MANUAL P/N 316005 REV: B
7
Safety Instructions and General Information
Be sure to read through this instruction manual before installing, using, or servicing this equipment.
If you have any questions or doubts about how to use this equipment safely, contact the Brooks
Automation, Inc. Customer Service Department listed at the front of this manual.
Danger – Hazardous Voltage
AC line voltage is present within the controller chassis. Disconnect the power cable before removing the
cover. Exercise caution when operating the controller with covers off. Servicing should be performed by
qualified personnel only.
Danger – Explosive Gases
Do not use Series 316 instruments when there is danger of explosion from ignition of explosive or
combustible gases or gas mixtures. The sensor wire of the Series 275 transducers normally operates at only
125
o
C, but it is possible that momentary transients or controller malfunction can raise the sensor
temperature above the ignition temperature of combustible mixtures. Thermocouple gauge transducers also
operate at elevated temperatures, and the same safety considerations apply.
Danger – Implosion or Explosion
Danger of injury to personnel and damage to equipment exists on all vacuum systems that incorporate gas
sources or involve processes capable of pressurizing the system above the limits it can safely withstand.
For example, danger of explosion in a vacuum system exists during backfilling from pressurized gas
cylinders because many vacuum devices such as ionization gauge tubes, glass windows, glass bell jars, etc,
are not designed to be pressurized.
Install suitable devices that will limit the pressure from external gas sources to the level that the vacuum
system can safely withstand. In addition, install suitable pressure relief valves or rupture disks that will
release pressure at a level considerably below that pressure which the system can safely withstand.
Suppliers of pressure relief valves and pressure relief disks are listed in Thomas Register under "Valves,
Relief", and "Discs, Rupture".
Confirm that these safety devices are properly installed before installing the 316 Vacuum Gauge Controller
(VGC). In addition, check that (1) the proper gas cylinders are installed, (2) gas cylinder valve positions are
correct on manual systems, and (3) the automation is correct on automated systems.
General Warnings
Improper wiring, programming or operation of the system can result in equipment damage or personnel
injury. To avoid these possibilities:
x
Program the setpoints for fail-safe operation. Use the setpoint pressure, gauge assignment and
polarity setting to provide safe operation in the event of equipment or power failure.
x
Label setpoints on the controller front panel to avoid confusion and allow safe manual operation.
x
Verify system operation by manually stepping through the control sequence before switching to
automatic control. Check that a malfunction in the sequence cannot produce a hazard.
x
Install safety devices in the system to limit hazardous conditions. For example, a pressure relief
device should be installed on any system using a high pressure gas source.
x
Restrict manual operation of the process controls to knowledgeable persons.
Operation of the 316 Vacuum Gauge Controller with line voltage other than that selected by the power supply
internal jumpers can cause damage to the instrument and injury to personnel.
The fumes from trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, toluene, and acetone can be dangerous to health if
inhaled. They should be used only in well ventilated areas exhausted to the outdoors. Acetone and toluene
are highly flammable and should not be used near an open flame or energized electrical equipment.
