Scope and Intent
This note will cover many topics that have only hot water in common. To fit within the space
limitations of an application note, it will be a collection of lessons learned. As such, none of
this is purely my own. There will be a stream of consciousness or memory and no part will be
comprehensive. There may be future, detailed application notes to cover particular situations
in depth, but they will await the questions that we hope this note will stimulate. Importance
Safety is paramount when working with autoclaves. Because of the amount of energy stored
in water at high pressure and temperature, the consequences of an accident can be
enormous. Many who have worked in the field can l of jets of steam, or metallic objects
ringing off a high bay roof thirty feet above. Some can l of a two hundred pound autoclave
head that came to rest on the grounds of a plant a quarter mile away. This list of safety
measures is meant to encourage further study and the development of a local set of
requirements. A search in the library or on the internet on the subject of autoclave safety will
produce many documents to guide the development of a local document. It is vital that the
document be developed with the participation of all of the experts in the affected equipment,
procedures, and personnel. An outside expert should be consulted to assure that nothing
important has been overlooked and the requirements should be reviewed and updated
annually and whenever there is an accident of any degree of severity. All personnel working with or around pressurized equipment should be trained in the requirements and the facility
should be posted to alert visitors to the dangers and to recommend means of protection. |
