Thermal Cycling for Aerospace, Spacecraft and Satellite Components

The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. offers a full range of thermal cycling processes created for a range of different applications. We are able to meet the most dramatic thermal cycling requirements because of our experience with liquid helium processing. Most of our work involves the use of liquid nitrogen. However when specifications require going below -320°F, helium is required.

We have created standard thermal cycling profiles and we can also thermal cycle using your provided specifications. As an ITAR registered company, we are also capable of fulfilling MIL/DOD specifications. Due to confidentiality agreements and Federal laws we are unable to disclose information relating to most of these thermal cycling projects.

Why should companies use thermal cycling on the aerospace and space components?

1. Thermal cycling relieves residual stresses in metals and other materials. As temperatures are lowered well below freezing, molecular activity continues to be reduced. It is at absolute zero (-459°F) that no further energy can be extracted from a material. At this point, residual stresses are relieved and they will not return once the cycle has arrived back at ambient temperature. Our thermal cycling processes typically utilize multiple heating and cooling cycles. Depending on the specifications of the thermal cycle, we will make holds at these hot and cold temperature extremes.

2. Thermal cycling conditions parts prior to exposure to extreme temperature environments. It is ideal for engineers and research and design experts to see how temperature extremes will affect their parts. This is very typical for aerospace components which cycle between very wide temperature extremes from land, to Earth’s atmosphere and beyond.

3. Thermal cycling supports lab and research & design work for testing in extremely cold environments. This allows engineers to better understand how cold temperatures will affect the materials they elect to use in specific applications. Through our experiences with thermal cycling, we have developed a wide range of techniques to meet our customer’s thermal cycling requirements. We have utilized temperature controlled atmospheric chambers as well as immersion treatments in the past. Cryogenic thermal cycling has become a mainstay of our business and we expect to expand these capabilities through the knowledge that we continue to acquire about thermal cycling.

For more information about thermal cycling, please visit our thermal cycling web page or call Robin Rhodes or Ryan Taylor at (508) 459-7447.

Cryogenic Helium Processing

This is a press release that was made about a month ago. However, I wanted to add it to our blog, so that other people can see it.

Cryogenic Helium Processing Approaches New Levels of Affordability

Worcester, MA – June 30, 2008 – The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. introduces a new capability of utilizing liquid helium for cryogenic treatment of materials to temperatures as low as 4K /-268C/-451F. Measurements were recorded by attaching a spring loaded silicone diode cryogenic temperature sensor rated to 1.4K with a calibrated accuracy of +/- 10mK.

The procedure involves the utilization of a specially modified cryogenic chamber that was designed and constructed in collaboration with technology partner Applied Cryogenics Inc. The chamber utilizes multiple dedicated delivery systems for introduction of both liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. The system also utilizes an advanced insulation scheme that involves a combination of sophisticated polyisoanurate materials, as well as vacuum and liquid nitrogen jackets for maximum effectiveness. A proprietary method for controlling the delivery of the helium to the chamber enables controlled rates of temperature change.

According to Robin Rhodes, President of Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc., the capability grew from the needs of its aerospace customers who sought extreme temperature cycling for residual stress relief of critical components. “It was a natural extension for us to push beyond the limits of liquid nitrogen (77K/-196C/-320F), where we work every day, into the coldest cryogens available”, Rhodes stated. The company reported that they have delivered controlled cryogenic treatment profiles at temperatures ranging from 16K to 4K (-257C/-430F to -268C/-451F) over a dozen times in the past year. The temperatures and profiles were specified by the firm’s customers, who Rhodes declined to identify because of confidentiality agreements.

While the majority of applications have been related to aerospace, the firm has also offered the capability to researchers and other industries, including electronics. Cost for the treatment varies, depending on ramp and soak times, but Rhodes estimates that his firm can offer a near absolute zero treatment cycle (to 4K) for less than 30% of the cost of similar processing as offered through governmental and other research organizations. “We feel that we have a real price breakthrough that will lead to further commercialization of ultra deep cryogenic treatments for residual stress relief and other transformations in materials”, Mr. Rhodes stated.

The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc., located at 90 Ellsworth St. Worcester, MA, is dedicated to the commercial application of cryogenic technologies to serve the needs of industry, government and scientists. The firm offers a full range of cryogenic services, including conventional cryogenic treatment, heat & freeze thermal cycling, cryogenic deflashing & deburring services, shrink fitting services, and dry ice (CO2) blast cleaning. It also offers engineering services, cryogenic lab work in support of R & D, and custom equipment design for new and unique cryogenic applications. It is a corporate sustaining member of the Cryogenic Society of America. To learn more visit http://www.nitrofreeze.com/.