Nuclear & Energy

Vacuum Drying for Nuclear & Energy: Purity, Precision, and Process Control

Overview

Advanced energy systems — including nuclear fuel cycle components, clean tech infrastructure, and composite pressure vessels — require ultra-low moisture content for reliable performance and regulatory compliance. Whether preparing carbon fiber tubes for uranium enrichment or drying components for high-vacuum environments, even trace moisture can degrade performance or cause failure.

iDRY vacuum drying systems provide controlled, scalable drying for critical energy materials — ensuring repeatable low-moisture results, material integrity, and environmental isolation.

Dry carbon fiber tubes to below less than 0.01 grains moisture at 180°F under vacuum. iDRY delivered a tunable, automated solution that matched our process window and outperformed oven-based drying.

⚙️ How iDRY Vacuum Drying Works

iDRY systems create a low-pressure environment that reduces the boiling point of water, enabling effective moisture removal at lower temperatures. Under vacuum, trapped water and volatiles are pulled from deep inside materials — even from resin-rich, multi-layered, or porous structures — without thermal stress or surface oxidation.

Fans, heat, and airflow can be precisely controlled, while cycle data is automatically logged to support process validation and QA documentation.

✅ Key Benefits:

  • Deep vacuum drying (down to 2 inHgA) for moisture-critical applications

  • Compatible with 180°F long-duration cycles (e.g., 5 days)

  • Ideal for carbon fiber tubes, composite structures, and ceramics

  • Lower drying temperatures = reduced material degradation risk

  • Fully automated cycles with data logging and batch reporting

  • Scalable chamber designs for high-throughput or long-length components

Nuclear & Energy Applications Include:

  • Drying carbon fiber tubes used in uranium enrichment

  • Vacuum drying of composite pressure vessels and structural supports

  • Moisture removal from ceramic insulators, shielding, or AM parts

  • Degassing of polymer-lined or resin-impregnated components

  • Final prep of vacuum hardware for fuel handling or containment

  • Pre-treatment for parts entering radioactive or high-temperature environments

  • Sublimation and de-sublimation hot and cold boxes