For high-pressure reactions in batch processes a high pressure agitated reaction vessel, also called autoclave, is used. It is a thick-wall agitated vessel, which withstands the high pressure applied for the reaction. In design and equipment it corresponds to the normal agitated vessel, with the exception of thicker walls and a more robust construction of the nozzles and flanges. Usually high-pressure stirred reaction vessels do not have outlet nozzles in order to avoid a hole at the bottom. It is emptied by dumping or by a vacuum pump that sucks the content through a lid nozzle. Pasty reaction products must be cleared after unscrewing the lid with a shovel and scrapers. Pressure is applied over a pressure pipe and a pressure pipe joint. Autoclaves usually are made of high-strength, stainless steel. |
