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PIPS II Owners Manual and Users Guide
Energy Isolation
Prior to service, remove the AC line cord and attach a suitable lockout/tagout
device, such as RS Hughes Co. part number 65674 or the like. Gas-control
System
The Gas-Control system controls the Argon gas supply to the ion guns, an
alternate gas input for the guns, the Whisperlok piston, and the pneumatic
shutter. The Gas-Control System consists of a pressure regulator and four
normally closed three-way solenoid valves. Figure 1-5 shows the Gas-control
system. The gas supply to the guns is controlled by a regulator.
The alternate gas input for the guns may be used if a different gas is desired
for the ion guns than is used for the pneumatic control. For example, Xenon
may be used for the guns while Argon is used for pneumatic control. This
minimizes the amount of the much more expensive Xenon that is used.
Figure 1-5 Gas-control system.
Gas Supply to the Guns
The PIPS requires a clean, high purity (99.998%) Argon supply at 25 psi (1.72
bar). The Argon gas for the ion guns is regulated by a pressure regulator that
reduces the incoming gas supply from 25 psi down to about 7.5 psi. Two O-
rings form vacuum seals in the gun housing and the ionizing gas is fed into the
guns between the O-rings. The Alt valve (AG) when activated connects the
alternate gas input to the guns, however, Argon gas must still be supplied to
the Ar input to provide pneumatic control.
Gas Supply to the Whisperlock
TM
The Whisperlok assembly is controlled by a normally closed three-way
solenoid valve (WL). When WL valve is energized, Argon pressurizes the
Whisperlok assembly and lowers the piston. When the power to WL is
