Logbooks Lab Maintenance Evaporator_1 Evaporator_2 Laser cutter Target Production Test-Stand RH-ISAC RH-Cyclotron RH-Meson Hall RH-Beamlines RH-ARIEL
  Evaporator_2, Page 1 of 34  Not logged in ELOG logo
ID Date Author Target Material Target Oven W.O# Sourcedown Status Subject
  104   Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:33 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOAT Sintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

  105   Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:56 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOAT Sintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

  106   Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:49 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOAT Sintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

  107   Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:46 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOAT Sintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

  108   Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:13 John WongEmpty40282-4TARGET BOAT Sintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Note: This is the "old" design boat.  The new design boat was able to heat up to 900A/16.88 - the temperature was measured at about 1500C.  (see elog: https://elog.triumf.ca/TIS/Evaporator_2/15)

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

  109   Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:22 John WongEmpty40282-4TARGET BOATProblemsSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating (IEVAP2:TBHT2 water signal problem)

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:09

After the boat was heated for ~4hrs, TGHT tripped off on IEVAP2:TBHT2 (see attachment #1, #2). 

Tried clearing the water interlock via EPICS - failed to clear.  Checked the local water valves - ALL VALVES are OPEN 

Tried closing and re-opening the IEVAP2:TBHT2 valves, interlock cleared after a few minutes. 

Maybe a fault in the water signal.  If it happens again, the water signal should be replaced.

Turned back on the power supply - TGHT current/voltage are holding.  Target boat may be OK!

Chamber is a bit warm now.  Will allow time to cool down.

Will vent the chamber tomorrow and the boat will be inspected. 


 

  110   Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:22 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOATProblems resolvedSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

John Wong wrote:

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:09

After the boat was heated for ~4hrs, TGHT tripped off on IEVAP2:TBHT2 (see attachment #1, #2). 

Tried clearing the water interlock via EPICS - failed to clear.  Checked the local water valves - ALL VALVES are OPEN 

Tried closing and re-opening the IEVAP2:TBHT2 valves, interlock cleared after a few minutes. 

Maybe a fault in the water signal.  If it happens again, the water signal should be replaced.

Turned back on the power supply - TGHT current/voltage are holding.  Target boat may be OK!

Chamber is a bit warm now.  Will allow time to cool down.

Will vent the chamber tomorrow and the boat will be inspected. 


 

 Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:18

Chamber vented overnight and was opened up this morning.

Target boat not fully sintered [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again in order to continue with sintering TaC coating.

HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

Will ramp up to 700A again over the weekend.

  111   Friday, January 24, 2014, 14:25 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOATIn progressSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:09

After the boat was heated for ~4hrs, TGHT tripped off on IEVAP2:TBHT2 (see attachment #1, #2). 

Tried clearing the water interlock via EPICS - failed to clear.  Checked the local water valves - ALL VALVES are OPEN 

Tried closing and re-opening the IEVAP2:TBHT2 valves, interlock cleared after a few minutes. 

Maybe a fault in the water signal.  If it happens again, the water signal should be replaced.

Turned back on the power supply - TGHT current/voltage are holding.  Target boat may be OK!

Chamber is a bit warm now.  Will allow time to cool down.

Will vent the chamber tomorrow and the boat will be inspected. 


 

 Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:18

Chamber vented overnight and was opened up this morning.

Target boat not fully sintered [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again in order to continue with sintering TaC coating.

HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

Will ramp up to 700A again over the weekend.

 Friday, January 24, 2014, 14:21

Chamber was pumped down to 1.7e-7 Torr.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 14V. TBHT currently sitting at 0A.

Waited 20min, vacuum consistently stable. Auto-ramp initiated at 2.0 A/min and max setpoint to 700A.


 

  112   Monday, January 27, 2014, 10:59 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOATIn progressSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:09

After the boat was heated for ~4hrs, TGHT tripped off on IEVAP2:TBHT2 (see attachment #1, #2). 

Tried clearing the water interlock via EPICS - failed to clear.  Checked the local water valves - ALL VALVES are OPEN 

Tried closing and re-opening the IEVAP2:TBHT2 valves, interlock cleared after a few minutes. 

Maybe a fault in the water signal.  If it happens again, the water signal should be replaced.

Turned back on the power supply - TGHT current/voltage are holding.  Target boat may be OK!

Chamber is a bit warm now.  Will allow time to cool down.

Will vent the chamber tomorrow and the boat will be inspected. 


 

 Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:18

Chamber vented overnight and was opened up this morning.

Target boat not fully sintered [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again in order to continue with sintering TaC coating.

HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

Will ramp up to 700A again over the weekend.

 Friday, January 24, 2014, 14:21

Chamber was pumped down to 1.7e-7 Torr.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 14V. TBHT currently sitting at 0A.

Waited 20min, vacuum consistently stable. Auto-ramp initiated at 2.0 A/min and max setpoint to 700A.


 

 Monday, January 27, 2014, 10:05

TGHT reached 700A over the weekend. Measured temp @ 2000C.

TGHT auto-cool inititated at 2.0A/min.


 

  113   Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 11:57 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOATIn progressSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:09

After the boat was heated for ~4hrs, TGHT tripped off on IEVAP2:TBHT2 (see attachment #1, #2). 

Tried clearing the water interlock via EPICS - failed to clear.  Checked the local water valves - ALL VALVES are OPEN 

Tried closing and re-opening the IEVAP2:TBHT2 valves, interlock cleared after a few minutes. 

Maybe a fault in the water signal.  If it happens again, the water signal should be replaced.

Turned back on the power supply - TGHT current/voltage are holding.  Target boat may be OK!

Chamber is a bit warm now.  Will allow time to cool down.

Will vent the chamber tomorrow and the boat will be inspected. 


 

 Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:18

Chamber vented overnight and was opened up this morning.

Target boat not fully sintered [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again in order to continue with sintering TaC coating.

HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

Will ramp up to 700A again over the weekend.

 Friday, January 24, 2014, 14:21

Chamber was pumped down to 1.7e-7 Torr.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 14V. TBHT currently sitting at 0A.

Waited 20min, vacuum consistently stable. Auto-ramp initiated at 2.0 A/min and max setpoint to 700A.


 

 Monday, January 27, 2014, 10:05

TGHT reached 700A over the weekend. Measured temp @ 2000C.

TGHT auto-cool inititated at 2.0A/min.


 

 Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 11:53

Chamber cooled down overnight, vented and opened up this morning.

Target boat still has a strip of green, still not fully sintered! [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again to attempt sintering - round 3.


 

  114   Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 13:09 Laura LambertEmpty40282-4TARGET BOATDoneSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Monday, January 20, 2014, 16:32

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry this morning.

The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:10

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 13V. TBHT currently @ 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 2.0A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 

 Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 11:51

Vacuum was grumpy and was well on it's way to tripping off [reached 5e-5 Torr], auto ramping was stopped at ~95A and quickly stepped down to 90A to avoid tripping it off.

Allowed vacuum to settle back down to 2.3e-6 Torr. Auto ramping changed to 0.2A/min and re-started.

 close-call!


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 09:46

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 342A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 13:43

TGHT is sitting at 693A, IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr.

Stepping up TGHT voltage up to 14V from 13.05V to reach the max current of 700A.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 15:09

TGHT reached to 700A/12.83V.  Local temperature on the boat surface was measured at ~1500C.

Target will be heated for a few hours and will be cooled down later tonight.

The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the boat will be inspected.


 

 Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 18:09

After the boat was heated for ~4hrs, TGHT tripped off on IEVAP2:TBHT2 (see attachment #1, #2). 

Tried clearing the water interlock via EPICS - failed to clear.  Checked the local water valves - ALL VALVES are OPEN 

Tried closing and re-opening the IEVAP2:TBHT2 valves, interlock cleared after a few minutes. 

Maybe a fault in the water signal.  If it happens again, the water signal should be replaced.

Turned back on the power supply - TGHT current/voltage are holding.  Target boat may be OK!

Chamber is a bit warm now.  Will allow time to cool down.

Will vent the chamber tomorrow and the boat will be inspected. 


 

 Thursday, January 23, 2014, 16:18

Chamber vented overnight and was opened up this morning.

Target boat not fully sintered [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again in order to continue with sintering TaC coating.

HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

Will ramp up to 700A again over the weekend.

 Friday, January 24, 2014, 14:21

Chamber was pumped down to 1.7e-7 Torr.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 14V. TBHT currently sitting at 0A.

Waited 20min, vacuum consistently stable. Auto-ramp initiated at 2.0 A/min and max setpoint to 700A.


 

 Monday, January 27, 2014, 10:05

TGHT reached 700A over the weekend. Measured temp @ 2000C.

TGHT auto-cool inititated at 2.0A/min.


 

 Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 11:53

Chamber cooled down overnight, vented and opened up this morning.

Target boat still has a strip of green, still not fully sintered! [see attached photos].

Chamber currently being pumped down again to attempt sintering - round 3.


 

 Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 13:06

Discussed with Peter. Instead of re-sintering the whole boat by itself, end caps will be inserted for sintering and will be placed further down the boat where the sintering process appears complete.


 

  115   Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 15:46 Laura Lambert 40282-4TARGET BOATFailedSintering TaC coated end caps

 Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 15:43

The target containers end-caps were coated with TaC spray and let dry.

Each cap is wrapped with a small piece of graphite foil and inserted in the target boat. [see attached photo]

The chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 11:32

Chamber was pumped down to 1.6e-7 Torr overnight.

HS cooling water valve opened; no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 11.05V. TBHT currently at 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 0.2A/min and max setpoint to 580A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 Thursday, January 30, 2014, 09:06

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.4e-7 Torr, TGHT = 283A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 Thursday, January 30, 2014, 15:53

TGHT reached 580A at 11:45. Measured temp @1650C.

Initiating TGHT auto-cooling now at 2.0A/min.


 Friday, January 31, 2014, 09:04

Chamber cooled down overnight, vented and opened this morning.

Smooth run!


 Friday, January 31, 2014, 11:21

Opened up the end caps, turns out it wasn't such a smooth run...they're not fully sintered 

See attached photo comparison between fully sintered end cap [silver] and end cap from this run [green].

Will re-install and re-sinter next week.


 Wednesday, February 05, 2014, 11:34

End-caps re-installed into EVAP2

Target boat is wrapped with 3 x Ta heat-shield.

Chamber is currently being pumped down.


 Wednesday, February 05, 2014, 14:31

Chamber was pumped down to 5e-7 Torr this morning.

HS cooling water valve opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 11.05V. TBHT currently at 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 0.2A/min and max setpoint to 580A.

Good Vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr, Bad vacuum 4.00e-5 Torr.


 Thursday, February 06, 2014, 09:06

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 1.1e-7 Torr, TGHT = 259A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 Friday, February 07, 2014, 10:10

TGHT reached 580A yesterday. Measured internal temp @ 1500C.

Initiated TGHT auto-cooling this morning at 2.0A/min


 Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 13:30

Vented and opened chamber this morning.

Endcaps are toast  [see pictures attached]

Some of the endcaps broke/fried, others deformed-none useable.

Possibly due to new target boat resulting in more current?

Too much heat with Ta heat shields?

Bad News Bears 


 

  118   Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 12:19 Laura LambertEmpty40282-3TARGET BOATDoneSintering Ta target boat with TaC coating

 Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 12:12

A new target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry.
The target boat is NOT wrapped with Ta-heat shield.

Thermocouples have been attached to the target boat in order to monitor the internal temperature of the new target boat design. 

The boat was installed in Evap#2, chamber is currently being pumped down.


 Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 14:20

Chamber was pumped down this morning to 2.9e-6 Torr. HS cooling water valves were opened, no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 14V. TBHT currently at 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 0.2A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr; Bad vacuum: 4.00e-5 Torr.

Temperature reading on left: thermocouple touching edge of target boat; temperature reading on right: thermocouple floating in center of target boat.


 Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 09:11

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min

IGP1 = 3.9e-7 Torr, TGHT = 260A; stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min


 Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 15:25

IGP1 = 9.4e-7 Torr

Thermocouple T2 = 1267.8C

Internal temp measured with Mikron = 1600C

Increasing max setpoint to 720A due to previous not fully sintered new design of target boat.


 Thursday, February 20, 2014, 09:17

Thermocouple T2 = 1254.5C

Internal temp measured with Mikron = 1811C

IGP1 = 2.6e-7 Torr

Reached max setpoint yesterday evening.

Initiating auto-cooling at 2.0A/min.


 Friday, February 21, 2014, 10:47

Vented and opened chamber this morning.

Target boat not fully sintered. [see attached photos]

Close to a full sinter, and will re-sinter next week with endcaps, so will not re-sinter by itself.


 

  119   Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 16:10 Laura Lambert 40282-3TARGET BOATDoneSintering TaC coated end caps

 Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 16:08

The target containers end-caps were coated with TaC spray and let dry.

The caps are inserted in the target boat vertically with no heat shield and no graphite foil. [see attached photo]

The chamber is currently being pumped down overnight.


 Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 09:54

Chamber was pumped down overnight to 4.2e-7 Torr.

HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 14V. TBHT currently at 0A.

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 0.2A/min and max setpoint to 700A.

Will ramp up to 700A rather than the usual 580A due to last round of endcaps not fully sintering at 580A with new target boat design.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr; Bad vacuum: 4.00e-5 Torr.


 Thursday, February 27, 2014, 09:38

TGHT has been slowly ramping up overnight at a rate of 0.2A/min.

IGP1 = 2.8e-7 Torr; TGHT = 311A, 4.3V

Stepping ramping rate up to 2.0A/min.


 Friday, February 28, 2014, 08:53

TGHT reached max setpoint of 700A yesterday evening.

Internal temp measured with Mikron = 1700C

IGP1 = 3e-7 Torr 

Power = 12.95V

Initiating auto-cooling at 2.0A/min.


 Monday, March 03, 2014, 11:46

Vented and opened chamber this morning.

End caps not fully sintered! 

See attached photo comparison of fully sintered [grey], partially sintered from this round [light green] and pre-sinter [dark green].

Will not bother re-sintering, as partial sinter is enough.


 

  121   Friday, March 07, 2014, 11:46 Laura Lambert 40282-3TARGET BOATIn progressSintering TaC coated end caps

 Friday, March 07, 2014, 11:41

The target container end-caps were sintered previously, but did not fully complete the sintering process [See elog entry # 119 EVAP2]

The caps are inserted in the target boat wrapped in graphite foils with 3 x Ta-heat shields.

The chamber was pumped down overnight.

IGP1 = 2e-7 Torr

HS cooling water valves were opened; no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 9.05V. TBHT currently at 0A.


 Friday, March 07, 2014, 11:52

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 0.5A/min and max setpoint to 500A.

Will ramp to 500A due to last failed round of end caps breaking with 3-ta heat shields at 580A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr; Bad vacuum: 4.00e-5 Torr.


 Friday, March 07, 2014, 13:21

IGP1 = 8e-7 Torr.

TGHT = 72A

Vacuum stable; therefore, increasing ramping rate up to 1.0A/min


 Friday, March 07, 2014, 14:20

IGP1 = 9.8e-7 Torr

TGHT = 130A

Vacuum stable; therefore, increasing ramping rate up to 2.0A/min


 

  122   Friday, March 07, 2014, 22:25 John Wong 40282-3TARGET BOATProblemsSintering TaC coated end caps

Laura Lambert wrote:

 Friday, March 07, 2014, 11:41

The target container end-caps were sintered previously, but did not fully complete the sintering process [See elog entry # 119 EVAP2]

The caps are inserted in the target boat wrapped in graphite foils with 3 x Ta-heat shields.

The chamber was pumped down overnight.

IGP1 = 2e-7 Torr

HS cooling water valves were opened; no leaks detected.

TGHT was stepped up to 35A, voltage max set at 9.05V. TBHT currently at 0A.


 Friday, March 07, 2014, 11:52

Waited ~20min, current stabilized, vacuum started to drop, auto-ramp initiated at 0.5A/min and max setpoint to 500A.

Will ramp to 500A due to last failed round of end caps breaking with 3-ta heat shields at 580A.

Good vacuum: 3.00e-5 Torr; Bad vacuum: 4.00e-5 Torr.


 Friday, March 07, 2014, 13:21

IGP1 = 8e-7 Torr.

TGHT = 72A

Vacuum stable; therefore, increasing ramping rate up to 1.0A/min


 Friday, March 07, 2014, 14:20

IGP1 = 9.8e-7 Torr

TGHT = 130A

Vacuum stable; therefore, increasing ramping rate up to 2.0A/min


 

Friday, March 07, 2014, 22:22  

Target current was at 500A before it tripped off on the chiller.   Tried to reset the chiller but to no avail.  Don't know what is going on yet. 

The TGHT/TBHT cooling water is still on, and this should OK while the HOT target boat is cooling down at the moment. 

Will leave it for now and further investigate on Monday



 

  128   Thursday, March 27, 2014, 18:04 John Wong  TARGET BOATIn progressStudying WC sintering on Ta surface

Thursday, March 27, 2014, 17:38

TEST #1

WC slurry was prepared in non-aqueous environment (see lab book for procedures).  The solution was dripped on two Ta plates (3.1cm2) and let dry. 

Another Ta plate (3.1 cm2) was sprayed with TaC coating (for comparison).

All 3 coated Ta plates are put in a target boat and the boat is wrapped with 3 layers of Ta-heat shields.

HS water valves open; no leaks detected.

TGHT will be ramped up to 700A at 2.0A/min.

RGA is running and gases are being monitored.  See link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/625xl7zgepbybmu/GQJTlMo-5a


 Friday, March 28, 2014, 09:13

TGHT reached to 700A and samples were heated up over night. 

Cooling down Evap at 4A/min. 


 Tuesday, April 01, 2014, 17:37

Previous samples, namely WC#1, #2, TC#1 were fully sinterred.  See above link for photos.

TEST#2

Samples WC#3, #4, #5 are sprayed coated with WC solution.  Grains were pre-treated at 400RPM.

These 3 new samples are loaded in a boat, wrapped with 3 layers of Ta-heat shields.

Chamber is pumped down; no water leaks are detected.

TGHT will be ramped up to 700A at 2.0A/min

RGA is running.

Samples were analyzed with SEM/EDX.  The results are inconclusive because W and Ta peaks are very close together.  And WC coated layer may be even too thin to analyze. 


 Monday, April 14, 2014, 16:32

Test#3:  Coated WC on Endcap.  Total mass WC ~350mg.

Sintered at 500A/9.5V; measure temperature on actual sample surface ~1700C.  Sample heated >24hr.

Cooling down TGHT at 2A/min.  IG currently at 3.1e-7 Torr.


 

  129   Thursday, April 24, 2014, 18:13 John Wong  TARGET BOATDoneTests: Sintering carbon Mesh coated with WC

 Thursday, April 24, 2014, 17:25

The purpose of this experiment is to see if the carbon mesh is suitable for coating and sintering with uranium carbide.  For this test, the mesh is coated with WC slurry (previously prepared).

 The carbon mesh disks are bought from ERG aerospace corporation; the specifications of the mesh can be found on the link:  http://www.ergaerospace.com/RVC-properties.htm

Photos, EDX, SEM, RGA, etc... and be found on this link:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6ic932wu8yl9ad2/7rHFTiSzLY


Thursday, April 24, 2014, 17:51 

TEST #1:  Carbon Mesh, WC - RF sputtered - Then WC coated and sintered.

Target boat is loaded with a piece of WC coated carbon mesh (1/4 size cut out with the laser cutter).  Chamber is pumping down, currently at 3.2e-6 Torr.

HS water valve open - no leaks are detected. 

TGHT will be ramped up to 500A at 1.0A/min. 

RGA is running.  

Material temp will be measured... 

 

Monday, May 05, 2014, 17:35

Test #1:

TGHT was ramped up to 680A/13.77V.  Vacuum was at 1.62e-6 Torr (and coming down).  Carbon mesh was heated up to 1900C.   See the link to the dropbox above for more results.


Monday, May 05, 2014, 17:39

Test #2:  Carbon mesh (pure) coated with WC - then sintered. 

Chamber has been pumped down to 3.5 e-6 Torr. 

Sample will be heated up to 500A at 1.0A/min.  (Then step up to 680A while monitoring the vacuum).

RGA is running. 

 

 Wednesday, May 07, 2014, 14:36

Observations:

TGHT was at 650A/12.96V for 6 hrs and temperature was measured at 1930C. 

At some point after that (~20:40hr on May 6), the voltage went up to 14.77V (current remained constant at 650A), the temp went up 2110C - for only about 45 minute before the voltage dropped

back down to 12.53V and the temperature ~1800C.  Is the boat creaking more??? There were a few crack lines on the boat after Test#1. 

Today, TGHT was raised up to 725A and after an hour at that current the temperature was measured at 1930A. 

Now, at Wednesday, May 07, 2014, 14:47 - Lowered the current back to 685A/13.78V - temperature measured at 1900C. 

One thing to note... the vacuum is showing a lot of spikes but remains at around 7.5e-7 Torr. 

The RGA/Current/Voltage/Temp can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1yaa7ez3nydl67m/8v4ZRT2slq


Thursday, May 29, 2014, 16:56 

The process is done. Chamber was vented...


 

  130   Thursday, May 29, 2014, 18:16 Cameron Hodgins  TARGET BOATIn progressSintering several carbides on tantalum foil backing

Purpose: Sinter one sample of each of TiC, VC, Cr3C2, ZrC, NbC, Mo2C, TaC, and WC on 5x10 mm tantalum foil to see if the samples are usable for SEM.

Samples were prepared using a solution of PEG (2.56 g), PVB (2.45 g), paraffin oil (1.12 g), MEK (15 mL), and EtOH (23 mL). Slurries made using 0.0013 mol of each carbide with ~230 uL of the solution. Applied via paintbrush onto 5x10 mm tantalum foil. 

The samples were placed directly on the target boat, no graphite layer between. We will check to see if the tantalum foil fuses to the boat or not.

Currently (May 29th), the chamber is still pumping down. John and I will continue the procedure tomorrow.

 

  132   Friday, June 06, 2014, 16:01 Cameron Hodgins  TARGET BOATIn progressSintering several carbides on tantalum foil backing

Auto-ramp started. Max current = 500 A, voltage = 11.05 V. Current is being increased at 2 A/min. In the first 20 minutes, the pressure went up to about 10E-6 T, but has slowly decreased since then. Everything looks ok. The system will be left until Monday morning (June 9th). 

ELOG V2.9.2-2455