Technical and industrial developments

Vacuum Important

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the

348

Contents Technical

and

Commercial

New

industrial

developments

news

literature

Conferences

and

group

activities

Personal

Technical developments

and

303

Miniature mass spectrometer - apparatus for determination of hydrogen content in metals - rotary motion manipulators - Edwards’ exhibits at Achema - ceramic substrates for electronics industry - diffusion bonding - automatic fusion welder - high-vacuum resistance furnaces -tensile testing furnaces

306

Queen’s Award for Technology 1970 diffusion furnaces new instrument project-thermal diffusivity-ERA Golden -two-year guarantee on Stokes pumps

307

20th Century brochure -

308

Labex tions

308

Vacuum/Atmospheres

catalogue Varian booklet

1971 - Conference Effectiveness

industrial

Miniature mass spectrometer gauges on vacuum systems

replaces

ion

A new miniature mass spectrometer has been developed by Vacuum Generators Ltd, East Grinstead, Sussex,to replace the conventional ion gauge for measuring total vacuum pressures from 1O-3 to 10-l’ torr (mm Hz). Micromass IA can identify which gases or vapours are limiting the vacuum. It can also detect an air leak and can be tuned to detect any convenient probe gas and can pinpoint the leak in a few minutes. The spectrometer is available with thoriacoated iridium filaments which will withstand atmospheric pressure without burnout. Vacuum Circle card

Generators

number

Limited,

50 on Reader

New low-cost equipment mination in metals

UK Enquiry

Service

for hydrogen deter-

Daniel Doncaster & Sons Limited, the Sheffield-based drop forging and engineering group, have developed a sophisticated, low cost apparatus which will determine the hydrogen content of titanium and other metals, with a reproducibility of f3 ppm at the 50 ppm level. The unit was developed by the Company as a result of the inordinate expense of comparable commercially available equipment,

Micronlass to replace

IA, developed the conventional

by Vacuum Generators ion gauge

together with the increasing -demand for titanium for aerospace applications. Two production units have already been sold to Rolls-Royce Limited. The principle used is vacuum extraction which, for titanium, is carried out at 1180°C. The hydrogen content of the specimen is found by measuring pressure variations caused within the system by the evolution of the gas.

precision - Stokes on Patents,

agent for Hartung company Sira Jubilee luncheon

vacuum vacuum Inventions

pumps pumps and

-

Sloan

Innova-

Before operation, ten samples are loaded into the sample bay and the apparatus is pumped down to the working vacuum. A blank reading is taken and the first sample is dropped into the furnace using the steel pusher ball. The gas from the sample is evolved almost immediately and is transferred from the furnace tube to the measuring side of the equipment by means of the mercury diffusion pump and automatic Toepler system. The total gas evolved from the sample is collected and measured in a calibrated system. It is then analyzed by passing it through a heated palladium osmosis thimble, which allows only hydrogen to diffuse through. Any other gas which has been evolved from the sample is then re-measured so that the difference between the two readings is the hydrogen content of the sample. In a normal working day the apparatus can make about 30 determinations, each sample taking about 5 minutes. To reload and pump down to the required vacuum takes about 15 minutes. Each apparatus is calibrated against samples of titanium containing known quantities of hydrogen, by the Bureau of Analyzed Samples in Washington D.C. Novel design features in the equipment include: an automatic Toepler unit and mercury valve seal which collects and retains the evolved gas; and an automatic warning device in the mercury diffusion pump heater, which operates in two stages, sounding a warning buzzer if the flow of cooling water falls, and switching off if the 303

Vacuum news

Varian rotary motion sample rizaniprtlatot

forms part of a system which includes a CBllA chevron bal?le. a PI?RIZ hieh vacuum valve and a QSB2P quarter swiig valve, as well as one of the new PLV series of pipeline valves. New Series 70 instrrrments. The series 70 instruments are incorporated in a working display system, with a ‘-inch (50 mm) combined air-cooled diffusion rotary pumping outfit. Series 70 instruments have been designed to international standards for ease of installation and operation, and offer reliability, simplicity and value for money. The range includes: Thermocouple I, range 10m3torr; Pirani 10, range tom5 to 3 torr, single head; Pirani 1 I, range 10m3to 3 torr, with two independent gauge heads; Penning 8, range 10 m2to IO-’ torr, single head; IG5 miniature Bayard-Alpert gauge head, range IO-” to 10 I” torr, sensitivity I?/torr; 1G6 miniature plate ionization gauge head, range IO-$ to IO-’ torr, sensitivity 6/torr; and Ion 7 control unit designed for use with new miniature heads. range lO-3 to 10-O torr. I

fall continues. Daniel Doncaster & Sons Limited, UK Circle nwnber 51 on Reader Enquiry Service card High precision pulators

rotary

motion sample mani-

Three models of high precision rotary motion manipulators, designed primarily for positioning crystal samples in Varian surface research systems such as LEED and Auger spectrometers, and which can also be used as precise locating devices in other vacuum systems, are now available from the Vacuum Division of Varian Associates, Palo Alto, California. The manipulators have full 360” precision rotation, readable and resettable to 50. I ‘. Micrometer translations on X and Y motion are repeatable to better than 0.1 mm, readable to 0.01 mm and have less than 0.005-inch run out at shaft tip. The Z motion is single-screw driven aid has a scale with 0.5 mm divisions. The manioulators are bakeable to 250°C and feaiure high quality bellows-sealed construction. Permanent dry lubricant throughout the device assures compatibility with ultrahigh vacuum. The basic model manipulator features rotary motion and 2f-inch OD ConFlat flangk mounting. The- two other models, the Rotary Motion and X, Y, Z Manipulator. and the Rotarv Motion and X. Y. Z Manipulator with flip mechanism, sarnble holder and heater asskmbly, are compatible with svstems that will adaot to 6-inch OD Co&at flange mounting: On the latter two models it is possible to have the simultaneous use of four electrical feedthrough ports which are located around the 6-inch mounting flange. The ports have convenient Mini-ConFlat flanges. The flip mechanism is integral with the rotary motion and has a tilt motion regardless bf shaft position. Its rotation
tures. A toroidally-wound coil radiantly heats the sample to 1200°C. The sample holder is insulated from its supports and accommodates samples up to 6-mm diameter. Varian Associates, USA Circle twnlber 52 on Reader Enquiry card Edwards’

exhibits at Achema

Service

1970

In their exhibit at Achema 1970, Edwards High Vacuum International showed for the first time the E012 vapour diffusion pump, Series 70 total pressure gauges, the high sensitivity El80 partial pressure gauge, and the EF6 series freeze dryer. E012 vapour diffirsion pump. This new model has a pumping speed of 4,200 litre/ sec. more than 50 per cent higher than its 305 mm (12 in.) flange-diameter predecessor. It is a four stage model and can produce an ultimate vacuum of 1O-g torr, depending on the pumping fluid. The pump ShelJ-freeze dryer developed by Edwards High Vacuum International Ltd

I

High sensitivity E I 80 partialpresmre

gauge.

A new accessorv for the El80 martial oressure gauge is a high sensitivity analyzer head, which detects partial pressure down to IO-” torr. The resolution obtainable (10 per cent valley at mass 28) is sufficient‘to separate the common residual gases in vacuum systems. EF6fieezr dryer. Water flood defrosting of the refrigerated condenser is one of the features designed to make the EF6 freeze dryer fast and easy to operate and service. The mechanically refrigerated condenser utilises finned tube to provide a low temperature (-65°C) high capacity (6 kg ice) unit of relatively small volume. The EF6 is available in shelf or centrifugal versions, for laboratory or production drving of amooules, vials or bulk l&ids (up to 6 litrei). To facilitate operation, all the equipment is fitted inside a low-line cabinet and a full range of controls and instrumentation is clearly presented on the angled front panel. - Edwards High Vacuum International Ltd.. UK Circle namber 53 on Reader Enquiry Service card MRC ceramic substrates for the electronics industry

Prototype quantities of highly perfect ceramic substrates for the electronics industry are now available from Materials Research ComDanv Limited. London. It was ann&mced that $9.5 per cent alumina substrates are immediately available and that other substrate materials such as YIG, barium titanate. strontium titanate and titanium dioxide gre in process at MRC’s facilities. The substrates are orepared under ultra-clean conditions bi a unique process to yield an as-fired, defectfree surface characterized by a 3-4 microinch CLA surface smoothness. No glaze is required to achieve such a surface. Film adhesion to the material is vastly superior to that achieved with polished sapphire or polished alumina substrates having equivalent degrees of surface smoothness. This

Vacuum

news grammed with push-button Welding current ranges from for metals ,003 to A-inch thick.

operation. l/2-100 amps

Flexion Corporation, USA Circle rwmbcr 56 ou Reader Etlqrriry Scrviw card High-vacuum resistance furnaces with rapid cooling systems

T/w IICN Scot-Vat llll’lll

clllrl

tmx?i11g

FV 32 R (MO) heat trrat./lll.llm

unique combination of properties makes these substrates ideally suited for microwave integrated circuit and hybrid large scale integrated circuit manufacture. An additional feature is the very small (
Materials Research Co Limited, UK Circle mollher 54 on Reader Enquiry Service C(iI.d

Astro Industries jfexrrre testing

New method of diffusion bonding A new process for bonding sputtering targets to substrates, for efficient handling, has been introduced by Cerac Hot-Pressing Inc, of Menonomenee Falls, Wisconsin, USA. The new process, Cerabond., employs sputtering targets to deposit thm films of various materials by ion bombardment. This yields a truly metallurgical bond, which is stronger than the base metal (copper), between the target and the copper holder. The bond is formed in vacuum, thus eliminating any outgassing during sputtering. Also, because the bond is metallic it will conduct electricity rapidly and will heat quickly for rapid cooling on the target face.

Cerac Hot-Pressing Inc, USA Circle rumher 55 on Reader Enquiry

Service

CWd

Automatic

A range of tive new Scot-Vat high-vacuum resistance furnaces for heat treatment and brazing of high-purity steels and aerospace alloys incorporate an adjustable gas quenching system which can reduce cooling time to about half that of conventional high-vacuum furnaces. This rapid quenching system makes it possible to use the furnaces for hardening tool steels and can be employed to effect considerable reductions in cycling times for brazing operations. The new range has been developed and manufactured by Vacuum Engineering (Scotland) Ltd. Motherwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland, for hardening tool steels and tempering, bright annealing and brazing stainless steels, nickel-based alloys and titanium. They can also be used for surface degassing these materials and for sintering metal powders such as nickel, tantalum, tungsten and uranium. The five standard models with their hot zone sizes are as follows: FV l02R (MO) 6 ft diax4 ft high; FV 60R (MO) 5 ft dia :,’ 3 ft high; FV 36R (MO) 3 ft dia i: 3 ft high; FV 32R (MO) IS in diab:22 in high; FV IZR (MO) 6 in dia ‘. I4 in high. A model FV 32 R (MO) furnace is now in operation at the Aero Engine Division of Rolls-Royce Ltd, Dundonald, Northern Ireland, and an FV 12 R (MO) has been delivered to the Hillington plant of Rolls-

fusion welder

The Model 100-5 automatic TIC welding system recently introduced by Flexion Corp, Santa Barbara, California, enables vacuum fittings, feedthroughs and hermetically-sealed components to be fusionwelded at production rates. This unique heavy duty turntable, with variable speed and a 51-inch centre hole, allows a wide variety of tooling configurations. The weld cycle is electronically pro-

Inc have introduced

Model 100-5, the arrtornatic TIC welding svstem introduced by Ficsion Corporation Royce. A Scot-Vat FV 102R (MO), which will be the biggest of its type in Europe, is under construction for the Leicester establishment of Rolls-Royce.

Vacuum Engineering (Scotland) Ltd, UK Circk nwtrber 57 on Reader Enquiry Service card Tensile testing furnaces The new Series 1800 testing furnaces manufactured by Astro Industries Inc, Santa Barbara, California, are designed for tensile, compression or flexure testing to 3000°C in high vacuum or controlled atmosphere. Bracket-mounting is provided to fit all standard test machines of minimum 22-inch width clearance and 40 inches between cross yoke load connections. Adjust-

the Series

1800 firrnaces for tensile compression

or

Vacuum news able bellow seals, gland seals and wobble and the USSR. The Company attributes its furnaces in Europe. Every component is plate permit fast and accurate alignment of success mainly to the high proportion of checked, tested and inspected before test specimens. The furnace door opens at qualified star employed; over IO per cent assembly and checked again when built into modules. This process is continuous the front to give direct accessto the work. are University graduates and a continuous Optical measurement capability is pro- training programme is maintained. The during the assembly of every diffusion vided through two 180” opposed shuttered Company policy of operating in small furnace and it is claimed that the furnaces sight windows equipped with anti-fog gas groups maintaining close liaison with re- represent an improvement by a factor of diffusers. The windows provide a clear view search workers in highly specialised fields, ten over competitive systems. The Centrdnic furnaces are available in through a 4x2.75 inch slot, with ?-inch minimizes red tape and paperwork in the the 500 Series.with 3Aor41 inch ID heatine diameter expanded view in the centre for conversion of research and development elements an; mea&ring 58 inches ii Poison’s ratio measurements. devices into engineered instruments. The furnace system includes water cooled Vacuum Generators is owned and man- length, and the Major Series, 44 or 5.1-inch DUII rods and built-in convertibilitv from aged bv scientists for the benefit of scientific ID heating elements and an overall length of 62 inches. iungsten to graphite interior. Optional &stomers and maintains close links with Exclusive to Hartung is the three-term accessories include high vacuum systems, University and Government research control on all zones, tested to an accuracy test specimen grips, optical dilatometers, centres. All research and development vacuum extensometers, mobile mount, and expenditure to date has been funded by for 400 hours at kO.l”C, using fine grain 0.5 millimetre Pt/Rd 10 per cent wire. A automatic temperature control, recording the Company. and programming. Standard glove box Further information is available from special feature is an absolute match of integral and derivative time constants to interfaces are also available. The furnaces Mr B A Eastwell, B.Sc, Vacurm Generators the low thermal inertia characteristics of are readily adaptable to both thermo- Lintitrd, Charhoods Road, East Grinstead, the furnace. physical and mechanical properties mea- Sussex. Selected tantalum low leakage, high surements. Semi-Conductor Production Equipment Co stability capacitors are used and every Astro Industries Inc, USA Ltd market Hartung diffusion furnaces component that could be involved in temCircle nun&er 58 on Reader Enquiry Service Semi-Conductor Production Equipment perature drift is individually made and card Co Ltd, West Byfleet, Surrey, England, are subjected to an exceptional test programme now marketing the sales of the Centronic which includes chart recording each comrange of Hartung Diffusion Furnaces. (Mr ponent in a test oven. In the event of mains Commercial News Bill Wayte, well-known in the semi- transients and mains-initiated noise, the conductor industry, is Managing Director control performance is uninterrupted due of Semi-Conductor Production EquipQueen’s Award for Technology 1970 to a semiconductor pre-amplifier with Vacuum Generators Ltd, of East Grin- ment.) The firm of Carl Christian Hartung, unique chopper stabilization which prostead, Sussex, has received the Queen’s situated near Stuttgart, manufactures furn- vides a fly-wheel action throughout the Award for Technological achievement for aces and accessories to extremely high disturbance. its work in advancing UHV and associated standards. It is claimed that the company’s The heater unit is integrated with the fifteen years of development has produced cooling system giving the following benescientific instruments. Vacuum Generators was formed in 1962 the most advanced and sophisticated used fits: no radiation to the outer shell, element by B A Eastwell, B.Sc, and V J Treasure removal at 1300°C by hand, heavy duty and initially operated from a garage The Gcntronic range sf Hartang cliffsion heat-to-water exchanger in rear of shell and attached to a private house. The Company fkrnaces is now being marketed by Semino interaction at all between process tubes now employs over 200 people and has Condactor Production Equipment Co Lid on multi-stacks. buildings totalling 27,000 sq ft with a A number of optional extras are available further 28,000 sq ft under construction. to both series, including gas trains and The VG Group comprises Vacuum laminar flow load stations. Generators Limited, V-G Micromass Semi-Conductor Production Equipment Limited. and VG Electronics Limited. Ltd also market a comprehensive range of Vacubm Generators has premises at East equipment and products for the semiGrinstead and Hastings, where the followconductor industry, including: laminar ing equipment is manufactured: ultrahigh flow; conveyor furnaces; clean room clothvacuum components and systems; field ion ing; automatic profilers; quartz, lapping microscopes; low and high energy electron and polishing machines and ovens. diffraction systems; scanning high energy Further particulars may be obtained electron diffraction systems; Auger electron Production Equipfrom Semi-Conductor spectrometers ; photoelectron spectroment Co Ltd, 67 Rosenloant Parade, West meters; and cryogenic equipment. Byfleet, Surrey, England. VG Micromass Limited. currentlv at East Grinstead, is moving tb new premises New instrument company formed at Winsford, Cheshire in August 1970. A new instrument cbmpany, Sirius InstruEauioment uroduced at Winsford will comments Ltd, has been formedJomtly by Ircon prise-the alieady well-known range of VG International Inc of Niles, Illinois, and Mr Micromass mass spectrometers, monoWilliam Noakes. energetic ion guns, complete pumping Sirius has assumed resoonsibilitv for sales systems and sample inlet systems for mass and service of Ircon’s Lange of -radiation spectrometry. This is a highly specialised pyrometers, which are used extensively for operation headed by Robert Craig, a leadnon-contact industries. Of special note is< ing authority in the mass spectrometry field. the Jrcon Model CH34, specifically deVG Electronics Limited, situated at signed for measurements of thin-film Hastings, produces a range of equipment transparent plastics, and the 700 Series for comprising all the vacuum and associated glass surface temperatures. electronics for the above Companies, as Other companies represented by Sirius well as dc amplifiers and high voltage are Unimetrics Universal Corpbration, stabilised power supplies. Anaheim. California: Moore Industries Inc, Van’ Nuys, California; and ThermoVacuum Generators Limited exports a very high percentage of its products to all Lab Instruments Jnc, Glenshaw, Penncountries of the world, including America sylvania. 306