Facility 240:  3' X 3' Diffusion-Pump Vacuum

 

Description: This diffusion pumped facility is a horizontal loading thermal vacuum test chamber used for thermal vacuum testing and bakeout of test articles. The payload is mounted on a plate which is supported by rails welded to the chamber wall.

 

Mode of Operation: After the test article is instrumented with thermocouples and placed in the chamber, ground support equipment cabling is connected through the penetration plates, and ambient functional checks are performed. Placing the test article on a baseplate or suspending it from the overhead rail is an acceptable mounting method. Chamber evacuation is provided by rotary piston mechanical pumps and an oil diffusion pump. A main valve allows test set up while the pumping system is being established.

 

Parameters:

Test pressure:                            <1 x 10-5 Torr (<2x10-7 psi)

Shroud temperature:               -140°C to +110°C (-220°F to +230°F)

Pumping speed for N2:             1,600 L/sec (3,400 cfm)

 

Physical Characteristics:

Test volume:                                        0.91 m D x 0.91 m L (3’ x 3’)

Std. electrical feedthroughs:             61-pin, 37-pin, 7-pin, 4-pin, RF

Max P/L weight:                                  840 kg (1854 lbs)

 

Integral Instrumentation:

Pressure:                                     Convectron - atm to 0.13 Pa (10-3 Torr)

                                                     Ion gauge - 10-3 Torr to ultimate

Payload temperature:               36 channels

Contamination monitors:        TQCM, cold finger, scavenger plate

 

Auxiliary Equipment: Portable thermal systems are available to control baseplates, the thermoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (TQCM), and contamination control mirrors.

 

Rental Rate:  Inquire