The Autoclave Systems
When your requirements call for pressure vessels and supporting test equipment, Cortest offers a wide range of related products that form a total capability. System components include autoclaves - both floor and bench models, high pressure autoclaves, pressure vessel control panels, heaters, pressure gauges, ancillary equipment, and all the required connections to complete your state-of-the-art testing system. This specialized equipment enables you to simulate a broad range of temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions using both mechanical and electrochemical corrosion testing techniques.

Floor and Bench-Top Models Cortest Floor and Bench-Top Autoclave Testing Systems include everything for testing materials at pressures up to 5000 psi (350 bars) and temperature up to 500°F (300°C). Both Floor and Bench-Top models are complete self-standing units containing a precision machined bolted closure containment vessel, heater, pressure gauge, valves, all necessary connections and a convenient work station. Vessels are available in 1-, 2- , and 5-liter capacities. Materials of construction are 316 stainless steel, Hastelloyİ C-276, Titanium, Inconelİ, and Monelİ. A reliable seal is maintained with a reusable metal o-ring. Standard vessel ports include gas-in, gas-out, thermocouple, and pressure gauge/rupture disk. Additional ports for reference electrode, pressure transducers, etc. are optionally available. Pressure is regulated by independent sample and vent valves which provide metering as well as positive shut-off. The system can be operated by means of a Cortest Model 12.45 Pressure Vessel Control Panel which displays temperature, pressure, elapsed time and temperature set-point. Safety features include over temperature shut-off, over pressure shut-off, rupture disk, and high safety factor vessel design. Accessories include reference electrodes, specimen racks, stirring attachments, auxiliary ports, bottom drains, and gauge savers. Bench-Top and Floor Model autoclaves are easily connected to a Cortest Recirculating Test Loop.
High Pressure Autoclaves For handling high pressure autoclave tests, Cortest manufactures a High Pressure Autoclave capable of pressures up to 20,000 psi and temperatures to 650°F. Vessels are available in 1-, 2-, and 5-liter standard sizes. The alloy steel body of this high pressure laboratory containment vessel is lined with 3/8" thick Hastelloy© or at your option, 316 stainless steel. All wetted surfaces are Hastelloy© or 316 SS for added corrosion resistance and durability. A patented R-CON Connectors takes the place of a bolted flange assembly. This unique assembly incorporates the strength and integrity of a welded joint with the versatility of a mechanical joint. Additional features of the Cortest High Pressure Autoclave include a thermocouple well with compression fitting, a weep hole to ensure integrity of the liner, and two ports in the lid with thread and cone fittings. Accessories include a valve panel with two high pressure valves, pressure gauge, and rupture disk mounted to the vessel lid; a floor model stand with heating mantle, time proportioning temperature control, and valve panel; and spare seal rings.

Controls and Instrumentation
Cortest Pressure Vessel Control Panels provide control, monitoring, and safety shut-off features for conducting experiments at elevated temperatures and pressures.

The Model 12.45 Pressure Vessel Control Panel provides a digital display of test pressure from the pressure transducer mounted in the gauge block assembly. User selectable high and low pressure limits provide over and under pressure shut-off protection. A convenient elapsed time meter provides a display of test duration. Included in the 12.45 is the 12.62 over temperature shut-off module. This unit provides a digital display of temperature from a thermocouple in the test solution, and provides system shut-off for temperature above the set limit. The accompanying 12.6 temperature control module provides digital display of test temperature, set point, and actual temperature at a thermocouple mounted within the heating system. Time proportioning temperature control is standard.

Pressure is controlled by means of metering/shut-off valves plumbed to the gas-in, gas-out ports. A third port connects to the gauge block assembly, which includes a pressure gauge with optional gauge saver, a rupture disk, and pressure transducer. Both pressure and temperature displays have optional connections to provide an interface with a computer or data logger. Standard controls are compatible with Type J thermocouples, and have pressure displayed in psi and temperature in °F. Optionally available are Type K thermocouples, pressure displayed in bars, and temperature in °C.

PC-Based Data Acquisition System
As an additional feature, Cortest offers a Windows-based platform for complete data recording and retrieving on a PC. A modular instrumentation brings compact hardware, Microsoft Windows software, and standardized recording in a complete package for a state-of-the-art data acquisition system. Sensor measurements from high-pressure and high-temperature autoclave experiments are made easy with the NI-Cortest PXI controller.

The PXI-1000 controller offers an instrumentation technology at an affordable price. The LabVIEW software offers moreover a very friendly front panel user interface.

When your application requires automated tests and measurements, the PXI-1000 controller is the perfect choice. With the large selection of instrument modules and the added benefits of signal conditioning, measurements on sensors are highly accurate.

The Cortest PC-based data acquisition system provides a multi-channel recording of various parameters: temperature, pressure, pH, corrosion rate, conductivity, oxygen, other sensor on request*.

(* consult our application engineers for optional sensors.)

High Pressure Electrochemistry
Cortest offers two methods for providing electrochemical experimentation at elevated temperature and pressure.

The first is a High Pressure External Reference Electrode. This electrode is supplied complete with calibration data for both KC1 and NaCl internal solutions, and for temperatures from 25°C to 220°C. These non-isothermal external pressure-balanced reference electrodes accurately measure the working electrode potentials in hostile environments. Measured potentials at the temperature of interest are easily converted to the standard hydrogen scale by means of calibration data.

The second method, called the "Wilhelm" Cell, is used for high pressure (up to 5,000 psi) and very elevated temperature (up to 500°C).

The "Wilhelm" Cell utilizes a standard reference electrode at ambient temperature. A micro-metering pump maintains a small but positive flow of KCl solution past the electrode and into the pressure vessel. This technique prevents contamination of the electrode, yet adds sufficiently small quantities of KCl solution into the autoclave to avoid disruption of the chemical balance in the pressure vessel. The Wilhelm Cell can be provided as a complete system including autoclave, stand, furnace and controls, or as an easily added retrofit to existing pressure vessels.

These electrodes mount easily into any of the auxiliary ports provided in the autoclave lid.

Both electrodes mate easily to potentiostat and other electrochemical instruments offered by Cortest.

RTL’s and Stirred System
Recirculating Test Loops (RTL)
Cortest Recirculating Test Loops are available in 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy© C-276, and Titanium, with temperatures as high as 900°F and pressures as high as 10,000 psi. These loops can be used in either the once-through or continuous modes.

The portable, modular test loop features a reservoir, regenerative heat exchanger, cooler, temperature and pressure monitors, sampling ports, pressure relief valves, pump, and filter. Optional O2 and H2 monitors on the inlet and outlet, and provision for full computer monitoring of loop performance are also available.

The refreshed fluid permits control of the concentration of the reaction species such as H₂S and CO₂ at constant levels over extended periods of time. Correct gas concentrations are maintained by bubbling gas in through liquid in the reservoir. Concentration of gas in the high temperature zone is calculated from concentration in the low temperature zone.

Stirred Autoclaves
Stirring attachments for Cortest Autoclaves include a magnetic drive, impeller, motor/pulley assembly, and motor speed control. An optional tachometer and RPM display is available. These attachments are rated to 5000 psi and are available in 316 SS, Hastelloyİ, or Titanium. Internal cooling coils in spiral or serpentine configurations can also be specified.