November 27, 2024

Testing completed:

• Removal and re-insertion of 2x multi-pin coupling cable for HTV (see pictures, left most and right most, middle had no wire at the time).
• Tested using 'wire' method to pull cable once removed back through the original path.
• Test without rotating table, on cart, some obstruction that does not reflect reality in operation, rotated cart by hand, will require rotation during operation.

Observations/notes:

• Right connector has wires come across and may interfere with the middle connector, will require removal of multiple connectors to exchange one depending on configuration.
• Locating pins on high voltage multi-pin connector needs to be short for voltage bias reasons.
• Right-most black multi-pin cylindrical connector has higher risk of machined block end catching when fishing from the HTV side.

Recommendations:

• May be a good idea to add a holder connector to go into the multi-pins and give the manipulators a better grip for handling. Directly grabbing on the cylinder of the multi-pin connector is ok though.
• Some strain relief at the machined connector blocs (service tray side) will help prevent damage during wire replacement/routing.
• Possibly re-route some of the electrical connectors to the back side of the HTV column for easier access and shorter length.
• Will need chart mapping where the cables go and indexing different connections for future hot cell work (will be updated on SW model).
• Locking pins on multi-pin connectors can be removed and replaced manually with the manipulator.
• Adding a 'slippy' sheath onto the replacement cable for routing and to prevent catching would be a good idea in the future.

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Dec 02, 2024

Testing completed:

• Removal and re-insertion of 1x ceramic-ended wires specifically the one obstructed by the gas line on the right side of the HTV connection array as viewed from the hot cell window.
• Removal and re-insertion of main multi-pin connector cable bundle from the HVFT connector array on the service tray.
• Removal and re-insertion of the gas line obstructing the right-side ceramic electrical connectors << very difficult/impossible to do (recommend modifications + tooling).

Observations/notes:

• Electrical wires/connectors generally straightforward to exchange.
• Plastic/ceramic components on connectors are easy to damage during exchange operation.
• Most connectors require the metal/cylindrical bits to be 'grabbed' by the manipulators if no custom tool is used
• Rectangular multi-pin connector bracket if single is difficult to return to slot since not supported on both sides
• Need documentation/reference material to make sure connectors get returned to where they need to be
• Screws on connector are deep into the FE assembly, creates viewing difficulty
• Cameras hard to use for these screws because of beam dump being highly active when FE is in operation
• Ceramic (mass marker) connectors fine to grab on the conductor part
• When trying to re-align the ceramic bodies to line up the screw holes, found that it was really easy to damage/break the ceramics, avoid using hard tooling/manipulators on the ceramic parts
• Plastic components on multi-pin rectangular brackets got damaged after handling with manipulators
• Full sized pin detent tool not compatible with smaller pins, should make smaller sized pin detent tool, smallest clearance found on HVFT side of multi-pin connector bundle
• Routing HVFT side of multi-pin bundle through wires poses risk of damaging exposed pins

Recommendations:

• Should buy longer bits/ends for torque control tool to get better view angles on screws.
• Maybe captive screw for the gas is a good idea to prevent the screw from dropping.
• Torque tool should be set properly (torque and rotation rate) before performing screw exchanges involving the HTV connectors on the front end
• Return of the gas line (on bracket) to its location on the FE is difficult, suggested modifications include:
  • Changing orientation of cutout on bracket to let stainless bent/welded tube to be returned separate from the bracket.
  • Changing screws for the stainless part on the gas line to be standard size (M6) for hot cell exchange operations.
  • Changing the unused screw hole on the FE to be pinned and allow for better alignment of the bracket onto the FE
  • Removing burr on sheet metal part on hose/wire opening at the bottom to prevent the braided hose from catching.
• Should make a rotator tool (3D printed) to help adjust the ceramic end of the mass marker connector and have the screw hole and thread aligned
• Maybe plastic covers for water/gas connectors to prevent scratching of outer surface
• Make smaller pin detent tool or settle for old tool already made
• Possibly design cover to protect exposed pins on multi-pin bundle during replacement

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Dec 12, 2024:

Testing completed:

• Tested removal and return of the gas line obstructing some ceramic electrical cables on the right side of the HTV connector array on the front end, now with 6mm pin (McMaster 97493A162) threaded into the previously unused hole to help guide the previously  unused hole to help guide the bracket.

Observations/notes:

• Chad Fisher commented that even without the pin it should be possible to complete the removal and return operation if a 3D printed (soft )tool is made to grab onto the tubes and guide it with the bracket into the alignment hole/slot.
• Old recommendations still stand though + maybe make the pin longer/custom with more lead in.

Recommendations:

• Remove the retaining tab at the bottom to allow the hose to be positioned more freely.
• De-burr the sheet metal part to prevent catching on the braided hose.