Gas liquefaction for tactical infra-red applications
Since 1955 Honeywell Hymatic has pioneered the technology of cryogenic
coolers / cryostats for military applications, using the Joule -
Thomson (JT) process. Developed by James Joule and Lord Kelvin in
the latter part of the 19th century, the Joule Thomson process
employs the liquefaction technique of expanding a high-pressure
gas through a small orifice.
Self-regulating coolers / cryostats, which maximise usage time for
a given volume of stored gas, are able to accurately control at
their operating temperature in order to ensure stability of
substrate temperature with minimal drift. A liquid sensing
mechanism connected to a flow control device within the core of
the Joule - Thomson cooler / cryostat, matches gas flow precisely
to the heat load from the detector. The very latest “4th
Generation” Joule - Thomson coolers / cryostats optimise
temperature stability of the infrared detector, coupled with
minimising gas consumption for extended operation.
Built to withstand the harshest military environments, including
the extreme shock loads and G-forces experienced during missile
launch and high speed manoeuvring, Honeywell Hymatic coolers / cryostats
incorporate design features proven and evolved over nearly 50
years.
Available in a variety of forms to optimise the particular
performance required, Honeywell Hymatic also supplies integrated bottle -
cooler / cryostat systems that can be stored safely for many years
and yet cool to 100K (minus 173°C) in less than a second. Cryogenic
temperatures as low as 30K (-243°C) are achievable with Honeywell Hymatic
Joule - Thomson coolers / cryostats.
