Project description

GMM INOX has successfully delivered a demanding project involving the fabrication of two advanced 5,000-liter “Bioreactor” pressure vessels. The units were engineered from premium grade 316L (1.4404) acid-resistant stainless steel and designed to meet the strict inspection and approval procedures of the TÜV certification body. The comprehensive scope of advanced engineering, welding, and non-destructive testing (NDT) was completed within an impressive total of 2,500 man-hours. This project demonstrates that GMM INOX possesses the expertise to manufacture the market’s most stringent pressure equipment.

Category

Pressure vessels / Bioreactors

Operating capacity

5000 l

Lead time

2500h

Dimensions

Diameter 1500 mm
Height 4250 mm

Project objectives

The primary technological requirement was to manufacture the equipment in full compliance with the AD2000 standard, which imposes the highest benchmarks for welding restrictions, rigorous material certification (3.1 mill test certificates), and final technical sign-off by TÜV inspectors. The bioreactors were engineered to withstand immense pressure loads while ensuring absolute operational safety. A critical criterion was meeting strict hygienic requirements inside the vessel, which was achieved through precision finishing of surfaces and welds to a roughness profile of Ra ≤ 0.8 µm, preventing organic build-up and facilitating CIP (Clean-in-Place) processes.

A true milestone and technical innovation for this project was the integration of a half-pipe (profiled) jacket. The fitting and precision welding of this component required immense dedication from our welding team, the implementation of specialized welding procedures (WPS), and continuous heat-input control to prevent distortion of the heavy-gauge vessel shell. As an additional aesthetic requirement specified by the client, the external structure was given a modern, durable appearance, which we achieved through precision bead-blasting of the surface, giving the equipment a uniform, premium matte finish.

Technical specification

Details:

  • Device name: “Bioreactor” pressure vessel

  • Operating capacity: 5000 l
  • Steel grade: Acid-resistant stainless steel AISI 316L (1.4404)
  • Order quantity: 2 pcs
  • Manufacturing standard: AD2000 (full certification, final TÜV acceptance)
  • Vessel outer diameter: 1500 mm
  • Total apparatus height: 4250 mm
  • Main shell wall thickness: 8 mm
  • Dished head wall thickness: 10 mm
  • Thermal system: External half-pipe heating jacket with dimensions 76.1 mm x 3 mm
  • Internal surface finish: Grinding and polishing to a roughness of Ra ≤ 0.8 µm
  • External surface finish: Professional, uniform bead blasting
  • Total production labor time: 2500 hours

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