Interconnection


Drying and storage cabinets use 'active dessicant'

20 September 2006 Interconnection

If moisture is absorbed from the environment by surface-mounted components, and then the components are exposed to high temperatures, as in solder reflow ovens (by convection, infrared, IR/convection, vapour phase, hot air rework tools, etc), then the absorbed moisture will expand rapidly, causing internal device stress. The resulting stress can cause internal or external cracking, delamination, and internal corrosion in the components.

Mekko offers a range of drying cabinets that are equipped with active desiccant rotor drying units, which continuously regenerate the desiccant. This means that only the cabinet and electricity is required, eliminating the requirement for any extra consumables or services to operate the unit.

All models are equipped with a desiccant rotor drying unit. This unit is installed inside the cabinet to keep the internal humidity at less than 5%RH. The operator can select continuous operation, or automatic control by an RH meter. Valuable components are protected from micro-cracking and delamination by using active desiccant, rather than baking.

Principle of operation

The drying unit is built into the base of the cabinet. The powerful absorbing desiccant rotor system incorporating Mekko's 'MTX-flow' technology, whereby the desiccant rotor rotates in two separate streams of air. One sector has air flowing through it within the cabinet (moisture absorb), while a smaller sector uses an external heated air flow to regenerate the desiccant (moisture release). As the disk rotates, fresh, dry desiccant is always presented to the process air flow.

Much research was done on the air flow. This unique air flow system optimises the drying and regenerating ability with minimal air leakage into the cabinet.

Cabinets

The cabinets are free-standing and self-controlled, and do not require nitrogen or compressed air. They comply with IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033, which details recommendations for handling, packing, shipping and use of moisture/reflow sensitive surface mount devices. The RH meter and digital thermo-meter are included in the cabinet, viewable through door. Mains electrical supply is 230 V a.c., 1 kW max. (ave. power is approx. 100 W). They are electrostatic safe and conform to ESD standard EN 61340-5-1.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Digital link 40x faster than broadband Internet
Hiconnex Interconnection
Axon’s AxoMach high-speed links were recently qualified by the European Space Agency to the ESCC 3409/001 standard, and are designed to transmit data at speeds of up to 40 Gbps for space applications.

Read more...
Modular CAT7 inter-car-connection
Hiconnex Interconnection
These modular connectors are particularly suitable for harsh environments, and have a high resistance to industrial vibration and an IP67 protection rating.

Read more...
Multi-channel cable assembly
RFiber Solutions Interconnection
Withwave’s Multi-Channel SMPM Cable Assemblies (WMCM Series) provide a wide range of multiple coax connectors and flexible cable assemblies, with a choice of 26,5, 40 and 50 GHz configurations.

Read more...
Compact power relays
Future Electronics Interconnection
The new HE-R Series power relays by Panasonic Industry are PCB-mounted relays for easy board assembly, with both two- and four-pole contact arrangement options.

Read more...
High-density multicoax cable assembly
RFiber Solutions Interconnection
Withwave’s high speed and high-density Multicoax Cable Assemblies (WMX Series) provide a wide range of multiple coax connectors and flexible cable assemblies with a choice of 20, 40, 50, 67 or 110 GHz configurations.

Read more...
Centralised distribution for M8 and M12 connectors
Communica Interconnection
Amphenol LTW’s distribution boxes facilitate efficient cable management, easy installation with pre-wired configuration, and provide a centralised distribution point for M8 and M12 connectors.

Read more...
What is an RF connector?
Spectrum Concepts Editor's Choice Interconnection
If you look across the broader electromagnetic spectrum, the selection of the 3 kHz to 300 GHz frequency range for RF signals is a result of a balance between propagation characteristics, data transmission requirements, regulatory allocations, and the compatibility of electronic components and devices.

Read more...
Multi-head battery contacting solutions
Electronic Industry Supplies Interconnection
INGUN has developed contacting solutions which boast low contact resistances, maximum reduced power losses, and stable, durable electrical connections in either single- or multi-head contacting configurations.

Read more...
Expanded magnetic connector lineup
Spectrum Concepts Interconnection
Mill-Max has expanded its Maxnetic lineup to offer more options for connections and terminations, including board-to-board, cable-to-board, and cable-to-cable choices.

Read more...
Robust M12 high-temperature connector
Communica Interconnection
Amphenol LTW has released its newest connector, the HDM12, a robust M12 high-temperature offering engineered for commercial applications.

Read more...