MCVD Systems
MCVD for Preform Manufacturing
MCVD Preform Manufacturing Equipment
Automated Manufacturing Systems for 'State-of-the-Art' Optical Fibre Preforms
- Excellent productivity: 700+ km per preform
- Ideal for multimode and speciality fibres
- Versatile and precise software control of parameters
- Highly reproducible layer thickness and composition
- Highly stable preform straightness and circularity
- Fully configurable, automated process sequences
- Network connectivity
- Totally integrated system design and manufacture
- Superior Gas System integrity maintaining reagent purity
- Complete range of Ancillary Systems
- Guaranteed and demonstrable end-product quality
Modular Design
Our standard system configuration has been designed to cater for most applications. Being modular design system, however, gas channels may be removed or added to suit any unusual requirements. Alternative dopants and process gases have been requested for special systems, and enquiries for 'one-off' specials are always welcome. Our extensive experience in this field, together with our 'in-house' design and development facility enables us to offer a unique design and development service to our clients, with the assurance of complete confidentiality.
Precise, repeatable control over the flow and composition of the reactants mixture is ensured by using high precision MFC controllers in conjunction with a purpose designed bubbler/isothermal bath system. Reagent purity is maintained by using all PTFE valve blocks and piping, enclosed with an elevated temperature controlled dry box, and delivery umbilical to the purged PTFE rotary input seal on the lathe. Both the glove box and umbilical are purged with dry nitrogen.
All stainless steel systems, as an alternative to the PTFE/steel hybrid are also available.
To ensure the highest possible standards of quality control, all SGC systems are fully manufactured in-house in our own workshops, down to component level for our propriety designs of valves, bubblers, tanks etc.
Advanced PC/PLC Process Control
Fully automated control of the Gas System and Lathe process parameters provides the precise, automated process control necessary for high yield production of today's highest quality preforms. The advanced, user friendly PC/PLC control system with touch-screen provides full colour data logging of the system status and parameters and a clear 'at-a-glance' overview of the current status throughout the process.
The software may be re-configured readily for any application and allows the operator to make 'real time' adjustments to system parameters during the process using the keyboard and touch-screen, should conditions require it. Network connectivity is available as an option, and the standard preform tube internal pressure control system may be enhanced by the addition of precision continuous tube diameter measurement with closed loop diameter control.
Accurate 'Hot-Zone' Temperature Control
The special design of burner and unique use of a scanning pyrometer enables accurate temperature measurements to be made within the hot zone to ensure tight control over material deposition and fusion rates.
These factors, coupled with the precise control of hydrogen/oxygen flow rates and mixture stoichiometry also allow the use of low flame pressures on the tube and minimise gas usage.
The accurate alignment and high stability of the lathe mechanics and SGC proprietary double chucks used in conjunction with our hot zone temperature control system and automatic pressure control within the tube, all contribute towards the excellent preform straightness and circularity essential for the highest quality and yield in fibre production. An optional class 100, laminar flow clean air system and environment enclosure is also available.
Accurate Tube Diameter Control
Improved process control is achieved by using the SGC tube diameter control system, which utilises CCTV with custom image processing, in conjunction with an advanced system for the control of internal tube pressure.
Ancillary Systems
A complete range of ancillary systems is available, including high performance, process gas purifiers and driers, exhaust gas scrubbers and multi-channel bulk reagent storage units with automatic bubbler refilling.
SG Controls can offer a complete installation, commissioning and maintenance service in addition to full technical process support and training, including the transfer of all manufacturing technology. Complete 'Turnkey' design and construction packages with full end-product guarantees are also available.