Safety¶

XO-VAC+ is a piece of complex scentific equipment. Users must familiarise themselves with the documentation before attempting to operate it.

The user is responsible for ensuring the safety of any test regimes carried out using XO-VAC+. XO-VAC+ is a pressure chamber and is only rated for pressures between 0kPa (vacuum) and atmospheric pressure. Careful consideration should be given to whether the test subject contains any substance which may be inflammable, vapourise, or transform to gaseous phase in a vacuum, The potential consequences of this include the risk of toxic gasses or smoke being ejected from the vacuum system directly into the laboratory environment, and/or the risk of serious explosion.

XO-VAC+ cannot operate in condensing environments.

Parts of XO-VAC+ including the rear face may get hot during operation. Please ensure the device is operated well away from combustible materials.

Do not attempt to dissasemble, modify, or repair XO-VAC+.

Liquids entering in contact with XO-VAC+ electronics can create life threathening electric shock hazard and serious damage to the equipment.

• Do not store liquids in close or open containers on top or inside of XO-VAC+
• Do not store liquids in proximity of XO-VAC+ (shelf, desks, etc.) that could fall ontop of XO-VAC+.

Do not wheel XO-VAC+ out while its vacuum system is operating as shocks or bumps can damage the turbopump.

Always lock at least two caster wheels when XO-VAC+ is operated or left unattended. We recommend ensuring that all four wheels are locked whenever XO-VAC+ is stationary.

Always ensure that all four caster wheels of XO-VAC+ are in contact with the ground when XO-VAC+ is operated or left unattended.

• Do not stack items on top of XO-VAC+
• Take particular care when transporting XO-VAC+
• Wear adequate PPE

• Do not use XO-VAC+ as a climbing aid

Do not push or pull the shroud. Doing so will put extra mechanical stresses on elements of the Thermal System and will damage permanently.

Turbopumps have components with very sharp edges (rotor and stator disks). Do not reach in the high vacuum flange.

Pumping of gases with a higher molecular mass in the wrong gas mode can lead to de- struction of the pump. Contact Exobotics before using gases with molecular mass greater than 80.

Even after the mains power is switched off, the subsequently running pump delivers electric power to the electronic drive unit. There is a danger of electric body contact by premature separating the pump from the electronic drive unit.

• Never separate the electronic drive unit from the pump when the mains power is connected or the rotor is running.
• Do not remove the mains cable if the turbopump is still running.

The XO-VAC+ turbovacuum needs to be serviced if it has not been operated for 4 years or longer. If it is the case, please contact Exobotics to arrange a service.

Do not try to force open the main door of the vacuum chamber. If the thumbscrew is removed and it cannot be easily opened, it means that the vacuum chamber is not at room pressure yet.

In case of sudden blocking of the rotor, torques of up to 620 Nm can occur, which can lead with incorrect attachment to tearing the turbopump off. The energy released there- by can hurl the entire pump or fragments from their inside around the area. This can cause severest injuries (possibly resulting in death) and large property damage

• Do not detach the turbo pump from XO-VAC+
• Do not replace or remove fasteners attaching the turbopump to XO-VAC+
• Follow Exobotics instruction for the turbopump maintenance

Danger of injury from bursting as a result of high pressure in the exhaust line. Faulty or inadequate exhaust pipes lead to dangerous situations (e.g. increased exhaust pressure). There is a danger of bursting. Injuries by flying fragments, the escaping of high presure and damae to the unit cannot be excluded.

• Regularly maintain XO-VAC+
• Do not modify the XO-VAC+ exhaust connection

If XO-VAC+ is not fitted with an exhaust line, the vacuum pumps allows exhaust gases and vapors to escape freely into the air. There is a risk of injury and fatality due to poisoning in processes with toxic process media.

• Observe the pertinent regulations for handling toxic process media
• Safetly purge toxi process media via an exhaust line
• Use appropriate filter equipment to separate toxic process medi

Parts of vacuum pump can reach high temperatures during operations. There is a risk of burning.

• Do not open XO-VAC+ back box or Vacuum Control box.
• Do not run XO-VAC+ with open back box or Vacuum Control box.
• Allow the vacuum pumps to cool down before carrying any work

The vacuum pumps can get hot during sustained operations. Allow time for the vacuum pumps to cool before touching them.

Appropriate PPE should be worn whilst using XO-VAC+ to protect the user, the device, and the items under test. Safety and PPE requirements should be reviewed by the user depending on their test regime and environment. It is recommended to use clean gloves when handling components and materials within and around the vacuum chamber, in order to prevent contamination and/or damage to sensitive equipment.

The DB25 Male to Male Cable and the DB25 Female to Female Cable can expose you to chemicals including phthalates, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov

The XO-VAC+ embedded server should not be directly exposed to the internet as it is not updated as often as a regular Windows PC.