Wax melting and sterilization tank 300L

01 · 125 °C IS NOT FOR MELTING

It is for treating wax of uncertain origin

Wax can carry spores that ordinary melting does not remove, and that is the reason a tank like this exists. It is used when wax comes in from outside, when the operation has a health history, or when material of unknown provenance is to be recycled.

The protocol — temperature and time — is set by the maker and, where the case calls for it, by the relevant health authority. The machine supplies what is needed to meet it: the capacity to take 250 kg of wax to that temperature and hold it there under control.

02 · AT THAT TEMPERATURE WAX DARKENS

And it is worth knowing from the outset

This has to be said plainly, because it changes the product: beeswax begins to darken above 85 °C. At 125 it does not spoil, but it comes out darker than it went in.

In other words, sterilised wax does not go back to being pale virgin wax. Foundation sold as virgin wax starts from different raw material; this is for recovering and cleaning up stock, which is a different — and perfectly legitimate — decision.

03 · THE OIL IS THE BAIN-MARIE

Two elements that never touch the wax

The two 3 kW elements do not heat the wax directly: they heat the 120 litres of thermal oil in the inner tank, and it is the oil that spreads the heat through the wall. At 125 °C, an element in direct contact would create a spot far hotter than the mass.

Thermal oil is a consumable: it is checked and topped up over time. If you need a refill, order it with the machine.

04 · DOUBLE THERMOSTAT WITH CUT-OFF

Six kilowatts and wax at 125 degrees

Control is by double safety thermostat with cut-out, driven through a contactor. It is not a luxury: this is 250 kg of wax at 125 °C, and the failure of a single thermostat in that scenario is not a minor incident.

Consumption is 2 × 3 kW. And the common-sense precaution: wax at that temperature burns on contact, and is not handled without protection, nor is the tank left running unattended.

05 · 300 LITRES IS 250 KILOS

Because molten wax weighs less than solid wax

Capacity is 300 litres and 250 kg, and both figures are right at once: molten wax has a lower density than solid, around 0.82, and 300 litres at that density is exactly those 250 kilos.

The tank measures Ø 907 × 935 mm, is built in 1.4301 stainless steel, inert-gas welded and grained, and carries an aluminium lid. It is also the sterilising tank RIETSCHE offers as an option on its foundation stations.

06 · BEFORE YOU BUY

Wax sanitation, not ordinary melting.