A leading provider of precision engineering services, BEL Engineering, has completed a project with a key customer to create a cryostat capable of maintaining an ultra-high vacuum for a range of sectors.
A cryostat is a crucial device designed to maintain extremely low temperatures for samples or devices to be housed within it. To achieve the necessary low temperatures, the unit must be precision-machined to minimise potential leak points.
Upon receiving the order, the design team at sister company, BEL Valves, updated the cryostat’s design to improve its functionality and ensure it could be easily reassembled following testing and transportation. The components were machined on the Flex-turn and Hermle large machines, as well as the VTC200 and NLX2500 small machines.
The project demanded the highest quality standards for its nine machined components to ensure the cryostat could sustain an ultra-high vacuum below 1.0 x 10-4 torr for over 24 hours with minimal leaks.
Testing on the updated cryostat design took place at sister company, Tyne Pressure Testing, which proved that the cryostat maintained an ultra-high vacuum significantly exceeding the project requirements (achieving 1.0 x 10-5 torr for 30 hours).
Richard Williams, Project Manager, said: “This project highlights the expertise and collaborative strength within the British Engines Group. By combining the precision machining capabilities at BEL Engineering, with the innovative design input from BEL Valves and rigorous testing at Tyne Pressure Testing, we have delivered a cryostat that exceeds performance expectations.
“This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions for our key customers.”
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