This thermal vacuum system was engineered for an aerospace application involving satellite communications hardware. The system enables flight hardware to remain operational during thermal vacuum testing, allowing performance to be evaluated under controlled temperature and vacuum conditions representative of the environments encountered in space.
The 36″ diameter × 40″ long chamber features double-door access, two extendable thermal platens, and thermal shrouds to accommodate multiple test units. With a temperature range of -60 °C to +150 °C and vacuum capability to 10⁻⁶ Torr, the system provides a controlled environment for thermal vacuum testing and validation of satellite communication components.
Two AC1000 thermal control systems provide temperature conditioning for the chamber’s pillow-plated platens and thermal shrouds. Together, they support the system’s -60 °C to +150 °C temperature range, allowing satellite communication hardware to be tested across hot and cold conditions while under vacuum.
AC1000 Features
The HVC-3500 provides centralized control of the thermal vacuum system, bringing vacuum operation, system monitoring, and test control into a single interface. For this satellite communications testing system, the controller supports operation of the chamber alongside the integrated thermal and vacuum hardware.
Controller Features
| Model Number | FCT3640-RCSSSC |
| Chamber Size | 36″ DIA × 40″ L |
| Chamber Shape | Cylindrical |
| Chamber Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Interior Finish | #4 Line Grain |
| Exterior Finish | Bead Blast |
| Temperature Range | -60 °C to +150 °C |
| Thermal Zones | Single Zone |
| Vacuum Level | 10⁻⁶ Torr |
| Thermal System | (2) AC1000ULT Thermal Control Systems |
| Platen | 304 SS Pillow-Plated, 77% Extendable |
| Body Shroud | 304 SS Pillow-Plated, Aeroglaze Z306 |
| Door Shroud | 304 SS Pillow-Plated, Aeroglaze Z306 |
| Controller | HVC-3500 |
| High Vacuum Pump | Leybold 950i Turbo Pump, 450 L/sec |
| Roughing Pump | Dry Roughing Pump |
| Viewport | 8″ Borosilicate Glass |
| Doors | Double Doors, 4 Clamps, Viton O-Ring Seal |
| Thermocouple Feedthroughs | (3) NW40, 5 Pairs Each; 12 Pairs Available for Customer Use |
| Fluid Feedthroughs | (4) NW40 |
| Approx. Weight | 1,450 lbs. |
| Frame | Carbon Steel with Skins and (4) Leveling Casters |
For ultimate flexibility and control of your vacuum system, the feature-packed HVC-3500 Thermal Vacuum Controller provides automated vacuum and temperature control, customizable software, and adjustable test recipes for your unique and complex vacuum processes. The HVC-3500 is ideal for any vacuum system requiring heating or cooling, and integrates vacuum gauges and valves for either automated mode or interlocked manual mode operation.
