VXSS Vacuum Chamber Replacement and Preparatory Works

22 DECEMBER, 2022 | By unknown

Between Bend 1 and the XTAX of the M2 beam line is the around 10m long eponymous VXSS vacuum chamber. Due to the extra beam passage through air caused by the absence of vacuum in this element, electron and hadron beam performance will be negatively impacted. In general, the former must be well collimated to prevent undesirable beam divergence in the CEDARs, whilst the latter must have minimal losses for the calibration of detectors like ECAL1/2 in Compass. We have procured two replacement chambers, one from India and the other from Spain.

This image shows the first chamber in the later stages of production from India and is anticipated to be delivered around the 20th of January. We are transporting this via plane to meet the needs of the YETS and so that there is ample time to perform the tests and installation with plenty of room for contingency. The chamber from Spain will be delivered at a slightly later date and used as a backup in case there are any complications with the first chamber.

Utilising the robotics team and their expertise, we are performing tests to demonstrate the ease of installing the flange remotely.