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Cryogenic ChambersCryogenic chambers replicate extremely low temperature environments that are colder than what conventional refrigeration equipment allows. Cryogenic temperatures are anywhere from -238 degrees F to absolute zero. In these temperatures, natural gasses can be liquefied and some metals lose their electrical resistance. These chambers are used for a number of applications, including flash freezing food, which helps retain nutrients and texture, post-forming metal processing, production of rocket fuel and storage of liquefied gasses. Cryogenic processes are used often in the medical and food processing industries, and must adhere to strict American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Draft Environment Impact Report (DEIR) standards. Products and materials placed in cryogenic chambers risk thermal shock, and in order to prevent this, the chamber must reach its low temperature and return to room temperature at a very slow rate. The slower the temperature falls and rises, the better the desired results will be. The temperatures are reached by immersing the products in liquid helium and nitrogen within the chamber. In metal working, products such as knives are formed and then put into cryogenic chambers to improve their strength and performance. After the metal products are removed from the cryogenic temperatures, they must go through post-cryo tempering that takes place in an oven.
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