The invention of the MagneDrive by Bob Ruyak of AutoClave Engineer, Inc.

In 1958 Erie, Pa., revolutionized the use of chemical reactors for both research and production at chemical companies throughout the world.

After World War II research began on catalyst development for chemical reactions (particularly hydrogenations). These catalysts required reaction pressures not previously encountered in the chemical industry. This created a serious problem for the industry. Up until that time agitated chemical reactions used a sealing mechanism on turning agitator shafts called packing. Packing was adequate for low pressure reactions, but at higher pressures they tended to leak which caused a serious safety hazard.

In order for companied to continue safely with research at high pressure, AutoClave Engineers designed a high pressure vessel mounted in a stand that rocked the vessel gently back and forth to mix the contents Although this allowed research to continue, it was a poor substitute for an high pressure reactor with internal mixing.

Bob Ruyak realized that what was required by industry was a device for mixing the contents of a high pressure reactor which did not allow leakage of the contents into the atmosphere. His invention of the MagneDrive met this requirement. It allowed for an external motor to turn an external magnet assembly which was coupled to an internal shaft and impeller by the force of magnetic attraction. This allowed the internal shaft to rotate without any rotating seal.

AutoClave Engineers, Inc. and Bob Ruyak applied for and received a Patent on this device in 1959.

The new MagneDrive design was immediately recognized by the Chemical Industry as the perfect solution to their problem. The new design was so versatile that it was incorporated into research vessels as small as a few milliliters and production vessels of 50 gallons and more in volume.

The invention of the MagneDrive allowed the chemical industry to study high pressure catalytic reactions in a wide variety of new applications.

The MagneDrive has been used in the development of new products and processes in specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, biotechnology, ceramics, and nuclear as well as basic research.

The invention of the MagneDrive was a major factor in growth of AutoClave Engineers. It provided a competitive advantage over AE's competitors that resulted in the company becoming the premier supplier of high pressure equipment to industry. Within a few years AutoClave Engineers grew from being one of many suppliers of high pressure equipment to the largest and most respected name in the industry. This growth and recognition was in a large part due o the invention of the MagneDrive. This growth allowed Autoclave to expand in Erie to multiple manufacturing facilities and contributed to a constant increase in employment that benefited the entire Erie area.

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