IHR Customer Training, Slide Summary

A comprehensive guide covering system operation, configurations, scheduling, notifications, maintenance, helium management, and safety procedures for TRIUX neo IHR.

Not all suggested usage can now be performed remotely, due to TeamViewer no longer supporting the older version currently in use on the IHR. Only if accessing the IHR Console locally in the Tank Room (G24) will the procedures work as suggested.
- See [Usual Problems, Probable Solutions] for how to now obtain remote access to the IHR.

System Overview and Operating Modes

The system includes basic and advanced operating modes like normal, fail-safe, cool-down, maintenance, and shut down, each with specific functions.
- Normal mode: Restores normal operation after fail-safe or shutdown. The system re-enters its schedule automatically and adapts operation as well as possible. Use this mode to resume routine operation.
- Cool-down mode: Provides extra liquefaction when needed. It can be interrupted by selecting Normal mode, and Normal mode resumes automatically once storage-tank pressure reaches 1.2 bar. It may be needed after a prolonged power-off period or to liquefy gas after helium filling.
- Maintenance mode: Used for maintenance activities, including gaseous-helium filling. The training states that it is intended only for MEGIN Customer Care.
- Shutdown mode: Stops the IHR control software and stops control of the cryocooler compressor and pressure-regulator units. Select Normal mode to restart the system.
- Related states: In fail-safe, MEG use may continue, but helium can be lost through the relief valve until the fault is resolved; switching back to Normal mode must be done manually. After a power cycle, the IHR normally returns to its previous mode, including shutdown; fail-safe instead returns to Maintenance mode.
Users can switch modes manually or allow automatic transitions based on system conditions.
Power cycling involves turning off and on, the control and compressor units to reset or restart the system.
Indicators on the cabinet door show the current system status and operating mode.

Access Control and Control Terminal Use

Control software is accessed via the service GUI login with a password.
Remote access is possible through IP address, telnet, or SSH from DACQ or any PC.
Mode settings can be checked and changed via control terminal commands.
Temporary variable changes are possible without reboot, but permanent changes require editing configuration files and restarting the system.

Configuration Management and Settings Adjustments

Configuration files store settings like default measurement windows and admin contact details.
Changes can be applied by editing files and implementing them with system commands.
Default measurement windows and admin addresses are adjustable for scheduling and notifications.
Messaging systems for alerts include SMS and email interfaces with specific setup instructions.

Main Scheduling Choices

The main scheduling choices are a single daily MEG window, a split window with a pause, and a weekly cumulative strategy; choosing the simplest schedule keeps the calendar attainable without pushing it into orange or red.

Strategy comparison

Single daily default window

How it works: One MEG-use period applies every day, including weekends.
Strengths: Simple and predictable; easiest to administer.
Tradeoffs / risks: Less flexibility for long operating days or varying demand.

Split daily window

How it works: Two MEG windows separated by a 1–3 hour pause, e.g., 8:00–13:00, 15:00–20:00.
Strengths: Creates a planned interval for liquefaction while supporting two measurement blocks.
Tradeoffs / risks: The gap must be at least 1 hour and may be insufficient if helium recovery demand is high.

Calendar reservations / tailored windows

How it works: Measurement windows are set in the calendar rather than relying only on the default.
Strengths: Best fit for known exceptions, changing demand, or unusually long sessions.
Tradeoffs / risks: Requires accurate, current reservations; missed or incorrect calendar information can cause poor compressor scheduling.

Weekly cumulative cycle

How it works: Helium capacity is managed across the week rather than being fully balanced each day.
Strengths: Allows heavier usage on some days when total weekly demand is manageable.
Tradeoffs / risks: Extra MEG use early in the week mainly limits Friday capacity. Calendar colors may not show green across the weekly cycle: Tuesday–Thursday may appear yellow and Thursday–Friday orange.

CHBH MEG allows usage until 7pm, Monday -> Wednesday. Until 5pm, Thursday -> Saturday. NO USAGE ON SUNDAYS!

Weekend dummy windows

How it works: Schedule 09:00–10:00 measurement windows on weekends when using a cumulative weekly cycle.
Strengths: Helps avoid overfilling the tanks and possible helium loss.
Tradeoffs / risks: Uses calendar time even when no actual measurements are planned.

CHBH MEG implements this procedure on Sundays.
"Instead of using those ‘None’ windows, nowadays we recommend to set the windows to their minimum length of 1 hour. The reason is that if you have multiple None days in a row, the system lets the tanks accumulate until 9 bars before starting to liquefy. Then if it happens that someone would happen to need the system earlier than expected, the tanks might get overfilled before the unexpected measurement finishes." - Antti Teliö, 09/01/2020

Operating implications

Protect liquefaction time: Keep the gantry in the liquefaction position when possible. This maximizes liquefaction and minimizes boil-off because the cryocooler is vertical.
Avoid short compressor cycles: Mode changes are allowed at any time, but engaging the cryocooler for less than 0.5 hours is not recommended.
Use schedule status as the constraint: If the scheduler shows orange or red, the planned MEG use is not comfortably attainable; shorten or reschedule use rather than relying on recovery later in the week.
Use Cool-down only for recovery demand: For extra liquefaction, Cool-down mode can be used, or the next MEG window can be scheduled very early. Cool-down ends automatically when tank pressure reaches 1.2 bar.

A stable daily window is best for routine operation; split or calendar-specific windows suit predictable breaks and exceptions; weekly cumulative scheduling offers flexibility but needs close monitoring to prevent late-week capacity limits or tank overfill.

Advanced Scheduling and Data Visualization

Weekly measurement schedules use calendar data; extra HE liquefaction windows can be scheduled.
Gantry position affects liquefaction efficiency, with optimal vertical position (25).
History plots display metrics such as pressure, temperatures, and gantry positions, covering last days.
Plotting tools can generate detailed graphical data over various periods and metrics.

Notifications, Alerts, and Troubleshooting

The system provides alerts for normal, fail-safe, power outages, and cryocooler errors.
Notifications often require manual intervention or system switches to restore normal operation.
Error logs can be checked via command-line tools to diagnose issues.
Effective response includes checking gantry positions, system status, and DACQ connections.

Recovery and Maintenance Procedures

Water circulation failures are addressed by checking water flow, cycling compressors, and restoring system modes.
Helium levels are monitored, with guidelines for adding gaseous helium safely and maintaining minimum levels.
System warm-up, helium loss, and dewar relief valve issues are important maintenance points.
Regular checks of helium levels and schedule adjustments help prevent system failures during extended use.

Helium Management and Safety Precautions

Gaseous helium should be handled in well-ventilated areas with proper procedures to prevent injury and environmental hazards.
Filling tanks involves connecting regulators, verifying pressures, and liquefying gas in tanks.
Safety warnings emphasize proper handling, connection checks, and avoiding improper disassembly.
Additional manuals provide further safety instructions and technical details.

Holiday and Emergency Procedures

Alerts can be redirected to on-duty personnel, and system schedules should be adjusted for overnight or weekend operation.
Regular inspection of schedules and helium levels ensures continued operation.
Error logs and history plots assist in troubleshooting during emergencies.
On-duty personnel should manually restore system modes and monitor dewar liquid helium levels during outages.

Summary of Core Parameters & Commands

Not all commands available remotely, due to TeamViewer unavailability. Those commands need perfoming locally at IHR in Tank Room (G24)

Parameter / Metric	Value / Command Syntax	Purpose
Default Password	[Information]	Authenticates access to the Control Terminal.
Cool-down Cutoff	1.2 bar	Pressure threshold where Cool-down mode reverts to Normal.
UPS Battery Buffer	5-25 minutes	Handles brief brownouts before complete power loss.
Optimal Gantry State	Vertical, 25 (Liquefaction position)	Maximises liquefaction and mininises helium boil-off.
Weekend Helium Minimum	50% level in the Dewar	Minimum level required to survive an IHR failure over a weekend.
Daily Helium Minimum	13 Litres of lHe (Liquefaction position)	Minimum volume required to survive a 1-day system failure.
Log Error Command	`cd /neuro/cryo/bin` followed by `./errors`	Displays a list of application log errors.
History Plot Command	`./plot <period> --wins`	Overlays measurement windows on top of pressure data.
Leak Detection Plot	`./plot <period> --heliumvolume`	Plots total system helium volume over time.