Numerical study and optimization of a conical autoclave receiver

Abstract

In this article, we present a mathematical model applied to the concentration of solar energy. This system is designed to prepare steam to meet the sterilization needs of medical instruments. A conical concentrator coupled to an autoclave in cylindrical form is placed in the conical reflector axis. We present a mathematical model explaining the thermal behaviour of water in a medical autoclave. The validation of the model was well done with the literature results. Our results indicate that the system produces saturated steam and takes 20 to 30 min, depending on climatic conditions and autoclave dimensions. The sufficient time to reach a temperature of more than 121 °C where no organism reproduces after being kept in an autoclave at 126 °C for 6 min or at 121 °C for at least 20 min. The simulation results encourage us to optimize the concentrator device to obtain a useful solar sterilizer, using the theoretical model as a safe guide to achieve this.

Keywords

• Autoclave
• Concentration ratio
• Thermal efficiency
• Saturated steam pressure
• Thermal Energy