Pennsylvania’s Air Products has set up a cutting-edge nitrogen supplying system at the new Boeing 777X Composite Wing Center at Everett in Washington. This nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere as well as rapid pressure in the world’s biggest autoclave that’s used for treating huge carbon fiber amalgamated wings for the aircraft maker’s new 777X jetliners.

Air Products’ vice president for Western Region and Americas, Paul Householder lauded the development saying that his company is excited to continue building their long standing relationship with the giant jet manufacturer. He added that Air Products has an expansive experience in the provision of autoclaves for the aerospace industry. While appreciating Boeing for giving them business, Paul said that it shows that Boeing are confident that Air Products has the capability to provide dependable supply of top quality nitrogen for the crucial application.

Autoclaves are pressure chambers used for undertaking industrial processes that require raised temperatures as well as pressures to disinfect and sterilize equipment and supplies. They accomplish the sterilization and disinfection of equipment by combining steam with pressure as well as specific duration.

Autoclaves work at high temperatures and pressure that needs to be sustained for a certain duration to exterminate microorganisms or germs and spores. For great effectiveness, the autoclave ought to attain and sustain 121 C temperature for at least half an hour through saturated steam as well as a high pressure usually not less than 15 psi. However, it can be necessary to increase the cycle time in which equipment stays in the autoclave depending on the type and size of the load. Autoclaves are currently widely used for sterilizing equipment in numerous other industries like tattooing, medicine, body piercing and more. The size of autoclaves vary according to the respective size of load to be treated.

The innovative nitrogen supply system provided by Air Products comprises of three liquid tanks each with a capacity of 15,000 gallons and a water vaporization system. The assembled Boeing wings are put into the humongous autoclave that is then locked and sealed as nitrogen is flooded into the autoclave at a certain temperature, pressure and flow rate in order to completely remove oxygen as well as create the necessary atmosphere for the treatment process. This project is one of the three huge autoclave projects that have been accomplished by Air Products on behalf of Boeing, part of a common engagement that is set to continue into the future.