Using the D-DIA

Introduction

January 2006:

D-DIA arrives! This state-of-the-art high pressure deformation apparatus can be used to independently control the differential strain and stress field under high confining pressure. The D-DIA belongs to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, but will be used in our lab by Shenghua Mei, a National Lab scientist who is involved in the development and testing of this new apparatus.

March 3rd 2006:

First successful test run of the D-DIA. The 1000 ton press has been adapted to hold the D-DIA. The press was previously set up so that either the Walker module or the Rockland Research cubic anvil device could be used. We've temporarily replaced the cubic anvil module with the LLNL D-DIA, and have made a preliminary test run to make sure that everything works as expected. Keep an eye on the Kohlstedt group web pages for news of further developments.

DLK inspects the D-DIA

ACW shows off the new rails that guide the D-DIA into the 1000 ton press

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Note

The pressure fault alarm will trip at the low hydraulic pressure required for D-DIA experiments, so override the alarm by disconnecting the lead from the pressure transducer.

The range of motor speeds available to the computer controlled pressure controller is insufficient for D-DIA operation, so motor speed will have to be adjusted manually from its default setting of 50 (motor speed dial on the control box).

Standard Operating Procedure

At the start of the experiment, set the motor speed dial to full speed.

Roll the D-DIA module into place and retract the wheels.

Rest the insulating sheet over the module and connect power cable to the plate above the plastic.

Initialise the data logging/control software. Set the controller PID parameters when prompted. Monitor the hydraulic pressure.

Use the electric pump to close the daylight, but stop just as the top of the D-DIA module makes contact with the press. Close the pump valve.

Set pressure/temperature cycles using the control software.

Manually increase motor speed using the motor control window before starting the PT control cycle. Start recording pressure etc.

DO NOT LEAVE THE PRESS – YOU NEED TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE PRESSURE!

Watch the pressure increase and DECREASE MOTOR SPEED by turning the control panel dial to 30 when the pressure reaches 100 psi.

After your experiment, RESET THE MOTOR SPEED DIAL TO 50 and RECONNECT THE PRESSURE TRANSDUCER.

Good luck.

ACW 2007