VSP-G1 Operating and maintenance guide - Revision history

Tobias Coppejans: /* General */

2021-05-03T15:56:12Z

General

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 3 May 2021
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	This guide contains a selection of operating and maintenance procedures. The VSP-G1 does not need much maintenance, but several procedures ensure good operation through its working life.		This guide contains a selection of operating and maintenance procedures. The VSP-G1 does not need much maintenance, but several procedures ensure good operation through its working life.

	User maintenance on the base unit is limited to periodic cleaning and [[VSP-~~G1_Maintenance_protocols~~#Fuse replacement\|fuse replacement]]. The base unit should be cleaned with a cloth or wipe moistened with IPA, ethanol or water. Do not spill liquids onto the base unit.		User maintenance on the base unit is limited to periodic cleaning and [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Fuse replacement\|fuse replacement]]. The base unit should be cleaned with a cloth or wipe moistened with IPA, ethanol or water. Do not spill liquids onto the base unit.

	Regular use maintenance includes cleaning the reactor by removing generated particles left in the reactor, and the replacement of electrodes. of the reactor is described in section [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Reactor_assembly\|Reactor assembly]].		Regular use maintenance includes cleaning the reactor by removing generated particles left in the reactor, and the replacement of electrodes. of the reactor is described in section [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Reactor_assembly\|Reactor assembly]].

T.pfeiffer: /* Replacing electrodes */

2017-07-06T10:26:48Z

Replacing electrodes

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 6 July 2017
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	# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Unmounting_the_reactor_assembly\|Unmount the reactor]].		# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Unmounting_the_reactor_assembly\|Unmount the reactor]].
	# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Disassembling and cleaning the reactor\|Disassemble and clean the reactor]].		# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Disassembling and cleaning the reactor\|Disassemble and clean the reactor]].
	# Unscrew the cleaned electrode tips. ~~<mark>image with unscrewed~~ electrode tip ~~and electrode</mark>~~		# Unscrew the cleaned electrode tips. [[file:Changing electrode tip.jpg\|thumb\|right]]
	# Screw in the replacement electrode tips.		# Screw in the replacement electrode tips.
	# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble]] and mount the reactor by following the instructions in the [[VSP-G1_User_Manual#Setting_up\|setting up section of the user manual]].		# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble]] and mount the reactor by following the instructions in the [[VSP-G1_User_Manual#Setting_up\|setting up section of the user manual]].

T.pfeiffer: /* Disassembling and cleaning the reactor */

2017-07-06T10:25:47Z

Disassembling and cleaning the reactor

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:25, 6 July 2017
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	# Move mounting plate with the reactor to an environment where risk of particle exposure is limited, such as a fume hood or glove box.		# Move mounting plate with the reactor to an environment where risk of particle exposure is limited, such as a fume hood or glove box.
	# Open and remove the right clamp. Remove the right end-cap and O-right by sliding them to the right. [[file:Right endcap removed.jpg\|thumb\|right]]		# Open and remove the right clamp. Remove the right end-cap and O-right by sliding them to the right. [[file:Right endcap removed.jpg\|thumb\|right]]
	# Gently wipe the surfaces of the right endcap and the O-ring with a cleaning cloth/wipe, moistened with ethanol, water, or IPA. Use a moistened cotton tip to clean inside tubing. ~~<mark>image~~: ~~gloved hands cleaning with a wipe</mark>~~		# Gently wipe the surfaces of the right endcap and the O-ring with a cleaning cloth/wipe, moistened with ethanol, water, or IPA. Use a moistened cotton tip to clean inside tubing. [[file:Cleaning electrode tip.jpg\|thumb\|right]]
	# Open and remove the left clamp. Remove the reactor housing and O-ring by sliding them to the right. [[file:Remove reactor.jpg\|thumb\|right]]		# Open and remove the left clamp. Remove the reactor housing and O-ring by sliding them to the right. [[file:Remove reactor.jpg\|thumb\|right]]
	# Gently wipe the surfaces of the reactor housing, left endcap and the O-ring with a cleaning cloth/wipe, moistened with ethanol, water, or IPA. Use a moistened cotton tip to clean inside tubing. For cleaning the viewport, see [[VSP-G1_Maintenance_protocols#Cleaning the viewport\|Cleaning the viewport]].		# Gently wipe the surfaces of the reactor housing, electrode, left endcap and the O-ring with a cleaning cloth/wipe, moistened with ethanol, water, or IPA. Use a moistened cotton tip to clean inside tubing. For cleaning the viewport, see [[VSP-G1_Maintenance_protocols#Cleaning the viewport\|Cleaning the viewport]].
	# Dry the endcaps, reactor housing and O-rings using filtered pressurized air or a dry cloth. No visible trace of solvent should remain.		# Dry the endcaps, reactor housing and O-rings using filtered pressurized air or a dry cloth. No visible trace of solvent should remain.
	# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble the reactor]].		# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble the reactor]].

T.coppejans: /* Replacing electrodes */

2017-07-05T14:54:43Z

Replacing electrodes

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 5 July 2017
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	# Unscrew the cleaned electrode tips. <mark>image with unscrewed electrode tip and electrode</mark>		# Unscrew the cleaned electrode tips. <mark>image with unscrewed electrode tip and electrode</mark>
	# Screw in the replacement electrode tips.		# Screw in the replacement electrode tips.
	# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble]] and [[VSP-~~G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide~~#~~Mounting_the_reactor_assembly~~\|~~mount~~ the ~~reactor~~]].		# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble]] and mount the reactor by following the instructions in the [[VSP-G1_User_Manual#Setting_up\|setting up section of the user manual]].

	=== Changing carrier gas ===		=== Changing carrier gas ===

T.coppejans: /* Mounting the reactor assembly */

2017-07-05T14:53:07Z

Mounting the reactor assembly

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 5 July 2017
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	=== Mounting the reactor assembly ===		=== Mounting the reactor assembly ===
	{\|class="table table-striped table-bordered"		<!--{\|class="table table-striped table-bordered"
	\|-		\|-
	! Step !! Description !! Picture		! Step !! Description !! Picture
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	\|-		\|-
	\| 9 \|\| Switch on the system with the mains switch. The display prompts for confirmation to start the alignment procedure. If the display shows "INTERLOCK ERROR 9", the reactor is incorrectly mounted. Check the reactor, and reassemble if required. \|\|[[Image:Display.JPG\|thumb]]		\| 9 \|\| Switch on the system with the mains switch. The display prompts for confirmation to start the alignment procedure. If the display shows "INTERLOCK ERROR 9", the reactor is incorrectly mounted. Check the reactor, and reassemble if required. \|\|[[Image:Display.JPG\|thumb]]
	\|}		\|}-->
			Please follow the instructions in the [[VSP-G1_User_Manual#Setting_up\|setting up section of the user manual]] once the reactor has been assembled on the transport plate.

	=== Unmounting the reactor assembly ===		=== Unmounting the reactor assembly ===

T.coppejans: /* Changing carrier gas */

2017-07-05T14:24:19Z

Changing carrier gas

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 5 July 2017
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	The VSP-G1 supports Ar and N<sub>2</sub> as carrier gas. It is essential that the type of carrier gas is specified correctly to avoid slow performance of the gap control or instability of the system. To select the correct carrier gas:		The VSP-G1 supports Ar and N<sub>2</sub> as carrier gas. It is essential that the type of carrier gas is specified correctly to avoid slow performance of the gap control or instability of the system. To select the correct carrier gas:
	# From the "Ready to spark" mode, go to the menu by pressing and releasing both dials on the front panel simultaneously.		# From the "Ready to spark" mode, go to the menu by pressing and releasing both dials on the front panel simultaneously.
	# Turn the right hand dial until the "SET CARRIER GAS:" ~~message~~ appears on the display. The currently selected carrier gas is displayed.		# Turn the right hand dial until the "SET CARRIER GAS:" option appears on the display. The currently selected carrier gas is displayed below.
	# To change the carrier gas, press and release the right hand dial. The carrier gas selection will now blink.		# To change the carrier gas, press and release the right hand dial. The carrier gas selection will now blink.
	# Turn the right hand dial to select another carrier gas.		# Turn the right hand dial to select another carrier gas.

T.coppejans: /* Reactor assembly */

2017-07-05T14:23:14Z

Reactor assembly

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:23, 5 July 2017
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	# Screw in the replacement electrode tips.		# Screw in the replacement electrode tips.
	# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble]] and [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Mounting_the_reactor_assembly\|mount the reactor]].		# [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Assembling the reactor\|Assemble]] and [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Mounting_the_reactor_assembly\|mount the reactor]].

			=== Changing carrier gas ===
			The VSP-G1 supports Ar and N<sub>2</sub> as carrier gas. It is essential that the type of carrier gas is specified correctly to avoid slow performance of the gap control or instability of the system. To select the correct carrier gas:
			# From the "Ready to spark" mode, go to the menu by pressing and releasing both dials on the front panel simultaneously.
			# Turn the right hand dial until the "SET CARRIER GAS:" message appears on the display. The currently selected carrier gas is displayed.
			# To change the carrier gas, press and release the right hand dial. The carrier gas selection will now blink.
			# Turn the right hand dial to select another carrier gas.
			# Press and release the right hand dial to set the carrier gas.
			# Press and release the left hand dial to exit the menu. The VSP-G1 is now immediately ready to start sparking with the new carrier gas settings.

	== Periodic maintenance ==		== Periodic maintenance ==

T.coppejans: /* Filter replacement */

2017-07-05T13:14:00Z

Filter replacement

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:14, 5 July 2017
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	=== Filter replacement ===		=== Filter replacement ===
	{{Notification\|\|The VSP-G1 does not contain any user serviceable filters. This section covers filters used in the overall system, as described in the [[VSP-~~G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide~~#Exhaust\|~~Setting up~~]] ~~section~~.}}		{{Notification\|\|The VSP-G1 does not contain any user serviceable filters. This section covers filters used in the overall system, as described in the [[VSP-G1_User_Manual#Exhaust\|exhaust section]] of the user manual.}}

	This procedure is entirely dependent on your particular setup and deposition system, but we recommend the use of a HEPA filter or one of higher quality/filtration efficiency. Particle filters are characterized by a drop in filtration efficiency for particles between approximately 100 and 300 nm. For particles smaller than 20nm as generated by the spark generator, filter efficiency is typically >99.99%. In heavy use situations, a high capacity (HEPA) pre-filter can be used to protect a more expensive end filter.		This procedure is entirely dependent on your particular setup and deposition system, but we recommend the use of a HEPA filter or one of higher quality/filtration efficiency. Particle filters are characterized by a drop in filtration efficiency for particles between approximately 100 and 300 nm. For particles smaller than 20nm as generated by the spark generator, filter efficiency is typically >99.99%. In heavy use situations, a high capacity (HEPA) pre-filter can be used to protect a more expensive end filter.

T.coppejans: /* Cleaning the viewport: */

2017-07-05T13:12:08Z

Cleaning the viewport:

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:12, 5 July 2017
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	{{Warning\|\|Do not spill liquids on the VSP-G1.}}		{{Warning\|\|Do not spill liquids on the VSP-G1.}}

	=== Cleaning the viewport: ===		=== Cleaning the viewport ===
	{{Warning\|\|The inner side of the viewport is coated with a delicate coating that scratches easily. Wear lint-free or surgical rubber gloves when handling. Do not touch the inner surface.}}		{{Warning\|\|The inner side of the viewport is coated with a delicate coating that scratches easily. Wear lint-free or surgical rubber gloves when handling. Do not touch the inner surface.}}

T.coppejans: /* General */

2017-07-05T13:11:36Z

General

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:11, 5 July 2017
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	User maintenance on the base unit is limited to periodic cleaning and [[VSP-G1_Maintenance_protocols#Fuse replacement\|fuse replacement]]. The base unit should be cleaned with a cloth or wipe moistened with IPA, ethanol or water. Do not spill liquids onto the base unit.		User maintenance on the base unit is limited to periodic cleaning and [[VSP-G1_Maintenance_protocols#Fuse replacement\|fuse replacement]]. The base unit should be cleaned with a cloth or wipe moistened with IPA, ethanol or water. Do not spill liquids onto the base unit.

	Regular use maintenance includes cleaning the reactor by removing generated particles left in the reactor, and the replacement of electrodes. of the reactor is described in section [[VSP-~~G1_Maintenance_protocols~~#~~Reactor assembly~~\|Reactor assembly]].		Regular use maintenance includes cleaning the reactor by removing generated particles left in the reactor, and the replacement of electrodes. of the reactor is described in section [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Reactor_assembly\|Reactor assembly]].
	The windows of the viewport and viewport cover and the electrical contacts in the reactor ends and the base unit are fragile, and requires special care (see [[VSP-~~G1_Maintenance_protocols~~#~~Cleaning the viewport~~\|Cleaning the viewport]]).		The windows of the viewport and viewport cover and the electrical contacts in the reactor ends and the base unit are fragile, and requires special care (see [[VSP-G1_Operating_and_maintenance_guide#Cleaning_the_viewport\|Cleaning the viewport]]).

	== Operating procedures==		== Operating procedures==