AMBER gas systems

Wednesday 7 Oct 2026, 14:00 → 16:00 Europe/Zurich

AMBER Gas Systems

Key Outcomes

The team reviewed the current state of gas systems (TPC and detector distribution) and discussed the idea of a multi-year upgrade plan targeting operational readiness for TPC and two other detectors by 2029. A budget request must be submitted by 23 October. The gas systems reconstruction was identified as a high-priority item due to age, lack of spares, and single-point dependency on one expert.

 

Decisions Made

·       Timeline target: TPC gas system must be operational by 2029 (Run 4); parasitic detector tests planned from 2028.

·       Other detectors in scope for 2029: MWPCs and GEM detectors only; RICH and other systems excluded for now.

·       PLC replacement: Fully replacing the old PLC system/gas systems is mandatory — no spares exist, firmware access is lost, and the sole expert (Stefan) is no longer available.

·       Gas circulation strategy: Open systems should move to recirculation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; aligns with CERN guidelines.

·       KT involvement to be explored given the "large" number of systems needed.

 

TPC-Specific Issues Identified

·       Backflow valve→ Andrea: Currently installed normally-closed valve is a safety risk; must be replaced with a normally-open valve to allow safe exhaust.

·       Fast evacuation line→ Andrea: No current method to rapidly empty the TPC without risking detector damage; proposed addition of a pressure-reducer + pneumatic valve line to empty within ~1 hour.

·       Temperature/cooling→ Andrea?: Gas temperature instability affects density and burst disk safety; proposed solution is a water cooling manifold surrounding the TPC vessel using the existing liquid hydrogen target pump/circuit.

·       Compressor oil pressure→ Andrea: Manometers are damaged and unreadable remotely; two pressure transmitters for remote monitoring needed, with auto-stop capability.

·       Gas sampling→ Roberto: No certified sampling system exists to collect gas for purity/composition analysis post-run; a certified transport volume must be sourced, with analysis either at CERN (mass spectrometer) or external lab in Lyon (~few hundred euros).

 

Detector Gas Distribution System Issues

·       System designed and built in 2000 by Stefan Berry; documentation incomplete; no spares or firmware access.

·       ~6–7 recirculation systems needed in total (MWPCs, GEMs, MicroMegas, W45, new detectors); estimated ~25–30K per unit plus mixer (~15K), totaling potentially 300K+ over the full program.

·       Analog-only flow meters in use; shift crew checks manually 3×/day — digital transmitters and remote monitoring needed.

·       Filter regeneration frequency unclear; automatic regeneration procedure needed.

 

Pending Confirmation

·       Exact detector volumes, channel counts, and flow rates per system — needed to size recirculation units.

·       Whether CERN chilled water integration (via EN-CV) will resolve compressor heat exchanger issues sufficiently.

·       KT (Knowledge Transfer) interest in modular recirculation system production.

·       Final decision on which open systems must convert to recirculation vs. remain open.

·       RICH/C₄F₁₀ system future — currently flushed with argon/nitrogen; decision deferred to Phase 2 planning.

 

Action Items

·       Roberto/Moritz: Deliver overview table of all detector systems (volumes, channel counts, flow rates, contaminants) by end of week.

·       Roberto: Provide rough cost estimate for full project (TPC modifications + all recirculation systems + PLC replacement).

·       Roberto: Explore KT involvement for knowledge transfer of modular recirculation systems.

·       TPC work (modifications): Can be completed in 2027 — sufficient margin before 2029 run start.

 

Deadline

·       Budget request submission: 23 October