Preventing Capillary Action in Hot Chamber Wire Feed-throughs

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with wires becoming oily due to oil leaking onto them from a hot chamber during component testing. This leads to difficulties with handling the wires, such as labels not sticking and slipping, and the need for a better seal to prevent the oil leakage. Further information is requested about the location of the oil on the wires and the type of feed-throughs being used.
  • #1
likephysics
636
2
I have a strange problem. We test our components in oil in a hot chamber(60-100C). Wires are bought out of the chamber for power supply and data acquisition.
The oil from the chamber leaks on to the wires because of heat and capillary action.
This makes the wires oily and working with oily wire is a time consuming mess. Labels don't stick, they keep slipping etc even with gloves just to mention a few problems.
 
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  • #2
Capillary action does not bring a liquid to the top of the tube/hole it acts in.
You need a better seal.
 
  • #3
likephysics said:
I have a strange problem. We test our components in oil in a hot chamber(60-100C). Wires are bought out of the chamber for power supply and data acquisition.
The oil from the chamber leaks on to the wires because of heat and capillary action.
This makes the wires oily and working with oily wire is a time consuming mess. Labels don't stick, they keep slipping etc even with gloves just to mention a few problems.

The problem with oil on the wires is inside the chamber or outside? If outside, what type of feed-throughs are you using to get through the wall of the chamber?
 

1. How does capillary action occur?

Capillary action occurs when the adhesive forces between the liquid and the walls of a tube are stronger than the cohesive forces within the liquid itself. This causes the liquid to be pulled up or spread out along the surface of the tube, defying gravity.

2. What are some examples of capillary action?

Some common examples of capillary action include water climbing up a paper towel, ink spreading on a paper, and plants absorbing water through their roots. It can also be seen in the movement of blood through blood vessels in the body.

3. How can I prevent capillary action from happening?

To prevent capillary action, you can use materials that are not porous or have a low surface tension, such as glass or metal. You can also decrease the contact between the liquid and the surface by using a smaller diameter tube or applying a hydrophobic coating to the surface.

4. Can capillary action be beneficial?

Yes, capillary action can be beneficial in many ways. It allows plants to transport water and nutrients from their roots to their leaves, and it also helps in the absorption of nutrients by the cells in our body. It is also used in many scientific experiments and technologies, such as paper chromatography and microfluidics.

5. Is capillary action the same as osmosis?

No, capillary action and osmosis are two different phenomena. Capillary action involves the movement of liquid along a surface, while osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. However, both processes are influenced by surface tension and adhesive and cohesive forces.

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