The rapid technical development which has taken place over the last decade has led to numerous innovations in the field of noble gas technology in which M. Braun GmbH has played a decisive role. The company relies on the high quality of thermal flow sensors TA·Di... manufactured by Höntzsch GmbH/Waiblingen for measuring noble gases in glove boxes. Apart from the excellent repeatability and choice of material, other distinguishing characteristics are very high measuring dynamics as well as high pressure resistance and temperature resistance.

M. Braun GmbH: Specialists in the Field of Glove Box Systems

Since 1973 M. Braun GmbH has been designing and manufacturing glove box systems in conformity with noble gas technology. The products range from integrated analytical measuring systems for residual gas analysis, high-vacuum process furnaces, low temperature experimental set-ups, solvent absorption units, to customised built-in thermoanalytical appliances. The ranges of application are just as numerous: they are used in chemistry, in semiconductor technology as well as aerotechnics and aerospace engineering in both research and development and manufacture. Special systems for welding with YAG lasers for the semiconductor industry, medical technology, nano technology and many other innovative areas cannot do without glove box systems in conformity with noble gas technology. Besides this, M. Braun, together with industrial development engineers, designs and produces complex specialised systems which, for example, includes the complete production line for the manufacture of lithium batteries and gas discharge lamps.

Example - Gas Discharge Lamps: The function of the thermal flow sensors TA·Di... during production

In the production of gas discharge lamps, the smelting of quartz in the glove box creates quartz dust which is sucked off by a particle disposal device joined to the glove box. This is a closed system filled with noble gas. Regeneratable catalyzers continuously purify this gas. A non-intermittent control of flow of the noble gas and the regulation of the purifying cycle in the box atmosphere is necessary. For this, maintenance-free, vacuum-tight, Höntzsch thermal flow sensors TA·Di..., fitted with simple signal processing and suitable for measuring noble gases, are used. These sensors are designed as intermediate flange measuring probes and consequently allow for simple and cost-effective assembly. The processing of the sensor signals takes place by microprocessor-controlled evaluation units which deliver the flow-proportional analog output signals.

The high quality requirements which Höntzsch fulfils with its products also apply to customer service. Taking into account that research and development is looking towards more complete solutions and new fields of application, constant advancement of the measuring systems with the customer in mind, is called for and is a requirement for continuing co-operation in the future.