RPC-Overview

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Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments are critical for many analytical instruments and particle accelerators
used to analyze the properties of materials and atoms. UHV systems are characterized as requiring a vacu-
um of 10-9 torr or better. At this level of vacuum even steel components
outgas large quantities of moisture. Massive pumping systems are need-
ed to remove molecules as they are generated.
We developed Silcosteel®-UHV treatment specifically to significantly
reduce outgassing by steel components in UHV systems. A Silcosteel®-UHV
layer over the steel surface is a barrier that keeps moisture isolated from
the UHV environment. The Silcosteel®-UHV layer does not liberate any
atmosphere of its own. The figures on page 31 demonstrate the superior
evacuation profile sustained by using Silcosteel®-UHV-treated components vs. non-treated components in a UHV
assembly. Clearly, Silcosteel® -UHV treatment makes it possible to maintain a UHV environment with less pump-
ing capacity.
Further, when not under vacuum, the Silcosteel® -UHV surface is far less likely to accrue a coating of water
and other airborne molecules than is a non-treated surface. This greatly reduces the length of time required
to re-attain a UHV environment.
Silcosteel®-UHV treatment is available as a custom service. For information, refer to Custom Coating Services
on page 32.
Dramatically reduce
outgassing and
pump-down time
Restek Performance Coatings • 800-356-1688 • 814-353-1300 • 29