Form Number F022-00-00 Revision F — ©2017 Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. — 2 May 2017 — Page 2
SENSOR MOUNTING
1. Mounting area should be prepared and cleaned with a
solvent such as acetone followed by an isopropyl
alcohol rinse. Allow time for the solvents to evaporate
before sensor mounting. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for mixing and curing adhesives. Carefully
note temperature range limitations of the greases,
varnishes, and epoxies to be used.
2. The list below provides brief instructions on mounting
a sensor using a number of different methods. The
constraints of your application should dictate the most
appropriate mounting method to follow.
Apiezon
®
N Grease
— Best used as a thermal
conductor for temperatures under room temperature
when the sensor is mounted in a hole or recess and
when the sensor needs to be removable. The sensor
should be surrounded with thermal grease and placed
into the mounting position. When the temperature is
lowered the thermal grease will harden, giving good
support and thermal contact.
NOTE:
Use Apiezon
®
H
grease for high temperature applications up to 500 K.
The use of grease is not recommended for use in high
temperature applications above 500 K.
IMI 7031 Varnish
— Prepare varnish and apply a thin
layer on the mounting surface. Press the sensor firmly
against the varnish during curing to ensure a thin
bond layer and good thermal contact. Varnish will air
dry in 5 to 10 min. Sufficient time must be allowed for
the solvents in the varnish to evaporate.
There is a small probability of ionic shunting across
the sensor during the cure period of the varnish
(typically 12 to 24 h).
Stycast
®
2850FT Epoxy
— Prepare epoxy and apply
a thin layer on the mounting surface. Press the sensor
firmly into the epoxy during curing to ensure a thin
bond layer and good thermal contact. Epoxy will cure
in 12 h at 25 °C or in 2 h at 66 °C.
NOTE:
Varnish, epoxies, and other adhesives should
be considered permanent mounts and only be used if
the sensor is not intended for removal.
Aluminum mounting adapter
— The sensor has been
mounted to this adapter using Cotronics’ Durabond™
950 aluminum-based adhesive. This adhesive is well
matched to the temperature expansion coefficient of
the aluminum adapter. Attach the sensor adapter
using a 6-32 or M3 screw along with an Inconel
®
Belleville washer. The washer is provided. Do not
over tighten the screw. The Belleville washer should
not be flattened.
3. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for adhesive curing
schedules. Carefully note the temperature range of
use for greases, varnishes, and epoxies. Grease is
not recommended to fill voids when the sensor will be
used above 500 K.
