A high-precision climate for the Swiss electron accelerator The SwissFEL research X-ray laser uses concentrated energy and groundbreaking technology to make extremely short-lived processes visible, the creation of new molecules, for example. Only minute temperature variations are permitted which is why a highly accurate SAUTER automation solution will regulate the climate in the building over 700 metres long.
In October 2017, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) will open its SwissFEL X-ray free-electron laser facility in the canton of Aargau. Some 30 km outside of Zurich, this is only the second facility of its kind worldwide. Here, researchers will accelerate electrons to extreme speeds and use the X-ray light generated to gain insights into the physical processes within molecules.
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SAUTER Facts No 35
With temperatures in the subterranean beam channel requiring exceptionally high precision regulation, the Swiss research institute commissioned an innovative and reliable solution. Having successfully run the pilot project, SAUTER demonstrated that it had the requisite expertise and technical skills to provide the appropriate automation solution. A thorough risk analysis preceded installation. This allowed redundancies to be pinpointed that would keep downtimes of the facility to an absolute minimum.
