The challenge focuses on designing an efficient small-scale heat exchanger to cool a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) instrument to temperatures as low as -150°C or even -180°C using Liquid Nitrogen in a gaseous state. The goal is to optimize heat exchange within the instrument's cold junction assembly, which currently uses an intracooler. Students are tasked with selecting materials and designing a compact, effective heat exchanger that ensures minimal heat loss while fitting existing mechanical connections, contributing to new cooling options for the instrument.
The development of an optimal small-scale heat exchanger would expand the cooling options for the DSC instrument, allowing it to reach ultra-low temperatures needed for advanced applications, increasing its value for customers.
Analytical measuring instruments Anatech, based in Sittard, develops and produces advanced analytical measuring equipment for fundamental and applied scientific materials research. Anatech was founded in 1987 with the conviction that measuring material properties should be better and (for the user) simpler. This belief is the basis for our focus on innovation. From its inception, Anatech has grown steadily into the solid company it is today. Anatech is a partner of various global players in the measuring instruments market and operates as a private label company. Through our partners, our instruments find their way to more than 120 countries around the world. Anatech has had a one-tier board since 2021, with the day-to-day management being formed by Hans Aben and Jeroen Plompen.