The company ZIKO is a representative of leading European manufacturers of autoclaves.
Autoclaves are not only equipment used in laboratories or for sterilizing medical and cosmetic instruments. Various types of these machines are also widely used in industry, especially in the food industry. Below is an overview of how industrial autoclaves operate, their purpose, and areas of application.
How does an autoclave work and what is it?
Industrial autoclaves are sealed pressure vessels that allow thermal processing of products at temperatures exceeding 100 °C. As a rule, the main objective is to increase product shelf life and ensure storage safety. Due to the increased operating pressure of the autoclave (from 2 up to 6 bar), the heat transfer medium may be not only gas mixtures or steam, but also water.
Cylindrical vessels are manufactured from high-strength steel alloys, often acid-resistant, and are insulated using silicone or mineral wool. The walls are resistant to high temperature and pressure, and the unit is equipped with indicators for monitoring these parameters. In addition to the heating and cooling system, a critical component of the autoclave is the pressure relief valve, which safely regulates internal pressure.
Types of industrial autoclaves
Autoclaves can be classified according to various criteria, including design features such as vessel orientation (horizontal or vertical), the heating system used (electric, oil, or gas), intended application, or even the type of packaging of the processed product (for example, food autoclaves for jars). Our product range includes equipment with different specifications, including capacities from several hundred up to nearly two thousand liters.
From an industrial process perspective, it is also important whether the unit is designed for continuous or batch operation. Most often, industrial autoclaves are classified based on the heat transfer medium used:
- Steam autoclave — completely removes air from the chamber; steam is used as the heat transfer medium.
- Steam–air autoclave — the medium is a homogeneous mixture of air and steam, with independent control of temperature and pressure.
- Water cascade / spray / immersion autoclave — the medium is superheated water (the most popular type of food autoclaves).
To receive a consultation regarding technical specifications, equipment availability, and pricing, please submit a request via our website or contact us by phone using the numbers listed in the Contacts section.
