Abstract: An autoclave system which uses the exhaust gas of a turbine to heat an autoclave. The exhaust gas of the turbine is approximately 1200.degree. F., low enough to be coupled to the heater coils of the autoclave. The output shaft of the turbine may be coupled to a generator that drives the autoclave motor and other subsystems. The output shaft of the turbine may also be coupled, either directly or through the generator, to the compressors of a nitrogen processing plant. The processed nitrogen can be introduced to the autoclave to reduce the risk of fires.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding process and system for creating composite materials. The system includes encapsulating a fibrous sheet within a tool and a cover plate that together define an inner cavity. The tool, the cover plate and the sheet are placed within the inner chamber of an autoclave. The pressure in the inner cavity is then reduced to create a vacuum within the tooling. The pressure of the inner chamber of the autoclave is also reduced so that the differential pressure across the tool is essentially zero. A resin is then introduced to the inner cavity. The inner cavity pressure may be increased by the introduction of the resin. The pressure of the autoclave inner chamber may be raised, so that there is a minimal pressure differential across the tool. After the tool is filled with resin, the inner cavity is heated by the autoclave to cure and form a composite material.