Manually changed current from 500 to 615 A, monitoring the temperature. Temperature went from 1657 C up to 1838 C. Pressure increased up to 7.2e-7 T. Samples should be left for about 4 hours (615 A started just before 13:00), then the goal is to ramp current back to zero.

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). 

 Pressure down to 7.1e-7 Torr. Water valve to heat shield was opened; pressure remained stable. 

Current turned up to 40 A for now.  Will increase at 2 A/min up to 500 A over the weekend, then on Monday we will turn it up to 600 A and check the temperature. 

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.

 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...

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.

 Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:09

Target container is loaded with 360 Discs of TiC.  

Target length = 11.7cm.  

Total green mass = 40.945g 

Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields, and have been pumped down in the chamber. 

For the sintering process: 

TGHT ramp up to 820A, and TGHT to 300A at 0.1A/min. 

Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:15

TGHT/TBHT were manually stepped up to 40A.  

Vac stabilizes at 1.7e-6 Torr.  

Initiate auto-ramping... 

John Wong wrote:

Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:09 Target container is loaded with 360 Discs of TiC.   Target length = 11.7cm.   Total green mass = 40.945g  Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields, and have been pumped down in the chamber.  For the sintering process:  TGHT ramp up to 820A, and TGHT to 300A at 0.1A/min.  Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:15 TGHT/TBHT were manually stepped up to 40A.   Vac stabilizes at 1.7e-6 Torr.   Initiate auto-ramping...

 Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 11:05

TBHT reached max desired current of 300A

IGP1 = 1.4e-6 Torr

TGHT = 543A

Increasing TGHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:  Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:09 Target container is loaded with 360 Discs of TiC.   Target length = 11.7cm.   Total green mass = 40.945g  Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields, and have been pumped down in the chamber.  For the sintering process:  TGHT ramp up to 820A, and TGHT to 300A at 0.1A/min.  Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:15 TGHT/TBHT were manually stepped up to 40A.   Vac stabilizes at 1.7e-6 Torr.   Initiate auto-ramping...     Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 11:05 TBHT reached max desired current of 300A IGP1 = 1.4e-6 Torr TGHT = 543A Increasing TGHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

 Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 18:18

TGHT has reached to 820A\13.4V and target has been heated at that current for 4.5 hours.

Vac is coming down to 1.1e-6 Torr.

See link for RGA results: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/08dcxskux21aqap/1SF_dTJB4l

Cooling down in process at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min for TBHT.

 Thursday, March 27, 2014, 11:14

Target is cooled down.  TGHT/TBHT have reached to 0A. 

All pumps off; chamber will be vented soon. 

 Friday, March 28, 2014, 15:00

Target has been assembled.  Heat shield WO#39956-10

Monday, March 10, 2014, 11:45

The chiller tripped off on March 7, 2014.

• Water is not flowing into the chiller; paddle wheel shows no signal.
• Tried turning on the chiller locally; a few seconds later, it tripped off. 
• Motor is not responding;
• EPICS is not responding;
• All other water flow signals to TGHT, TBHT, HS, are responding;

Continue investigating...

 Monday, March 10, 2014, 14:36

The water line to the chiller is disconnected, and is re-connected straight to the TGHT power supply.  The paddle wheel is responding - the cooling line in the power supply is not blocked.

It is confirmed the chiller is broken. 

Will discuss if we can use the Evaporator without a chiller but with the DI water connected directly to the TGHT power supply....

Friday, March 14, 2014, 14:50  

The chiller was replaced with a "new" one.  

Checked the chiller interlock - It's working.  

The evaporator is now operational. 

 Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:19

Note about Auto-ramping program.

Previously the auto-rampiong program takes the Chiller as part of the reference to the interlocks.  Because the New chiller is not connected to EPICS; all the references to the Chiller on the auto-ramping program has been removed in order for it to function. 

Monday, March 10, 2014, 11:44

Rick replaced the backing pump hose from 1.5" to 2.0" for better flow.  And the HEPA filter was checked - it looks OK.

 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

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

There was no signal going from the coils to the PLC. After manipulating the connection points on the coil a signal could again be established. Frequency is ~ 40Hz.

 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.

 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.

 Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 13:43

Target container is coated with TaC and wrapped with 3-Ta heat shields.

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 300A, respectively.

Ramping rate set to 0.2A/min.

Good vac = 3e-5 Torr, Bad vac = 4e-5 Torr.

Chamber currently being pumped down...

 Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 16:33

Chamber pumped down to 2e-6 Torr.

HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks detected.

Will step up in the a.m.

 Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 11:41

IGP1 = 1.5e-7 Torr

TGHT max voltage = 17.05V, TBHT max voltage = 5V

Stepped TGHT and TBHT up to 35A

Waited 1hr15 before vacuum stabilized/ started to drop.

Initiating auto-ramping.

 Thursday, February 13, 2014, 10:19

TBHT and TGHT have both reached 300A

IGP1 = 2.4e-7 Torr.

Increasing TGHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

 Friday, February 14, 2014, 08:58

TGHT reached 820A yesterday afternoon. Measured internal temp this morning at 1300C.

Initiated TGHT auto-cooling at 2.0A/min and TBHT at 1.0A/min.

IGP1 = 3.2e-7 Torr.

 Monday, February 17, 2014, 12:02

Cooled down friday. Vented this morning.

Container fully sintered, smooth run!

 Friday, January 31, 2014, 11:28

Target container is coated with TaC.

The container is wrapped with 3 x Ta heat-shield.

Chamber was pumped down to 1.9e-7 Torr.

HS water valves were opened, no leak detected.

TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~20min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop.

TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 0.2A/min, max voltage = 11.05V.

TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 0.2A/min, max volatge = 5V.

Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 4.0e-5 Torr.

 Monday, February 03, 2014, 10:21

TGHT reached 580A pver the weekend.

TBHT sitting at 1.4A, checked archive: never went over 1.6A. Aborted auto-ramp, re-starting auto ramp process for TBHT.

IGP1 = 1.6e-7 Torr.

 Monday, February 03, 2014, 15:23

TBHT running smoothly, must have been and electrical problem.

TBHT currently at 85A, vacuum has not changed, increasing TBHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

 Tuesday, February 04, 2014, 10:10

TBHT reached 230A yesterday pm. Measured temp this morning at 1800C.

Initiated TGHT/TBHT auto-cooling at 2.0A/min.

 Wednesday, February 05, 2014, 11:33

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

Smooth run! Container fully sintered.

 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 

 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 17:30

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 0.2A/min.  

 Chamber is currently being pumped.  Tomorrow, the HS water valve can be opened to test for leaks.  

Notes: 

If everything is fine, TGHT/TBHT can be stepped up to 30A-50A.  Watch for the vacuum; once it's stable the auto ramping program can be initiated.  

Once TGHT/TBHT reached above 200A, the ramping rate for TGHT can be increased up to 2A/min.  (This step is to speed up the process; however it's not mandatory) 

John Wong wrote:

Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 17:30 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 0.2A/min.    Chamber is currently being pumped.  Tomorrow, the HS water valve can be opened to test for leaks.   Notes:  If everything is fine, TGHT/TBHT can be stepped up to 30A-50A.  Watch for the vacuum; once it's stable the auto ramping program can be initiated.   Once TGHT/TBHT reached above 200A, the ramping rate for TGHT can be increased up to 2A/min.  (This step is to speed up the process; however it's not mandatory)

 Thursday, January 16, 2014, 11:35

Chamber was pumped down overnight to 10-7 Torr. HS water valve was opened and no leak in vacuum was observed.

TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~30min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop.

Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 2.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr.

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:  Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 17:30 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 0.2A/min.    Chamber is currently being pumped.  Tomorrow, the HS water valve can be opened to test for leaks.   Notes:  If everything is fine, TGHT/TBHT can be stepped up to 30A-50A.  Watch for the vacuum; once it's stable the auto ramping program can be initiated.   Once TGHT/TBHT reached above 200A, the ramping rate for TGHT can be increased up to 2A/min.  (This step is to speed up the process; however it's not mandatory)     Thursday, January 16, 2014, 11:35 Chamber was pumped down overnight to 10-7 Torr. HS water valve was opened and no leak in vacuum was observed. TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~30min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop. Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 2.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr.

 Friday, January 17, 2014, 09:28

TGHT/TBHT @ 300/200A.  TBHT voltage is limited at 3A.  

TGHT ramping rate increased to 2A/min.  Pressure @ 4.5e-7 Torr.  

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote:  Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 17:30 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 0.2A/min.    Chamber is currently being pumped.  Tomorrow, the HS water valve can be opened to test for leaks.   Notes:  If everything is fine, TGHT/TBHT can be stepped up to 30A-50A.  Watch for the vacuum; once it's stable the auto ramping program can be initiated.   Once TGHT/TBHT reached above 200A, the ramping rate for TGHT can be increased up to 2A/min.  (This step is to speed up the process; however it's not mandatory)     Thursday, January 16, 2014, 11:35 Chamber was pumped down overnight to 10-7 Torr. HS water valve was opened and no leak in vacuum was observed. TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~30min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop. Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 2.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr.    Friday, January 17, 2014, 09:28 TGHT/TBHT @ 300/200A.  TBHT voltage is limited at 3A.   TGHT ramping rate increased to 2A/min.  Pressure @ 4.5e-7 Torr.

 Friday, January 17, 2014, 10:14

TBHT stopped at 200A with voltage limit sitting at 3V.

Aborted auto-ramp, changed the voltage limit to 5V and increased ramping rate to 2A/min. Re-started auto-ramp.

IGP1 @ 5.0e-7 Torr

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote:  Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 17:30 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 0.2A/min.    Chamber is currently being pumped.  Tomorrow, the HS water valve can be opened to test for leaks.   Notes:  If everything is fine, TGHT/TBHT can be stepped up to 30A-50A.  Watch for the vacuum; once it's stable the auto ramping program can be initiated.   Once TGHT/TBHT reached above 200A, the ramping rate for TGHT can be increased up to 2A/min.  (This step is to speed up the process; however it's not mandatory)     Thursday, January 16, 2014, 11:35 Chamber was pumped down overnight to 10-7 Torr. HS water valve was opened and no leak in vacuum was observed. TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~30min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop. Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 2.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr.    Friday, January 17, 2014, 09:28 TGHT/TBHT @ 300/200A.  TBHT voltage is limited at 3A.   TGHT ramping rate increased to 2A/min.  Pressure @ 4.5e-7 Torr.      Friday, January 17, 2014, 10:14 TBHT stopped at 200A with voltage limit sitting at 3V. Aborted auto-ramp, changed the voltage limit to 5V and increased ramping rate to 2A/min. Re-started auto-ramp. IGP1 @ 5.0e-7 Torr

 Friday, January 17, 2014, 12:45

TGHT voltage limiting at 9.9V, and  current stayed at 560A.  Increased the TGHT voltage to 10.5V and continued ramping the heater up.

TGHT/TBHT stabilized at 580A (~10V) and 230A(3.6V). 

Pressure at 1.03e-6 Torr and coming down... 

Target will be heated until 5pm (4hrs) before cooling down at the ramping rate of 2A/min. 

Chamber will be vented in air, next week.

 Friday, January 17, 2014, 16:51

Auto-cooling initiated at 2A/min.

Vac @ 5.3e-7 Torr.

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote: Laura Lambert wrote: John Wong wrote:  Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 17:30 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 0.2A/min.    Chamber is currently being pumped.  Tomorrow, the HS water valve can be opened to test for leaks.   Notes:  If everything is fine, TGHT/TBHT can be stepped up to 30A-50A.  Watch for the vacuum; once it's stable the auto ramping program can be initiated.   Once TGHT/TBHT reached above 200A, the ramping rate for TGHT can be increased up to 2A/min.  (This step is to speed up the process; however it's not mandatory)     Thursday, January 16, 2014, 11:35 Chamber was pumped down overnight to 10-7 Torr. HS water valve was opened and no leak in vacuum was observed. TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~30min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop. Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 2.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr.    Friday, January 17, 2014, 09:28 TGHT/TBHT @ 300/200A.  TBHT voltage is limited at 3A.   TGHT ramping rate increased to 2A/min.  Pressure @ 4.5e-7 Torr.      Friday, January 17, 2014, 10:14 TBHT stopped at 200A with voltage limit sitting at 3V. Aborted auto-ramp, changed the voltage limit to 5V and increased ramping rate to 2A/min. Re-started auto-ramp. IGP1 @ 5.0e-7 Torr  Friday, January 17, 2014, 12:45 TGHT voltage limiting at 9.9V, and  current stayed at 560A.  Increased the TGHT voltage to 10.5V and continued ramping the heater up. TGHT/TBHT stabilized at 850A (~10V) and 230A(3.6V).  Pressure at 1.03e-6 Torr and coming down...  Target will be heated until 5pm (4hrs) before cooling down at the ramping rate of 2A/min.  Chamber will be vented in air, next week.  Friday, January 17, 2014, 16:51 Auto-cooling initiated at 2A/min. Vac @ 5.3e-7 Torr.

See attached photo.

The Heat Shield has been taken to the Machine Shop for repair.

Friday, November 08, 2013

 The Heat Shield cooling line has been repaired and the lid re-installed in the evaporator. Photo attached.

Friday, November 08, 2013, 10:58 : Roughing Started

Friday, November 08, 2013, 11:05: Turbo started 

Friday, November 08, 2013, 11:15: Turbo at speed Vacuum at (IGP1) 5.7E-5 T 

The purpose of this experiment is to improve the TaC coating mixed with other metals as additives.  The coating solution will be sprayed on Ta metal (0.015" thick, same thickness as the target container).

The samples will be sintered at ~ 1800C.  Once the process is completed, a graphite tube will be inserted into the tube, and then re-heated it up to 1800C. 

This test will show how good the protective layer to prevent the graphite to react with the Ta metal.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013, 17:11

Step #1

Two samples: 

1.  A short tube (same diameter as the usual container)

2.  A cross section of the tube.

Both samples are coated with the TaC matrix spray: 

0.05 moles TaC

0.005 moles of Mo2C, VC, Cr3C2, NbC 

A Rh foil is used as a protective under layer.

see links for pictures:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/866zsp44nnjeg2z/LqCThu-G_0

The target boat is wrapped with 3 layers of heat shields. 

Samples will be heated up to 600A ~1800C

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

 Friday, November 08, 2013, 17:13

Chamber was pumped down to ~2e-6 Torr.  HS water valve is opened and no leaks were detected. 

TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 1A/min. 

Monday, November 11, 2013, 08:10  

TGHT has reached to 580A; samples has been heated at that current for over the weekend. 

IGP2 currently at 3.5e-7 Torr.

Auto cooling initiated, ramping rate at -2.0A/min.

 Step 2:

The coated tube is sintered with TaC-matrix.

The graphite tube is inserted in the tube and will be heated back up; see link for details:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ji0rhlj0v1tfj1w/cRv1I3VJXE

Chamber is currently pumped down to 1.8e-6 Torr.

TGHT will first be ramped up to 450A (1A/min) to see how the reaction behaves, then a caution ramp up to 600A will take place. 

 Friday, November 15, 2013, 11:04

TGHT reached to 450A.  Cooling down to 0A.  Chamber will be vented for inspection.

 Monday, November 18, 2013, 17:22

Continue Step#2:

The sample looks ok after heating at 450A.

Re-heating it to 500A. 

Chamber has been pumped down to 4.0e-6 Torr. 

Initiated auto-ramping...