Wednesday, May 06, 2015, 13:54

Two different samples of ZrC are wrapped in graphite sheet and loaded into the target boat.

Sample #1 = ZrC

Sample #2 = ZrC+C

Both samples are hand punched with a 18mm die.

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

Pumped down this morning.

HS water valves opened, no leaks detected.

IGP1 = 1.5e-6 Torr.

Tapping up manually to 35A...

 Waited ~50min for vacuum to stabilize.

IGP1 = 5.3e-6 Torr.

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.1A/min for the TGHT with a max setpoint of 275A/ 10V

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

Wednesday, May 06, 2015, 15:37  

Increasing ramping rate to 0.2A/min

 Thursday, May 07, 2015, 11:15

Stopping auto ramp.

TGHT = 273A.

Tapping up manually and recording data...

IGP1 = 6.6e-7 Torr.

 Thursday, May 07, 2015, 14:21

Increased max voltage to 14V

 Friday, May 08, 2015, 09:33

EVAP2 reached 2000C yesterday evening and remained at max setpoint overnight.

IGP1 = 3.8e-7 Torr

Initiated auto-cool this morning at 2.0A/min.

 Friday, May 08, 2015, 11:32

IGP1 = 2.1e-7 Torr

TGHT = 221A, 3.21V

OMEGA = 1100C

Increasing auto-cool to 5.0A/min.

 Friday, May 08, 2015, 15:53

Vented in air and opened up this afternoon.

See attachment for data results.

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Friday, May 01, 2015, 10:27 Four different samples of ZrC are loaded into a target boat. Sample A: ZrC + NO graphite / hand cut Sample B: ZrC + NO graphite / laser cut Sample C: ZrC + graphite / hand cut Sample D: ZrC + graphite / laser cut A picture showing the different samples is attached [one face-up/ one face-down sample of each side-by-side] Each sample consists of ~20-25 discs, stacked together and wrapped in graphite sheet [see attachment for photo] The target boat is wrapped with 3 x Ta heat shield. EVAP1 pumped down overnight. HS water valves were opened this morning, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 5.5e-7 Torr. Tapping up TGHT manually to 30A...  Friday, May 01, 2015, 10:54 Tapped up manually to 30A. Over the course of 20min the vacuum climbed to IGP1 = 1.0 e-5 Torr. Backed off TGHT to 20A to allow vacuum to stabilize. Waited ~10min. Vacuum dropped to IGP1 = 6.5e-6 Torr. Tapped back-up manually to 30A. Waited ~45min. Vacuum stable, IGP1 = 1.2e-5 Torr. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.1A/min for the TGHT with a max setpoint of 300A / 5.00V. Good Vacuum = 3.00e-5 Torr. Bad vacuum = 4.00e-5 Torr.  Monday, May 04, 2015, 11:17 IGP1 = 2e-7 Torr. TGHT = 274A, 4.75V Ramp-up limited to 275A due to max voltage being set at 5.0V Increased max voltage to 10V Tapping up manually to 1800C and recording data.    Monday, May 04, 2015, 17:24 Samples have been heated at 1800C for >2 hours.  Vaccum at 4.3e-7 Torr, TGHT 475A/9.1V. (Direct Vol = 5.3V). Initiated cooling down process.  Chamber will be vented tomorrow.  Tuesday, May 05, 2015, 10:22 TGHT reached to 0A. Chamber has already vented.  Samples will be taken out for examination.

 Friday, May 08, 2015, 15:55

see attachment for data results.

 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 June 16, 2015

An Extraction Insulator ITD0381 made from a different grade of AiN was installed in Evaporator 2 for testing purposes. The sub assembly included the SIS Restraint Housing ITD0389, New Extraction Insulator ITD0381, Repeller Electrode ITD0377, Extraction Electrode ITD0374 with fingerstock mounted.

The standoff insulator ITD0400 was found to be swelled up and broken. It was replaced with and glazed alumina insulator.

The tube heater Insulator ITD0342 - central support helicoil was repaired.

 Thursday, July 30, 2015, 17:02

EVAP1 cooling system is now on the NALCW.  The city water has been removed from the system.  

Tested all the cooling system interlocks by shutting off each individual valve, and the main supply valve to the lab -  All Passed!  

Friday, July 31, 2015, 15:09

The left side port was installed on the evaporator #2.  Leak check was performed and no leak was detected. 

 Monday, August 24, 2015, 12:54

The turbo pump was found to be faulty.  The pump couldn't get on full speed and eventually timed out.  Vacuum group inspected the pump and it is time for a service.  

A new pump has been installed.  Leak  check was performed and no leaks were detected.  

Pump is now fully operational. 

Back in business…. 

 Thursday, November 05, 2015, 16:19

Springs coated with TaC and loaded into container for sintering.

3x Ta heat shield.

EVAP2 currently pumping down.

 Friday, November 06, 2015, 08:39

Opened HS water valves, no leaks detected.

Tapped up manually to 35A.

IGP1 = 5.5e-7 Torr.

 Friday, November 06, 2015, 10:08

IGP1 = 5.8e-7 Torr.

Vacuum stable.

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min with final setpoints of 450A and 230A for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

See photos attached to view how springs were coated and loaded into container.

 Monday, November 09, 2015, 09:07

TGHT reached 450A, 7.2V ~8pm sat, nov 7th.

OMEGA = 1775C

IGP1 = 3.2e-7 Torr.

Tapping up manually to 1900C.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Thursday, November 05, 2015, 16:19 Springs coated with TaC and loaded into container for sintering. 3x Ta heat shield. EVAP2 currently pumping down.  Friday, November 06, 2015, 08:39 Opened HS water valves, no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. IGP1 = 5.5e-7 Torr.  Friday, November 06, 2015, 10:08 IGP1 = 5.8e-7 Torr. Vacuum stable. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min with final setpoints of 450A and 230A for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. See photos attached to view how springs were coated and loaded into container.  Monday, November 09, 2015, 09:07 TGHT reached 450A, 7.2V ~8pm sat, nov 7th. OMEGA = 1775C IGP1 = 3.2e-7 Torr. Tapping up manually to 1900C.

 Monday, November 09, 2015, 12:30

Checked the temp on the inner surface (not at the spring) of the container was around 2050C at 500A. 

The TaC coated spring is reading at 1900C; that's what the OMEGA is reading with the setting for 2-colors and slope at 0.98.

Lower TGHT to 450A/ 7.12V.

By comparing the data from the previous temp curve (OMEGA slope at 0.98) with no material inside the container,  the voltage and current plot is aligned with the curve.

Changed OMEGA setting slope to 1.04.  Current temp is reading at 1917C at 450A.

For 2-Color setting, the emissivity should be negligible.  That makes me believe that different materials has different slope setting for the temp reading.  

One thing to note is that, the sintering temp of TaC is around 1900-2000C.  It was clear that the container was fully sintered with TGHT at 450A.

Will need to gather more data with different material to understand the slope setting better. 

Try: 

SiC at 1700C, slope at 1.04

ZrC at 1900C, slope at 104

Ta at 1900C, slope at 0.98.

Compare the data...

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Thursday, November 05, 2015, 16:19 Springs coated with TaC and loaded into container for sintering. 3x Ta heat shield. EVAP2 currently pumping down.  Friday, November 06, 2015, 08:39 Opened HS water valves, no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. IGP1 = 5.5e-7 Torr.  Friday, November 06, 2015, 10:08 IGP1 = 5.8e-7 Torr. Vacuum stable. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min with final setpoints of 450A and 230A for the TGHT and TBHT respectively. See photos attached to view how springs were coated and loaded into container.  Monday, November 09, 2015, 09:07 TGHT reached 450A, 7.2V ~8pm sat, nov 7th. OMEGA = 1775C IGP1 = 3.2e-7 Torr. Tapping up manually to 1900C.    Monday, November 09, 2015, 12:30 Checked the temp on the inner surface (not at the spring) of the container was around 2050C at 500A.  The TaC coated spring is reading at 1900C; that's what the OMEGA is reading with the setting for 2-colors and slope at 0.98. Lower TGHT to 450A/ 7.12V. By comparing the data from the previous temp curve (OMEGA slope at 0.98) with no material inside the container,  the voltage and current plot is aligned with the curve. Changed OMEGA setting slope to 1.04.  Current temp is reading at 1917C at 450A. For 2-Color setting, the emissivity should be negligible.  That makes me believe that different materials has different slope setting for the temp reading.   One thing to note is that, the sintering temp of TaC is around 1900-2000C.  It was clear that the container was fully sintered with TGHT at 450A. Will need to gather more data with different material to understand the slope setting better.  Try:  SiC at 1700C, slope at 1.04 ZrC at 1900C, slope at 104 Ta at 1900C, slope at 0.98. Compare the data...

 Monday, November 09, 2015, 14:20

IGP1 = 3.3e-7 Torr.

TGHT = 450A, 7.12V

OMEGA = 1915C

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

 Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 13:23

Vented and opened this morning.

springs look [mostly] sintered.

see photo attached.

 Thursday, January 14, 2016, 11:47

Backing pump was making very loud high pitched noises during last couple processes in the evaporator.

Replaced with a new one this morning.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 11:30

Polycarbosilane fibers were prepared by UBC MTRL. 

Two samples with different fiber sizes were loaded in target boat and wrapped with heat shields.

Samples will be heated up to 1600C.

Chamber is currently being pumped down

 Thursday, March 31, 2016, 16:49

Ramping up TGHT to 300A at 1A/min

 Tuesday, April 05, 2016, 13:02

Samples was heated at 1600C for about 3 hours.  

Then it was cooled down at 2A/min. 

The process is complete. 

 Tuesday, May 03, 2016, 14:29

Turned vacuum pump on this morning, sounded awful: loud grinding bad noises.

Called vacuum group, will replace pump tomorrow morning.

Sounds like materials coming out from all the out-gassing during sintering processes has ruined the bearings.

 Wednesday, May 04, 2016, 13:28

Target boat has a layer of niobium foil on the bottom of the boat.

A niobium foil has been made with slots to hold samples [similar to when sintering endcaps] *See attached photos

Larger niobium samples are placed in the slots, holding in place, to avoid warping; smaller niobium sample sitting inside the boat by itself.

Smaller sample closest to OMEGA IR reading [right side]

Boat is wrapped with 1 large layer of Ta foil, wrapped around the boat 3x, careful to avoid touching samples.

Loaded into evap2 yesterday.

Vacuum pump bearings gone - pump replaced this morning by vacuum group.

Pumping down now...

 Friday, May 06, 2016, 13:36

HS water valves opened, no leaks detected.

Tapped up manually to 35A.

IGP1 = 2.4e-7 Torr

Setting auto-ramp rate at 0.2A/min to 250A over the weekend.

Will tap up manually monday to final desired temperature of 1400C.

 Monday, May 09, 2016, 09:38

OMEGA = 1128C

IGP1 = 1.3e-7 Torr

TGHT = 250A, 3.7V

Tapping up manually to 1400C...

 Monday, May 09, 2016, 14:05

Evap2 has reached ~1405C

TGHT = 341A, 5.34V

IGP1 = 1.9e-7 Torr

Will remain at max setpoints for min 4hrs then initiate cool down.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Wednesday, May 04, 2016, 13:28 Target boat has a layer of niobium foil on the bottom of the boat. A niobium foil has been made with slots to hold samples [similar to when sintering endcaps] *See attached photos Larger niobium samples are placed in the slots, holding in place, to avoid warping; smaller niobium sample sitting inside the boat by itself. Smaller sample closest to OMEGA IR reading [right side] Boat is wrapped with 1 large layer of Ta foil, wrapped around the boat 3x, careful to avoid touching samples. Loaded into evap2 yesterday. Vacuum pump bearings gone - pump replaced this morning by vacuum group. Pumping down now...  Friday, May 06, 2016, 13:36 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. IGP1 = 2.4e-7 Torr Setting auto-ramp rate at 0.2A/min to 250A over the weekend. Will tap up manually monday to final desired temperature of 1400C.  Monday, May 09, 2016, 09:38 OMEGA = 1128C IGP1 = 1.3e-7 Torr TGHT = 250A, 3.7V Tapping up manually to 1400C...  Monday, May 09, 2016, 14:05 Evap2 has reached ~1405C TGHT = 341A, 5.34V IGP1 = 1.9e-7 Torr Will remain at max setpoints for min 4hrs then initiate cool down.

 Monday, May 09, 2016, 18:18

TGHT at 341A/5.34V for over 4 hours.  Vac stables at 1.78e-7 Torr.

Cooling down at 2A/min

John Wong wrote:

Laura Lambert wrote:  Wednesday, May 04, 2016, 13:28 Target boat has a layer of niobium foil on the bottom of the boat. A niobium foil has been made with slots to hold samples [similar to when sintering endcaps] *See attached photos Larger niobium samples are placed in the slots, holding in place, to avoid warping; smaller niobium sample sitting inside the boat by itself. Smaller sample closest to OMEGA IR reading [right side] Boat is wrapped with 1 large layer of Ta foil, wrapped around the boat 3x, careful to avoid touching samples. Loaded into evap2 yesterday. Vacuum pump bearings gone - pump replaced this morning by vacuum group. Pumping down now...  Friday, May 06, 2016, 13:36 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. Tapped up manually to 35A. IGP1 = 2.4e-7 Torr Setting auto-ramp rate at 0.2A/min to 250A over the weekend. Will tap up manually monday to final desired temperature of 1400C.  Monday, May 09, 2016, 09:38 OMEGA = 1128C IGP1 = 1.3e-7 Torr TGHT = 250A, 3.7V Tapping up manually to 1400C...  Monday, May 09, 2016, 14:05 Evap2 has reached ~1405C TGHT = 341A, 5.34V IGP1 = 1.9e-7 Torr Will remain at max setpoints for min 4hrs then initiate cool down.    Monday, May 09, 2016, 18:18 TGHT at 341A/5.34V for over 4 hours.  Vac stables at 1.78e-7 Torr. Cooling down at 2A/min

 Tuesday, May 10, 2016, 08:45

Vented in air and opened up this morning.

Samples look good!

Wednesday, August 03, 2016, 16:16

Tues July 26th had some problems with the transfer chamber

Transfer chamber was not going below -20in pressure, when usually it will drop all the way to -30in

To by pass and put the uranium target into the glove box, the transfer chamber was flushed 10x - when opened, no change in H2O and O2 in glove box; therefore, 'bypass' worked.

Pump removed and tested by vacuum group - showed no reading on gauge when being tested, how was it even pumping?

New pump installed July 27th.

New pump = bigger/ faster/ quieter 

 Dan made a set of new cooling lines for the Source Tray Heat Shield cooling yesterday. No joints on the lines. Use same VCR fitting 3/8 -> 1/4" as for the Heat Shield. The old lines had worn threads on the male VCR nut.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 15:05

confirmed ~full tank of Ar for glove box --> ~1600psi 

 Dave Morris did a remote restart of the IOC after the outage. Turbo pump started.