Wednesday, May 13, 2015, 15:21

Three different samples of ZrC are loaded into a target boat.

Sample A: ZrC + NO graphite

Sample B: ZrC + graphite [1:0.5 molar ratio]

Sample C: ZrC + graphite [1:1 molar ratio]

Each sample consists of 20 discs, stacked together and wrapped in graphite sheet

The target boat is wrapped with 3 x Ta heat shield.

EVAP2 pumping down overnight...

 Thursday, May 14, 2015, 08:20

HS water valves opened up this a.m, no leaks detected.

IGP1 = 6.6e-7 Torr

Tapping up manually to 35A.

Good Vacuum = 3.00 e-5 Torr. Bad Vacuum = 4.00 e-5 Torr.

Thursday, May 14, 2015, 09:51

Tapped up manually to 30A.

After ~25min, vacuum gone up to IGP1 = 3.5e-5 Torr!

Backed off to 20A.

Waited ~10min. IGP1 = 1.75e-5 Torr.

Tapped back up to 25A.

Waited ~20min, IGP1 = 1.4e-5 Torr.

Tapped up to 30A.

Waited ~20min, IGP1 = 2.2e-5 Torr.

Tapped up to 35A

Waited ~50min, IGP1 = 2.5e-5 Torr.

Continuing manual tap-up...

 Thursday, May 14, 2015, 13:27

IGP1 = 9e-6 Torr

Tapped up to 40A.

Waited ~45min, IGP1 = 1e-5 Torr

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.1A/min for the TGHT with a max setpoint of 275A/ 8.0V

 Friday, May 15, 2015, 08:25

Max setpoints were changed to 400A/ 8.0V last night.

Reached 400A ~4.5hrs ago.

IGP1 = 4.9e-5 Torr

Initiating manual tap up and recording data.

 Friday, May 15, 2015, 15:50

Samples remained at ~2000C for ~4 hours [see attachment for data]

IGP1 = 7.8e-7 Torr.

Initiating auto-cool at 1.0A/min.

 Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 08:27

Vented in air and opened up this morning.

 Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 13:33

Target container is coated with TaC.  No Ta-heat shields are used.

TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 0.2A/min.

TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 0.1A/min.

Chamber is currently being pumped down

 Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 15:04

Opened up HS water, no leaks detected.

Stepped up to 35A.

Waited ~35min, vacuum stable.

IGP1 = 1.7e-6 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp.

 Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 11:43

IGP1 = 3e-7 Torr.

TGHT = 282A, 3.8V

TBHT = 156A, 2.2V

Increasing ramping rate to 1.0A/min and 0.5A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Thursday, May 21, 2015, 10:42

IGP1 = 2.9e-7

Direct voltage = 5.48V

OMEGA = 1703C.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min  and 1.0A/min for the TGHT and TBHT.

 Friday, May 22, 2015, 11:41

Vented in air and opened up this morning.

TaC coating fully sintered, looks good! 

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Friday, May 22, 2015, 11:43 A target boat was sprayed with TaC coating and let dry yesterday. The target boat is wrapped with 3-layers of Ta-heat shield. The boat was installed in EVAP2, chamber is currently being pumped down.  Friday, May 22, 2015, 14:22 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 2.4e-6 Torr. Tapping up manually...  Friday, May 22, 2015, 14:33 Tapped up to 20A. Vacuum jumped up to 7e-6 Torr. Backed off to 5A before vacuum started to drop again. IGP1 = 5e-6 Torr. Tapping up manually again...just more slowly...  Friday, May 22, 2015, 15:31 Tapped up to 12A, unable to tap up very fast due to volatile content in coating. IGP1 = 3.6e-6 Torr. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.1A/min with a max current of 580A.  Monday, May 25, 2015, 09:03 IGP1 = 3e-7 Torr. TGHT = 397.5A, 6.43V Increasing ramping rate to 1.0A/min.    Monday, May 25, 2015, 17:06 TGHT at been at 580A for over 4 hours.  Cooling down in process at 1A/min.

 Vented in air and opened up this morning.

Target boat looks good! fully sintered! 

Laura Lambert wrote:

Thursday, May 28, 2015, 11:34 Endcaps were sintered [see elog#199] A Ta foil is placed in the target boat with separate slots for each endcap [see image] The target boat is wrapped with 3-layers of Ta-heat shield. The boat is installed in EVAP2, chamber is currently being pumped down.  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 14:01 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 1.4e-6 Torr. Initiating manual tap up.  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 15:10 Manually tapped up TGHT  to 108A, 1.1V Initiating auto-ramp at 2.0A/min with a max setpoint of 300A  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 15:22 Hoping to speed up the process... IGP1 = 1.0e-6 Torr. Increasing ramping rate to 4.0A/min with a max setpoint of 500A Final desired temperature = 1800C

 Thursday, May 28, 2015, 17:42

TGHT at 500A. Temp at 1780C.

Increased TGHT to 580A (online operating current),  Temp 1945C, vac 2.9e-6 torr and coming down.  Will remain at that current for the sintering process.

Cooling it down later this evening.

Thursday, May 28, 2015, 21:27  

Temp stabilized at 1960C with TGHT at 580A for almost 4 hours.  Vacuum at 1.8e-7 Torr.

Cooling down initiated at 2A/min.

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 11:34 Endcaps were sintered [see elog#199] A Ta foil is placed in the target boat with separate slots for each endcap [see image] The target boat is wrapped with 3-layers of Ta-heat shield. The boat is installed in EVAP2, chamber is currently being pumped down.  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 14:01 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 1.4e-6 Torr. Initiating manual tap up.  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 15:10 Manually tapped up TGHT  to 108A, 1.1V Initiating auto-ramp at 2.0A/min with a max setpoint of 300A  Thursday, May 28, 2015, 15:22 Hoping to speed up the process... IGP1 = 1.0e-6 Torr. Increasing ramping rate to 4.0A/min with a max setpoint of 500A Final desired temperature = 1800C    Thursday, May 28, 2015, 17:42 TGHT at 500A. Temp at 1780C. Increased TGHT to 580A (online operating current),  Temp 1945C, vac 2.9e-6 torr and coming down.  Will remain at that current for the sintering process. Cooling it down later this evening. Thursday, May 28, 2015, 21:27   Temp stabilized at 1960C with TGHT at 580A for almost 4 hours.  Vacuum at 1.8e-7 Torr. Cooling down initiated at 2A/min.

 Friday, May 29, 2015, 11:16

Vented in air and opened up this morning.

Endcaps look great!  

Sintering was spot on [see pictures]

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Friday, May 29, 2015, 11:21 Total number of foils: 425 discs Total mass of materials [incl graphite foils]: 44.41g Total length packed: 12.3cm Container has no heat shields. No endcaps inserted to allow outgassing. Currently being pumped down.  Friday, May 29, 2015, 14:13 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 5.4e-6 Torr. Tapping up manually. Friday, May 29, 2015, 16:48 Tapped up manually to 20A. IGP1 = 5.9e-6 Torr. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min for the TGHT and 0.1A/min for the TBHT. Max setpoints set to 580A and 230A for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. Good Vacuum = 3.0e-5 Torr. Bad Vacuum = 4.0e-5 Torr.  Monday, June 01, 2015, 09:17 IGP1 = 3.8e-6 Torr. TGHT = 478A. TBHT reached max setpoint of 230A. Increasing ramping rate to 0.5A/min.  Monday, June 01, 2015, 13:15 Checked window for temperature readings, good visibility, no coating on window.  IGP1 = 9.1e-6 Torr. TGHT reached max setpoint of 580A 30min ago. Stepping up manually to a target temperature of 2000C...  Monday, June 01, 2015, 16:25 IGP1 = 6.5e-6 Torr. TGHT = 870A, 17.90V OMEGA = 1948C    Monday, June 01, 2015, 17:59 After almost an hour at 870A, the temperature went up from 1948C to 1980C; however temperature around the target container/legs are >2000C.  The voltage on the power supply also went up slightly.  There is a film coated on the window port and that could affect the temp reading. To be safe, I lowered the TGHT to 830A/17.38V, temp at 1930C.  Will keep at 830A for 4 hours and cool down this evening.  Recommend: Using Ta-heat shields for sintering next time.  Monday, June 01, 2015, 22:55 TGHT at 830A for almost 5 hours.   TEMP has gone up to 1994C.  Voltage has also gone up to 19V.   Cooling down at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min for TBHT.

 Tuesday, June 02, 2015, 12:37

Chamber was vented and the target was inspected. 

Some stressed marks on the target container can be observed.

The container is also slightly curved but otherwise it's fine. 

The materials packed length has expended outward so 3 discs were removed in order to insert the end caps. 

The packed length is now 16cm.

Two extra graphite foils were inserted on both ends, and previously coated/sintered TaC-end caps are inserted and expended. 

Rn foil is inserted & Std solutions are added. 

Ready for test-stand.

Link to photos for more details:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0cra7viqs9ro8q3/AADEGk8goGI4c-uzRQSGwWmxa?dl=0

John Wong wrote:

John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote:  Friday, May 29, 2015, 11:21 Total number of foils: 425 discs Total mass of materials [incl graphite foils]: 44.41g Total length packed: 12.3cm Container has no heat shields. No endcaps inserted to allow outgassing. Currently being pumped down.  Friday, May 29, 2015, 14:13 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 5.4e-6 Torr. Tapping up manually. Friday, May 29, 2015, 16:48 Tapped up manually to 20A. IGP1 = 5.9e-6 Torr. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min for the TGHT and 0.1A/min for the TBHT. Max setpoints set to 580A and 230A for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. Good Vacuum = 3.0e-5 Torr. Bad Vacuum = 4.0e-5 Torr.  Monday, June 01, 2015, 09:17 IGP1 = 3.8e-6 Torr. TGHT = 478A. TBHT reached max setpoint of 230A. Increasing ramping rate to 0.5A/min.  Monday, June 01, 2015, 13:15 Checked window for temperature readings, good visibility, no coating on window.  IGP1 = 9.1e-6 Torr. TGHT reached max setpoint of 580A 30min ago. Stepping up manually to a target temperature of 2000C...  Monday, June 01, 2015, 16:25 IGP1 = 6.5e-6 Torr. TGHT = 870A, 17.90V OMEGA = 1948C    Monday, June 01, 2015, 17:59 After almost an hour at 870A, the temperature went up from 1948C to 1980C; however temperature around the target container/legs are >2000C.  The voltage on the power supply also went up slightly.  There is a film coated on the window port and that could affect the temp reading. To be safe, I lowered the TGHT to 830A/17.38V, temp at 1930C.  Will keep at 830A for 4 hours and cool down this evening.  Recommend: Using Ta-heat shields for sintering next time.  Monday, June 01, 2015, 22:55 TGHT at 830A for almost 5 hours.   TEMP has gone up to 1994C.  Voltage has also gone up to 19V.   Cooling down at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min for TBHT.     Tuesday, June 02, 2015, 12:37 Chamber was vented and the target was inspected.  Some stressed marks on the target container can be observed. The container is also slightly curved but otherwise it's fine.  The materials packed length has expended outward so 3 discs were removed in order to insert the end caps.  The packed length is now 16cm. Two extra graphite foils were inserted on both ends, and previously coated/sintered TaC-end caps are inserted and expended.  Rn foil is inserted & Std solutions are added.  Ready for test-stand. Link to photos for more details: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0cra7viqs9ro8q3/AADEGk8goGI4c-uzRQSGwWmxa?dl=0

 see attachment for data recorded during ZrC conditioning 

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote:  Thursday, June 04, 2015, 9:07 Container was sprayed with TaC and let dry. Container has 3x Ta heat shields including center block. Container was loaded into EVAP2 yesterday and pumped down overnight. HS water valves were opened up this morning, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 4.6e-7 Torr. Tapped up manually to 40A. Waited ~25min, Vacuum stable. IGP1 = 5.0e-7 Torr. Initiating auto-ramp. TGHT will be ramped to reach 2000C  Friday, June 05, 2015, 10:01 IGP1 = 4.5e-7 Torr. TGHT = 313A, 4.47V OMEGA = 1444C Increasing ramping rate to 1.0A/min  Friday, June 05, 2015, 11:31 IGP1 = 1.2e-6 Torr. Increasing ramping rate to 2.0A/min    Friday, June 05, 2015, 12:01 TGHT reached to 465A/7.56V, temp is stable at 2000C. Current vac at 1.2e-6 Torr and coming down Cooling down process can be initiated after 4 hours.     Friday, June 05, 2015, 13:21 OMEGA = 1995C Increasing TGHT to 470A to achieve desired max temperature of 2000C Friday, June 05, 2015, 15:59 TGHT sat at max desired temperature of 2000C for ~4hrs. TGHT = 470A, 7.7V Initiating auto-cool at 1.0A/min.  Monday, June 08, 2015, 11:31 Vented in air and opened up this morning. Target container mostly sintered, two tiny patches near both ends not fully sintered. Will re-install and re-sinter next week as another container with priority needs to be sintered first.  Tuesday, June 09, 2015, 10:45 See attachements for 'not-fully-sintered' photos    Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 12:06 After inspecting the target container,  the inner tube surface has "dark" patches, which may not be evenly coated or the coating layer was too think.   See link for photos:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/m94mjuuodwhz5jb/AADEBv_Kha_p_1An40eftWNHa?dl=0  Attempt to re-spray the container and re-sinter.        Friday, June 12, 2015, 14:58 re-sprayed with second layer of TaC spray this morning. re-loaded into evap2. HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. will ramp-up over weekend.  Friday, June 12, 2015, 16:07 Vacuum comes down to 6.1e-6 Torr. Initiated auto-ramping at 0.2A/min for 300A first.

Sunday, June 14, 2015, 09:37  

TGHT at 254.2A/3.5V3, DV = 1.614V Temp at 1177C. 

Vacuum is stable at 3.2e-7 Torr.  

Increase ramping rate at 2A/min until TGHT reached 300A. 

Sunday, June 14, 2015, 10:04  

TGHT reached 300A, temp 1368C.

Tapping up to ~1800C

Sunday, June 14, 2015, 11:26 

TGHT at 425A/6.84V, DV 3.59V, temp at 1814C, 

Vacuum coming down, currently at 7.5e-7 Torr. 

Will remain at that current for at least 4 hours before cooling down

Sunday, June 14, 2015, 17:15  

Target container has been sintered with TiC for over 6 hours at 1823C, with TGHT at 425A/6.84V, DV at 3.584V. 

Vac at 4.9e-7 Torr.  

Cooling initiated.  

Chamber can be vented tomorrow and target container can be taken out for inspection. 

 Monday, June 15, 2015, 11:38

Target container was taken out for inspection.  

It's observed that the coated/sintered TaC surface is improved.  The sintered temperature was only gone up just above 1800C, so there still some area near the ends that is still somewhat "brownish", fully sintered shows a

smooth .  (see attachment) 

Spraying into a cylinder tube can be challenging.  It was observed that the coating was dispersed out from the end cap to the centre tube.  For that reason, the container isn't has much protective layer;vthe Ta surface can

react with carbides and the container eventually breaks.  Take the endcap process for example,  the caps are evenly coated with TaC and can be sintered up to 2000C (see e-log Evap ID 202).

Suggestions:  

Using a spray ball nozzle or some sort so that the inner tube can be evenly coated. 

Under investigating...

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote:  Tuesday, June 09, 2015, 9:16 Target container is coated with TaC. No Ta-heat shields are used. TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 0.2A/min. TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 01A/min. Chamber is currently being pumped down.  Tuesday, June 09, 2015, 15:37 HS water valves were opened. no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. Once vacuum stabilized after ~45min, initiated auto-ramp.  Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 08:02 IGP1 = 5.3e-7 Torr. TGHT = 250A and TBHT = 140A. Increasing auto ramp to 2.0A/min and 1.0A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.    Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 16:32 TGHT/TBHT are at 580A/230A for almost 6 hours, temp at 1728C. Vac at 8.5e-7 Torr.  Cooling down initiated at 1A/min. Target container should be inspected once the chamber is vented.    Thursday, June 11, 2015, 10:55 Vented in air and opened up this morning. Same as last container sintered in evap2 [IG-LIS for UCx#13] - ends not quite fully sintered and coating not very good. most likely due to old TaC spray. See link for photos. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/75o43x8y2z16e7j/AABc8Z1fTTaTRtJ5_Jr1eacWa?dl=0

 Monday, June 15, 2015, 15:24

Same problem also found for the LP-IG-LIS container, WO#40860-1, see elog id#215.  After re-coating and sintering, it seems better. 

For this container, it is re-coated and will undergo the sintering process one more time. 

Will try to go up to 1900C for the sintering process.

Target container is temporarily wrapped with 6.2cm of Ta foil as a layer for heat shield on each side of the tube, excluding the centre block.  The shield will be removed once the process is done.  

Target current will be controlled accordingly. 

Chamber is being pumped down. 

 Monday, June 15, 2015, 16:17

HS water valves open; no leaks detected. 

IGP1 at 6.8e-6 Torr and coming down.

 Monday, June 15, 2015, 17:21

Stepping up TGHT/TBHT to 60A, pressure seems pretty stable at 7.2e-6 Torr and coming down. 

Setting TGHT to 400A and TBHT to 230A, auto-ramping initiated.   Will setup up current to reach 1900C, if necessary. 

 Monday, June 15, 2015, 20:28

TGHT and TBHT reached 400A/230A, Temp at 1552C.  Vac at 2.7e-6 Torr.

Stepping TGHT

Monday, June 15, 2015, 21:16  

TGHT at 520A/9.06 V to achieve 1900C.  DV at 5.09V.  

Vac at 4.2e-6 Torr.  

Will continue the sintering process at this temperature for another 3-4 hours. 

 Tuesday, June 16, 2015, 00:15

Target container has been heated at 1900C for over 3 hours.  

Vacuum is coming down to 1.4e-6 Torr.  

Initiated cooling process at 2A/min

Chamber can be vented tomorrow and container should be inspected

 Friday, June 26, 2015, 16:04

Container looks good!

John Wong wrote:

Monday, June 22, 2015, 13:00 Containers is coated with TaC. Wrapped with 3 layers of Ta heat-shield.  Air blown to for quick dry. Installed, and pumped down, vac currently at 6.7e-6 Torr.  HS water valve open, no leaks detected.  Stepping up TGHT/TBTH:  50A.  Monday, June 22, 2015, 14:22 Pressure is coming down, currently at 1.75e-5 Torr. auto-ramping initiated: TGHT = 820A; TBHT = 230A, rate at 2A/min.  Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 00:50 Target container has reached to 1860C and has been heated for almost 4 hours, with TGHT at 800A/12.60V, DV = 6.28. TBHT at 230A/3.8V.   Vac at 3e-6 Torr.   Cooling down at 2A/min.   Chamber can be vented tomorrow and SiC can be loaded in for the sintering process.

 Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 10:17

vented in air and opened up this morning.

coating looks good.

loading container now...

John Wong wrote:

Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 12:21 Target container is loaded with 485 discs of SiC with packed length of 17.4cm.  Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields and previously coated/sintered with TaC. Chamber is currently being pumped down TGHT will be ramped up to 800A, ~1800C, and TBHT is limited to 230A max.  Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 15:53 HS valves are open, no leaks detected. TGHT stepped up to 70A, pressure is currently at 4.17e-5 torr and coming up.  Initiated auto-ramping at 0.5A/min for both TGHT and TBHT: good vac at 3.0e-5, bad vac at 4.0e-5 Torr.  Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 00:03 Stopped auto-ramping about 2 hours ago.   Manual stepped up TGHT to 73A.  Vac is stabilizing at 5e-8 Torr.  Will keep it at that current over night.  Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 07:41 Vac has come down to 3.6e-6 Torr. Continue to step up TGHT...  Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 23:52 It has been a super long day operating the evaporator and finally the target is up to 1800C.  Vac is coming down from 2.e-5 Torr.  TGHT is at 790A/12.61V, DV at 6.60V, TBHT at 230A/3.57V.  Omega temp reader is at 1680C - that's due to the window being coated with SiC, as expected.  Target will continue heated at that current for over night, and will start the cooling process next AM.  Thursday, June 25, 2015, 06:18   Target is holding pretty well over night.  Vac is coming down to 1.6e-6 Torr.  Initiated cooling down at 2A/min.

 Thursday, June 25, 2015, 16:09

Vented in air and took out this afternoon.

Target looks good [see photos]

Window for OMEGA fully coated from outgassing of target materials

Laura Lambert wrote:

Thursday, June 25, 2015, 16:14 Total number of foils: 422 discs Total mass of materials [incl graphite foils]:  Total length packed: 13.2cm Container has one Ta heat shield. No endcaps inserted to allow outgassing Two TaC coated Ta wires formed into a spring inserted either end to avoid ZrC expansion of materials. Currently being pumped down.  Friday, June 26, 2015, 11:44 HS water valves opened. No leaks detected. Initiating ramp up.  Friday, June 26, 2015, 14:44 EVAP2 was tapped up manually to 50A. Vacuum tripped evap off. Tapping back up manually now...  Friday, June 26, 2015, 15:53 Tapped up manually to 45A for both TGHT and TBHT IGP1 = 4.8e-5 Torr Will initiate auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively once vacuum settled down and stable. Max setpoints set to 520A and 230A for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. Good Vacuum = 3.0e-5 Torr. Bad Vacuum = 4.0e-5 Torr.

 Monday, June 29, 2015, 06:57

TGHT has been at 520A/9.80V, DV 5.80V for 7 hours, temperature measured at 1800C.  Vac is coming down to 9.18e-6 Torr.  However, TGHT voltage is slightly going up over the 7 hours of heating, See screenshot attachment. (Can't make further comments until target is inspected.)

Initiated cooling down at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min for TBHT.

Chamber can be vented later today.

 Monday, June 29, 2015, 14:58

Target has been inspected.

Slightly crystallization on the outer tube of the container can be observed. 

Overall, the container looks a lot better than before. 

Rn foiled inserted. Salt added - Ready for test-stand

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote:  Monday, June 29, 2015, 16:17 Target container is coated with TaC. No Ta-heat shields are used. TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 0.2A/min. TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 01A/min. Chamber is currently being pumped down.    Monday, June 29, 2015, 23:37 Opened the HS valves around 5pm.  Small leaks or just a vibration in the pipe line caused a rise in vacuum.  Leak rate is small, so allow the chamber to continue to pump down over night. Sintering process can begin tomorrow if vacuum is allowed.    Tuesday, June 30, 2015, 08:22 IGP1 = 3.6e-7 Torr. Tapped up manually to 40A. Vacuum looks good. IGP1 = 6.9e-7 Torr. Inititating auto-ramp...  Thursday, July 02, 2015, 09:56 IGP1 = 8.9e-7 Torr. OMEGA = 1728C TGHT and TBHT = 580A and 230A respectively. Tapping up manually to 1800C.  Thursday, July 02, 2015, 11:02 TGHT = 615A, 10.9V OMEGA = 1800C IGP1 = 1.1e-6 Torr. Will continue to heat for 4hrs.  Thursday, July 02, 2015, 15:43 Target container remained at 1800C for 4hrs50min. Initiating auto-cool for TGHT = 2A/min and TBHT = 1A/min.  Friday, July 03, 2015, 08:24 Vented in air and opened up this morning. Edge of container on both ends not fully sintered [see photos]    Monday, July 06, 2015, 11:54 Inner tube surface isn't homogeneously sintered with TaC (see attachment).   A second coating may help.   For the re-sintering process, the target container will be wrapped with 6.2cm Ta (width) foil as a layer for heat shield on each side of the tube,  excluding the centre block - just like the same process was done last time, see e-log ID#217.   The Ta-foil and the target tube will be spaced with Ta wire coiled around it.   TGHT can be ramped up about 520A/9.1V to achieve 1900C.  Heating time for 3-4 hours until vacuum comes down to low 10-6 Torr.

 Monday, July 06, 2015, 16:28

Container has been re-coated with TaC.

Target container is wrapped with a single 15.5cm x 8.5cm Ta foil heat shield on each side of the center block, spaced with Ta wire coil.

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

 Tuesday, July 07, 2015, 09:36

HS water valves were opened this morning, no leaks detected.

IGP1 = 6e-7 Torr.

Tapped up manually to 30A.

Waited ~1hr.

Vacuum stable, IGP1 = 1.9e-6 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Target container reached max setpoints of 520A/230A and 1950C ~6hrs ago.

IGP1 = 7.6e-7 Torr.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min and 1.0A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Friday, July 10, 2015, 11:16

Vented in air and removed from evap2.

Again, edges not fully sintered [see photos]

Inside of container looks better, fully coated.

John Wong wrote:

Friday, July 31, 2015, 15:39 A Ta tube was coated with TaC.  The inner of the tube was filled with TaC solution and the excess was drained out to give a homogenous coating.  The outer layer of the tube was brushed with TaC.  The tube is installed in a target boat and wrapped with 3 layers of heat shields.   Chamber is currently pumped down and the target heater will be ramped up after the long weekend (Tue) A new window port is installed (see photo).  TGHT will need to be ramped up slowly to make sure the new window can sustain the heat shine from the target - local check on the Evap is required to make sure it's safe to keep ramping up the heater.

Tuesday, August 04, 2015, 11:26

HS water valves opened, no leaks detected.

IGP1 = 2.2e-7 Torr.

Tapped up manually to 30A.

IGP1 = 2.7e-7 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min with a final value of 350A.

 Tuesday, August 04, 2015, 15:30

IGP1 = 2.8e-6 Torr.

TGHT = 79A.

Increasing ramping rate to 0.5A/min

 Wednesday, August 05, 2015, 15:25

EVAP2 reached 350A this morning, OMEGA = 1414C

Temperature measurements were taken using the FLUKE IR camera of the new window port to be used for the second OMEGA camera.

Measurements were taken of both the Cu seal on the inside of the window and in the centre of the window [the hottest point].

TGHT was ramped up at 2.0A/min from 1414C --> 1800C with auto ramp paused at each measurement reading taken.

See attachment for raw data.

TGHT remained at 500A/1800C for 4hrs and will be cooled down at a rate of 2.0A/min.

 Thursday, August 06, 2015, 15:32

Vented and opened today.

New window port passed inspection, max temperature reached = 32.4C

Coating on tube looks good, partial sintering. Internal sintered better than outside of tube.

See attached photos.

 Thursday, August 06, 2015, 15:36

The endcaps are stacked together with a punched out disc of graphite foil placed in between each endcap for separation so endcaps won't fuse together.

The end caps are further wrapped in a larger piece of graphite foil to hold together as a tube [same method used in elogID # 158]

There are two separate tubes in the target boat:

1) endcaps coated with TaC coating - never been sintered

2) previously sintered [but not fully] endcaps with a second coating done on the one side of each endcap

The boat is wrapped with 3-layers of Ta heatshields.

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

 Friday, August 07, 2015, 08:45

HS water valves opened, no leaks detected.

IGP1 = 3.6e-7 Torr.

Tapped up manually to 30A.

 Friday, August 07, 2015, 11:23

IGP1 = 2.2e-6 Torr.

Vacuum stable.

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min with a final setpoint of 480A.

Will ramp up over the weekend, confirm temperature readings on monday and tap up to final desired temperature of 1800C manually.

 Friday, August 07, 2015, 13:04

Vacuum climbed quite fast.

IGP1 = 6.3e-6 Torr.

Stopped auto-ramp to allow vacuum to settle.

Waited ~1hr.

IGP1 = 4.3e-6 Torr.

Re-initiating auto-ramp.

 Monday, August 10, 2015, 09:22

TGHT reached 480A, 8.2V on the weekend.

OMEGA = 1708C

IGP1 = 3.8e-7 Torr.

Tapped up manually to 1803C, 520A, 9.0V

IGP1 = 5.9e-7 Torr.

 Monday, August 10, 2015, 14:50

EVAP2 remained at 1800C for 4.5hours.

Internal temperature taken at new window port read 1800C using the mikron.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min.

 Tuesday, August 11, 2015, 09:23

Vented in air and opened up this morning.

The following observations were noted:

1) single round sintered endcaps:

-Batch of green endcaps, single round of sintering look good. fully sintered.

-however when applying a scratch test, excess TaC scrapes off.

[see single round sintering photos]

-A few endcaps almost heated too long and started to appear brittle/ further crystallization on inside of endcap - the side that did not have a second coating applied.

-Outside of endcap looks good/ fully sintered - the side that had a second round of TaC coating

-further tests confirm this batch should still be okay to use

[see round2 batch photos]

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote: Tuesday, August 18, 2015, 15:53 Target consists of 505 discs. Total packed length 3.4cm. Total mass 75.2772g. Re foil inserted. 3x Ta Heat shields. No endcaps inserted. Chamber currently pumping down. TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 1.0A/min. TGHT will be ramped up to 1800C, auto ramp to 600A at 2.0A/min [estimated final value of 720A according to elog ID 184] *Note: Turbo Pump is on low speed  Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 10:15 IGP1 = 8.3e-7 Torr. Tapped up manually to 35A. Initiating auto-ramp. Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 15:55   IGP1 = 3.3e-6 Torr. TBHT reached max setpoint of 230A TGHT reached max setpoint of 600A OMEGA = 1554C Increasing final setpoint of TGHT to 700A and re-initiating auto-ramp.    Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 17:13 TGHT reached to 700A/10.5V, direct voltage at 5.2V, and temp measured at both ends at 1755C.  Vac is coming down from 4.2e-6 Torr.  Stepping up TGHT to reach 1800C Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 17:22 Increased TGHT to 722A/11.3V (direct voltage at 5.48V) to reach 1800C (consistant with the heating curve as for the previous HPTa target, elog 184) Will continue to condition the target at this temperature for overnight.  Cooling down can be initiated tomorrow morning at 2A/min --- Please measure the target temperature from the new window port before cooling it down.    Thursday, August 20, 2015, 08:27 OMEGA = 1830C Internal temperature using Mikron taken from the second 'new' view port: Hottest point on target leg = 2250C; hottest point on target material discs inside container = 1830C. IGP1 = 1.5e-6 Torr. EVAP2 has been sitting at max setpoints for ~15hours. Initiated auto-cool at 2.0A/min and 1.0A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Thursday, August 20, 2015, 17:14

Target was removed the the evaporator and inspected.  It looks good! 

Ta-heat shields are removed. 

End caps are inserted but need to be expended.

Ready for assembly.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Tuesday, August 25, 2015, 11:50 Container coated with TaC using new method: Ends tapped off,  with liquid poured in and swirled around entire container, then poured back out - 'flushing technique' Container is wrapped with 3 x Ta heat shields, not incl center block. Loaded into EVAP2 and currently pumping down.  Tuesday, August 25, 2015, 13:52 IGP1 = 2.2e-6 Torr. HS water valves opened. No leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. Vacuum stable. Initiated auto ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. Final setpoints for TGHT = 720A and TBHT = 230A, with final desired temp of 1800C  Wednesday, August 26, 2015, 09:56 IGP1 = 8.8e-7 Torr. TGHT = 260A, 3.0V TBHT = 145A, 1.8V Increasing ramping rate to 2.0A/min and 1.0A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.  Wednesday, August 26, 2015, 14:15 IGP1 = 3.5e-6 Torr. TGHT = 720A, 11.3V TBHT = 230A, 3.2V DV = 5.48V OMEGA RS [right side-old port] = 1745C OMEGA LS [left side-new port] = 1880C Tapping up manually to achieve 1800C on OMEGA RS  Wednesday, August 26, 2015, 14:44 IGP1 = 3.7e-6 Torr. TGHT = 748A, 11.9V DV = 5.78V OMEGA RS = 1803C OMEGA LS = 1935C Thursday, August 27, 2015, 07:31  Remained at max setpoints for ~17hrs. IGP1 = 1.3e-6 Torr. DV = 5.79V OMEGA RS = 1862 [this reading may not be correct due to the laser being moved at max setpoint - this temperature reading may be taken from a different location then the last reading] OMEGA LS = 1955 Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min and 1.0A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Thursday, August 27, 2015, 16:34

Target is removed from the evaporator and inspected.  

The "flushing technique" has a much better result.  The inner coated surface is sintered well.  

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote: John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote: Tuesday, September 01, 2015, 17:16 Target container contains 533 discs of SiC with packed length of 17cm.  Mass of 533 discs SiC(green)  = 57.8979g Total mass SiC(green) + target container = 1455g Container is wrapped with 3 heatshields; no end caps are inserted yet. Sintering temp at 1800C - TGHT will be set accordingly.  TBHT max at 230A.  Chamber is currently being pumped down.     Wednesday, September 02, 2015, 09:11 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 1.15e-6 Torr Tapped up manually to 40A. Waited ~1hr40 for vacuum to stabilize. IGP1 = 3.6e-6 Torr. Max setpoints set to TGHT = 630A and TBHT = 230A, ~1400C Initiating auto ramp at a rate of 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. Once max setpoints achieved, will tap up manually until window port becomes coated [as previously observed] Once window port becomes coated will leave at set temp for ~4hrs to continue with outgassing, then cool down, clean window and ramp back up. If LS port still clean, will continue to ramp up to final desired temperature of 1800C.  Wednesday, September 02, 2015, 14:23 IGP1 = 4.0e-5 Torr. Vacuum too high, stopped auto-ramp and tapped down manually. Dropped TGHT down from 80A to 50A Dropped TBHT down from 55A to 50A Wednesday, September 02, 2015, 15:29 Vacuum down to IGP1 = 1.2e-5 Torr. Re-initiating auto-ramp...  Tuesday, September 08, 2015, 10:04 IGP1 = 4.5e-7 Torr. TGHT = 630A, 9.6V TBHT = 230A, 3.2V DV = 0.22V OMEGA RS = 1476C OMEGA LS = 1450C see attached photo for screenshot. will tap up manually with a visual on both window ports...    Tuesday, September 08, 2015, 15:44 TGHT has stepped up to 820A.  Coating on both windows is becoming obvious and it's interfering the temp readers; however, the left window (see attachment, which is further away from the target) is lightly coated than the right.  See attachment for The Temp (and Power) vs current plots. Target will remained heated at the current and will be cooled down later today.    The target will be re-conditioned up to 820A and temp and mass will be re-measured. Plans: The chamber will be vented tomorrow and the target will be taken out to weigh for mass change.  The chamber windows will need to be clean. A piece of Ta foil will be cover in front of the ionizer to trap any loss material (if any).  Tuesday, September 08, 2015, 17:37 TGHT was at 800A for 2 hours before ramping up 820A for another 2 hours heating.  More coating on the right window is observed and temp reading came down to 1340C.  The left window remains the same and temp reads at 1646C.   Ramping TGHT/TBHT to 0A at 2A/min and 1A/min, respectively.    Wednesday, September 09, 2015, 12:27 Result after the sintering process: No yellow crystal formed (compared to previously observed SiC targets that heated up above 1900C).  Total green mass = 57.90g  mass of graphite foil = 0.035g x 533 discs = 18.7g  mass of green SiC = 39.30g  Target container with SiC before sintered = 1455g  Target container after sintered = 1450g  mass loss ~ 5.0g ~ 13% organic mass, as expected!   The target will undergo the re-condition stage, and the temperature will be measured from 600A to 820A.     Wednesday, September 09, 2015, 17:39 Both end-caps are inserted onto the targets.  The total mass (Target, Sintered SiC, end caps, 4x 19"round graphite foils) = 1453g. Target is wrapped with 3 layers of heat shields.   The extraction electrode is wrapped with Ta-foil (see attachment).  This is to trap any lose particle, if any.   Chamber is currently being pumped down, currently at 1.2e-5 Torr.      Thursday, September 10, 2015, 09:55 HS water valves opened this morning, no leaks detected. TGHT and TBHT tapped up manually to 35A. IGP1 = 4.4e-7 Torr, vacuum stable. Initiating auto-ramp at 1.0A/min and 0.5A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively with final setpoints of 600A and 230A.

Thursday, September 10, 2015, 12:05  

Changed TGHT to 2A/min and TGHT remains at 1A/min.  Vacuum is table at 1.0e-6 Torr. 

Friday, September 11, 2015, 11:34  

TGHT was at 600A for almost 20 hours.  Vac at 5.2 e-7 Torr.   L-temp at 1490C, R-temp at 1685 (odd?).   Using pyrometer to measure - Right end does seem brighter than the L end.  

Continue to ramp up TGHT.  Date is collected, will be posted later.  

 Friday, September 11, 2015, 11:53

L/R-temp measurements just don't seem normal.  

Ramped up to 220A- temp reads L = 1522C, R = 1722C.  

Ramping down TBHT doesn't change the temp.  

Will cool TGHT/TBHT to 0A at 2A/min & 1A/min, respectively.  

Will vent the chamber on Monday and inspect for any wrong.

 Monday, September 14, 2015, 12:13

The target has taken out for inspection.  No visible damage/problem was observed.  The Ta-foil for loss particle capture only showed some heat marking but no material was trapped. 

Target was weighted, no mass loss was observed.

Try expending the end caps to get a good thermal conductivity and will re-conditiong again.  

 Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 12:31

The end caps have been expended. 

New Ta foils are used for the heat shields.  The foils are cut in 3 1/4" x 12" and wrapped around the target.  (see attachment).  This is to see if the heat is evenly distributed.  

Both omega optical lens are aligned properly.  

Target is installed but the chamber is NOT yet being pumped down.  Awaiting for the fume hood work in B2 level to be complete before the evaporator can be started. 

 Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 17:57

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

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

 Thursday, September 17, 2015, 12:19

Chamber has been pump down overnight and pressure is currently at 5.8e-7 Torr.

HS valves are opened and no leaks are detected.

Ramping up TGHT/TBHT to 600A at 2A/min and 230A at 1A/min, respectively.

 Thursday, September 17, 2015, 17:58

TGHT has reached to 600A/9.14V.  Both the L and R temperatures are measured at 1710C and 1760C, respectively.  At 600A, the temperature now is about 300C higher compared to that during the sintering process. 

The difference in the temperature could be from Ta surface vs SiC surface.  (But the 2-color IR temp reader shouldn't matter what color it's measuring?!! I don't know!)

Note: 

Both temperature readings are fairly close.  Could this be improved from the new Ta-foils?  Possible!

It is still unclear what is the absolute temperature.  A more systematic student needs to be done. 

Using a thermocouple couple to measurement the endcaps at 600A and compared with the Omage reader may help to understand more. 

After discussing with Friedhelm, it is decided to stay the target at 600A for the conditioning process. 

 Friday, September 18, 2015, 09:10

Target has been heated at 600A at stable temperature at 1716C (LS) and 1769C (RS), see attachment. 

 Friday, September 18, 2015, 11:45

Initiated cooling down at 2A/min for TGHT, and 1A/min TBHT. 

Currently vac at 5.48e-7 Torr.

 Thursday, September 24, 2015, 11:31

Target was inspected after the 2nd conditioning, up to 1700C at 600A for overnight. 

No solid particle was observed that might have extracted from the ionizer tube.  

The heat shields have been removed and the target is ready for assembly. 

Laura Lambert wrote:

Thursday, September 24, 2015, 08:39 IGP1 = 6.5e-7Torr HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. Waited ~20min. Vacuum stable, IGP1 = 1.5e-6 Torr. Initiated auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively with final setpoints of 250A and 230A. Final temp of 1200C on auto-ramp in order to initiate temperature measurements starting at ~1200C. Thursday, September 24, 2015, 10:24   IGP1 = 8.7e-7 Torr TGHT = 44A, TBHT = 38A Increasing auto-ramp to 0.5A/min and 0.2A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Thursday, September 24, 2015, 12:04

 A few notes about the target container:The Ta-foil is cut in a full length of the target container, and that also covers up the back block, and the container is wrapped with 3 sheets (see attachment)

 The inner tube is coated with TaC, using the "flushing technique" - the coating looks much better; will see how it turns out after the sintering process

The target will be heated up to 1900C .  Due to the new wrapping of the Ta-heat shield, the heat distribution may be different.  So the target heater will be ramped up to achieve the desired temperature.  

Thursday, September 24, 2015, 18:45  

TGHT reached to 250A3.6V, TGHT at 230A and stayed for 1.5 hours.  Temp-L = 1280C, Temp-R = 1360C.  

Auto-ramp TGHT to 500A at 1A/min and heat at that current for overnight.  Will take temp reading tomorrow.  

Thursday, September 24, 2015, 23:08  

TGHT has reached to 500A/8.57V.  Temp-L = 1895C, Temp-R = 2073C. (Not sure why the temperature is real, will need to investigate more to get an absolute temp)

Just to be safe… Ramping down TGHT to 425A (according to e-log id 216, Temp-R reached to 1800C with TGHT at 425A/6.84V, but no temp measured for the left at that time)

Will check again later.

Friday, September 25, 2015, 11:52  

The target has been heated at 420A for ~12hours; temp measured ~1900C, slightly higher than the previous target container (W.O#40860-1); the Ta-wraping could affect the heat distribution.  

The temperature is also confirmed by using the 2-C digital pyrometer.  The tube inner surface is measured about 1900C, and the ionizer tube is about 2400C.  (see attachment #2).

Initiating auto-cooling at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min for TBHT.

The target will be inspected next Monday

 Wednesday, September 30, 2015, 16:01

The target container is fully sintered (see attachment#3) 

It is still in the discussion where this container will be used online for the UCx.  Nevertheless, the target contain is ready and it looks pretty good. 

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote:  Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 17:35 This container is prepared for a backup UCx target (otherwise it will be used for development purposes). The container is coated with TaC; one layer of Ta-heat shield is used.  TGHT will be ramped up to reach 1900C (previous container had TGHT ramped up to 440A).   TBHT will be ramped up to max 230A.   Chamber is currently being pumped down.   Heating can begin once the vacuum is good, currently at 4.8e-5 Torr.     Thursday, October 22, 2015, 11:36 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. Vacuum stabilized, initiated auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. Final setpoints TGHT = 300A, TBHT = 230A IGP1 = 1.0e-6 Torr; TGHT = 45.18A, 0.17V; TBHT = 38.4A, 0.41V    Thursday, October 22, 2015, 17:09 Pressure coming down to 1.5e-6 Torr.  Increased ramping rate to 2A/min for both TGHT and TBHT.

 Monday, October 26, 2015, 16:10

Target container was ramped down over the weekend and taken out today.

Coating looks good.

Will add on another Ta layer and continue with temperature measurements.

See attachment for raw data.