Preventing Capillary Action in Hot Chamber Wire Feed-throughs

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the issue of oil leakage onto wires in a hot chamber environment (60-100°C) due to capillary action. This leakage complicates tasks such as labeling and handling the wires, resulting in inefficiencies. The primary solution proposed is to implement a better sealing mechanism for the feed-throughs used to connect power supply and data acquisition wires to the chamber. The conversation highlights the need for effective sealing techniques to mitigate the effects of capillary action in high-temperature environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capillary action and its effects on liquids in confined spaces.
  • Familiarity with hot chamber testing environments and their operational parameters.
  • Knowledge of sealing techniques and materials suitable for high-temperature applications.
  • Experience with electrical feed-throughs and their design considerations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective sealing materials for high-temperature applications.
  • Explore designs for electrical feed-throughs that minimize capillary action.
  • Investigate methods to test and validate seal integrity in hot chamber environments.
  • Learn about the properties of oils used in hot chamber testing and their interaction with different materials.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers and technicians involved in hot chamber testing, product designers focused on electrical feed-throughs, and anyone addressing challenges related to liquid leakage in high-temperature environments.

likephysics
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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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Capillary action does not bring a liquid to the top of the tube/hole it acts in.
You need a better seal.
 
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?