T02_P16

A semi-automated graphitization system

Olsen J¹

¹Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Presented here is a semi-automated graphitization system. The design of the system is inspired by semi-automated graphitization system in use at the A.E. Lalonde Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Laboratory. The system is made from stainless steel with VCR fittings and orbital welded joints and consists of 20 graphitization units connected to a common vacuum system. The graphitization ovens are made with quick-fit joint to ease operation. Further the ovens are well insolated having an outer surface temperature of c. 30 °C when operated at core temperature of 550 °C. The system is controlled by a National Instruments real-time computer. This ensures continues monitoring of the system as well as ensuring a high degree of safety in terms on oven and vacuum interlocks. A gas inlet system with three channels for H₂, Ar and O₂ enables the introduction of H₂ for CO₂ reduction and Ar for venting tube-crackers and reactors. O₂ is at present not installed on system but will enable pre-combustion of reactors for improved ¹⁴C backgrounds. The real-time FPGA unit ensures fast (ns) measurements of gas inlet flow rates and pressure to ensure quick shutdown of gasses in case of malfunctioning. The user interface (UI) is made using LabView and runs on a separate PC which can lock-on to the real-time system. The UI is build with database access and with a user friendly look to ensure safe and easy operation.