jacketicer

A jacketicer is a tool used in the field of cryogenics and laboratory research. Its primary function is to facilitate the rapid and controlled insertion of components, such as sensors or probes, into cryogenic environments. This is particularly important when dealing with extremely low temperatures, where even brief exposure to warmer ambient air can lead to condensation, ice formation, or compromise experimental integrity.

The jacketicer typically consists of a hollow tube, often made of materials resistant to extreme cold like stainless steel or specialized plastics. This tube is designed to be evacuated or purged with an inert gas, such as helium or nitrogen, before and during the insertion process. This creates a barrier that minimizes thermal shock and prevents the ingress of atmospheric moisture. The component to be inserted is usually housed within the jacketicer's lumen and is advanced using a plunger or a similar mechanism.

The precise design and operation of a jacketicer can vary depending on the specific application. Some may incorporate features for vacuum sealing or specialized connectors for gas purging. The ability to insert sensitive equipment without significant temperature fluctuations or contamination makes the jacketicer an invaluable instrument in experiments requiring precise temperature control, such as in superconductivity research, quantum computing, or certain biological sample preservation techniques.