After some much needed maintenance and cleaning, we finally had the time for Celani wire micrographs. Also note we figured out how to display a FIGURE KEY. This image is 434L (US cell B) treated wire with a small abnormality among the fuzzy topography typical of a Celani-treated surface. 

434L treated surface (US Cell B) demonstrating, on a microscopic scale, the fragility of the oxide surface. Slight bends and manipulations easily flake off the outer surface of the wire. The entire bulk of the treated constantan is very brittle; just ask Malachi!

A closer look at the 434 treated topography. 

The material used in these images is the very ends of excess wire, as we only have room in the cell to install ~85mm of Celani wire. The absolute tips of the wires  go untreated because they are covered by the electrical contacts used to resistively heat the rest of the bulk. This is a close shot of the very end of the 477L wire that previously burnt out in US cell B, just as a reference to the differing topographies. 

A larger view of the previous shot. 

Close topography of the 360L wire installed in US cell B after the latest active wire burnout. 

Buildup abnormality on 360L. 

Odd green tint to the nichrome?

Reassembly of the passthrough flange. 

Measuring the excess length of wire unused in cells but to be imaged with the SEM later. 

Checking the passthrough impedance prior to wrapping. The brittleness of the oxide-treated Celani wire makes re-wrapping around the mica a difficult and risky process. 

Slight discoloration at the tip of the Celani wire indicates where the wire was in contact with the power lead to heat it. These ~1cm sections of the wire were analyzed in comparison to their treated counterparts on the same length with SEM images (also shown in this gallery). 

Inspecting the active wires for irregularities or damage from shipping. Additionally the ends of the wire are scraped to remove the oxide layer and establish good electrical connectivity. 

The packets Celani ships the wires in have various information about their composition and treatment. This 477 layer treated wire was inserted into US Cell B, the control unit. 

Disassembly of the calibrated cells. 

Final assembly with the controlled air heater on it.  We have set the controller to about 30C.  It appears to be holding a constant temperature within 0.2 C.

The light weight cover over that allows access to the valves to each cell.

A view inside the air flow path.  The controlled, heated air enter into the triangle space between the cells.  From there, the air flow into the space at the head of each test cell and then along the cells, and out the back.

The ambient air sensors for each cell are shrouded in a white paper cone in order to keep any incident radiant heat from affecting the thermocouple.

Malachi fitting the shield around the cells in the vent hood.

Picture of the heater in place.

Cutting a hole for the controlled heater that will keep the air flow constant and just a little above the range of room temperatures so that a hot day won't throw the test off.

Malachi with the rough assembly ready to carefully fit the heater to and then fit around the cells.

Brief hand-sketch of the enclosure to help keep the V1.3 test cells in the USA in a constant temperature and constant air flow environment.