09.20 CARME chamber at atmospheric pressure as expected.
Will open CARME chamber and inspect COF600 wire seal for similar (or other) issues to the seal removed yesterday. One possibility is that the COF600 flange
surfaces/structures are misaligned and part of seal is 'escaping' the seal zone. Given the flanges close easily the misalignment would have to be small.
13.30 Observations
The bolts on the upstream feet of the far detector chamber are all loose and have probably been so for some time
Based on measurements with calipers and the insertion of shims into the *radial* gap between COF600 flange surfaces the COF600 flanges may be misaligned and rotated
transversely by a fraction of a millimeter. The challenge is that the chamber is not designed for fine transverse adjustments and it is not easy to measure the changes.
The Pfeiffer recommended procedure for closing COF seals is to start tightening bolts *diametrically* and then to tighten sequentially
https://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com/en/know-how/mechanical-components-in-vacuum/connections/detachable-flange-connections/cof-flanges/
The plan
Adjust position of far detector chamber and secure upstream feet bolts
Close COF600 flange using Pfeiffer recommended procedure
Today is Friday so it will probably be Monday before we can pump the CARME chamber
13.50 Another view
Grosmontage also inspected the COF600 seal this afternoon. They said that it was important that the seal should be installed under tension to ensure that it remained
in position as the flanges were closed and the bolts begin to be tightened. They think the seals are a little too large in circumference but that they can shorten one on
Monday morning. |