Research and development in SETARAM

Extensive experience in the development of analytical instruments

The Research and Development team of SETARAM has a strong background in fundamental sciences such as Chemistry, Physics, Mechanics, Thermal Engineering and Electronics, as well as in Software Development. Several of the senior PhD scientists have international experience acquired in the UK, Canada or the USA. Every day they bring new ideas and solutions for the benefit of the laboratory community. SETARAM has created several strategic scientific partnerships with academic and research institutions to develop the instruments of tomorrow. Among them, the Colorado School of Mines (Colorado, USA), the Swiss Institute of Security (CH), the University of Davis (California, USA), the Catalysis Research Institute (Lyon, F) and the French Petroleum Institute (Paris, F).

Sensor and instrument developments

Research work benefits from SETARAM's longstanding development experience - which began in 1956 – in the field of thermal analysis over a wide range of temperatures, pressures and sensitivities. The R&D programs are application-driven, and underpinned by a continuous technological watch.

Materials science skills

SETARAM instruments are built using materials that can withstand temperatures ranging from -196°C to +2400°C. Temperature or heat flow measurements are taken using appropriate thermocouples or sensors. The key challenge is to develop sensors with operating temperatures of up to 2400°C, under oxidizing or reducing atmospheres as well as under high pressure. The materials used must obviously be able to guarantee a service life of several years.

Thermal and mechanical skills

The design and construction of Setaram instruments are optimized thanks to the use of mathematical and physical models, allowing the selection of the best materials to ensure improved performance. These models have, for example, helped increase the temperature homogeneity and cooling rates of our sensors.

2D and 3D design

SETARAM has its own 2D design CAD platform based on Solidworks software coupled with the mechanical modeling software Cosmosworks.

Electronics and Software skills

The SETARAM Instrumentation R&D team has strong know-how in low-level amplification and embedded software. The latest generation of electronic controllers can measure nano-volts and nano-amperes for very small thermal and mass loss effects. SETARAM specialists can handle all kinds of data acquisition (temperature, pressure, heat flow, mass losses, etc…) and develop the link between the acquisition and processing software. SETARAM Instrumentation has built a strong partnership with AKTS Software (Switzerland) to provide a global solution for kinetic analysis and determination of the thermal stability of materials, and is worldwide distributor of AKTS-Advanced Thermokinetics, AKTS-Thermal Safety and AKTS-SML Diffusion (Specific Migration Limit) software applications.

Customized solutions and consulting services for our customers

Thanks to the team and the tools available, Setaram Instrumentation can offer its customers customized instruments: specific cells for its calorimeters, instruments in glove box or hot cell, separation of the measurement head and the electronics, large volume calorimeters. The scientists are also available to provide consulting services and R&D contracting, wherever there is a need for expertise in thermodynamics.

Ex.

Mathematical model of a calorimeter	Thermal model of a calorimeter

CE Marking.

• Moreover, all SETARAM instruments comply with the European Directives governing the protection of users against mechanical and electrical failures of the instrument. SETARAM instruments also comply with the magnetic emission limits defined by the European Directives, some of which are listed below:
• 91/263/EEC, 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC: Low Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility
• 73/23/EEC: Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• 98/37/EC: Machinery directive
• EN 61010-1, 61010-2-081:
  

  Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use: associated with particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes.

• EN61326-1: Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use – EMC Requirements

Do not hesitate to contact us for any special requests or instrument developments.

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