About this archived opportunity

Advanced Feedthrough Assembly Technology for Sealed Environments This technology introduces an innovative feedthrough assembly design enhancing the integrity of sealed chambers in demanding environments. The Challenge: In the demanding environments of industrial processes and scientific research, maintaining the integrity of sealed chambers is crucial. These chambers are pivotal for containing hazardous materials, sustaining high-pressure or vacuum conditions, and ensuring precise temperature control for ongoing operations. Traditional sealing solutions often falter under extreme conditions such as significant temperature variations and high differential pressures, leading to costly leaks and operational downtimes. Addressing this challenge, the advanced feedthrough assembly emerges as a revolutionary solution, offering unparalleled reliability and effectiveness in sealing technology. How it Works: The technology encompasses a feedthrough assembly that includes a feedthrough conductor, a first insulator, and a metal gasket system designed to maintain a robust seal between the feedthrough conductor and the insulator. It is engineered for high performance in sealed chambers, such as those required in industrial processes and research, where maintaining a controlled environment is crucial. The assembly is further optimized through specific manufacturing methods, including the strategic compression of metal gaskets to ensure leak-proof seals under conditions of significant pressure differences, high temperatures, and constrained spaces. Key Advantages: Enhanced Seal Durability: With the integration of copper metal gaskets, the assembly ensures a long-lasting seal that withstands extreme environments. Resistance to Harsh Conditions: Capable of maintaining integrity under high pressures and temperatures, providing reliable performance where other systems might fail. Compact Design: The streamlined configuration of the feedthrough assembly makes it suitable for applications where space is at a premium. Easy Integration: Features like a threaded nipple on the body facilitate straightforward installation into existing systems, particularly vacuum chambers. Problems Solved Leakage in sealed chambers due to large pressure differentials Seal degradation at high temperatures Space constraints in chamber design Maintenance of controlled environments for industrial and research applications Market Applications Industrial Manufacturing: Ideal for environments requiring rigorous containment measures, such as in chemical processing and high-pressure treatments. Scientific Research: Serves critical roles in laboratories where maintaining specific atmospheric conditions is necessary for experimental integrity. Aerospace and Defense: Can be deployed in applications requiring robust environmental isolation, from spacecraft to advanced military research facilities. Development Status: TRL 5 US Patent Application No. 17/302,168, “FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLIES, INDUCTION FURNACES INCLUDING SUCH FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATED METHODS,” BEA Docket No. BA-1146 INL Tech Partnerships: Your Gateway to Innovation INL offers strategic access to proprietary technology, enhancing small business growth and contributing to economic and public advancement. We cater licensing terms to each business we work with, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements. Engage with our diverse technology offerings to propel your company forward. Learn more about our licensing opportunities and the support we provide at https://inl.gov/technology-deployment/. For specific discussions on how your business can benefit, please contact td@inl.gov. INL’s Technology Deployment department focuses exclusively on licensing intellectual property and partnering with industry collaborators capable of commercializing our innovations. Our goal is to commercialize the technologies developed by INL researchers. We do not engage in purchasing, manufacturing, procurement decisions, or providing funding. Additionally, this is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

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