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See how Scanwel Group businesses help customers solve demanding technical challenges - from sourcing specialist vacuum and scientific components to supporting bespoke engineering, precision manufacturing and advanced analytical technology projects.
St Andrews brings together researchers from around the globe to explore and challenge the world. From local to international topics, research spans from ancient history to modern scientific breakthroughs.
The Chemistry Department of St Andrews needed to replace the X-Ray source on an elderly XPS system. The unique rotating anode source on the system was no longer fully supported due to its age and had broken down. In addition, its power consumption was very high. However, the existing analyser and the rest of the system were functioning well.
In addition to our vacuum components and in-house manufacturing capabilities, Scanwel is a local distributor in the UK and Ireland for SPECS Surface Nano Analysis Gmbh.
Prof Chris Baddeley and his senior scientific officer Dr Steve Francis of St Andrews Chemistry Department approached Scanwel to assess the feasibility of the upgrade. The university invited applications for funding to reduce their energy costs. The group saw an opportunity to resurrect the system and were successful in obtaining the funding.
Scanwel proposed a solution using the SPECS Focus 600 monochromated X-Ray source that would fit the system. In Summer 2020, once the pandemic situation allowed, Scanwel was able to install the source and measure the first Spectra.
It is also providing excellent data for investigations into ceria-based catalysts and work looking at the passivation and etching of noble metals to mention just two”.
Adaptix is transforming radiology by bringing to market an addressable Flat Panel X-ray Source (FPS) with individually addressable emitters and an integrated power supply — essentially digitizing the source to complete the digitization of the imaging system. The patent-protected technology enables fast 3D imaging from a stationary source at a significantly lower dose than CT.
As part of Adaptix's development of their revolutionary new 3D X-ray imaging source, the company required assistance and advice on the design and construction of an ultra-high vacuum chamber.
John Kokkalis, Regional Sales Manager at Scanwel, brought his industry experience and knowledge to the challenging project and helped to design and manufacture a new low-profile 60kV feedthrough used to speed up the R&D process. Scanwel's in-house bespoke manufacturing maintained the precision required for a successful implementation of the design.
Scanwel recommended a reduced palette of materials for the construction of the monolith chamber. Different assembly techniques were identified and implemented, leading to improved vacuum and a substantial increase in X-ray performance.
Bangor University has a long tradition of academic excellence and a strong focus on the student experience. It is ranked in the top 40 in the UK for research, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, which recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor's research is world-leading or internationally excellent.
Dr Jeff Kettle, Reader in Electronic Engineering at the University of Wales, Bangor, required a purpose-built vacuum chamber for degradation studies of semi-conductor materials. The system also needed to operate at atmosphere, with controlled humidity levels and feedthrough ports for introducing gas via mass controllers. In addition, Dr Kettle needed electrical connections for undertaking in-situ measurements and a transparent window for excitation of samples.
Scanwel provides bespoke solutions to specific projects. The team is highly qualified and experienced, approaching each project on an individual basis and offering a consultative approach to every customer.
Dr Jeff Kettle provided Scanwel with a basic concept design, and the team designed the system around it.
Unit 15/16
Enterprise Park
Bala, Gwynedd
LL23 7NL
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