Cryopumping
Absolut System develops high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum cryopumping solutions using a closed helium loop.
Absolut System develops high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum cryopumping solutions using a closed helium loop.
Cryopumping
Absolut System develops
high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum cryopumping solutions using a closed helium loop.
The cryopump comprises a very cold surface (between 20K and 40K), protected from ambient thermal radiation by screens or a baffle that allows the molecules to pass through. The gas accumulates in the form of frost when contacting the cryogenic surface as result of solid condensation (cryosorption).
Cryopumping is used in a wide range of applications, such as nuclear fusion, semiconductor processes for the production of material layers, space simulation chambers and test benches for ion thrusters.
Test bench
for satellite thrusters
for satellite thrusters
Test bench
for satellite
thrusters
Absolut System develops specific test benches to characterize and optimize ion thrusters, maintaining an adequate level of high vacuum thanks to cryogenic cryopumping.
The vacuum chamber recreates the satellite environment in orbit, enabling us to test the performance and service life of the thrusters under study, as closely as possible to real-life conditions. Absolut System’s cryopumps maintain the vacuum despite the expulsion of particles generated by the motor’s plasma propulsion. Cold conditions capture and freeze the molecules, ensuring optimal conditions throughout the weeks of testing.
The chamber’s radiative screens are cooled via a closed loop using recondensation of LN2, or an open loop using a canister.
Custom engineering
Each electric thruster characterization bench is custom-designed. The design office has developed tools to model the cryogenic pumping system to obtain optimum results for complex geometries. This modeling comprises :
- Macroscopic analysis of the cryopump using empirical methods.
- A finite element radiative thermal analysis (elaborate modeling of radiative exchanges) to help select cryogenic coolers.
- A molecular Monte Carlo analysis to validate the pumping capacity of the specific geometry.
Key Points
- Self-contained closed circuit with liquid nitrogen
- 20K - 40K helium cooling loop with cryogenic circulator
- Highly dynamic molecules pumping capacity for engine firing
- Gate valve to insulate the auxiliary preparation chamber
- Removable walkways and pedestals
Related Project: Vacuum test benches for satellite propulsion
Application: Space ground research
Development of specific test benches to characterize and optimize electric thrusters in vacuum chambers adapted to a wide range of thrust (mass flow rates). Absolut System has developed tools for modeling and optimizing cryopumping systems, enabling optimum results to be obtained for complex geometries.
Related project: Vacuum test benches for satellite propulsion
Application: Space ground research
Development of specific test benches to characterize and optimize electric thrusters in vacuum chambers adapted to a wide range of thrust (mass flow rates). Absolut System has developed tools for modeling and optimizing cryopumping systems, enabling optimum results to be obtained for complex geometries.
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