Radiation Hardened Motors Have Been Successfully Installed At:
Radiation Hardened Motors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Motors were provided to Oak Ridge National Labs as part of a test program. Motors were subjected to Gamma Radiation where total accumulated dose exceeded the amounts specified in our catalogs. The results of this program are listed in the Lab Notes section of the web site.
Empire Magnetics’ radiation hardened motors are rated for 2 x 108 rads t.a.d. (gamma radiation). On a custom basis Empire Magnetics supplied motors for Oak Ridge National Labs that withstood as much as 1 x 109 rads t.a.d. (gamma radiation) without any degradation in performance.
High energy radiation breaks down long chain molecules typical in organic materials. Such things as insulation, glue, varnish, PC cards, lacing cords, slot liners, lubrications, plastics and more decay more rapidly than normal as the result of radiation exposure. This decay shortens the useful life of the products.
Yes, but production of specialty wire requires minimum production quantities. Since demand for radiation hardened wire is infrequent, it is not economically feasible for Empire Magnetics, Inc. to stock these wire and cable for all of the products. Therefore to obtain radiation hardened wire and cable, you may be required to purchase a minimum of 1000 feet.
Even with the use of NRRG grease, the plastic retainers in the ball bearings may be susceptible to radiation. In addition, the seals and the gaskets are frequently soluble in the NRRG grease.
The effects of gamma radiation on motor insulation is similar to that of high temperature, and the combination of high temperature and radiation will shorten the material life significantly. To extend material life, oversize the motor, use a lower current and reduce the operating temperature.
Yes, even though neutron radiation damage is much more difficult to quantify than gamma radiation. The insulation materials that are best against the attack of gamma are also the best ones to withstand neutron effects, however life predictions are another matter all together.
See Radiation Hardened information in the Technical Articles section on the home page.
Much of this information has been generated at significant expense by private companies for their profit. More has been generated as part of classified weapons development programs. As such this information is difficult to obtain. National Labs are able to provide some resources.
We can provide resolvers, gearboxes, brakes, connectors, cables, subassemblies, complete mechanical designs and mechanical systems.
Oak Ridge National Labs, Argonne National Labs, Savannah River Labs., G.E. Nuclear Fuels, Bettis Labs, Brookhaven National Labs, Stanford Linear Accelerator, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Toshiba, Kobe Steel, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japanese PNC and JERI agencies. |
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Why Choose Empire Magnetics
Government Projects & Defense Applications
Empire Magnetics has been awarded and completed US Navy contracts in excess of $100,000 as a prime contractor. The Cage code number assigned was OYMU1, CEC code 19665900H. As a subcontractor to RSI/Comsat, SAIC, Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, General Electric and other prime contractors for the US Government, contracts in excess of $200,000 have been awarded and completed.
Nationwide & International Distributors for Specialty Motors & Complete Motor System Solutions
Empire Magnetics products are distributed by a nationwide and international network of motion control sales professionals. Your local distributor carries the drives and controls, and the accessories needed to build a complete motion control system.