Getter structure for vacuum insulation panels

Abstract

A getter structure is provided which can be handled for relatively short periods of time in open atmosphere and yet provides prolonged gettering action over relatively long periods of time when utilized in a sealed compartment. The getter structure has a thin flexible substrate upon which a getter material is applied. A barrier layer is applied to the getter material to prevent rapid reaction by the getter material with the atmosphere. The substrate or barrier layer is semi-permeable and is selected to provide the desired degree of permeation of the layer to the getter material to result in the action described. Such a getter structure is useful in a vacuum insulation panel, particularly in a getter system in a multiple compartment panel where different getter materials are utilized in different compartments so as to maximize the effectiveness of the use of the getter materials, while minimizing the cost of the getter materials required to provide the desired degree of gas gettering.