Quality Assurance

XL product and services are designed and tested to be defect free. At every step of the design, fabrication and installation process, XL engineers and manufacturing personnel use proven methods and tools in accordance with our customers' technical specifications and XL Quality Procedures.

XL quality procedures address the overall approach and implementation of every project, but also call on decades of high vacuum experience to address specific areas requiring critical attention. Among these are:

  • Engineering calculations
  • Welding
  • Assembly
  • Non Destructive Examination (NDE) & Proof Testing
    • Helium Mass Spectrometer leak detection
    • Pneumatic & Hydrostatic pressure testing
    • Thermal Cycling
    • Cyrogenic thermal shock w/ LN2
    • Structural load testing
  • Painting
  • Software, interlocks & HMI
  • Thermal Conditioning Unit operating performance
  • Design & drawing version control
leak checking

After fabrication but before painting, shrouds are pressure tested to 1.5 X design pressure with N2.

A helium mass spectrometer leak detector tests to a total leak rate of less than 1×10-9 std cc/sec to complete the leak checking.
cold shock
Shrouds are shocked with LN2 to prove the integrity of the materials, fabrication (including welds) and design.
shroud installation

Shrouds are cleaned and protected from the environment before they leave manufacturing. During installation, the protective coating is removed only enough to permit reassembly.
tcu performance curves TCU's undergo a rigorous "factory acceptance test" prior to shipment. In addition to completing a detailed check list, XL technicians document performance at at various operating points. The FAT and performance charts are part of customer acceptance and remain part of the TCU permanent record.