News

The world's most powerful heavy-ion accelerator was inaugurated on May 2, 2022, at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Fast closing valves from VAT help secure the ultra-high vacuum environment of the FRIB. (2 min. read)

As the world’s most sensitive scale for the measurement of neutrino mass, the international Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment has now reported a level of precision never achieved before. The suite of VAT valves developed for KATRIN continue to provide seamless performance despite the experiment’s radiation levels, extreme temperatures, and UHV environment. (2 min. read)

A top priority of the European Strategy for Particle Physics to enable research to new frontiers of particle physics, CERN's the High-Luminosity LHC (“HiLumi”) project will multiply the power of CERN’s already mighty Large Hadron Collider. VAT all-metal valves are designed to withstand the demanding extreme UHV conditions. (3 min. read)

Latest synchrotron facilities employ novel getter pump techniques to establish UHV conditions. VAT provides high-tech valves to control the coating process. (4 min. read)

Generating energy through controlled nuclear fusion has long been a dream of mankind. To get closer to this dream, an experimental fusion reactor is currently being built in southern France as part of the ITER project. As a certified supplier of all-metal and elastomer valves, VAT is closely involved in this ambitious research project. In the process, the valve professionals from Switzerland have achieved a truly great feat. (5 min. read)

U.S. researcher Andrew McElrone investigates grape roots with particle accelerator at ALS research facility in Berkeley, California. The goal: sustainable water use strategy for grape growers. (6 min. read)

In the electromobility sector, technical innovation is becoming more important, particularly where battery production is concerned. Vacuum and plasma technology plays a central role in some of these processes. Vacuum valve development can thus provide significant support for progress. (5 min. read)

Mini-LEDs instead of LEDs in flat panel displays have set a profound change in motion, and the next innovation is waiting in the wings: Micro-LEDs, a new challenge for VAT vacuum valves. (4 min. read)

To effectively combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus, like other viruses, it is necessary to first elicit structural information from the virus, particle accelerators with VAT technology help to do this. (5 min. read)

VAT vacuum valves are part of the upgrade to the LCLS, an X-ray laser at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California (USA) that is so fast and precise, it can observe atoms in motion. (3 min. read)

Where to put the highly radioactive nuclear waste? An innovative technology called transmutation is preparing to defuse the brisance of nuclear waste. VAT technology plays a key role in this. (7 min. read)

Thanks to quantum technology, computing capacities and speeds are advancing into previously unknown dimensions and enabling a completely new approach to tasks. This offers new opportunities for research and industry. VAT technology is an important element in this. (3 min. read)

At the world-famous research facility, CERN, thoughts are turning to the future of particle research. There is no question about it: the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has produced sensational results worthy of a Nobel Prize. However, these results immediately raised further questions, the answers to which in turn require new developments in accelerators. Technology from VAT should also be part of this in the future because that technology is already delivering outstanding service in the LHC. (4 min. read)

This is where Combo Valves or valve assemblies in general can score: with easier assembly, 30-40% less space required, reduced dead volume and - last but not least - fewer potential leakage points. (3 min. read)

In 2019, the National Science Foundation (NSF) held a workshop for “Large Ultrahigh Vacuum Systems for Frontier Scientific Research Instrumentation” to help identify cost effective technologies to design, build and operate a new generation gravitational wave observatory based on the original LIGO concept.* This new design will be an order of magnitude more sensitive than the current generation systems in the USA (LIGO), EU (Virgo) and Japan (KAGRA) – and also MUCH larger. (2 min. read)

Advancing into the innermost structures of matter requires ever more powerful and larger particle accelerators. This drives up construction and operating costs. Plasma accelerators are blazing a new trail. Challenges also for vacuum valves. (3 min. read)

Hyperloop transportation concepts – high-speed travel in a low-pressure tubes – promises to revolutionize ground transportation. Large vacuum valves are needed to maintain the enormous vacuum volumes in these systems. (3 min. read)

Solar cell technology is seen as crucial to help fight climate change. A new generation of large transfer valves offers manufacturers the improvements needed to produce high-performance solar cells. (3 min. read)

The number of new satellites is increasing - and with it the need for tests under space conditions. VAT vacuum valves help to simulate the temperature and pressure conditions prevailing in space. (4 min. read)

Haag, June 2021, VAT has launched “Quick Spec Bellows”, a new online configuration and order service for welded metal bellows. The online service provides convenient configuration, quick price information and a guaranteed three-week delivery time ex works VAT Switzerland. (2 min. read)