We have discussed the plan to upgrade our VXR-200 NMR spectrometer.
The plan we are considering is to move the additional VXR-500 console
into the lab (Room 376) in order to minimize instrument downtime. But I
am not confident for this plan due to the safety reasons. The working area
around the magnet must be considered as a hazardous area, and must be
planned with full consideration for safety. In the events of magnet
quench, a large spillage of cryogen or fire, it is essential to evacuate the
area. The magnet is required to be routinely filled with the liquid
nitrogen and liquid helium. If the additional console moved in, the only
exit (approximate 2.5 feet wide) will be blocked by the cryogen container
during cryogen refill. With this plan, in the case of accident, the people
in the magnet area have no way to escape.
cc: Goldman, Jones, He