Operating a portable ultrasound machine in -30 degrees C

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the operational challenges of using a portable ultrasound machine in extremely low temperatures, specifically around -30 degrees Celsius, during a high-altitude field study on Aconcagua. Participants explore various technical issues related to the equipment's functionality, battery performance, and display behavior under these conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that whether a computer can operate in freezing temperatures depends on its specifications, with many likely unable to function properly.
  • Concerns are raised about battery performance, with one participant stating that battery life for Li-ion batteries will be significantly reduced in cold temperatures.
  • It is noted that mechanical hard drives are more prone to failure in cold conditions, while SSDs may perform better.
  • Participants mention that low air pressure could affect air-cooled computers, although cold temperatures might mitigate some of these effects.
  • There are mixed views on the performance of LCD displays in low temperatures, with one participant sharing personal experience of sluggishness and dimness in displays at around -20 degrees Celsius.
  • Another participant raises the possibility that very low temperatures could also impact the ultrasound transducer and suggests using insulated enclosures with phase change materials for protection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the operational capabilities of the ultrasound machine in cold conditions, with no consensus reached on the specific impacts of low temperatures on various components.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific temperature and pressure specifications for the ultrasound machine, indicating limitations in its recommended operational environment.

Louis Lind Plesner
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Dear friends.

I am a cardiovascular health researcher writing on behalf of my research team based in Copenhagen, Denmark. We plan to conduct a high-altitude field study on cardiopulmonary function assesed by ultrasound on Aconcagua summit in near 7000 meters altitude. Reports say it will be somewhere around -20 to -30 degrees celsius on the summit. This might brings about issues with the ultrasound-equipment.

1) Can you turn on a computer and operate it in these freezing temperatures?
2) Will the battery life (Li-ion) be affected in these temperatures?
3) Can there be a problem with low air pressure when operating a computer?
4) What about the LCD display?

Some technical data on the machine that I have:
Voltage: 100-240
Watt: 130
BTU: 3800
Monitor: 15,7'' LCD display
Fuse: 10 A
Recommended temperature: 3-30 degrees C
Recommended air pressure: 700-1060 hPa
Humidity: 30-80%
93/42/EEC: Class IIa
IEC/EN 60601-1: Class 1, type BF/CF
CISPR: Group 1, Class A

I am very grateful for any kind of help
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
1. Depends on the computer. The specs will tell you. Many, perhaps most, will not.
2. Battery life will be terrible.
 
I'm no expert but I have operated a lot of computers in low temperature since I'm an amateur astronomer who lives in Sweden.
1. The device that fails to start in the cold is usually mechanical hard-drives. The next thing to fail would probably be the fans if the lubricants gets too cold. Electronics on the other hand like the cold so make sure to use an SSD.
2. Agree with Vanadium 50.
3. Computers are air cooled so yes. Cold temps might compensate for low pressure but I have never run a computer much above 2000 m and it wasn't very cold.
4. LCD displays don't like the cold, the LSD display on my telescope controller becomes unusable at -20C due to extremely slow update rate (several seconds - there are actually 3rd party electrical heating sleeves availible). LCD is however a catch-all of many technologies that have different properties. The display on my iPhone for example becomes sluggish and dim around the same temperature but nowhere near as bad. Also see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid-crystal_display#Disadvantages
 
Last edited:
Very low temperature may affect the transducer as well. How long will you need? Can you put in an insulated enclosure with packets of phase change material?

Is it small enough to fit under an oversized jacket?

BoB