Process Cooling drawn to Tesla
OEM expertise used to cool magnets in MRI scanners
Under the Process Cooling banner, Eaton-Williams is an established manufacturer of customised air conditioning. Running in parallel is a rapidly growing OEM business whereby customers need Process Cooling's engineering skills. These skills are essential to design and manufacture bespoke products to interface with the customers own systems, where the prime objective is the removal of heat, control of environments and system conditions.
One such customer is Tesla Engineering, a leading edge company in the design
and manufacture of gradient coils Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and bending
magnets for radiation therapy.
All over the world MRI scanners are used daily for long periods to detect a variety of illnesses. Such an essential and highly sophisticated piece of equipment functions by combining magnet technology and Process Cooling's expertise in customised cooling.
Tesla's gradient coils can be found in many of the world's MRI scanners. It is a tube-like construction of copper, glass and resin and measures about 1.5 metres by 1 metre and weighs just over a tonne. It is inside this structure that the patient lies whilst being scanned.
Heat generated from the coil needs to be dissipated, not only to prevent the entire unit from overheating but for the protection of the patient inside. A constant temperature of the gradient coil is essential for good quality, sharp images. Tesla approached Process Cooling to design a heat exchanger to provide water cooling in a closed loop system.
Having previously completed similar projects for other companies in the same field was a distinct advantage, although the actual design Tesla required was quite different.
The contract presented Process Cooling with an interesting challenge. Size and weight were important factors and the use of de-ionised water had to be accommodated. In addition, Tesla laid down stringent design criteria and performance levels.
Quality of build was paramount. Medical equipment must work to optimum performance levels. Tesla guarantees all its products and manufactures to high specifications ensuring at least a 10-year life span. Process Cooling was required to meet the same performance levels. “There was no room for error,” says Mark Luxford, Process Cooling's General Manager. “We had to design and manufacture to the highest standards with zero defects.”
As a solution-led engineering company, Process Cooling's design team applied its skills to design a system capable of delivering closely controlled cooled water to the gradient coil. The systems is designed to automatically circulate water as soon as the scanner is activated.
Heat builds up as a result of high volume usage; therefore the temperature needs to be strictly controlled. Process Cooling designed the system with the capability to control water at plus or minus 1° centigrade.
As an OEM Process Cooling has a distinct advantage over its competitors as Mark Luxford explains. “Process Cooling is exposed to more opportunities where its skills can be applied to a wide range of niche markets where we are pleased to use our technology.”
Companies manufacturing 'off-the-shelf' products cannot compete as they lack Process Cooling's flexibility and skill base. “Unusual cooling applications require special and specific design solutions,” says Mark. “This often requires the marrying of different technologies to provide a particular piece of equipment which cannot be bought ready made. It needs to be designed and dovetailed into the customers own equipment and exacting specifications.”
“Working with OEMs like Process Cooling has provided Tesla with access to a broader skill base and the necessary technologies to grow its product line” added Mark Luxford.
Gradient systems are one of the fastest developing areas in MRI technology. In recognition of this Tesla is continually striving to maintain its competitive edge. Faster images and finer resolutions require more powerful gradient coils which, in turn, are dependant on Process Cooling's ability to provide and enhance the quality of the cooling.
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