Related Manuals for Montana Instruments Cryostation S Series
Summary of Contents for Montana Instruments Cryostation S Series
- Page 1 4100-DOC001 System User Manual Cryostation® s-series s50 | s100 | s200 Version: 3.0 February 2020 www.montanainstruments.com support@montanainstruments.com 101 Evergreen Drive +1.406.551.2796 Bozeman, MT 59715, USA...
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- Page 3 Montana Instruments. Montana Instruments, Cryostation, nanoReveal, microReveal, Cryo Optic, and ATSM are trademarks of Montana Instruments Corporation. Other brand names used are the property of their respective owners.
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
System User Manual Table of Contents Section 1 - Preface ................................ 7 Conventions Used in this Manual ..........................8 1.1.1 Abbreviations ....................................8 1.1.2 Explanation of Safety Warnings ............................. 8 1.1.3 Graphical Symbols ..................................9 General Hazard Information ............................10 Technical Support Information ..........................11 1.3.1 Warranty &... - Page 5 Cryostation® s-series 3.3.3 Unpacking the Control Units ..............................28 Installing the Cryostat ..............................29 3.4.1 Mounting the Cryostat to the Optical Table ........................29 3.4.2 Removing the Shipping Supports ............................29 Connecting System Cables and Power........................32 Moving the System ..............................35 Section 4 - Sample Chamber Configuration ......................
- Page 6 System User Manual Long-Term Maintenance ............................56 6.2.1 20,000 Hour Maintenance ..............................56 Section 7 - Diagnostics & Troubleshooting ......................57 Expected System Performance..........................57 System Diagnostics ..............................58 7.2.1 Performance Issues ................................... 58 7.2.2 Power and Communication Issues ............................. 58 7.2.3 Compressor Issues &...
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Page 7: Section 1 - Preface
All users must read and understand this manual and all other safety instructions before using the equipment. Retain these instructions for future reference. This manual is intended for users of the Montana Instruments products and systems described herein. Users include anyone who may physically interact with the system or peripheral equipment, including installing, setting up, or configuring the system or anyone who may operate system components via operating panels, the supplied user interface, or remote interfaces. -
Page 8: Conventions Used In This Manual
The following abbreviations may be used: ACM: Ancillary Control Module • CAN: Controller Area Network • DMM: Digital Multimeter • HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface • Montana Instruments • TCM: Temperature Control Module • User Interface • UPS: Universal Power Supply •... -
Page 9: Graphical Symbols
Cryostation® s-series WARNING Serious personal injury Potential hazards which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. CAUTION Possible personal injury Potential hazards which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. NOTICE Command or Product Safety Notice Potential hazards which, if not avoided, could result in product damage. -
Page 10: General Hazard Information
System User Manual 1.2 General Hazard Information The following descriptions are of general hazards and unsafe practices that may result in product damage, severe injury, or death. The products, parts, and components in this manual are to be serviced by authorized Montana •... -
Page 11: Technical Support Information
Montana Instruments service representative. 1.3.1 Warranty & Repairs If the system or parts need to be returned to the Montana Instruments factory or an authorized service center for repair or service, contact an authorized service representative for an return merchandise authorization (RMA) number and instructions on returning the unit. -
Page 12: Section 2 - System Overview
The cryostat is designed to connect to the system control unit, vacuum control unit, and helium compressor provided by Montana Instruments. The back panel of the cryostat includes interface locations for these cable and hose connections. - Page 13 Cryostation® s-series Cooling Tower Assembly The main cooling is provided by a two-stage Gifford-McMahon cryocooler suspended inside the cooling tower assembly (inside the black vertical outer cylinder). A vibration damping support structure serves to isolate the cryocooler mechanical vibrations from the optical table and sample platform. The cryocooler is part of a closed-loop flow of helium which is pressurized by the separate helium compressor.
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Page 14: Technical Specifications
System User Manual 2.1.3 Technical Specifications Environmental Specifications Temperature of Environment 5 – 40 °C Humidity 5 – 80% non-condensing Altitude <2000 m Power Specifications Model Compressor: B-01 Mains Power Connector IEC 60320 C19 Line Voltage 208 – 240 VAC Frequency 50 –... -
Page 15: Safety Information
Cryostation® s-series 2.1.4 Safety Information The following hazards may be typical for this product: WARNING Risk of serious injury due to hazards associated with cryocooling All personnel working with the system must be aware of the potential hazards associated with cryocooling. -
Page 16: System Control Unit
Front of Enclosure 2.2.1 Intended Use The system control unit is a device used for instrumentation control of Montana Instruments products. It provides both the electronics hardware and software interface for communicating with other devices and controlling various instrument parameters. - Page 17 Cryostation® s-series HDMI The HDMI port on the rear face of the enclosure is used to interface with the touchscreen display. Two USB ports are available on the rear face of the enclosure. One of these is used to interface with the touchscreen display.
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Page 18: Technical Specifications
System User Manual 2.2.3 Technical Specifications Environmental Specifications Temperature of Environment 5 – 40 °C Humidity 5 – 80% non-condensing Altitude <2000 m Power Specifications Model SC1160 Mains Power Connector IEC 60320 C14 Line Voltage 100 – 240 VAC Frequency 50 –... - Page 19 Cryostation® s-series NOTICE Peripheral cards must not exceed 600 W to avoid product damage The system control unit can supply a maximum power of 600 W across all installed peripheral • cards. Ensure the cumulative power of all installed peripheral cards (maximum power rating of all cards added together) does not exceed 600 W.
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Page 20: Vacuum Control Unit
Front of Enclosure 2.3.1 Intended Use The vacuum control unit is a device used for vacuum control of Montana Instruments cryostats. It is designed to connect to the system control unit and cryostat provided by Montana Instruments. It is recommended to locate the vacuum control unit near both connected apparatuses. - Page 21 Cryostation® s-series Enclosure Communication Ports VC1110 rear enclosure VC1130 (Turbo) rear enclosure DSUB25 ( VACUUM CONTROL The DSUB25 port on the rear face of the enclosure is used to interface with the system control unit Ancillary Control Module. This connection allows the system control unit to control the pumps and valves in the vacuum control unit and display roughing pump, vent valve, case valve, and system pressure readouts in the UI.
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Page 22: Technical Specifications
System User Manual 2.3.3 Technical Specifications Environmental Specifications Temperature of Environment 5 – 40 °C Humidity 5 – 80% non-condensing Altitude <2000 m Power Specifications Model VC1110, VC1130 Mains Power Connector IEC 60320 C14 Line Voltage 100 – 240 VAC Frequency 50 –... - Page 23 Cryostation® s-series WARNING High voltage: danger of electric shock Electric shocks and burns from capacitor discharge or power circuits could lead to serious injury or death. Prior to accessing the enclosure or when otherwise servicing the unit (authorized service • personnel only), completely power down the system and unplug the power cable.
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Page 24: Section 3 - System Installation & Handling
System User Manual Section 3 - System Installation & Handling 3.1 Packaging Contents The system will arrive on 2-4 pallets, depending on the options purchased. Depending on the configuration, items below may differ. Additional purchased options may be pre-integrated in the sample chamber or packaged separately. - Page 25 Cryostation® s-series Unwaxed Dental Floss: for wire management • KF-25 to VCO adapter: for vacuum leak testing • Spare VCO O-rings • Fischer Connector Strip: for custom connections • Assortment of spare screws • Window tool: for removing the window retaining rings on the vacuum housing •...
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Page 26: Component Placement And Layout Plan
System User Manual 3.2 Component Placement and Layout Plan Prior to unpacking the system, it is recommended to pre-plan the placement of components in the lab space. Component dimensions are outlined in the System Overview section on page 12. Detailed dimensions are available online. -
Page 27: Unpacking The Components
Cryostation® s-series 3.3 Unpacking the Components If an installation was ordered, we recommend leaving the system packed until a service representative arrives. NOTICE Inspect shipment upon receipt Before unpacking the system, please note the condition of the boxes, shock watch sensors and tilt watch sensors. The boxes should be intact and strapped to the pallets. -
Page 28: Unpacking The Control Units
System User Manual 1. Remove the box wrap and cut the bands securing the box to the pallet. Carefully lift the box off the pallet and set on a nearby surface. 2. Open the side of the box and slide out the cryostat and foam onto an adjacent surface. 3. -
Page 29: Installing The Cryostat
Cryostation® s-series 3.4 Installing the Cryostat 3.4.1 Mounting the Cryostat to the Optical Table The cryostat can be mounted at either 45° or 90° to the hole pattern in an imperial or metric optical table. When aligning the system, make sure you can still reach and access the sample chamber. 1. - Page 30 System User Manual C-spacer locations C-Spacer cap and tab » NOTE If it is difficult to remove the C-spacer, remove both caps first. Then, follow the steps below to remove the cryocooler shipping support. Finally, gently lift up on the black cylinder surrounding the cryocooler and pull on the red tabs to remove.
- Page 31 Cryostation® s-series Bracket bolted in lower position (for shipping) Bracket locked in upward position (for operation) 9. Replace the top cover by sliding it back into place from the rear, aligning the tabs with the inside of the front panel. Replace the two M4 x 8mm screws. Step 9: Replacing the top cover NOTICE Keep the C-spacers, shipping supports and screws.
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Page 32: Connecting System Cables And Power
System User Manual 3.5 Connecting System Cables and Power NOTICE Only use cables and hoses provided or approved by the manufacturer Only use the cables and hoses in the manner described below. 1. Remove any plastic covers from the connector locations on the back of the compressor, the cryostat, the system control unit, and the vacuum control unit. - Page 33 Cryostation® s-series NOTICE Check cable connections Be sure to connect supply to supply and return to return. Do NOT switch the supply and return • hoses, as the return hose may have internal contamination from extended use. Before connecting, ensure there is a single O-ring at each connection point and hose end. See •...
- Page 34 System User Manual User Interface: 9. Locate the USB and HDMI cables. Connect these cables from the back of the system control unit to the user interface touchscreen display. Nitrogen (optional): To keep the sample space clean, a dry clean nitrogen connection is highly recommended, especially in humid climates.
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Page 35: Moving The System
If you are uncomfortable with moving the system on your own, or if you need to order any • replacement packaging, please contact an authorized service representative. Do NOT attempt to disassemble any components of the system beyond the original state as • shipped from the Montana Instruments factory. -
Page 36: Section 4 - Sample Chamber Configuration
System User Manual Section 4 - Sample Chamber Configuration 4.1 Accessing the Sample Space Before starting the cryostat, check the sample space. Depending on the configuration, there may be foam inserts to remove before cooling the system down for the first time. Check the Manual Addendum for instructions specific to your configuration. - Page 37 Cryostation® s-series Step 4: Removing screws Step 4: Lifting off radiation shield assembly NOTICE Take care when reassembling the sample chamber Before replacing the vacuum housing & lid, carefully check O-rings for any loose fibers or debris • (this could affect vacuum performance). Take care not to overtighten screws when replacing the radiation shield.
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Page 38: Sample Mounting
System User Manual 4.2 Sample Mounting Most systems ship with a user-specified sample mount, depending on the option(s) purchased. Refer to your system’s Manual Addendum for specific instructions regarding your sample mount. Following the instructions in your Manual Addendum, carefully remove the sample mount from the platform. -
Page 39: Mounting A Thermometer
Cryostation® s-series 4.3 Mounting a Thermometer Many users choose to remove the sample thermometer and mount it elsewhere in the system or install a user thermometer. To do this: NOTICE Cernox® thermometer wires are extremely fragile. Handle wires with care to avoid breaking. 1. - Page 40 System User Manual » NOTE Be sure the thermometer and wire are completely dry before pulling vacuum or cooling down the • system. The wire should not touch the radiation shield or sample mount. The sample temperature may read up to 0.2 K higher than the platform. •...
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Page 41: Windows
Cryostation® s-series 4.4 Windows 4.4.1 Window Covers The sample chamber has five (s50 and s100) or eight (s200) optical access locations. The system ships with window covers in place. The window covers are removed by turning counter-clockwise until the notches are aligned with the openings in the window retaining ring. To replace the covers, re-align the notches and turn clockwise until the cover locks in place. -
Page 42: Sample Chamber Wiring
System User Manual 4.5 Sample Chamber Wiring 4.5.1 Types of Wiring Various applications require different types of wiring. Always select the optimal wire for the application with the appropriate diameter (between 32-40 gauge). Longer wires are ideal -- the length of wiring between stages should be at least 2 in (5 cm). -
Page 43: User Wiring Interfaces
Cryostation® s-series 4.5.3 User Wiring Interfaces The cryostat provides integrated connectors for user DC feedthroughs and user thermometers and heaters. NOTICE Do NOT remove sample chamber circuit boards The standard 4 K circuit board “wedge” (contains USER, SAMPLE THERM, etc.) available on some •... - Page 44 System User Manual Cryostation s50 All Cryostation s50 wiring must be routed from the sample chamber circuit board under the thermal clamps into the cold space. External DC Connectors Internal Sample Chamber PCB @ 30 K User Temperature Channels User DC Connections User Interface Internal Connections External...
- Page 45 Cryostation® s-series Cryostation s100 Cryostation s100 user wiring to the 4 K circuit board show below is “pre-lagged” and does not need to be routed under the thermal clamps. Other inputs will require proper thermal lagging. Internal Sample Chamber PCB @ 4 K External DC Connector ‘USER’...
- Page 46 System User Manual Cryostation s200 Cryostation s200 user wiring to the 4 K circuit board shown below is “pre-lagged” and does not need to be routed under the thermal clamps. Other inputs will require proper thermal lagging. Internal Sample Chamber PCB @ 4 K External DC Connector...
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Page 47: Section 5 - System Usage & Operation
Cryostation® s-series Section 5 - System Usage & Operation 5.1 System Control Options 5.1.1 User Interface The touchscreen display provides the primary user interface control of the system. General Navigation The example screen above shows the general layout, navigation, and controls for the UI. Not all controls and views will be available for all instruments. - Page 48 System User Manual d. Maintenance: Displays any recommended maintenance procedures. e. Tech Support: Settings for assisting technical support personnel. 5. All Channels View: Displays live status readouts of all attached channels for a given instrument. Press a channel to bring up its operation controls and settings. Channel names can be customized in the MENU 6.
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Page 49: Remote Graphical Display
Cryostation® s-series o Cooler: status of the cryocooler/compressor | Stage 1 and Stage 2 temperature channels o Sample Chamber: status of all sample chamber temperature channels 5.1.2 Remote Graphical Display The user interface can alternatively be viewed or controlled via an external PC using Virtual Network Computing (VNC) technology. -
Page 50: Primary Operations
System User Manual 5.2 Primary Operations 5.2.1 Turning on the System Before starting the power up procedure, ensure that the power switches on the back of the system control unit and compressor are toggled to OFF ( o ). 1. If a dry nitrogen source is connected to the system, verify the pressure is set to ~15 psi. 2. - Page 51 Cryostation® s-series » NOTE The Stage 1 and Stage 2 temperatures will drop quicker than the platform. The platform will drop • faster after Stage 1 reaches 30 K. When the platform has reached a stable temperature, the ring surrounding the platform status •...
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Page 52: Venting And Pulling Vacuum
System User Manual Warming Up the System A warmup operation is used to bring the system to room temperature to access the sample chamber. The system may be warmed up actively with heaters at any time, including during a cooldown. 1. - Page 53 Cryostation® s-series 1. In the UI, navigate to the display screen and select the temperature SAMPLE CHAMBER PLATFORM channel to bring up its operation controls. 2. Press the command button. On the popup, confirm or adjust the custom vacuum PULL VACUUM parameters, then press again to start.
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Page 54: Section 6 - Care & Maintenance
System User Manual Section 6 - Care & Maintenance 6.1 System Care Recommend system care procedures should be followed by any users of the system. For further information on any of these procedures, contact an authorized service representative for assistance. 6.1.1 When Working in the Sample Chamber Keep surfaces clean. - Page 55 Cryostation® s-series 1. Clean off old VGE with acetone or isopropyl alcohol then add a thin layer of VGE in the same location. Replace extra VGE yearly. VGE has a limited shelf life of one year. • Check cryocooler/compressor hours to see if maintenance is needed. •...
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Page 56: Long-Term Maintenance
System User Manual 6.2 Long-Term Maintenance 6.2.1 20,000 Hour Maintenance The maintenance procedures below must be completed by a certified technician. This can be done onsite without removing the equipment or disturbing the optical setup. Contact an authorized service representative to schedule maintenance. Cryocooler The GM cryocooler normally needs maintenance every 10,000 hours of operation. -
Page 57: Section 7 - Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Cryostation® s-series Section 7 - Diagnostics & Troubleshooting This section contains information for basic system diagnostics and troubleshooting advice. Diagnostics or repairs outside of the scope of this section should be completed by an authorized service representative. 7.1 Expected System Performance Each system ships with a unique Certificate of Performance to demonstrate the factory performance of that particular platform. -
Page 58: System Diagnostics
System User Manual 7.2 System Diagnostics 7.2.1 Performance Issues If a degradation in performance or other failures are experienced, check for these common issues: Problem/Symptom Possible Cause Solution/Suggestion System is unable to reach target Temperature Optimization on page 62 temperature or cooldown takes longer than expected System does not meet vibration Vibration Mitigation on page 62... -
Page 59: Compressor Issues & Fault Messages
Cryostation® s-series 4. Power cycle the system control unit. Toggle the power switch on the back of the unit OFF ( o ) then back ON ( | ). 5. Press the button on the back of the RESET UI touchscreen display. UI controls are frozen or Touchscreen display issue 1. - Page 60 System User Manual Problem/Symptom Possible Cause Solution/Suggestion UI indicates “Cryocooler Power dropped out with compressor or Check cable power Disconnected” communication lost connections. See Power and Communication Issues on page Compressor display screen Check the in the UI blank EVENT LOG for any fault messages.
- Page 61 Cryostation® s-series This is most likely due to a problem with impedances and that the fan flow of air through the cooling system. is running. Low Oil Flow Occurs when the oil flow ratio falls Check that the supply and below 0.4.
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Page 62: System Checks
System User Manual 7.3 System Checks For the system to achieve optimal performance, several aspects of the system must be handled carefully. Neglecting any one of these may have a significant impact on the base temperature or vibration performance. There are several basic checks users can do to help diagnose general problems. 7.3.1 Temperature Optimization The cryostat platforms are optimized to control heat loads coming into the sample. -
Page 63: Vacuum Check
Cryostation® s-series 1. Rigidly bolt the system to the optical table using all available mounting locations in the baseplate. 2. Ensure all screws inside the sample space are tightened down. 3. Ensure that the red shipping rings and spacers beneath the shipping rings have been removed. The red shipping supports at the back of the cryostat should be locked in the upper position off the tri-flange. -
Page 64: Helium Check
System User Manual 6. If a leak detector is accessible, use it to leak check the sample housing, cryostat, vacuum hose, vacuum connections to find the source of the leak. If the leak persists, please contact an authorized service representative. There is enough charcoal in the system to freeze particles that may be introduced from a small leak. - Page 65 Cryostation® s-series Helium Recharge Process If the helium pressure is low, it should be recharged using a 99.999% (UHP) tank of pressurized helium. The accessory kit comes equipped with vent and recharge valves that can be used to flush the system and recharge.
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Page 66: Section 8 - Appendices
System User Manual Section 8 - Appendices 8.1 Related Documentation For a copy of associated documentation, see below: Document Document Title Location Number DOC102 General Terms and Conditions www.montanainstruments.com/About/Terms of Sale DOC103 Limited Warranty Agreement www.montanainstruments.com/About/Warranty...
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