A regeneration of the Ar Glove box had been performed Monday, 04, Feb, 2019. At some point during the night of the 4/5, a leak of volatile materials burst out of the vent line inside the control box housing the fuses, solenoid valves, & electrical components. The volatile liquid, determined to likely contain Trichloroethylene, ate through the plug holding one of the 250 V 4A fuses. The plug then shorted to the glove box itself and the glove box main touch screen & controls completely shut off. The H2O & O2 monitors still worked, however we were unable to allow any Ar back into the box. A noticeable electrical / burning smell was found in the morning of the 5th and the cover removed. A highly irritating chemical smell was also found and respirators were then put to use.

A work permit (I2019-02-05-3) was opened for the cleanup & inspection of the fuses and electrical components. Darwin & I spent the afternoon of the 5th to cleanup the volatile liquid. It was determined that the glove box was temporarily ok as it was still maintaining a low oxygen atmosphere (below 200 ppm)

On the sixth we changed out the melted fuse plug and replaced the fuse however the Ar glove box did not respond in kind. 

Thursday, February 07, 2019, 08:00: Contacted Randy Boehm. He determined the lines were still alive, including the small control box and 4 fuse plugs. We changed two of the 10A fuses and cleaned the plugs. The touchscreen came back.

Thursday, February 07, 2019, 09:15: Contacted Darwin. Initially the Ar glove box did not purge and the solenoid valves did not respond, however 10A Fuse #F1 & 4A Fuse #F3 just needed to be seated properly. 

The glove box was able to be purged & made stable.

The source of the main volatile leak has not yet been determined completely (Thursday, February 07, 2019, 11:25) however it will be investigated this afternoon. 

In the meantime do not use the Ar Glove box 'Regeneration' function.

Friday, February 08, 2019: The source of the leak was determined to be the vent line leading out from the last solenoid in the control box and out to the regeneration purge /  vent outlet. It has a pin hole leak mid-line and a clear 'burst' from the fitting leading into the solenoid valve. Another noteworthy issue was found. The regeneration purge / vent outlet leads directly out into the hot lab atmosphere. During any regeneration, a small amount of TCE & material is released from the argon glove box.

A non-conformance is issued (NCR 12029) and a work permit plan is being setup. 

The line main vent line is to be replaced with lengths of 3/8" x 0.040" wt SS tubing and the regen purge/vent outlet re-linked to the nuclear ventilation. RPG has issued P100 Organic vapor / Acid gas cartridges for use in the repair.

Will update with the upcoming work permit*