Conax Technologies’ Type K Thermocouples and Multi-Hole Ceramic (MHC) Seal Fittings could be seen in action on an episode of the PBS program NOVA, which aired February 20, 2019. The episode focused on the science behind early detection of volcanic explosions, specifically the measures being taken to detect the next eruption of Campi Flegrei in Italy.

The Conax type K thermocouples and MHC seal fittings were used in the inspection of the caprock, which is found beneath the earth’s surface in Naples, Italy, where Campi Flegrei resides dormant. The Conax products assisted experts in testing the strength of the caprock.

When further inspected under a microscope, the caprock was found to have formed an intertwined network of fibers which is key to the caprock’s strength. Scientists believe that it was the increased strength provided by the fibers that kept Campi Flegrei from erupting in the 1980s.

In addition to testing the caprock, scientists in Naples have implemented additional sensors for temperature, ground deformations, anomalies in gravity, geochemical activity, and more to monitor volcanic activity. The new innovation of sound wave detection through measurement of velocity of waves in the sea is also assisting in this early detection. Scientists say the key to survival of the imminent eruption is early detection and evacuation.

At Conax, we’re proud of the role our innovative solutions play in helping scientists predict early volcanic activity. For more information, or to watch the full episode, visit PBS here: https://www.pbs.org/video/the-next-pompeii-qwfg7o/

In 2018, shipments of silicon wafer areas reached a record high, totaling 12,732 million square inches at $11.38 billion in revenues, according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG). This record signifies the first time since 2008 revenues have peaked above the $10 billion mark.

Neal Weaver, chairman of SEMI SMG, cited that “For the fifth year in a row, annual semiconductor silicon volume shipments reached record levels. Despite strong demand and the impressive revenues last year, the market still remains below the market high set in 2007.”

Silicon wafer area shipments increased 8 percent year-over-year and worldwide silicon revenue climbed 31 percent during this same period. Silicon wafers make up semiconductors, which are crucial components in almost all electronic goods.

The bump in shipments and revenues are a great sign for the future of the industry, with revenues and sales expected to have continued growth for years to come.

Conax is proud to be a leader in solutions in semiconductor industry applications.

For more information, see the full article here: http://www1.semi.org/en/annual-silicon-shipments-hit-record-high-market-exceeds-10-billion-first-time-2008

Technology for dependability

There’s nothing more crucial than the reliability of our solutions. Businesses depend on our products to operate without fail––down to thousandths of an inch. On top of providing reliable solutions that meet high standards, we’re invested in making our customers’ jobs easier while saving them time and money. One of the ways we do that is through x-ray technology.

Meeting ASTM standards

A majority of our thermocouples and RTDs have either opaque metal or ceramic sheaths. In order to comply with ASTM standards, we need to verify the cap is a certain thickness relative to the sheath diameter.

• Making sure the cap is not too thin ensures the pathway to the internals of the sensor are sealed
• Making sure the cap is not too thick ensures that the sensor has an optimal response rate

With the x-ray technology, we’re able to examine the cap for cracks, either within the cap or from the cap to the sheath. This helps us verify the internals of the sensor are initially sealed, and will remain sealed during usage with temperature cycling. Additionally, we can examine the cap for air pockets that should not be present.

Clearance guidelines for thermal response

There’s a certain clearance between the junction or RTD element to the back of the cap to ensure proper thermal response. In some cases, customers specify clearances that are smaller than ASTM standards because they need a faster response rate. In other cases, customers may specify a tighter tolerance (+/- distance) on the junction position because they have an application where the temperature can vary significantly with junction movement of a few thousandths of an inch. The x-ray allows us to get an exact measurement of the clearance.

Troubleshooting and lifetime analysis

If a product fails prematurely, we’re able to use x-ray tools to view the internal components to diagnosis the issue without having to deconstruct the product, which can be time-consuming, costly and alter the part of the sensor to be examined. Through x-ray, we can also view the amount of wear of the sheath and internals to calculate the potential remaining life expectancy of the sensor.

If you’re interested in talking more about our x-ray technology, feel free to get in touch.

Measurements verify distances and thickness.

The routing of wires within a termination head.

The 501F Users Group conference takes place at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona from February 17-22. Attendees of this conference will have the opportunity to learn about OEM products, services and innovation, and socialize with others in the gas-turbine user-group community.

If you are attending the conference, visit us at table 59 where we will have information on our Blade Path upgrades and Exhaust Rakes!

For more information about this year’s conference, visit http://501f.users-groups.com/Events/2019/Info/.

Welcome Shelby Williams to Conax as Customer Service Professional

Shelby brings 6 years of customer service experience to Conax. Her previous role in customer service in the automotive industry make her a great addition to the Conax team! As a customer service professional for the international sales team, Shelby works with customers during the quotation and ordering process.

In her free time, Shelby enjoys figure skating, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family. Welcome to Conax, Shelby, we are excited to have you on the team!

Trey Wilson joins Conax as Regional Sales Manager

Trey brings 26 years of technical sales experience to Conax, including 4 ½ years working in the sensor and instrument industry. In his previous roles, he has worked in providing custom solutions in the aerospace, military and medical industries, and is highly skilled at collaborating with design engineers to ensure custom product solutions exceed customer expectations.

Trey believes in forging strong and long-lasting relationships with his customers, and is excited to be able to do this in his new role with Conax.

Trey enjoys sports, especially football. In the winter, he can be found skiing in his spare time. Welcome Trey, we are so excited to have you on the Conax team!

We wish you a happy holiday season! It is our hope that you are able to enjoy all that this special time of year brings.

In observance of this holiday season, our manufacturing operations will be closed from Saturday, December 22nd through Tuesday, January 1st. Our global customer service teams will be available on Thursday, December 27th and Friday, December 28th in order to support your needs, and we will be able to ship product we may have in inventory to support any urgent needs which may arise in your business. Our regular operations will resume on Wednesday, January 2nd.

Cheers, and have a safe and happy holiday!

Conax Technologies is proud to announce that we have again received our AS9100 w/ISO 9001:2015 recertification. This recertification allows us to continue doing business in the aerospace industry.

The newest revision to the AS9100, AS9100D, includes updated clauses pertaining to product safety, counterfeit parts prevention, risk, awareness, configuration management, and human factors.

Conax Technologies has been a partner in innovation for the Aerospace industry for more than 50 years, dating back to the infancy of the space program when John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as part of NASA’s Project Mercury. For more on Conax Technologies solutions for the aerospace industry, view our video below.

At Conax, we engineer custom solutions to meet even the most complex challenges in aerospace and other industries. For more information, contact us here.