What is an Autoclave and What is it Used For?
Autoclaves are essential for the sterilization of packaged products that require high temperatures (above 100ºC) to eliminate or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms. This process is vital to ensure the safety and quality of food and other packaged products.
Sterilization Cycles
Sterilization cycles in autoclaves consist of three main phases:
- Heating: Quick and progressive, to bring the product to the necessary temperature.
- Holding or Maintenance: Maintains the temperature for the required time for sterilization.
- Cooling: Also needs to be quick and progressive to preserve product quality.
Types of Autoclaves at Maquinaria Tomás Guillén
At Maquinaria Tomás Guillén, we specialize in equipment for the production of canned goods and have the world’s largest stock of autoclaves. We offer our clients a variety of options to meet different production needs.
Batch Autoclaves
These autoclaves operate as standalone installations and perform thermal treatment in programmable cycles. We work with renowned brands such as BARRIQUAND STERIFLOW, HERMASA, ALFOGAR, CASTELO, FERLO, LAGARDE, MACONSA, PANINI, and LEVATI. They are simpler and represent a lower investment compared to continuous autoclaves. There are two main subtypes:
- Static Autoclaves: Suitable for any format, ideal for food packaged in cans, jars, thermoformed trays, pouches, and doypacks. We also offer static autoclaves with double doors to speed up the movement of trolleys and laboratory models.
- Rotary Autoclaves: Perfect for sterilizing products with greater difficulty in heat transfer, such as vegetables in grains, shredded or cubed, and beverages like smoothies, teas, coffees, or evaporated milk. The basket rotates inside the autoclave, agitating the contents and preventing pieces closest to the sides of the container from toasting.
- Continuous Autoclaves
These autoclaves integrate into production lines, allowing containers to enter automatically and exit sterilized, significantly increasing production volumes. There are two subtypes:
- Continuous Pressure Autoclaves by ACB-HYDROLOCK: They apply steam or steam and air for sterilization and cool the containers by submerging them in water.
- Rotary Cocker-Coolers by FMC-JBT: Composed of two or more bodies, each carrying out a phase of the sterilization process.
Installation and Commissioning of Autoclaves
We have a specialized team of operators for the installation and commissioning of autoclaves. Our services include:
- Equipping autoclaves with new, accessible control panels and programs.
- Thoroughly inspecting heat exchangers, steam valves, water recirculation pumps, and other components to ensure optimal operation.
Transportation of Autoclaves
We manage the shipment of autoclaves by sea and land to any part of the world. We offer:
- Exceptional transport gondolas.
- Pilot cars.
- Cranes and high-capacity forklifts for transporting larger autoclaves.
At Maquinaria Tomás Guillén, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized solutions for all your sterilization needs. Contact us for more information and discover how we can help you optimize your production!
