VSP-G1 User Manual
This is the comprehensive User Manual for the VSParticle Generator One Spark Generator (VSP-G1). The Quick Start Guide is available as a quick reference for standard operation and maintenance of the VSP-G1 unit.
VSParticle
Molengraafssingel, 10
2629JD Delft
The Netherlands
info@vsparticle.com
www.vsparticle.com
(Ask TC about adding an infobox to the right side... see written notes for content layout)
Introduction
The VSParticle Generator One Spark Generator (VSP-G1) is designed for researchers ("users") studying material properties who want to easily produce inorganic nanoparticles from conductive materials. Ease of use allows the user to control the size of nanoparticles (1 atom to 20 nm) and production rate (xx – xx). The user can use different gases and electrode materials, comprising pure or composite materials, for a wider range of combinations. The closed system is designed for high purity with an inner chamber containing no polymers near the ablation zone. Gas-based production eliminates the need for chemicals/surfactants or precursors. The reactor can easily be customized to allow cross flow, co-flow, through flow (standard) and combined configurations.
The production rate depends on the energy input into the spark, and material properties of the electrode. The VSP-G1 has a maximum operating power of 60W, which corresponds to ablation rates up to ~100 mg/h for e.g. Au. Particle size is a function of the production rate and the flow rate. The spark gap is controlled automatically, allowing continuous operation. The spark generator is designed for a broad operating window, making it suitable for applications ranging from cluster research to materials science.
The closed system provides a safer production of nanoparticles and can easily be dismantled for safe transport of produced nanoparticles as well as for system cleaning and maintenance. Periodic cleaning and replacing of electrodes can be easily performed by the users with a safe, simple and fast (<20 mins) protocol.
The output of the system consists of a gas stream filled with particles, with no polluting by-products formed during production. The particles are made available as an aerosol, allowing the user to choose a suitable deposition method for his or her substrates. VSParticle can help select/develop a deposition system fitted to your specific needs.
The portability of the VSP-G1 system allows it to be integrated into a larger system for more complex operating procedures.
How to use this manual
This user manual provides instructions for the set-up, installation, operation and maintenance of a VSP-G1 unit. Before operating the VSP-G1 unit, please read the manual with careful attention to the safety section and to the warnings provided throughout the manual, indicated by the following symbols:
Warning information.
| (Short index of manual and a 1 sentence summary of each chapter/section) |
A quick start guide is also included for faster set-up as part of the standard operating procedure. For more information regarding safety and more complex operations as well as troubleshooting and maintenance, please refer to this manual.
System and User safety
top [Use this as part of a general introduction in the appendix. The introduction in the user manual should be/comprise a summary of that appendix]
Aerosolized nanoparticles are formed in a spark generator after a high voltage spark evaporates part of two metallic electrodes. This method is flexible with regards to the composition of the nanoparticles. The resulting nanoparticles are carried in a flow of gas, where they can be manipulated and/or transported, before depositing them onto a substrate.
The G1 spark generator is designed as a continuous source of aerosolized nanoparticles for use in a controlled process system. This controlled process system typically comprises a gas source, a gas tight system of unit operations, valves and tubing, and a gas exhaust fitted with one or more particle filters. Typical conditions in the process system are room temperature and ambient pressure. The system can be run at slight over- or under-pressure.
Intended use of the VSP-G1
Intended use of the VSP-G1
The risks associated with a spark generator can be divided into two categories: those associated with the machine itself, and those associated with the nanoparticles. Machine-related risks are more widely regulated by international norms, such as the European conformity system required for marking certain products with the CE symbol. Synthesized nanomaterials are relatively new and their quantum properties are still being studied. For this reason, nanomaterials are precautionarily considered highly toxic materials. Due to the fact that little is known about nanomaterials, safety measures for working with, storing and transporting nanoparticles have been primarily drawn from those designed for fine particles.
Safety of machinery
The VSP-G1 spark generator comprises general electronics (<50V), gas connections and high voltage (6kV), as well as moving parts. Several safety mechanisms mitigate the risk for damages and incidents related to potential equipment failure, but primary responsibility for correct and safe operation lies with the user of the system. The VSP-G1 is intended for use by qualified personnel only.
Operator safety actions
The user is required to ensure that:
- the reactor is correctly mounted (see flow configurations); set hyperlink
- there are no objects near the electrodes (see flow configurations); set hyperlink
- process connections are correctly made (see process connections); set hyperlink
- the pressure in the system is limited to 0.4 barg (see process connections); set hyperlink and
- all, if any, external safety systems are functional (where applicable)
- personal protective equipment are being used correctly (gloves, glasses, and FFP3/P3 certified filter mask).
Safety mechanisms
Interlock.
The interlock cuts power to the high voltage supply and the motor, shutting down particle production.
Gas connections and other user provided functions are not controlled by the interlock.
Clearing interlock. To clear the interlock state, the user must first fix the conditions that caused the state change. Afterwards, press and depress both dials to clear the interlock.
Reactor interlock. The VSP-G1 detects whether the reactor endcaps are properly mounted. The user must ensure that the reactor itself is correctly assembled. In short, this means that the reactor is leak tight and the exposed electrodes and electrode tips are free to move with a minimum clearance of 10mm from any foreign objects.
External interlock. (option) An external interlock switch can be provided for incorporation in an external safety system. To allow operation, two pins of the interlock connector must be connected (shorted). Breaking the connection switches the system into interlock mode.
Other residual risks
Pressure. Pressure within the closed system poses a serious risk when improperly handled. Increased pressure can be caused by unintentional release of gas at high pressure, the closing of output valve while the input valve is open, clogged filters, (etc?). If the pressure within the system were to reach 1.4 bar (0.4barg), seals could be compromised or the viewport could explode..
Non-ionizing radiation. The spark plasma emits a bright light in the visible and UV range. A viewport with a removable optical filter is included to allow visual inspection of the electrodes. Additionally, electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency) may be emitted.
Noise emissions. When operating under full power, the VSP-G1 can generate noise levels up to TBD dB. MEASURE AND DETERMINE RISK<\span>.
Safety of nanoparticles
Because our spark generators can in principle be used to produce nanoparticles from any metal, we start from the assumption that they pose potential risks to the health of operators and consumers and to the environment. This manual addresses operator/user exposure. Consumer exposure is determined by the application in which the nanomaterials are to be used, and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the user. Environmental considerations should also be addressed by the users with a life cycle analysis, briefly discussed below.
The main channels of user exposure to nanoparticles are through absorption, ingestion and inhalation. The aerosol nature of the produced nanoparticles by the VSP-G1 system presents more risk of exposure through inhalation. The respiratory system of the human body has natural defenses in place for airborne particles such as dust, viruses and bacteria, however, nanoparticles are able to bypass most of these defenses due to their small size. For this reason, nanoparticles are treated in the same way as fine particles. (see the end of this section for links to further information on health safety)
Operator exposure While the VSP-G1 unit is designed to be a closed system to maximize safety when working with nanoparticles, there will be situations in which it will be necessary to open the system, including routine maintenance activities, replacement of electrodes and filters, and sample extraction. The list below also includes some possible situations in which the operator may be inadvertently exposed to nanoparticles and a brief summary of the necessary precautions to prevent, wherever possible, such situations.
List of risks for opening the system without precautions Make this a table: |Exposure risk|Precaution|
Gas phase exposure. An aerosol system must be leak tight from source to deposition (see test protocol). There should be no handling or opening of the system while particles are being generated and while gas is flowing.
Filtration. Particle filters are characterized by a drop in filtration efficiency for particles between ~100 and 300 nm. For <20 nm particles as generated by the spark, filter efficiency is typically >99.99%. The gas exhaust is preferably treated with a large capacity HEPA pre-filter, followed by an ULPA end filter. (see filter replacement protocol)
Product handling. Our aim is to minimize handling of the powders themselves. The generated particles can be manipulated and deposited in an in-line manner, inside a closed system. However, it may occur that the system must be opened to insert or remove a substrate. In such cases, methods as described under maintenance must be used. set hyperlink
Explosion risk and pyrophoricity. Metal nanoparticles can be extremely reactive, and can be pyrophoric (spontaneous ignition upon exposure to air). VSParticle does not recommend the use of air or other oxygen-rich gases for nanoparticle production in the VSP-G1 unit. However, controlled air-exposure is needed before opening the system, in order to passivate any reactive materials (see xx protocol).
Maintenance (opening of the nanoparticle-containing system). Nanoparticles will collect on the surfaces inside the reactor and downstream piping. Cleaning of these surfaces presents the largest exposure risk to operators, unless they can be performed in e.g. a glovebox type environment. The maintenance protocol includes: 1, worker protection, i.e. gloves, masks, clothing, etc.; 2, flushing to remove any aerosolized particles; 2. controlled air-exposure to ensure passivation; 3, cleaning methods (wet cloth, containment of disposables); 4, disassembly sequence, to minimize accidental exposure during maintenance; and 5, general disposal guidelines. (see System Care)
A separate protocol for dismantling and sealing used filters for disposal/recycling will be developed. after the release of the unit? No, we should do this now
Life cycle analysis
The waste of the spark generator consists of the carrier gas plus any nanoparticles not deposited on the substrate, such as materials used to clean reactor surfaces and the pre- and end-filters. These materials should be pooled, preferably separated by the elements in the product, in order to recycle the metals. The carrier gases are typically inert Ar and N2, which can be vented (e.g. through a fumehood). If other carrier gases are used (toxic, greenhouse, etc), capture or post-treatment should be used to conform to general industry or laboratory standards on gas use.
Life cycle analysis for the end product should be evaluated by the user of the technology on a case-by-case basis.
Links to more information:
- Health Significance of Nanotechnologies, a report produced by the Health Council of the Netherlands in 2006
- Nanosafety Guidelines, a set of safety recommendations for working with ‘free nanostructured matter’ in research activities conducted within Dutch Universities
- Nanosafety Quick Check, a checklist developed based on a summary of the Nanosafety guidelines listed above is there a link to this, or can we provide this as a downloadable file? permissions?
System Description
What's in the box
- VSP-G1 Unit:
- Reactor
- Base unit with reactor mount
- Cu electrodes
- Cables
- Quick Start Guide
- EC Declaration of Conformity
- Warranty
Mount tool
Reactor
Base unit
Cables
Setting up
Setting up the base unit
Assembling the reactor
Electrodes
Mounting the reactor
Process connections
Flow configurations
Final set up checklist
Operating the system
Standard procedures
(text becomes foundation of quick start guide... link also to quick start guide like this: This section is also available as a Quick Start Guide. (hyperlink))
Pre spark procedure
- System is leak tight
- An appropriate filter has been installed (HEPA or better)
- Overpressure protection is in place and functioning
- Check that all electrode connections are ok
- Make all the necessary modifications and settings (confirm this is correct with Tobias)
Post spark procedure
- Stop particle production
- Flush system (9x of the system volume)
- Close off gas source
- Contain the (to be) exposed area
Retrieving the produced nanoparticles
Manual controls
Atypical situations
System care
Maintenance Protocols
Regular use
Periodic maintenance
Safe handling and storage
Possible ways to make the system safe before opening
- xx
- yy
- zz
Safe transportation
Troubleshooting
Error messages and how to resolve them
Common issues and how to resolve them
When to contact VSParticle
(text box with contact information)
Accessories and Replacement Parts
top
Electrodes
Appendices
Theory/Background
History of the technology (spark ablation)/machine.
How it works (the process)
Working with nanoparticles (theory, uses, unknowns)
What kind of research has been (and currently) done, using this type of spark generator
(ask TC how to mirror the Technology page of VSP website)
The technology behind VSP-G1
Literature
A compiled list of literature applicable to VSP-G1's technology and applications. Set up to open in new window
Health Council of the Netherlands. Health significance of nanotechnologies. The Hague: Health Council of the Netherlands, 2006; publication no. 2006/06E. Available online. Set up to open in new window
Hoeneveld, D. et al. Nanosafety Guidelines. Delft University of Technology: NanoSafety workgroup of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, 2008. Available as downloaded document. Set up to open in new window
Detailed communication set up
Configurations
Command syntax
Command list
VSP-G1 Technical specifications
Unit Specifications
Power 110-240V AC Dimensions Casing ca. 52x30x20cm Reactor added height ca. 10cm Weight 19kg Gas inlet/outlet 10mm tubes (with Swagelok connectors) Display 16x2 characters Digital output RS232
Operating Window
Flow rate 1-30 L/min Gas Supported: Ar or N2 (recommended purity 5.0)
Unsupported: He, Ne, Xe, Kr
Contact VSParticle for the use of reactive gases such as air and H2.Electrode material Comes with Cu electrodes.
Various other metals (e.g. Ag, Au, Pt, W, Ni), semiconductors and carbon are possible.Primary particle size 1 atom to 20 nm Ablation rate ~0.01-100 mg/h (material dependent) Typical particle concentration 108-1011 cm-3
EC Declaration of Conformity
Warranty
edited by Kate Groves 12:06, 29 September 2016 (CEST)
