Testing was performed on the ceramic water breaks to be used on the beam dump water hose assemblies.  The ceramic breaks are a custom MDC product with the following description:  3kV ceramic break, 1" OD tube 0.083" wall thickness, 2" length, 304SS tube stub each end, 250psi water rating (see TRIUMF PO#  TR199315).

A load was applied perpendicular to the part, 12" away from the center of the ceramic, and increased incrementally until failure.  Two parts were tested, which failed at 125lbf and 170lbf. Equivalent to 125ft*lb and 170ft*lb when converted to torque.  Test data, photos of the failed specimens, and a more detailed description of the test setup are attached.

The purpose of the tests was to gain an understanding of how fragile the ceramic parts are.  The results show that the ceramic breaks should be able to withstand the expected loads caused by the flexible hoses being pulled as the RH water blocks are installed or removed remotely using pole tools, however this operation should still be done cautiously.  The ceramic breaks are at risk of failure if a torque of over 100ft*lb is applied, such as if someone were to stand on the ceramic breaks or the attached hose.