Monday, September 14, 2015, 15:28

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.31g

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat is wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in Evap1.

 Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 17:55

The work in the B2 level is done; the nuclear ventilation for the evaporators is now operational. 

Tried to turn on the backing pump, but failed. 

Submitted an fault #8428 to vacuum group

 Thursday, September 17, 2015, 12:23

Vacuum group responded to the e-fault, and a new pump is installed.

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

 Friday, September 18, 2015, 14:12

Chamber pressure is at 3.0e-6 Torr.

TGHT stepped up to 30A.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

 Friday, September 18, 2015, 16:05

Pressure stabilized at 3.6e-5 Torr. 

Initiate autoramping

 Monday, September 21, 2015, 11:38

TGHT was found tripped off at 50A on Saturday at about 6am; the backing pump gauge went up to 150mTorr at the same time (see attachment)

Note that a refurbished backing pump was installed before starting this process.  It could be a leak somewhere; will let vacuum group to inspect this. 

 Monday, September 21, 2015, 15:34

Vacuum group took a look at the pump.  It was the bleeding valve that was not properly close while the pump was installed.  So after some period of running, the valve got loosen from the pump's vibration and caused the leak. 

The pump is now back to operational. 

Chamber is being pumped again.  Once the vacuum is good, TGHT will be stepped up to 50A and autoramping will be initiated once it's ready.

 Monday, September 21, 2015, 17:51

TGHT at 50A, IG at 3.6e-6 Torr.

Initiated autoramping.

 Wednesday, September 30, 2015, 10:11

TGHT has reached to 520A/5.36V.  The carbonization process is complete, vacuum at 3.29e-6 Torr, BP at 12mTorr. (see attachment#2)

Initiated auto-cooling at 2A/min.

 Wednesday, December 02, 2015, 14:08

UO2/C was cast onto a graphite sheet in the fume hood and let dry.

Initial UO2 powder used = 25.11g (Inventory R-00835A, UO2 + bottle = 243.44g before use)

Graphite powder used = 5.16g

A 13mm punch was used to punch out discs from an 11mm wide strip.

5 discs were packed into one end of the graphite tube and a single 1cmx2cm strip was placed in the other end.

graphite tube = 4.57g

5 x UO2/C discs = 0.62g

2cm x 1cm strip = 0.21g

the graphite tube is placed inside a target boat.

The Ta-target boat is wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in Evap1.

Pumping down overnight.

Thursday, December 03, 2015, 09:23 

IG1 = 5.7e-6 Torr.

Stepped up manually to 60A.

Waited ~1hr45, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 6.3e-6 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

 Monday, December 07, 2015, 10:45

UO2/C reached 520A yesterday and has remained at max setpoint for 15hrs.

IG1 = 5.2e-6 Torr.

TGHT = 520A, 5.35V

Carbonization process is complete.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min.

 Wednesday, December 09, 2015, 10:09

Vented in argon and took the materials out yesterday.

Currently sitting in glove box.

All five discs and strip had fallen out of graphite tube and were sitting directly on the target boat.

^not sure if due to removal of heat shields [moving target boat around shook materials out of tube] or if this happened during carbonization process.

materials stuck to graphite foil fairly well, able to handle foils with tweezers and inspect without materials flaking off.

lightly scraped top of discs with spatula - no materials flaked off.

minor cracks are visible on discs.

graphite tube shows no visible changes.

 Thursday, December 10, 2015, 08:54

Filled graphite tube with 34 UO2/C discs cast onto graphite.

34 discs = 4.10g

graphite tube = 4.64g

IG1 = 2.8e-6 Torr.

Stepped up manually to 35A.

Waited ~1hr15, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 5.8e-6 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

 Monday, December 14, 2015, 08:58

IG1 = 3.9e-6 Torr.

TGHT = 520A, 5.7

UO2/C reached 520A yesterday and has remained at max setpoint for ~12hrs.

Carbonization process is complete.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min.

 Friday, December 18, 2015, 15:37

Vented in argon and removed from evap1

Graphite tube appears golden in colour [ see photo attached]

Materials spilled out of graphite tube, could be partially due to movement of target boat between evaporator and glove box and removal of heat shields.

Black graphite tube in weigh boat behind target is the graphite tube from the first round in evap1, shows a comparison in colour difference between the two rounds.

The difference between round 1 and round2:

-round1 contained 5 single discs packed together and a single 1cm/2cm square on the other end

-round2 contained 34 discs packed together consuming the whole graphite tube

All other parameters ie. max setpoints, were the same.

 Tuesday, March 08, 2016, 10:01

UO2/C green was prepared March 2, 2016.

This was the first time using the new rack built for holding multiple casts [see photo attached]

The cast peeled off the glass nicely March 3, 2014 and finished drying over the weekend. [see attached picture]

Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.03g (Inventory R-00835A, UO2 + bottle = 218.54g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.14g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 60.08g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat is wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in Evap1.

Chamber has been pumped down overnight, currently at IG1 = 4.5e-6 Torr.

Manually stepping up to 35A...

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

Tuesday, March 08, 2016, 16:01

Waited ~3hrs, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 1.4e-5 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp.

 Monday, March 21, 2016, 08:33

IG1 = 1.9e-6 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.13V

TGHT remained at max setpoints for ~63.5hrs [over the weekend].

Carbonization process is complete.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min.

 Thursday, March 24, 2016, 10:19

vented in argon and removed from evap1.

stored in glove box.

total flakes produced: 46.26g

Tuesday, April 05, 2016, 10:58

UO2/C green was prepared March 31, 2016.

The cast peeled off the glass nicely April 1, 2016 and finished drying over the weekend. [see attached picture]

Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.47g (Inventory R-00835A, UO2 + bottle = 168.33g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.05g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 59.50g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 yesterday.

Chamber has been pumped down overnight, currently at IG1 = 3.7e-6 Torr.

Manually stepping up to 35A...

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

Tuesday, April 05, 2016, 15:04

Waited ~4hrs, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 8.5e-6 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp.

 Friday, April 15, 2016, 13:50

IG1 = 3.2e-6 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.15V

TGHT remained at max setpoints for ~10hrs

Carbonization process is complete.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min.

 Monday, April 18, 2016, 11:08

vented in argon and removed from evap1.

stored in glove box.

will measure flakes produced tomorrow...

 Tuesday, April 19, 2016, 15:32

UC2 flakes produced = 45.99g

Tuesday, August 23, 2016, 17:33

Target boat coated with TaC (sprayed) and wrapped with Ta-heat shield. 

chamber is currently being pumped down. Vac currently at 3.3e-5Torr. 

TGHT to be ramped up to 580A.

Initiate autoramping at 0.1A/min

 Wednesday, August 24, 2016, 10:34

TGHT at 111A/1.07V.  Vac at 7.5e-6 Torr and coming down.

Increase ramping rate to 2A/min.

 Thursday, August 25, 2016, 12:01

TGHT has been stabilized at 580A/6.89V for over 24 hours.  Vac at 7.5e-6 Torr.

Initiated cooling at 2A/min.

 Monday, September 12, 2016, 17:30

Container was properly sintered.

Monday, September 12, 2016, 17:30

A bunch of end caps (12?) and a long Ta-wire in spring sharp  were coated with TaC coating and wrapped in a small sheet of graphite foil. 

Container is then wrapped with a sheet of Ta heat shield.

These caps and wires will be sintered in Evap 1, so they may be prompted to contamination from the uranium processes. 

I have no choice but to use Evap1 to do this work since we are falling behind with the schedule.  

In the future, please have all the materials (targets, end caps, binder, etc) well prepared. 

I do not know what is the required current to sinter the caps since there is no temp measurement.  So, the best is to go with how the container was sintered, 580A. 

Monday, September 12, 2016, 17:36

Chamber has been pumped down to mid 10-6 Torr. 

Auto ramp to 580A at 2A/min.

John Wong wrote:

Monday, September 12, 2016, 17:30 A bunch of end caps (12?) and a long Ta-wire in spring sharp  were coated with TaC coating and wrapped in a small sheet of graphite foil.  Container is then wrapped with a sheet of Ta heat shield. These caps and wires will be sintered in Evap 1, so they may be prompted to contamination from the uranium processes.  I have no choice but to use Evap1 to do this work since we are falling behind with the schedule.   In the future, please have all the materials (targets, end caps, binder, etc) well prepared.  I do not know what is the required current to sinter the caps since there is no temp measurement.  So, the best is to go with how the container was sintered, 580A.  Monday, September 12, 2016, 17:36 Chamber has been pumped down to mid 10-6 Torr.  Auto ramp to 580A at 2A/min.

 Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 10:41

vented in air and removed from evap1

managed to remove carefully using napkins and not touching boat directly with gloves as to avoid contamination.

endcaps and springs look good, fully sintered

one endcap looks like coating has started to peel off, possibly due to too thick of a TaC coating pre-sintering. see photos attached.

Friday, September 23, 2016, 16:01

*Note: materials were scaled back small amount since only 48.5g of UO2 was left in bottle when usually 50g required to make slurry

UO2/C green was prepared September 22, 2016.

The cast peeled off the glass nicely September 23, 2016 and loaded into evap1.

Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time.

Initial UO2 powder used = 48.52g (Inventory R-00835A, no more UO2 left in bottle! Empty bottle = 68.33g)

Graphite powder used = 9.78g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 59.21g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 today.

Chamber is currently pumping down, will remain under vacuum over weekend and initiate ramping process monday.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

Monday, September 26, 2016, 13:52

IG1 = 1.56e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 35A

Waited ~1.5hrs, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 1.23e-5 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp

 Friday, October 07, 2016, 13:19

TGHT tripped off oct 5th at 7pm   alarm handlers were not on, so pager never went off

TGHT was at ~450A and vacuum stable when it tripped off

Reason for this is currently unknown

Ion gauge didn't trip off, neither did the water

Auto-ramping at 2.0A/min back up to 400A currently...

 Friday, October 07, 2016, 16:30

TGHT was ramped up to 420A at 2.0A/min today

IG1 = 4.9e-5 Torr

Changed ramping rate to 0.1A/min for the TGHT with a final setpoint of 520A

Alarm handlers on: if anything happens over weekend pager will go off

Tuesday, October 11, 2016, 10:30 

IG1 = 1.2e-6 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.35V

TGHT has remained at max setpoint for ~2.5days

Carbonization process is complete.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min.

 Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 16:23

Vented in Ar and opened up evap1 this morning.

Stored in glove box.

Flakes look good, ~45g produced.

 Monday, November 07, 2016, 13:29

UO2/C green was prepared Nov 3rd, 2016.

This is the first cast made with the new batch of UO2 [but from the same purchase as the last batch]

The cast peeled off the glass nicely Nov 4th, 2016 and finished drying over the weekend.

Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.16g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 1078.15g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.03g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 60.91g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 today.

Chamber is currently pumping down, IG1 = 2.4e-5 Torr.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

 Tuesday, November 08, 2016, 07:43

IG1 = 2.4e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 35A, 0.50V

Waited ~50min, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 1.3e-5 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp

Laura Lambert wrote:

Monday, November 07, 2016, 13:29 UO2/C green was prepared Nov 3rd, 2016. This is the first cast made with the new batch of UO2 [but from the same purchase as the last batch] The cast peeled off the glass nicely Nov 4th, 2016 and finished drying over the weekend. Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time. Initial UO2 powder used = 50.16g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 1078.15g before use) Graphite powder used = 10.03g Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.91g  The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet. The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 today. Chamber is currently pumping down, IG1 = 2.4e-5 Torr. Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.  Tuesday, November 08, 2016, 07:43 IG1 = 2.4e-6 Torr Tapped up to 35A, 0.50V Waited ~50min, vacuum stable. IG1 = 1.3e-5 Torr Initiating auto-ramp

 Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 09:59

TGHT reached to 520A/5.12V; however the pressure was still remained high at the limit 5.0e-5 Torr which indicating that the carbonization process isn't complete yet.

Increase TGHT to 520A at a ramping rate of 0.1A/min.

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Monday, November 07, 2016, 13:29 UO2/C green was prepared Nov 3rd, 2016. This is the first cast made with the new batch of UO2 [but from the same purchase as the last batch] The cast peeled off the glass nicely Nov 4th, 2016 and finished drying over the weekend. Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time. Initial UO2 powder used = 50.16g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 1078.15g before use) Graphite powder used = 10.03g Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.91g  The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet. The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 today. Chamber is currently pumping down, IG1 = 2.4e-5 Torr. Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.  Tuesday, November 08, 2016, 07:43 IG1 = 2.4e-6 Torr Tapped up to 35A, 0.50V Waited ~50min, vacuum stable. IG1 = 1.3e-5 Torr Initiating auto-ramp    Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 09:59 TGHT reached to 520A/5.12V; however the pressure was still remained high at the limit 5.0e-5 Torr which indicating that the carbonization process isn't complete yet. Increase TGHT to 520A at a ramping rate of 0.1A/min.

 Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 11:55

*John increased maxTGHT setpoint to 530A not 520A

When the TGHT reached 520A, the vacuum was still at it's limit. Usually the vacuum starts to drop and stabilize slightly before the max setpoint is reached.

In the photo from UCx_flk10 at ~490A, the vacuum started to drop indicating the carbonization process was complete.

In the image posted from the current carbonization process one can see the vacuum was still at its limit when the TGHT reached its max set point of 520A meaning the carbonization process remains incomplete.

 Thursday, November 17, 2016, 07:36

Vacuum still high, carbonization remains incomplete.

Remained at 530A for ~18hrs

TGHT = 530A, 5.24V

IG1 = 3.8e-5 Torr

Increasing max setpoint to 540A.

 Thursday, November 17, 2016, 13:54

Vacuum remains high after ramping up to 540A, IG1 = 4.5e-5 Torr - still not fully carbonized

TGHT = 540A, 5.36V

Increasing max setpoint to 550A

 Thursday, November 17, 2016, 15:29

Vacuum still high

Increasing max setpoint to 580A

See excel to confirm this remains under 4kW

Wouldn't want to go much above 4kW otherwise container will break

 Friday, November 18, 2016, 13:14

Vacuum stable and decreasing - carbonization process complete.

Evap1 has remained at max setpoints for ~6.5hrs

IG1 = 5.6e-6 Torr

TGHT = 580A, 5.69V

Initiating auto-cool at 1.0A/min

 Monday, November 21, 2016, 16:20

Vented in Ar and opened up evap1 today.

Stored in glove box.

UC2 flakes produced = 47.23g

 Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 16:13

UO2/C green was prepared Nov 23rd, 2016.

The cast peeled off the glass nicely Nov 24th, 2016 and finished drying over the weekend.

Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.61g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 1028.05g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.16g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.94g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

A new Ta target boat is being used due to the previous one being old and is now very expanded.

The last round of flakes being carbonized [UC2flk_13] showed a slight change in current and power from previous carbonization process', also indicating the target boat should be retired.

The new boat has only been used once in evap1 to sinter some endcaps earlier in the year.

This target boat is slightly different than the old one because both ends are open, no endcaps are attached to the boat.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 today.

Chamber is currently pumping down...

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016, 13:09

IG1 = 3.2e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 35A, 0.34V

Waited ~2hrs, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 8.7e-6 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp

 Monday, December 12, 2016, 09:15

Vacuum stable - carbonization process complete.

Evap1 remained at max setpoints over wknd

IG1 = 1.47e-6 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.12V

Initiating auto-cool at 1.0A/min

 Tuesday, December 13, 2016, 16:30

Vented in Ar and opened up evap1 today.

As previously mentioned this new target boat has no endcaps and one can see in the photo more materials have dispersed onto the sides of evap1

These materials appear to be mostly graphite since there are no visible holes through the graphite wrapping that surrounds the UC2 flakes.

Stored in glove box.

 Friday, March 03, 2017, 08:53

UO2/C green was prepared Feb 28th, 2017.

The cast peeled off the glass nicely March 2nd, 2017 and loaded into evap1.

Some materials were stuck on the WC jar wall and balls, consistent with every time.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.08g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 977.24g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.05g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 63.21g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 3-layers of heat shield and installed in evap1 today.

Chamber pumped down overnight.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

IG1 = 3.2e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 35A, 0.40V

Waited ~5hrs, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 6.8e-6 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp

 Monday, March 06, 2017, 08:47

Evap1 tripped off fri night.

See attached screenshot of strip tool.

Had continued to ramp up and was at ~340A, but since the power supply had tripped off this was not actually being applied.

TGHT set back to zero, auto-ramp turned off.

Will investigate further before re-starting...

 Tuesday, March 07, 2017, 09:50

Have not figured out reasoning behind power trip.

According to controls, there were no power bumps at that time.

Water was still on - had not tripped off.

Tapped back up manually to 40A yesterday morning.

Remained at 40A overnight.

IG1 = 4.46e-6 Torr this morning.

TGHT = 40A, 0.38V

Re-initiated auto-ramp.

 Monday, March 13, 2017, 15:46 by AM

IG1 = 5.2E-5 Torr

TGHT= 436A 4.28V

Thursday, March 16, 2017, 08:37 by AM

TGHT reached 520A @ 5.37V this morning. Vacuum  at 6.2E-6 Torr

Friday, March 17, 2017, 08:21 by AM

520A @ 5.37V this morning. Vacuum  at 2.2E-6 Torr

Ramping down

 Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 14:42

UO2/C green was prepared May 16th, 2017.

The cast peeled off the glass nicely May 17th, 2017.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.25g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 876.80g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.32g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.70g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 1 long layer of heat shield and installed in evap1 today.

Chamber pumped down today.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

IG1 = 4.80e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 30A, 0.45V

Waited ~1hr, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 8.3e-6 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp

 Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 09:26

IG1 = 5.5e-5 Torr

TGHT = 64A, 0.72V

Vacuum currently yo-yo-ing.

Changing vacuum limits to attempt to speed up process.

Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

Once vacuum settles and vacuum starts to drop will adjust limits again accordingly.

 Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:17

IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr

TGHT = 69A, 0.74V

TGHT direct readout = 66A, 0.73V

Thermometer attached to TP = 41.0C

Room temp = 24.0C

Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:16 

Vacuum going well.

Stable yo-yo-ing at current vacuum limit.

TP = 41.5C, RT = 23.9C

IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr

TGHT = 71A, 0.77V

Increasing vacuum limit stop to 2.0e-4 Torr.

Thursday, May 25, 2017, 13:03

Vacuum has stabilized.

TGHT = 188A, 1.85V

IG1 = 2.2e-5 Torr.

Adjusting vacuum limits so when 2nd phase starts, vacuum does not spike.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 1.0e-4 Torr.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 14:42 UO2/C green was prepared May 16th, 2017. The cast peeled off the glass nicely May 17th, 2017. Initial UO2 powder used = 50.25g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 876.80g before use) Graphite powder used = 10.32g Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.70g  The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet. The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 1 long layer of heat shield and installed in evap1 today. Chamber pumped down today. Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr. IG1 = 4.80e-6 Torr Tapped up to 30A, 0.45V Waited ~1hr, vacuum stable. IG1 = 8.3e-6 Torr Initiating auto-ramp  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 09:26 IG1 = 5.5e-5 Torr TGHT = 64A, 0.72V Vacuum currently yo-yo-ing. Changing vacuum limits to attempt to speed up process. Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr. Once vacuum settles and vacuum starts to drop will adjust limits again accordingly.  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:17 IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 69A, 0.74V TGHT direct readout = 66A, 0.73V Thermometer attached to TP = 41.0C Room temp = 24.0C Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:16  Vacuum going well. Stable yo-yo-ing at current vacuum limit. TP = 41.5C, RT = 23.9C IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 71A, 0.77V Increasing vacuum limit stop to 2.0e-4 Torr. Thursday, May 25, 2017, 13:03 Vacuum has stabilized. TGHT = 188A, 1.85V IG1 = 2.2e-5 Torr. Adjusting vacuum limits so when 2nd phase starts, vacuum does not spike. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 1.0e-4 Torr.

 Friday, May 26, 2017, 13:40

Everything tripped off this morning at around 4:30am

This was not due to the vacuum spiking as one would expect.

No power bumps according to  ISAC controls.

Looking back on elogs  [see elog i.d. 145] evap1 had also tripped off during the last round of carbonizing UO2, however last time everything tripped off ~60A.

For last trip off the water valve remained open and on.

This time  WV1 showed yellow in the TGHT epics box, off under WV epics box, but black [open] in the WV epics box diagram [see screenshot for better understanding].

Water valves are closed - confirmed in person - water wheels not turning.

Trip-off occured ~275A.

Vacuum was stable at trip-off point; IG1 ~6e-6 Torr 

Reason: currently unknown.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 14:42 UO2/C green was prepared May 16th, 2017. The cast peeled off the glass nicely May 17th, 2017. Initial UO2 powder used = 50.25g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 876.80g before use) Graphite powder used = 10.32g Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.70g  The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet. The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 1 long layer of heat shield and installed in evap1 today. Chamber pumped down today. Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr. IG1 = 4.80e-6 Torr Tapped up to 30A, 0.45V Waited ~1hr, vacuum stable. IG1 = 8.3e-6 Torr Initiating auto-ramp  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 09:26 IG1 = 5.5e-5 Torr TGHT = 64A, 0.72V Vacuum currently yo-yo-ing. Changing vacuum limits to attempt to speed up process. Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr. Once vacuum settles and vacuum starts to drop will adjust limits again accordingly.  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:17 IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 69A, 0.74V TGHT direct readout = 66A, 0.73V Thermometer attached to TP = 41.0C Room temp = 24.0C Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:16  Vacuum going well. Stable yo-yo-ing at current vacuum limit. TP = 41.5C, RT = 23.9C IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 71A, 0.77V Increasing vacuum limit stop to 2.0e-4 Torr. Thursday, May 25, 2017, 13:03 Vacuum has stabilized. TGHT = 188A, 1.85V IG1 = 2.2e-5 Torr. Adjusting vacuum limits so when 2nd phase starts, vacuum does not spike. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 1.0e-4 Torr.    Friday, May 26, 2017, 13:40 Everything tripped off this morning at around 4:30am This was not due to the vacuum spiking as one would expect. No power bumps according to  ISAC controls. Looking back on elogs  [see elog i.d. 145] evap1 had also tripped off during the last round of carbonizing UO2, however last time everything tripped off ~60A. For last trip off the water valve remained open and on. This time  WV1 showed yellow in the TGHT epics box, off under WV epics box, but black [open] in the WV epics box diagram [see screenshot for better understanding]. Water valves are closed - confirmed in person - water wheels not turning. Trip-off occured ~275A. Vacuum was stable at trip-off point; IG1 ~6e-6 Torr  Reason: currently unknown.

 Friday, May 26, 2017, 15:43

Starting pumping down again this afternoon while trying to understand trip-off - no progress on that end.

IG1 = 4.9e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 40A, 0.24V

Vacuum spiked to 2e-5 Torr

Backed off to 35A, 0.20V

Showing lower voltage output than the last round that had tripped off...but ramping is so early on/ low current, hard to tell...

Vacuum stable.

IG1 = 5.4e-6 Torr

Target boat will be ramped up to 275A [trip-off point] at the rate of 0.1A/min.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

TP = 37.9C, RT = 25.2C

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: Laura Lambert wrote:  Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 14:42 UO2/C green was prepared May 16th, 2017. The cast peeled off the glass nicely May 17th, 2017. Initial UO2 powder used = 50.25g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 876.80g before use) Graphite powder used = 10.32g Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.70g  The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet. The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 1 long layer of heat shield and installed in evap1 today. Chamber pumped down today. Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr. IG1 = 4.80e-6 Torr Tapped up to 30A, 0.45V Waited ~1hr, vacuum stable. IG1 = 8.3e-6 Torr Initiating auto-ramp  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 09:26 IG1 = 5.5e-5 Torr TGHT = 64A, 0.72V Vacuum currently yo-yo-ing. Changing vacuum limits to attempt to speed up process. Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr. Once vacuum settles and vacuum starts to drop will adjust limits again accordingly.  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:17 IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 69A, 0.74V TGHT direct readout = 66A, 0.73V Thermometer attached to TP = 41.0C Room temp = 24.0C Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:16  Vacuum going well. Stable yo-yo-ing at current vacuum limit. TP = 41.5C, RT = 23.9C IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 71A, 0.77V Increasing vacuum limit stop to 2.0e-4 Torr. Thursday, May 25, 2017, 13:03 Vacuum has stabilized. TGHT = 188A, 1.85V IG1 = 2.2e-5 Torr. Adjusting vacuum limits so when 2nd phase starts, vacuum does not spike. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 1.0e-4 Torr.    Friday, May 26, 2017, 13:40 Everything tripped off this morning at around 4:30am This was not due to the vacuum spiking as one would expect. No power bumps according to  ISAC controls. Looking back on elogs  [see elog i.d. 145] evap1 had also tripped off during the last round of carbonizing UO2, however last time everything tripped off ~60A. For last trip off the water valve remained open and on. This time  WV1 showed yellow in the TGHT epics box, off under WV epics box, but black [open] in the WV epics box diagram [see screenshot for better understanding]. Water valves are closed - confirmed in person - water wheels not turning. Trip-off occured ~275A. Vacuum was stable at trip-off point; IG1 ~6e-6 Torr  Reason: currently unknown.        Friday, May 26, 2017, 15:43 Starting pumping down again this afternoon while trying to understand trip-off - no progress on that end. IG1 = 4.9e-6 Torr Tapped up to 40A, 0.24V Vacuum spiked to 2e-5 Torr Backed off to 35A, 0.20V Showing lower voltage output than the last round that had tripped off...but ramping is so early on/ low current, hard to tell... Vacuum stable. IG1 = 5.4e-6 Torr Target boat will be ramped up to 275A [trip-off point] at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.   TP = 37.9C, RT = 25.2C

 Monday, May 29, 2017, 08:21

Initially it looks like not enough time had been allowed for the vacuum to settle before initiating the auto-ramp resulting in the vacuum spiking and tripping off the system.

A closer look shows that is not the case.

Note: the vacuum limits were set to stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr. 

The TGHT started to back off when the vacuum was ~6e-6 Torr, this is considered a good vacuum and should not have caused the system to initiate backing off yet.

Over the course of ~1min, evap1 had backed off all the way down to 0A.

At this point the vacuum was now up to ~1.75e-5 Torr and still rising.

~34min after the TGHT had reached 0A, the vacuum eventually reached 8e-4 Torr and tripped off the evaporator.

See photos attached.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: Laura Lambert wrote: Laura Lambert wrote:  Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 14:42 UO2/C green was prepared May 16th, 2017. The cast peeled off the glass nicely May 17th, 2017. Initial UO2 powder used = 50.25g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 876.80g before use) Graphite powder used = 10.32g Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 61.70g  The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet. The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 1 long layer of heat shield and installed in evap1 today. Chamber pumped down today. Target boat will be ramped up to 520A at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr. IG1 = 4.80e-6 Torr Tapped up to 30A, 0.45V Waited ~1hr, vacuum stable. IG1 = 8.3e-6 Torr Initiating auto-ramp  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 09:26 IG1 = 5.5e-5 Torr TGHT = 64A, 0.72V Vacuum currently yo-yo-ing. Changing vacuum limits to attempt to speed up process. Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr. Once vacuum settles and vacuum starts to drop will adjust limits again accordingly.  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:17 IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 69A, 0.74V TGHT direct readout = 66A, 0.73V Thermometer attached to TP = 41.0C Room temp = 24.0C Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:16  Vacuum going well. Stable yo-yo-ing at current vacuum limit. TP = 41.5C, RT = 23.9C IG1 = 1.2e-4 Torr TGHT = 71A, 0.77V Increasing vacuum limit stop to 2.0e-4 Torr. Thursday, May 25, 2017, 13:03 Vacuum has stabilized. TGHT = 188A, 1.85V IG1 = 2.2e-5 Torr. Adjusting vacuum limits so when 2nd phase starts, vacuum does not spike. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 1.0e-4 Torr.    Friday, May 26, 2017, 13:40 Everything tripped off this morning at around 4:30am This was not due to the vacuum spiking as one would expect. No power bumps according to  ISAC controls. Looking back on elogs  [see elog i.d. 145] evap1 had also tripped off during the last round of carbonizing UO2, however last time everything tripped off ~60A. For last trip off the water valve remained open and on. This time  WV1 showed yellow in the TGHT epics box, off under WV epics box, but black [open] in the WV epics box diagram [see screenshot for better understanding]. Water valves are closed - confirmed in person - water wheels not turning. Trip-off occured ~275A. Vacuum was stable at trip-off point; IG1 ~6e-6 Torr  Reason: currently unknown.        Friday, May 26, 2017, 15:43 Starting pumping down again this afternoon while trying to understand trip-off - no progress on that end. IG1 = 4.9e-6 Torr Tapped up to 40A, 0.24V Vacuum spiked to 2e-5 Torr Backed off to 35A, 0.20V Showing lower voltage output than the last round that had tripped off...but ramping is so early on/ low current, hard to tell... Vacuum stable. IG1 = 5.4e-6 Torr Target boat will be ramped up to 275A [trip-off point] at the rate of 0.1A/min. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.   TP = 37.9C, RT = 25.2C    Monday, May 29, 2017, 08:21 Initially it looks like not enough time had been allowed for the vacuum to settle before initiating the auto-ramp resulting in the vacuum spiking and tripping off the system. A closer look shows that is not the case. Note: the vacuum limits were set to stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.    The TGHT started to back off when the vacuum was ~6e-6 Torr, this is considered a good vacuum and should not have caused the system to initiate backing off yet. Over the course of ~1min, evap1 had backed off all the way down to 0A. At this point the vacuum was now up to ~1.75e-5 Torr and still rising. ~34min after the TGHT had reached 0A, the vacuum eventually reached 8e-4 Torr and tripped off the evaporator. See photos attached.

 Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 07:41

Still unsure as to why evap1 tripped off again.

Put evap1 back under vacuum/ turned turbo pump on and opened isolation valve yesterday afternoon.

Vacuum good this morning...nothing tripped off...

 Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 08:21

IG1 = 2.3e-6 Torr

Tapped up manually to 40A, 0.24V

Waited ~1hr

IG1 = 4.5e-6 Torr

Initiated auto-ramp at 0.2A/min up to a final setpoint of 250A

 Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 09:37

IG1 = 2.4e-6 Torr

TGHT = 250A, 2.57V

Increasing max setpoint to 275A [the trip off point] at a rate of 0.2A/min

Vacuum is currently stable and low; increasing limits to:

Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

 Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 13:39

IG1 = 3.7e-6 Torr

TGHT = 275A, 2.80V

Increasing max setpoint to final setpoint of 520A at a rate of 0.2A/min

Vacuum is currently stable and low; keeping  current limits.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 15:57

IG1 = 8.14e-6 Torr

TGHT = 300A, 3.08V

Vacuum stable.

Decreasing ramping rate to 0.1A/min for overnight heating.

turbo pump = 40.5C; room temp = 25.1C

 Thursday, June 01, 2017, 09:00

IG1 = 4.2e-5 Torr

TGHT = 396A, 4.06V

Vacuum stable.

Increasing ramping rate to 0.2A/min.

turbo pump = 41.6C; room temp = 24.3C

 Thursday, June 01, 2017, 13:18

IG1 = 1.25e-4 Torr

TGHT = 439A, 4.48V

Vacuum stable.

Changing vacuum limits.

Vacuum limit stop at 2.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

turbo pump = 42.3C; room temp = 24.6C

 Thursday, June 01, 2017, 15:48

IG1 = 1.95e-4 Torr

TGHT = 467A, 4.81V

Vacuum stable.

Changing vacuum limits and ramping rate for heating overnight.

Decreasing ramping rate to 0.1A/min

Vacuum limit stop at 1.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

turbo pump = 44.1C; room temp = 25.3C

 Friday, June 02, 2017, 07:19

IG1 = 1.26e-4 Torr

TGHT = 473A, 4.77V

Vacuum stable.

Changing vacuum limits and ramping rate.

Increasing ramping rate to 0.2A/min

Vacuum limit stop at 2.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

 Friday, June 02, 2017, 10:18

IG1 = 2.04e-4 Torr

TGHT = 498A, 5.08V

Vacuum stable.

Changing vacuum limits.

Vacuum limit stop at 3.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

Fan has been inserted - pointed at turbo pump, TP temp's have decreased.

tp = 32.1C; rt = 24.7C

 Friday, June 02, 2017, 13:22

IG1 = 2.4e-4 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.40V

Vacuum stable and decreasing.

Carbonization process almost complete.

Will remain at max setpoints over the weekend.

TP = 28.2C; RT = 24.5C

 Monday, June 05, 2017, 08:51

IG1 = 1.75e-6 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.29V

Carbonization process complete!

Remained at max setpoints over the weekend.

Initiating auto cool at 1.0A/min

 Tuesday, June 06, 2017, 15:56

Vented in Ar and removed today.

Currently in glove box.

 Monday, June 12, 2017, 11:44

Flakes produced: 48.00g

 Monday, June 12, 2017, 11:41

UO2/C green was prepared June 7th, 2017.

The cast peeled off the glass nicely June 8th, 2017.

Initial UO2 powder used = 50.10g (Inventory R-01032A, UO2 + bottle = 776.36g before use)

Graphite powder used = 10.06g

Green cast dried UO2/C + organic mass = 62.98g 

The green was rolled up and wrapped in a piece of graphite sheet.

The Ta-target boat was wrapped with 1 long layer of heat shield [reused from last carbonization] and installed in evap1 this morning.

Chamber pumped down.

Target boat will be ramped up to 520A.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

IG1 = 1.58e-5 Torr

Tapped up to 30A, 0.21V

Waited ~1hr45, vacuum stable.

IG1 = 8.59e-6 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.1A/min

 Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 10:32

IG1 = 5.0e-5 Torr

TGHT = 65A, 0.47V

Vacuum currently yo-yo-ing, but stable.

Changing vacuum limits.

Vacuum limit stop at 2.0e-4 Torr, backing off at 5.0e-4 Torr.

Increasing ramping rate to 0.2A/min.

Thursday, June 15, 2017, 16:24  

IG1 = 1.96e-4 Torr

TGHT = 520A, 5.18V

TGHT has reached 520A, the vacuum remains at it's limit.

Vacuum usually drops and stabilizes slightly before the max setpoint is reached indicating carbonization process complete.

Since vacuum remains high, this indicates the carbonization remains incomplete.

Conditions have changed such as vacuum limits, which has greatly sped up the process.

This increase in speed could have an impact on the current at which the carbonization occurs.

Increasing max setpoint to 530A and re-initiating auto-ramp.

 Friday, June 16, 2017, 08:32

Vacuum stable, started decreasing when TGHT reached 530A - carbonization process complete.

Evap1 has remained at max setpoints for ~11hrs, but has remained at low vacuum for ~5hrs.

IG1 = 5.56e-6 Torr

TGHT = 530A, 5.31V

Initiating auto-cool at 1.0A/min

TP = 24.9C, RT = 24.3C

*note TP now has water cooling as well as fan pointed at it for this entire process

 Monday, June 19, 2017, 16:16

Vented in Ar and transferred from evap1 to glove box this a.m

UC2 flakes produced = 48.66g