ASI/SILICA Machinery’s Core Sinter System is designed to provide quality drying and consolidation of Germania doped silica soot preforms. When used in combination with the other preform making equipment available from ASI/Silica Machinery, it is possible to make complete preforms that are ready to be drawn into optical fiber. The Dual Core Sintering System comprises two completely independent sintering systems located on opposite sides of the same tower. This dual sinter configuration maximizes the efficient use of floor space. The system is a reliable, repeatable automatic laboratory or production source for high temperature, Germania and Silica processing in a controlled atmosphere. With a unique ground loading capability, the system provides the user with both easy and safe operating conditions.
FURNACE DESIGN
The upper furnace provides multi-zone heating enabling maximum flexibility and precise control of temperature gradients vital to the core process. It further features high technology insulation packages designed for power efficiency. The lower furnace is constructed with light weight, low mass ceramic fiber insulation to provide maximum thermal efficiency, coupled with 1800oC long life heating elements which operate in air. This unique design provides both lower operating costs and a fast heating rate.
GAS DELIVERY SYSTEM
The gas delivery system is made of electro-polished 316 stainless steel components, assembled in a class 10 clean room environment and equipped with sub-micron filters to insure the highest level of purity. The system incorporates a series of mass flow controllers and air operated diaphragm valves. Upon completion, the system is helium leak tested to a level of 1×10-8 std cc/sec.
P.C. BASED CONTROL SYSTEM
The Core Sinter System is operated by an industrial P.C. All the process parameters are monitored and complete process control is achieved through the system’s P.C. The run data is displayed on screen for easy viewing, and automatically stored on the hard drive for process analysis and system trouble-shooting.
SAFETY FEATURES
The system comes equipped with safety features, including chlorine detector, safety interlocks and excess temperature monitor that will shut the system down in the event of a thermal malfunction.