A leading manufacturer of mass spectrometry analyzers required a high-performance heater assembly for their advanced product line. To meet this demand, they partnered with Tempco, a trusted provider of custom heating solutions for scientific and industrial applications.
What is a Mass Spectrometer?
A mass spectrometer is a powerful analytical instrument used to detect, identify, and quantify the molecular composition of a sample. It works by vaporizing the sample, ionizing it, and then separating the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio within electric and magnetic fields.
The vaporization process begins inside a high-vacuum chamber where a precision heating element transforms the sample into gas. This vapor is then bombarded with a high-energy electron beam, which causes the atoms to ionize. These charged ions are accelerated electrically and deflected by a magnetic field toward an ion detector. Each ion hit is amplified for improved sensitivity and converted into an electrical signal. The resulting electrical signals are processed into a mass spectrum, allowing scientists to compute the precise masses of the atoms and molecules of the substance to determine its identity with extreme accuracy.
Tempco’s Custom Heater Assembly
To enable this critical vaporization step, Tempco engineered a custom miniature assembly specifically designed for mass spectrometry systems. The solution included a miniature coil heater built with 0.025-inch diameter mineral-insulated (MI) cable and a Nickel 200 insert. For precise temperature control, a Type K thermocouple with an isolated junction was integrated directly into the assembly.
An innovative gas tube with a barbed fitting was also included, allowing for cooling gas to flow through the unit and regulate coil temperature during extended operation. This advanced design ensures reliable performance and accurate thermal management, even under stringent laboratory conditions.
Key Features of the Custom Heating Solution:
- Ultra-compact size for tight installation spaces
- 30-watt, 12-volt power rating
- Durable Nickel 200 coil insert
- Integrated Type K thermocouple for accurate temperature feedback
- Cooling gas tube with barbed fitting for thermal regulation
- Precision machining with tight tolerance components
This high-precision heating assembly highlights Tempco’s capability to deliver custom thermal solutions for highly specialized scientific instruments. Whether it’s for mass spectrometry systems or other precision applications, Tempco offers the engineering expertise and manufacturing excellence required for success.
