The Atmosphere is a unique multi-purpose testing facility used for fundamental research, product development and process optimization. The Atmosphere consists of a precisely controlled environment wherein we can independently control the pressure, temperature and gas composition, to generate a diverse range of conditions. It can accommodate your models and dedicated testing setups within its controlled environment for extensive tests, accelerating technology readiness levels of your products and processes. Being partially funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), this facility is open to a broad range of fields and available within NWO funded projects at operational costs only.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The controlled environment is a cylindrical autoclave with a diameter of 2.5 m and a length of 15 m. Liquids and gases can be circulated through the autoclave, and their temperature can be independently controlled in a range from 15°C to 200 °C. The autoclave can be depressurized down to 5 mbar, and pressurized up to 10 bar absolute with a precision of ±2.5 mbar. Gas compositions of nitrogen, helium, sulphur hexafluoride or steam/water vapour can be created with an accuracy of ±1 volume percent. The 76.5 m3 autoclave can accommodate set-ups of up to 8000 kg which can be connected to gas and liquid connections. Due to the high level of automation in the Atmosphere, these can later be exposed to any desired conditions in campaigns of durations up to multiple weeks. Using readily available solutions, we can introduce precise motion (rotational or linear) inside the autoclave in the entire range of available conditions. With the versatility of control and monitoring that the Atmosphere offers, your products and processes can be accelerated on their path to the market in a cost-efficient manner.

Observation and measurement systems

The autoclave is equipped with 17 inspection glasses with a viewing diameter of 200 mm, multiple flanges for instrumentation, and feedthroughs for shaft drives that can be connected to equipment inside the autoclave. 23 sensors measure the temperature in the liquid and gas. Additionally, the inside of the autoclave is observed with 2 high-speed cameras (up to 100 000 fps) and 4 low-speed cameras (up to 200 fps) The level of liquid inside the set-ups can be measured and controlled within a 0.1 mm accuracy. The facility is fully automated and can perform measurements 24/7.