1. MICE modules interface proposal FAC module Phone meeting Edgar Black IIT 2/13/2004

2. CLAMP BELT TYPE INTERMODULE CONNECTORS

3. DESCIPTION: For this design the modules vacuum vessels are of the same diameter and are assembled with butt-weld machined flanges. The flanges edges are 20 degree tapered at both sides with grooves machined on the facing sides to hold elastomer seals. Chain like segments are linked on 3 section, the sections wrap around the flanges and are fastened to each other by hinged tangential tightening bolts.

4. CLAMP SEGMENT DETAIL The segments are machined also with 20 degree tapered channels that match the tapered edges of the flanges. Prior to assemble the clamp belt, elastomer seals and a bellow ring are inserted between the flanges

5. ASSEMBLY During the assembly, the meddle wedge of the clamp segment spreads the bellow ring leaves apart over the the flanges tapered surfaces, compressing the seals and protecting them from the wedge friction during the insertion, the below ring completes the vacuum enclosure

6. LINK SECTION DETAIL The link pieces between the clamp segments also extend into the bellow ring to insure continuous compression of the seals and to reduce the cross section of the bellow supporting the MICE vacuum.

7. FUNCTIONAL FEATURES (attractive) It is evident that for experiments change over operations it reduces labor time by an order of magnitude. Industrial tolerances for construction and assembly are accommodated by the flexibility provided with the hinged link connections of the belt components. The configuration of the wedging/retaining segments, provide support against the axial magnetic forces in both directions (pending final calculations)

8. DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS Increasing the number of sections will: a) facilitate handling the section by the reduction of weight, in the current design about 90 Lbs./section b) will increase the bellow/seals contact, c) will reduce the bellow unsupported area increasing the pressure vessel strength to support vacuum d) gain lateral flexibility for better adaptation of construction tolerances (less cost)

9. CONTINUARA ?