ASC completes "Worlds Largest Autoclave"
On May 22, 2006 ASC began final testing of a 30 ft. dia x 76 ft. long autoclave for Vought Aircraft in Charleston, SC. This massive autoclave is due to enter production in July for fabrication of fuselage sections 47 and 48 of the new Boeing 787 airliner. ASC thanks our employees and team members for their efforts in completing this monumental project.
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Statistics
Inside working diameter: 30ft.
(9.26M)
Ouside diameter: 32ft. (9.88M)
Inside working length: 76 ft. (23.5M)
Overall length: 112 ft. (34.5M)
Vessel volume: 82,000 cu.ft.
Max temperature: 450F
Max pressure: 150 psig
Heating system: 40 million BTU/hr
Control system: CPC Level III
Weight: over 1,000,000 lbs.
Man-hours to construct: 65,000+
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Interior view
Image shows length and rear-mounted cooling coil/radiator which stands 20ft (6.2M) tall.
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Fabrication images
The autoclave was fabricated on-site in Charleston, SC. The manufacturing building was built after the autoclave shell was completed.
Click to see more fabrication images