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News
21/05/2007      

Donaldson Filter Components Ltd
7 The Parks
Newton le Willows, WA12 0JQ, England

Jenny Nash

+44 (0) 1942 711711

DONALDSON HAVE IT ALL WRAPPED UP

The extreme reflective properties of crystals enable them to be used in a large variety of applications, from space exploration to medical imagery.

Crystals can be affected by many different elements including water and air. To protect these crystals and to prolong the products life span, they need to be wrapped in a protective layer. The ideal solution: Tetratex® ePTFE membrane.

Tetratex ePTFE Membrane Technology

Tetratex expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane has a unique microstructure. It comprises of small randomly connected fibrils that render an effective pore size many times smaller than can be seen by the naked eye. The ePTFE microporous films are naturally hydrophobic and can be used as permeable water barriers. Tetratex ePTFE membrane is dimensionally and chemically stable in almost any chemical environment ranging in temperature from -250ºC to 280ºC.

The Function of Crystal Wrap

The application of the Tetratex ePTFE membrane can play a significant role in the reflectance of the crystals. The pliable membrane is literally pushed onto the surfaces of the crystals to decrease the voids of the cube, by decreasing the voids, you increase the crystals reflectance. The “brilliant whiteness” of the ePTFE membrane can help to add to this reflectance.

Crystal Scintillators

A scintillator is a material that converts energy lost by ionizing radiation into pulses of light. A popular method for the detection of gamma-rays involves the use of crystal scintillators. When hit by the gamma-rays, the crystals emit a visible light. For medical imaging, an array of crystals in a CAT scanner receives radiation energy and scintillates to produce an image. The crystals detect areas of the body which are receptive to the energy within the crystal..

Crystal materials require protection to maintain their accuracy and provide precise measurement capabilities for a wide range of applications including nuclear medicine imaging, clinical chemistry and astronomy and space exploration.

Tetratex ePTFE Crystal Wrap acts as an extremely effective functional barrier and protective layer for Sodium lodide(Nal), Cesium Iodide (Cel), Alkali–Halide as well as other hygroscopic crystal materials.

A scintillation detector capable of withstanding high shock and/or high temperatures comprises a scintillation crystal, a casing for the crystal and a shock absorbing boot interposed between the crystal and the casing. A reflector surrounds the crystal, in the form of a thin porous sheet of expanded PTFE wrapped tightly around the crystal. The boot has a substantially continuous cylindrical interior surface for engaging the ePTFE sheet to avoid high pressure concentrations.

Being porous, air or gas can escape from between the layer and the cylindrical surface of the crystal to avoid pockets of trapped air or gas. These pockets of trapped air or gas could have a negative impact on reflectivity at the layer-crystal interface. The Tetratex ePTFE film is tightly wrapped around the crystal and is generally self-adhering to the cylindrical surface and the circular end of the crystal.

Donaldson unique Tetratex Crystal Wrap ePTFE is manufactured from pure PTFE Resin, available from 38 micron to 254 micron thickness. It is thermally stable, highly reflective, shock resistant and protects the crystals from temperature, moisture and harmful contaminants. Our wide range of filter media options increases the effectiveness, reliability and helps to extend product life.

Design Expertise

Donaldson Advanced Filtration is a leading worldwide manufacturer of microporous expanded PTFE membranes, films and laminates. A technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs through innovative research and development with production and offices located throughout Europe, America and Asia.

Donaldson places great emphasis on high quality manufacturing and customer service and has been accredited ISO9001 and environmental certificate ISO14001, testaments to our high standards.

Our experts will provide the most effective solution for your needs by helping you select the appropriate filter media.



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