System and methods for removing core elements of cast components

A method for removing core elements of cast components, the method comprising the acts of:

• controlling a first high temperature autoclave cycle for a cast component in a vessel with a first solution concentration to remove at least a first portion of core elements, wherein the first solution concentration, temperature and pressure in the vessel are controlled to expose one or more casting pins in the cast component;
• controlling a second high temperature autoclave cycle for the cast component in the vessel with second solution concentration, wherein the second solution concentration, temperature and pressure in the vessel during the second high temperature autoclave cycle are controlled to loosen one or more of the casting pins from the cast component;
• and
• controlling one or more low temperature autoclave cycles following the second high temperature cycle to remove core and casting pins from the cast component, wherein the one or more low temperature autoclave cycles have a temperature lower than the first high temperature autoclave cycle and the first high temperature autoclave cycle has a temperature lower than the second high temperature autoclave cycle.