Insulating a Superconducting Electromagnet – A Real-World Case Study
Sometimes our packaging finds its way into unusual places. Thanks to Jennifer Dyne, a final-year Masters of Architecture student at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, we’re able to share one of the most fascinating uses of a JB Packaging polystyrene box yet.
From Fresh Produce to Physics Experiments
Jennifer contacted us with photos from her work in the Swiss Alps, where one of our polystyrene produce boxes became the unlikely hero in a serious scientific experiment.
Her research explored ways of simulating induced electromagnetism to test the potential for a magnetic defence against “strangelets” a theoretical particle that could, in principle, be produced by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator on the Franco-Swiss border.
Why Use a Polystyrene Box?
To run her experiments, Jennifer needed to transport a pseudo superconducting electromagnet. This delicate equipment relies on liquid nitrogen and liquid helium to stay at extremely low temperatures. If it warms up even slightly, the magnet can quench in other words, fail due to excess heat.
That’s where our insulated polystyrene box came in. Lightweight, durable, and thermally efficient, it was the perfect housing to carry and protect the electromagnet during transportation, while maintaining the ultra-cold conditions required.
Head-Scratching Science, Practical Packaging
We might not all be experts in particle physics, but this case study shows just how versatile EPS can be. From keeping fresh fish chilled to insulating superconducting magnets in cutting-edge research, polystyrene’s thermal protection continues to prove invaluable in surprising ways.
Jennifer at Zermatt one of the finest ski resorts in Switzerland, at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Photo credit: Harry Grocott.
This image shows the device (and box in background).
Photo credit: Harry Grocott.
Device in the box at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, 175 metres (574 ft) underground by the CMS detector.
Photo credit: Danny Lane.