure/temperature is controlled by that steam. On this type of autoclave, the vessel is externally insulated.

	Use customer supplied cooling water from plant source.	ASC will not include any pumps, tanks, or towers.
	ASC to provide closed-loop cooling system.	Stainless-steel tank, water circulation pump, tower circulation pump, evaporative cooling tower, level controls, and coil-drain pump and tank. This option could add $15,000-$45,000 depending on autoclave size.
	Other...Please describe:

	Best for my process	ASC will select the least expensive option that will meet your processing needs.
	Proportional valve with Air/Mist trim capability	Most expensive, but provides the best cooling control. Recommended for composite claves that will cure parts above 350 F, and processes that require good control of cooling ramps..
	Proportional valve only	Standard grade providing good cooling control for typical 350F and lower cycles. Above 350F, we recommend an air/mist system.
	On/Off valve with Air/Mist trim capability	"Stair-step" cooling control during ramps, but usually adequate for glass, rubber, and some lower-grade composite work.
	On/Off valve only	"Stair-step" cooling control during ramps, but only recommended for lower temperature (<400F) processing of materials.

	No	The autoclave will use customer's plant vacuum source.
	Yes	The autoclave should be equipped with properly sized vacuum pump(s). Other information:

	No	The autoclave will provide full vacuum only - no control will be provided.
	Yes	The autoclave will be able to control vacuum level between 0-29"Hg. (101-0kPa)

	No	Autoclave source lines will include manual ball valves for connection to VAC, OFF, or VENT.
	Yes	Autoclave source lines will include automated valves for PC control of VAC, OFF, or VENT.

	CPC Level-I system	This is the most affordable solution for autoclave control. It includes a Pentium PC, 17" Monitor, color report printer, I/O hardware, enclosure, and a Nema-12 PC station. Full recipe-based part control, part reporting, and data-acqusition is provided.
	CPC Level-II system	This dual-PC control system is approx. $5000.00 more than the Level I system, but provides complete redundant control via a second "backup" PC system. The dual-PC system is recommended for larger autoclaves. This backup capability provides automatic backup of the process, including data collection, part entries, and other capabilities.
	CPC Level-III system	This dual-PC control system includes a 3rd level of backup - manual setpoint controllers. ASC seldom recommends this option, primarily due to the high initial cost, high maintenance costs, high calibration cost, and increase in system complexity.

	None	Autoclave is small and/or we don't allow operators to enter the autoclave.
	Oxygen monitor and indicator	ASC will provide an oxygen sensor connected to the control system. If the door is open and the oxygen level is unsafe, a beacon indicator will flash.
	Oxygen monitor and fresh-air purge system	At the end of a run, an autoclave can be purged with fresh air by opening the door with the circulation fan still running. Though this purge method is used by many companies, many others require that the autoclave be purged prior to opening the door. In this case, a purge system must be installed. The ASC fresh-air purge system will include a purge valve, purge blower, enlarged exhaust valve, and electrical door interlocks. This option may add $3,000-$6,000 to the price depending on autoclave size.