Discussion Category: Glove Boxes
repeated failure of nitrogen fill (relay contacts in PLC controller)
I've managed to repair several of these expensive Mitsubishi FX3s PLCs. One of eight tiny relays will die from over-use. Here's my detailed instructions on opening up the PLC controller. Soldering is required of course.
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* https://staff.washington.edu/wbeaty/chem_PLCmitsub.html
NOTE: this failure is caused by glove-leaks. If your gas-fill solenoid is cycling every five seconds, the relay-contacts will wear out after only months. Fix the glove-leaks, so it only cycles every few minutes.
ALSO, I've had the large relay/contactor for the chiller also fail, with completely corroded contacts. Easy fix: move the wires on the large DPST relay's screw terminals, so the unused extra contacts are now switching the power for the chiller.
Equipment: Omni-lab 101965 glove box, Vacuum Atmospheres Inc.
