NMR Laboratory Room 5.0.

Procedure for safe operation on superconducting magnets

Version 1 – April 11, 2011

RADRL Andrea Mele

 Superconducting magnets

The core of a superconducting magnet is

a coil kept at the liquid He temperature.

A high intensity electric current

circulates in the coil and generates the
magnetic field: 9.4 and 11.7 Tesla in our
lab.

When operating on superconducting

magnets you must be aware of some
risks.

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 2

 Superconducting magnets - RISKS

Mechanical shock or heating can cause

magnet quench.

This means that hundred litres of liquid

helium and nitrogen evaporate in few
seconds.

Magnet quench is a catastrophic event

for the equipment and a dreadful
experience for the operator.
Keep this in mind.

Be relaxed and concentrated when

operating on the magnet.

Leave your troubles out of the lab!

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 3

 Superconducting magnets - RISKS

In the case of quench or cryogenic liquids spillage

LEAVE THE ROOM AND CONTACT STAFF

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 4

 Superconducting magnets - RISKS

Superconducting magnets generate strong

magnetic fields (9.4 and 11.7 Tesla)

You are not allowed to enter the lab if:

• you wear a pace maker

• you have metal prostheses likely to
interact with the magnetic field

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 5

 Superconducting magnets - RISKS

Personnel not authorized

must not cross the caution
line.

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 6

 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

After you have prepared the NMR

sample in the NMR tube, you should
follow the correct pocedure to insert the
tube in the magnet.

Please read and understand this

document.

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 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 1.

Check if you are carrying any metal

object in the pockets of your lab
coat.

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 8

 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 2

If you have metallic tools (spatula,

scissors, lab spoons etc)
leave them far from the magnet, as
shown in the picture.

Also, put watch, credit cards, mobile

phone, poket calculators and similar
things on the table.

Remember: do not leave the objets on

the consolle when you have finished
your job.

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 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 3

Insert gently the tube in the spinner.

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 10

 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 4

BSMS keyboard Calibrate the position for

the 5 mm tube by using
the meter.

Then, switch on the

BSMS keyboard compressed air on the
BSMS keyboard.

Extract the tube with the

spinner from the meter.

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 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 5

Before you insert the tube with the

spinner in the magnet, you should clearly
hear the whistle of compressed air flow.

If not, go back to the instrument consolle

and check the BSMS keyboard.

When ready, place the tube with the

spinner on the insert.

You must NOT touch the magnet with any

part of your body.

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 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 5

Detail of how to instert

correctly the NMR tube.

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 Operating on the magnet - PROCEDURE

Step 6
The compressed air keeps your sample
suspended on the insert.

Go back to the BSMS keyboard and

switch the air flow off.

The sample will be automatically and

safely placed into the NMR probe.

Now you are ready to start recording the

spectrum.

Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 14

 HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS – NEVER DO THIS!

NEVER keep more than one object in

hands when placing or removing the
sample.

Procedure for multiple samples:

• remove the first sample
• go back to the table
• mount the second NMR tube on the
spinner,
• go to the magnet

NO! • insert the second sample

• so on for the other samples

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 HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS – NEVER DO THIS!

Do not insert the tube in the magnet

without spinner!

NO!
YES!
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 HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS – NEVER DO THIS!

Do not insert the tube and

the meter in the magnet.

NO!
YES!
Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 17
 HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS – NEVER DO THIS!

Never get hold of the magnet turret.

NO!
Procedure for safe operation on NMR magnets – RADRL NMR 18
 HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS – NEVER DO THIS!

Never lean against the magnet.

Remember: the magnet is placed onto

pneumatic dumpers.
It is not stable and it must not be
touched, pushed or grabbed.

NO! dumper

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