Conclusions on torque and grease1 Alexander Dierlamm, Michael Eppard (CERN) Measurements of thermal contact between TOB module and rod May 2004

Conclusions on torque and grease2 Introduction The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of the torque applied on the module fixing screws on the cooling performance, and to measure the possible benefit of applying thermal grease in the module mounting points. The study is carried out using the hybrid temperature measured by the DCU. For each case, a cycle cooling off – cooling on – cooling off is performed. The temperature difference observed between the cooling off and the cooling on states shows the sensitivity of the measurement to the cooling performance. The DCUs on the modules used in the test were not calibrated, therefore differences observed between different modules in the same conditions are not necessarily significant. The measurements were performed at room temperature using C 6 F 14 as coolant.

Conclusions on torque and grease3 Setup for SS rod Setup for torque and grease measurement on SS rod SS rod in XY table modules 1, 3, 5 (on the upper side of the rod) screwed with different torque modules 2, 4, 6 not touched (torque not known)

Conclusions on torque and grease4 No torque (loose screws), no grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease5 Torque = 150 gcm, no grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease6 Torque = 325 gcm, no grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease7 Torque = 500 gcm, no grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease8 Torque = 1000 gcm, no grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease9 Grease at SS rod Grease applied between module support and module.

Conclusions on torque and grease10 No torque (loose screws), grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease11 Torque = 150 gcm, grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease12 Torque = 500 gcm, grease, SS rod SS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease13 Setup for DS rod Setup for torque and grease measurement on DS rod DS rod at TOB system test modules 1/7, 3/9, 5/11 (on the upper side of the rod) screwed with different torque modules 2/8, 4/10, 6/12 fixed with 1000 gcm consistent temperatures are measured on the two modules of each pair  the average of the two temperatures is read out

Conclusions on torque and grease14 No torque (loose screws), no grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease15 Torque = 150 gcm, no grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease16 Torque = 325 gcm, no grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease17 Torque = 500 gcm, no grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease18 Torque = 1000 gcm, no grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease19 Grease at DS rod Grease applied between module support and module.

Conclusions on torque and grease20 Torque = 150 gcm, grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease21 Torque = 325 gcm, grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease22 Torque = 500 gcm, grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease23 Torque = 1000 gcm, grease, DS rod DS rod

Conclusions on torque and grease24 Summary plots All modules show consistent behaviour both on the SS rod and the DS rod. The offset of the probes was not calibrated, therefore the differences between modules are not significant. Only variations of measurements taken with the same probe are significant. We take as a reference one module with no grease and high torque (1000 gcm) that is never touched (reference module), we choose one other module that is measured in different conditions (test module) and we calculate the temperature difference between the two – in this way we reduce the effect of possible ambient variations. When the test module is in the same conditions as the reference module (no grease, 1000 gcm torque), we impose that the temperature difference be zero, thus deriving an effective relative calibration constant. The variation of this recalibrated difference should give a quantitative measurement of the effect of torque and grease on the cooling performance, with little residual systematic effects. The results obtained using different test modules are compatible. Two examples, one from the SS rod and one from the DS rod, are shown in the following transparencies.

Conclusions on torque and grease25 Summary of results for SS rod SS rod no grease grease

Conclusions on torque and grease26 Summary of results for DS rod DS rod no grease grease

Conclusions on torque and grease27 Conclusions The dependence of the cooling performance on the torque applied on the module fixing screws has been measured on final structures, using the hybrid temperature measurement provided by the DCU. The measurements were performed on a SS rod and on a DS rod, and repeated after applying grease between the module frame heat spreaders and the rod module supports. For a torque larger than 325 gcm the cooling performance as measured on the hybrid varies by less than 1°C as a function of torque and/or if grease is added in the module mounting points. If modules need to be dismounted, grease residues are left on the module frame, on the rod inserts and on the screws ( + on the gloves of the operator). Such residues are difficult to be removed completely. Side remark: with cooling off the hybrid temperature in a DS rod reaches (possibly exceeds) 50 degrees

Conclusions on torque and grease28 Pictures from dismounted modules dismounted DS module with grease residues module support with grease residues

Conclusions on torque and grease29 Recommendations The applied torque can be lower than the former recommended value of 1000 gcm. Grease does not improve significantly the performance – that is not critical anyway. In addition to possible remaining concerns on its long term stability and radiation tolerance, grease adds complications and risks in case of possible maintenance operations (module replacements) on rods. As it appears to be not needed, we prefer to avoid having grease in the module mounting points. Even if it is not a stringent requirement for cooling performance, having a high torque is desirable for mechanical stability (reduce risks of screw loosening during transports, thermal cycles etc.). We would suggest to choose a value of the torque that is as high as possible, while still being easy to be applied. According to our experience values around gcm should be comfortable and free of risk.