Testing Mission Critical Heat Pipes

Heat pipe QC testing is essential for confirming heat transfer efficiency and reliability in mission-critical and long-life electronics applications. It helps identify manufacturing defects and ensure reliability and longevity in high-stake environments.

While mass-produced, off-the-shelf two-phase devices likely won’t be required to meet rigorous QC standards, those manufactured in North America, Taiwan, or Europe will almost certainly be subjected to a battery of testing for 100% of first article and mass-production parts.

At Celsia, first article testing involves shock and vibration, thermal cycling between temperatures, long durations at both low and high temperatures, humidity tests, and a high-pressure helium leak check. Listed below is the default protocol, which also includes dimensional checks, that can be adjusted based on application specifics and customer requirements.

During mass production, 100% of two-phase devices are subject to a 48 hour burn-in period to test for contaminants, a high-pressure helium leak check to ensure structural integrity, performance validation of both Qmax and thermal resistance (delta-T), and dimensional measurements.

Further, Qmax, thermal resistance, and dimensional testing occur for every thermal assembly after two-phase devices are incorporated into the unit.

Additional Heat Pipe Resources

Heat Pipe Selection Calculator

Heat Pipe Heat Sink Design Guide