SERVICE

ICE SERVICE offers an array of cryogenic services for its own and other manufacturers equipment..

• Full range of Repairs and Rework for transfer tubes (including Low Loss), windows, wiring, variable temperature inserts and dilution refrigerator systems.
• Upgrades to existing equipment including extended temperature ranges, additional experimental wiring, improved sample access and space saving gashandling systems.
• Specialist Consultation on current and future requirements, including design studies, feasibility statements and operational efficiency
• On site Installations including cryogenic and superconducting magnet systems, both wet and dry
• End User equipment Training available both at our ICE factory and on the customer site throughout the world

Testimonial

School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews

Andreas Rost (Postdoctorial Research Assistant)

Description of work carried out

Our group obtained an old Oxford Instruments 25mW dilution insert, that had a known leak on the dilution unit stage. The work to be carried out by ICEoxford® was the repair of the dilution unit, refurbishment of all sensors and wiring, fitting of a new IVC can and the supply of a new gas handling system as well as all necessary vacuum lines.

ICEoxford® knowledge of cryogenic systems

During the process we had contact to the project leader on the ICEoxford® side as well as the installation engineer. Both had an excellent understanding of the requirements of the project and were helpful in realising particular custom modifications of the system.

- Communications

When contacted with specific questions it was very easy to reach the appropriate person at ICE Oxford fast.

- Responsiveness

All detailed modifications were realized in the project. ICEoxford® was flexible in building into the system different modifications we only realized were necessary during the installation process.

- Quality of workmanship

In the final installation all equipment was manufactured suitable for the low temperature applications of the instrumentation. Those parts of the equipment that had not met our expectations of standard were re-machined and repaired by ICEoxford® on our request without any problems.

- Aftercare service

During the final installation check it was realized that several small items that would improve the operational performance were necessary. ICEoxford® was very helpful in supplying those. Overall we were satisfied that the cost was a fair price for the final product and that the aims of the project were achieved to our satisfaction.As with any project it was necessary to keep continuous communications during the project in order to ensure that our expectations would be met.

The final realization of the project was very much in line of our initial aims, i.e. the fridge was refurbished, reached its specification targets and the new gas handling system was adequate for operating the dilution refrigerator. We think in the end that the project has been finished successfully and will consider ICEoxford® as a serious option for any further low temperature equipment work to be carried out in our laboratories.

Testimonial

Stanford University, California, USA

Dr Na Young

Stage 1 – Repair and refurbishment of an Oxford Instruments 300mW dilution refrigerator system

Customer had a system that wasn’t working and the original manufacturer refused to service the equipment. ICE was awarded the contract to strip the system down the fridge for a service, re-build and re-commission the system.

The contract was successful and the refrigerator reached its base temperature and the customer was trained in all aspects of operation.

Customer testimonial:

Our lab has a 17-year old 300mW Oxford system. In 2008, we decided to have professional repair and refurbishment including small leak check, mixture concentration check and pump refurbishments.

Since it is too old, the manufacturer refused to take this job; However, ICE was willing to accept our job and he came for a week to perform the work.

I really like how lCE approached the job during a given time in a systematic way. On the first day, he planned a possible scenario of a week, writing down the tasks for each day. I respect Pauls systematic approaches.

During his visit, we had to modify the initial plan due to several unexpected occasions. However, overall ICE managed to repair the major issues of our dilution refrigerator, which is now in good condition.

Moreover, ICE let me do most of operational work so that he passed along the appropriate handling skills. He also worked on Sat. in order to keep the pace.

In conclusion, I am very much satisfied with ICEs service and if I face any trouble further, I will definitely contact them again.

Stage 2 – Re-installation of the Oxford Instruments 300mW system to a new laboratory

ICE was contracted to design a new refrigerator framework and all connecting lines to suit customer requirements. In addition, the contract covered dis-assembly of the dilution refrigerator system and re-assembly into a new purpose built laboratory. The new framework had sliding plates incorporated to allow the customer slide the Dilution Fridge over a pit. The framework, interconnecting lines including a bulkhead plate assembly were manufactured in the UK and assembled in the USA by an engineer and technician from the UK.