Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) Autoclaves
(click on thumbnail to enlarge)
Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) Autoclaves
At our 25,000 sq. ft. fabrication shop, we perform custom designing, fabricating, testing, and installation of a broad range of vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) autoclaves. Melco Steel, Inc. impregnating systems are best suited for wood treating, resin impregnating, as well as other processing applications in industries ranging from carbon and wood product manufacturing to metallurgy. Our VPI autoclaves can be used as cost-effective alternatives for conventional dip and bake methods for processing electrical windings, armatures, castings, or powdered metal products.
Depending on your specific processing needs, VPI systems can be offered in vertical/horizontal and vacuum/non-vacuum designs. Auxiliary support systems of our VPI autoclaves include storage racks, internal support racks, cart racks, flooring, and manifolds. The hydraulic cylinders used to swing open the doors of our VPI process vessels are fitted with a counterbalance valve. This device is used to prevent the door from falling in the event of hydraulic system failure.
We specialize in building counterbalance valves customized to your VPI tank configuration and weight. A kit can be provided that consists of a factory set counterbalance valve, tube, and tube fittings for installation on a existing VPI tank fitted with non-counterbalance valve. Depending on the size and type of parts impregnated, desired sealing results, as well as other production parameters, our VPI systems can be customized in a number of ways.
(click on thumbnail to enlarge)
Melco VPI Autoclave #1
|
Melco VPI Autoclave #2
|
Melco VPI Autoclave #3
|
|
Melco VPI Autoclave #4
|
VPI Autoclave 16x16
|
|
VPI Autoclave Brochure (PDF - 457KB)

Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) Autoclaves Specifications
Autoclave Specifications
Equipment Capabilities |
Insulating Electrical Coils Processing Electrical Components Resin Impregnating |
Sealing Porous Metal Castings Wood Treating | |
Materials |
Carbon Steel Stainless Steel |
VPI Autoclave Designs |
Vacuum and Non-Vacuum Designs Vertical and Horizontal Designs |
Maximum Working Diameter |
32 ft |
Maximum Working Length |
200 ft |
Maximum Operating Pressure |
3000 psi |
Maximum Operating Temperature |
1500 ºF |
Maximum Wall Thickness |
8 in |
Pressurizing Medium |
Air CO2 GN2 |
Heating Methods |
Electric Heat Transfer Fluid Steam |
Autoclave Parts |
Blower Motor Circulating Fan Cooling Coil Heat Exchanger Quick Opening Door |
Rupture Disc Safety Relief Valve Shielded Electrical Heating Unit | |
Standard Features |
- Pneumatic or Mechanical Pressurization Circuits
- Pneumatic or Mechanical Fluid Transfer Systems
- Quick Opening or Economical Bolted Doors
- Jacketed or Non-Jacketed Storage Tanks
- Hydraulically Operated VPI Process Tank Door Safety Counterbalance Valves
|
Instrumentation Options
Control Capabilities |
Multiple Equipment Computer Control Monitoring Recording with Backup |
Control Options |
Honeywell Computer Controls Manual Controls Network Compatible Computer-Based Control Systems |
Programmable Microprocessor-Based Controls Systems Set Point Controls | |
Recording Options |
Circular Chart Computer |
Data Logger Recorder Strip Chart | |
Vacuum Control Types |
Automatic Manual |
Vacuum Monitoring Options |
Gauges Transducers |
Auxiliary Systems
Options Available |
Storage Racks Internal Support Racks Cart Racks |
Flooring Manifolds Control Systems | |
Process Controls |
Piping Pumps |
Related Safety Equipment Valves | |
Safety Features |
'Operator-Inside' Alarms Blower Motor Cooling Alarms |
Door Safety Interlocks Over-Pressure and Over-Temperature Protection Options | |
Cooling Systems |
Cooling Towers Pumps
|
Steam Separators Storage Tanks | |
Capabilities
Services |
Analysis of Equipment Design and Engineering Evaluation Fabrication |
Inspection Installation Non-Destructive Field Testing Training for New Systems | |
Support Services |
Complete Turnkey Installation Freight On Board (FOB) Factory Services On Site Start-Up/Operation/Maintenance Training |

Back to top |