DriMeg™ - Technology

     

Technology

Advanced Moisture Control Barriers

One of the keys to DriMeg™ technology advanced moisture control barriers is their innovative design. Utilizing several critical components, each advanced moisture control barrier is custom designed to give it a specific set of attributes. High temperature variants contain special adhesive coatings that are designed for long periods of exposure to temperatures above 1000°F (538°C). Other advanced moisture control barriers, such as hermetic and IP67 contain custom ceramics that enable them to be bonded directly to the heating element sheath. The resulting bond allows hermetic seals to meet 100% mass spectrometer testing, while IP67 seals are capable of being submerged in water at a depth of one meter for a minimum of 30 minutes, meeting the latest ingress protection standards.

To combat moisture in particularly humid environments, DriMeg™ technology incorporates custom designed terminal housings that provide an additional layer of moisture protection. These terminal housings provide a moisture proof enclosure and prevent the introduction of water or other contaminates that could potentially compromise the advanced moisture control barrier.

Scientifically Proven Materials

DriMeg™ technology advanced moisture control barriers use patented, anti-condensation and moisture proof sealing materials. These proprietary, scientifically proven sealing materials include specialized epoxies, silicon resins, and RTV silicones that have been developed over decades, with each formula uniquely blended for use in specific applications and at specific temperature ranges. Materials are applied in a liquid state so that they can “flow” into every void in the termination. Curing or hardening of each material blend is unique and follows a specific, proprietary process. Similar sealing materials or “conformal coatings” are also used on DriMeg™ technology controls to prevent contamination and corrosion on circuit boards and other sensitive instruments.

To ensure high performance in electric heating elements with DriMeg™ technology, industrial grade MgO with specific chemical composition, grain size and flow properties is formulated. The correct MgO chemical composition, grain size, and flow properties ensure heating element life, so that end users can trust that their equipment and their operations are protected from the harmful, dangerous effects of moisture within the heating element.

Proprietary Manufacturing Processes

Every step of DriMeg's proprietary manufacturing process is critical to a heating element's performance. From material preparation to final assembly, a very specific process is followed to safeguard against potential element failure.

Every batch of the specifically formulated, industrial grade MgO undergoes elaborate testing schemes and rigorous process control to ensure it meets the stringent specifications of DriMeg™ technology. Testing schemes compare actual versus nominal values for chemical composition, grain size, and flow. In addition to a host of physical tests, the MgO is also subjected to electrical tests, assuring optimal dielectric strength. Because MgO is hygroscopic, DriMeg™ technology’s rigorous process control includes heating MgO throughout the proprietary manufacturing process.

Prior to final application of the advanced moisture control barrier, the electric heating element termination is subjected to a proprietary cleaning process that involves the removal of any contaminates. During this step, quality checks and tests, that include precise dimensional measurements and insulation resistances (HiPot/MegOhm), ensure that there is proper bonding to the element sheath.

Innovative Control Schemes

In particularly wet or humid environments, advanced moisture control barriers may not be 100% effective on their own. If moisture has been introduced into the MgO of a heating element, there is only one solution: heat. Controls featuring DriMeg™ technology use innovative control schemes not only to prevent moisture, but to remove it.

When in use or “energized,” a heating element will rarely absorb moisture because the heat drives it away. Unfortunately, in many applications the heating elements are not run continuously as part of the process. If heating elements are de-energized for extended periods of time, the elements may potentially absorb moisture. Running an element with moisture at full power in these instances can cause a host of problems, including potential failure of the heating element. DriMeg™ technology employs a combination of proprietary control algorithms and unique instrumentation that enable innovative control schemes such as soft start and power mode switching. These features ensure that any moisture within the heating element is removed prior to applying full power, avoiding the potential for dielectric related failures.

DriMeg™ technology also prevents unsafe levels of moisture contamination through its predictive and preemptive failure logic. Instrumentation provides constant monitoring of electrical conditions and enables smart controllers to take action, ensuring 100% up time and risk free operations.