Servicing and Maintenence

The majority of manufacturers recommend a service every 12 months, however some practices have them as often as once a quarter. We recommend an annual service every 12 months providing the equipment has been well maintained.

It usually takes around half a day to service on an Autoclave depending on the condition of the critical components (vessel, vessel cover, sealing faces, valves, threads etc)

For our smaller vessels, it is sometimes easier and cheaper to send the equipment back to us rather than sending an engineer to your site. General inspection, cleaning and servicing can take place at your site but we usually prefer to have the vessels back to perform checks and pressure test at our facilities.

All inspections will include a non-destructive examination (such as dye penetration) and if significant wear and corrosion is discovered, we will skim the damaged parts in very small increments and electropolish the entire system. We will then provide a new set of calculations and recertify your vessel. 

During a Service Plan, we usually cover the following: 

• Check serial number and specification
• Open vessel through removing vessel clamp and cover
• Inspect ALL wetted parts exposed to the corrosive media for any signs or corrosion, partially paying close attention to forms of localised corrosion.
• Inspect all electrical wiring and pressure connections for excessive corrosion. Suspect parts will be replaced by components only supplied by LBBC Baskerville.
• Check test valve porting for blockages.
• Check Safety Relief Valve porting for blockages and replace where necessary, consult LBBC Baskerville if manually replacing seals or springs.
• Inspect control system wiring for signs of loose connections.
• Check control system fan for correct operation. Inspect fan and outlet filter(s) for signs of deterioration periodically clean or replaced to ensure dust and dirt doesn’t build up inside the control system which can affect the operation of electronic equipment.
• Check over pressure and temperature alarm units for correct setting and operation.
• Check all sensor readings on gauges and displays, adjust readings where required.
• Inspect all tubing for signs of wear or leaks, replace where necessary
• Check the vessel sealing operation, re-seal or replace where necessary.
• Check the vessel cover operation is smooth and locking mechanism operates correctly. Inspect the split clamp pieces, compression ring, and bolts for wear, damage and clean parts where necessary.
• Check Clamp Bolts condition and treat with anti-seize compound.
• Check all tubing, fittings and unions are secure and free from leaks.
• Clean out vessel surfaces (internal and external) and flush cleaning products through the entire system leaving the outlet valve open.
• The heater will be inspected and tested for insulation breakdown and voltage leakage, which can lead to arcing on the cylinder wall.
• Annual Pressure Gauge calibration may be required for in-house assurance and insurance purposes.
• Annual hydraulic testing may be required for in-house assurance and insurance purposes.

Bronze (£750)

Silver (£1150)

Gold (£1100 / year)

Platinum (£1000 / year)

All of pressure vessels are supplied with a spares package and a comprehensive manual and guidance on maintenance to keep the equipment in a safe working order for a minimum of 12 months. By law, due to our recommendations, you are required to maintain and service your high pressure equipment to keep you and any users/laboratory staff safe, just like an MOT for a car! You do not have to purchase one of our plans, as long as you make alternative arrangements and keep records of your maintained, and serviced equipment.

As an owner OR user, in the simplest form, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of you and anyone using or in close proximity of the equipment. You and all users will need to be fully trained, competent and aware of the risks of using high pressure equipment. As a minimum, you should thoroughly read through the OEM Operating and Maintenance manuals and guidance, the PSSR 2000 and Guidance Note PM73(rev3) Safety Requirements for Autoclaves. In addition to this, it is your responsibility to ensure the vessel has been designed to suit your testing requirements, ensure safe operating limits and working area, ensure correct installation and operation, and above all, ensure the equipment is safe to use (through correct maintenance and servicing plans).

You can send your equipment to the following address for inspoectiopom, servicing and repair:

LBBC Baskerville Attn: Service Department

Beechwood Street, Stanningley, West Yorkshire, LS28 6PT, UK