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The application involved using environmentally friendly electric heat replacing a gas burner type system. The engineering request was to conform to a direct replacement 3” stainless tubing while utilizing BCE’s Mini Clean Flow In-line design. The challenge was building the right inlet and outlet fittings in-line for a seamless change in the air heating process (gas to electric). Electrically isolated elements in the air stream were required with a high temperature thermocouple assembly near the outlet.
BCE produced a highly effective Mini Clean Flow heater meeting the delta “T” requirements during the final testing. We were able to pressure test the part to 90PSI @ 20⁰C-25⁰ without any visible leaks in the weld or braze joints. A thorough quality inspection was completed on the heater source with final cleaning using isopropyl alcohol and dry air.
With the existing chip shortage, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) application up to 360⁰C was the focus of the latest BCE Vacuum Heater Chuck. A compressed assembly was used with many vacuum holes and grooves in the bottom plate to allow the gases to escape during pump down of the vacuum chamber. No surface anodizing was required.
BCE produced a highly effective vacuum heater which reached an atmospheric temperature of 360°C in under 30 minutes. The reduced mass on the bottom plate provided proper gas elimination with a quicker initial ramp time. Due to this decreased ramp time in atmosphere, a reduced wattage may be an option for the next iteration of the 450mm Vacuum Heater Chuck.
Sunrods have a unique hot tip that allows you to reach any part of your operation that requires heat.
When activated, the split sheath design of SunRod forces its opposing legs to extend into contact with the surrounding bore for optimal heat transfer resulting in reduced operating temperature and an extended operating - by up to five times!
SunRod elements contract when de-energized, breaking contact with the bore and allowing slide-out removal. SunRods are never going to seize!
You may now apply heat whenever you want! Drill a small bore to the area that requires heating and insert a hot tip SunRod.
Contact BCE for more information about Sunrod split sheath miniature cartridge heaters. Call 510-274-1990 or visit https://bcemfg.com.
The new Vertex line of feedthroughs was born out of the necessity of making right-angle feedthroughs robust enough to handle the high vacuum requirements, voltage, amperage, pin dimensions, and challenging space constraints. BCE responded with the Vertex feedthrough.
The feedthrough utilizes precise beaded welds and multiple cure times of the BCE epoxy. After each cure, a vacuum leak test is performed to spec, ensuring feedthrough integrity. Chemical cleaning is BCE’s standard procedure for the Vertex.
In a recent test the BCE Copper Molybdenum (CuMo) Vacuum Heater Chuck performed admirably past its stated rating of 850º C up to 900º C during ramp-up and heater stabilization.
The BCE Copper Molybdenum capability of 850º C clearly outperforms aluminum heater chucks temperature threshold of 450º C by a large margin, and also provides the benefit of more uniform heat distribution.
For more information contact BCE. Call them at 510-274-1990 or visit this web page.
BACKGROUND
An ALD chamber needed to be upgraded to a higher temperature platen, beyond the limits of aluminum. The application involved reducing the cost of a replacement vacuum heater while keeping the heat transfer and uniformity the same or better in vacuum. Vacuum integrity was crucial to the success of the project since it needed to comply with the existing vacuum heater chuck being replaced.
SCOPE
OUTCOME
Vacuum equipment usually requires transferring electrical currents, voltages, and signals or fluids through the equipment walls. BCE provides a wide range of feedthroughs that serve as solutions to various requirements for vacuum equipment installations.
One unique design is the 120-volt Socket Feedthrough. It's designed to replace bulky power wiring and reduce clutter located in and around a vacuum chamber. A three-slot single female receptacle precisely fitted into an adapter with a KF50 flange or 1-1/4" NPT connection. This feedthrough is an optimal solution to reduce the size and increase efficiency. With this design, users can relocate the power system to the chamber's exterior, increasing the available space within the vacuum chamber while maintaining the desired vacuum rating.
BCE's epoxy chemical adhesion, the most robust mechanism of any adhesive bond, make the seal possible. The viscoelastic nature of the epoxy absorbs vibrations and allows for a better performance by reducing fatigue.
BCE's innovative product is just what you need for a fast and easy 120-volt socket available on the other side of the vacuum wall. They provide a standard 120V, 15 amp socket for a quick, reusable connection. Custom configurations are available.
