Pressure measurements in vacuum sealed devices as a device life-time assessment tool

The Slovenian research institute provides the expertise in the measurement of low pressure (from ultra high vacuum up to atmospheric pressure), particularly when monitoring small and slow pressure changes in vacuum sealed devices such as vacuum insulation panels, vacuum glazing, dewars and similar. The following services are provided: - determination of the pressure rise (outgassing rate) of a material after certain (thermal) treatment, this may also include the determination of the gasses being evolved (using quadrupole mass spectrometry) - permeation measurements for various (even highly impermeable) materials - vacuum processing - identification of leaks - determination of pressure and gas composition accumulated inside small sealed devices - measurement of thermal conductivity vs. internal pressure for planar vacuum insulation panels (VIP) These measurements and know-how are crucial in the R&D phase and/or later quality control of small vacuum sealed devices whose functionality inherently relies on the low level of pressure inside them. The techniques and skills are particularly suitable for developers and producers of vacuum insulation panels. In the vacuum insulation panels, the long-term pressure rise can be predicted and thermal conductivity vs. internal pressure relation can be measured. With these measurements the life-time of the vacuum insulation panels can be rapidly estimated. The research team has decades of experiences in the research and development of various types of vacuum sealed devices along with skills in vacuum science and technology & materials science. Manufacturers of vacuum insulation panels and other vacuum-related devices are sought for service agreements. The industrial partner is expected to describe his needs and requirements for vacuum characteristics measurements of their vacuum sealed devices. Manufacturers and research organizations that have R&D in vacuum sealed devices are sought for commercial agreements with technical assistance. The partner is expected to apply the expertise for measuring pressure characteristics with the help of technical assistance. Manufacturers and research organizations that have R&D in vacuum sealed devices are sought for license agreement. The partner is expected to apply and license the expertise for measuring pressure characteristics without the help of technical assistance.