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The testing of systems and components under extreme pressure and temperatures is often required of ultra modern products and processes, such as semiconductor manufacturing.
Creation of these extreme conditions whilst also facilitating the accurate measurement of spectra has conventionally been difficult. However, Specac’s High Temperature/High Pressure cell removes this problem.
Specac’s High Temperature/High Pressure cell
The cell can produce and operate at extreme conditions, run at high measurements throughout and is easily reconfigured for new measurement challenges.
The cell finds application in industry for the analysis of process gases and component failure. It can also be used in labs for reaction monitoring in situ, studies into chemical and physical decomposition under extreme conditions and for physical measurements of surface emission.
The High Temperature/High Pressure cell can be used to analyze solid samples through transmission, reflectance and decomposition experiments (the different configurations for these are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3) and gases can be analyzed via static or flow transmission modes. The cell can reach a pressure up to 1,000 psi and a temperature of 800 oC.
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Key Features
To work at such extreme conditions, the cell has several advanced features. The casing and windows of the cells are heated separately to 200 oC to operate as a high pressure cell and to prevent vaporized samples from condensing on the sides. The top and bottom faces are surrounded by water cooled blocks which prevent heat leakage from damaging the sample chamber and to make the chamber lab safe.
Switching between the reflectance and transmission modes (maximum sample size of 13 mm diameter) is extremely simple, all that is required is the switching of optical baseplates.
Steady gas flow analysis is possible using gas inputs and outputs, which can be used to create a specific atmosphere or for purging.
Switching to decomposition experiments is simple and is achieved by simply repositioning the sample holder so it sits in a pan just below the optical beam. This means that gases evolved by the sample as it is heated can be directly analyzed.
For all modes, the temperature of the cell is controlled via a system which can be programmed via a PC or manually.
Safety Measures
The High Temperature/High Pressure cell is designed with safety in mind. The electronics of the cell all comply to CSA (Canadian Standards Association) regulations, with 30 V or less of power, and the temperature controls have safety measures in place to prevent overheating.
The cell is also designed with a burst disc to release high pressures in emergencies, which can be piped to a fume cupboard for experiments involving dangerous gases. The cell is made using SS316 steel which is highly durable to withstand the extreme conditions, and when comprehensive cleaning is required, can be disassembled.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Specac.
For more information on this source, please visit Specac