Design of a web-based monitoring solution of vacuum systems in a particle accelerator
Project context
The GSI is one of the most advanced research centers in the world. This is notably where 6 atoms from the periodic table were first observed: those with atomic numbers 107 to 112.
I worked on the project as a member of the FRS (FRagment Separator) team whose goal is to produce and study exotic nuclei, previously accelerated in a synchrotron, using a high-resolution magnetic spectrometer.
To accelerate particles to a speed close to the speed of light, vacuum pumps are used to create a near-perfect vacuum in the beam pipes. These vacuum pumps and the pressure measuring devices are made by different manufacturers, but there is no central platform to monitor and control them all. My task was to design a monitoring solution to access data from the vacuum devices in a unified way.
As the GSI is an international research center, I had to communicate constantly in English.
I led this project as my end of studies project during my final year of engineering school.
Project details
At first, I made my research on all of the vacuum devices through their datasheet and contacted their manufacturer for further information about their connectivity options and communication protocols. I based my solution on a central Raspberry Pi, because it integrates the required connectivity options. I wrote a Python script that gathers data from all of the devices using their respective, often proprietary, communication protocol. It then send and periodically update data to a GSI website (Foswiki).
One of the main challenges of this project was the fact that I was remotely working on the project. I had to anticipate every possible issue prior to install and test the solution on site, where I only had 5 days.
I successfully installed and tested within the limited time frame the solution I designed.
Project gallery
Testing of vacuum pumps and sensors
Testing of a vacuum pump with a voltmeter to check datasheet information
Model used to display data in the Foswiki website