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A controlled-environment testing station is under construction to perform bench-scale testing of single and multi-component microtechnology devices under a wide variety of environmental conditions. Such conditions include high and low-pressure and high and low-temperature applications in a controlled-composition atmosphere (of gases and liquids). The conditions created within a chamber will fit inside a standard laboratory hood.
The testing station provides a means to test microtechnology devices over a full range of operating conditions. Such demonstrations are essential to product development and acceptance by customers. More specifically, the testing station provides empirical information on the capability and functionality of microtechnology devices under actual operating conditions. Thus the devices can be developed and refined and demonstrated to customers. The controlled-environment testing station is a key link between the laboratory and the field. It contributes to the commercial success of microtechnology devices.
The specific equipment for the testing station includes a stainless steel chamber outfitted with HVAC and vacuum/pressure pumps; mass flow controllers for the atmospheric fluids; sensors for the fluids; and appropriate measurement instrumentation to provide control of the operational parameters. A key capability of the testing station is that it provides continuous flows of gases or liquids into the chamber. This allows extended testing under static and dynamic compositional conditions.
More specifically the testing station will provide empirical information on the capability and functionality of microtechnology devices under actual operating conditions. The data is very useful for developing and refining the devices and for demonstrating the devices to customers. The data provided by the use of the testing station will provide the key link between the laboratory and the field to help promote and assure commercial success of the devices.
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