Isotech 452 Ice Mantle Maker

Anyone who works with Water Triple Point Cells knows the struggle: cold hands, wet benches and sometimes hours of effort to produce a clean, strain‑free ice mantle. The Isotech Ice Mantle Maker was created to eliminate exactly that frustration. Originally developed for use in Isotech’s own UKAS laboratory, it proved so effective that it quickly became a standard tool in laboratories worldwide. It makes the process not only easier, but also more reliable — and even enjoyable.

How it works — a clever anti‑gravity heat‑pipe

The Ice Mantle Maker uses a specially designed anti‑gravity heat‑pipe that removes heat from the cell and transfers it to a small container filled with solid CO₂ or, preferably, liquid nitrogen. Because the heat‑pipe maintains an extremely low temperature gradient, the ice mantle forms very close to 0 °C, producing a beautiful, strain‑free structure ideal for precise triple‑point realisation. The system works equally well when you want to thicken the ice only at the bottom of the cell. By keeping just a small amount of alcohol in the cell, the heat transfer is concentrated at the lower section.

Background

The concept of controlled heat removal for ice mantle formation was first described in 1969 by John Evans (NBS, USA). His method was innovative, but the materials available at the time limited its practicality. Isotech revisited the idea, modernised the technology and optimised the materials. The result is a reliable, efficient and modern solution that finally makes ice mantle production straightforward.

Ice Bridge Prevention Collar

During development, Isotech identified the risk of an ice bridge forming at the water–vapour interface. To prevent this, a clever Ice Bridge Prevention Collar was designed. Placed around the cell, it prevents unwanted ice formation at the top. It is included free of charge, provided the cell diameter is specified when ordering.

Performance and use

The Ice Mantle Maker is lightweight (about 250 g) and easy to handle.
With a standard Jarrett‑Isotech A11 Water Triple Point Cell, a complete mantle typically forms in 20 to 30 minutes. Larger or smaller cells may require slightly different times.

The Isotech Ice Mantle Maker makes the creation of a perfect ice mantle fast, clean and effortless. With its anti‑gravity heat‑pipe, strain‑free ice formation and included Ice Bridge Prevention Collar, it transforms a traditionally difficult task into a reliable and pleasant part of triple‑point work.