chiller service

D&R Service replaced the seat kit in the Haskris water chiller today. This is a preventative measure recommended once/year to avoid major condenser failure. TEM is back online.

Note: warming up EDX dewar to remove possible ice, but it has been over one week and it is still cold.

pump repaired

The Edwards RV12 pump (RP-3) failed several weeks ago. We replaced it with an old spare pump and sent the Edwards to Duniway Stockroom for repair. It was rebuilt and we just just received it today. Will need to shut down TEM and replace pump tomorrow.

site survey complete

The TEM was off today for IDE to complete a site survey (for the new TEM). It was turned back on at 2:30 pm. Should be ready to use by 3pm.

poor vacuum

Microscope running OK, but penning gauge pressure is poor. Noticed significant oil leak from RP-3. TEM off to evaluate situation. May need to remain off until Wed. Jan. 6 after return from travel.

Pirani, LaB6

Pirani gauge on RP-1 replaced with spare. This appears to have fixed the vacuum problem. Also, RP-1 and RP-2 cables were reversed. LaB6 tip reinstalled. Seems OK.

TEM status

During use last week, the TEM began to close the high vacuum valves and restart the evacuation cycle. Sometimes this was when inserting/removing the holder; other times it seemed unrelated to the holder. The symptoms were the same as those we had previously attributed to the turbo-pump problem. The problem grew worse, until eventually the valves would close every time a holder was inserted or removed.

John Martin (Hitachi) worked on cleaning the holders and the ball valve for the sample load lock, replacing several o-rings. He also drilled holes in the electronics cabinet to improve cooling of the TMP controller. He adjusted the Pirani gauge thresholds, which may have been indicating poor backing pressure, causing the vacuum failure status. At the moment, the problem seems to be remedied.

turbo-pump status

Provac Sales, Inc. found the problem we had anticipated with the turbo-pump controller. One of the internal power supplies was intermittently failing. The controller is repaired, but they are only now beginning to rebuild the pump itself. The have agreed to send us a loaner pump that should be shipped today. So it is possible we could install that on Monday and begin to use the TEM on Tuesday.