During the dire straits of the 1930’s and 1940’s, the US government established a network of National Research Laboratories. These newly formed laboratories recruited the brightest minds in the world. The committed and courageous individuals working at these laboratories were tasked with solving the scientific, war related problems of the day. The establishment of these research laboratories were initially thought to be short-term, instead many of the laboratories became permanent research facilities.
Eighty years later, the result of the investments made in these original laboratories, during World War 2, is still being felt daily. One of the greatest World War 2 scientific achievements was penicillin. Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by British scientist Alexander Fleming. Prior to World War 2 there was no method to mass produce penicillin effectively. Penicillin production was slow, had low yields and was expensive. With war raging across the continents, and the need for large scale production of the drug, in 1941 the British government approached the United States for help. Doctors immediately recognized penicillin reduced soldier’s pain and improved the soldier’s survival rate.
The task of mass-producing penicillin went to the Northern Regional Research Laboratory (NRRL) founded in Peoria Illinois, late 1940. NRRL experimented, substituted ingredients (added corn steep liquor and other key ingredients), then discovered by pumping air into the vats, this produced a much faster growth rate and much greater yields of penicillin. NRRL’s process was so incredibly effective that over two million doses of penicillin were quickly produced specifically for the allies D-day invasion. After the war penicillin became readily available to civilians.
Today the United States Department of Energy administers the National Laboratories. These Laboratories possess huge, unique, and complex machines which are found nowhere else in the world. These research facilities are engaged in research which will benefit humanity for generations to come. Today’s National Laboratories are working on solving issues such as cancer, improving battery technology, energy production, nanoscience’s, as well as improving national security.
Key High’s “MET-SEAL” components are the standard for ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) applications. “MET-SEAL” UHV flanges are manufactured in both 304 & 316 stainless steel. The basic principal of “MET-SEAL” flange is that both flanges are sexless and have an identical “Knife” edge profiles machined into their faces. Assembly is achieved by placing the appropriate OHFC Copper gasket between the two flanges and tightening the bolts uniformly (using a crossing pattern). As pressure increases on the OFHC Copper gasket, the gasket distorts as the “knife” edges cuts into gasket. A lateral cold flow of the gasket takes place. This lateral cold flow fills the joint and a leak tight seal is achieved. With proper cleaning and baking methods, “MET-SEAL” components are suitable for use in ultra-high vacuum systems to 10-13 torr and temperature’s from -196° to +500°C.
Key High has created thousands of standard and unique “MET-SEAL” UHV weldments over the last 45 years for the Department of Energy’s Laboratories. Our “MET-SEAL” UHV weldments are critical for future scientific research, as they can withstand large pressure differentials and extreme temperature changes.
