AIC Group has announced it had completed the significant and full refurbishment of BAE Systems’ 5.5m x 14m autoclave.
The refurbishment has improved the performance of the autoclave, and with the installation of inverter driven motors where applicable this has resulted in lower energy usage. The heating system was replaced to enhance the performance of the autoclave together with a new uprated water-cooling system which will deliver a significant increase in cooling capability. Further improvements and efficiencies are achieved by introducing AIC’s Autoclave Management and Control System (AMCS), a novel software and hardware system which improves control with ease of operation. “This was a huge project,” stated AIC’s operations director, Tim Denison. “We had to combine our technical engineering skills with organisational and project management capabilities. We are pleased that BAE Systems now has an efficient autoclave that will last for years to come, and that this project was delivered on time and within budget.” Ben Gregory, senior facilities engineer, added: “Having a fully-operational suite of autoclaves is essential to ensure the carbon fibre business can deliver on its workload. AIC first provided a full detailed condition report on the plant then were selected as part of the competitive tender to complete the refurbishment works. They provided and delivered a cost-effective solution when compared to a new system with the same specification requirements. The end result has been an autoclave with a higher than original specification and coupled with the new AMCS control system it will see the autoclave continue to run for another 10 years with improved efficiency and control. “Throughout this major refurbishment project AIC were on hand to listen to our concerns and on a number of occasions were able to modify the agreed specification at short notice for the ultimate benefit of the project. AIC were able to act as the Principle Contractor on the project so from a client point of view they were able to manage all site operations including the health and safety, scheduling and the use of sub-contractors with minimal client interaction which helped with the autoclave being handed back to the customer on time and on budget.” The refurbishment has added an expected 10+ years to the life of the machine which has been heavily used since it was installed in the early 1990s. www.aicservice.com
