Hello,
I am looking to buy an apparatus that includes this used hot filament ionization gauge (picture attached). It seems a bit burnt out, and seems to be missing the silvery getter typical of these gauges.
Does this look OK to the veteran ion gauge users on this forum, or should I plan on replacing it? Only use will tell, but I would appreciate any advice/opinions/speculations anyone has.
Sincerely,
Robert
Used ionization gauge looks burnt out?
-
- Posts: 85
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:58 pm
- Real name: Robert Mendelsohn
- Maciek Szymanski
- Posts: 193
- Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 2:31 pm
- Real name: Maciek Szymański
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
Re: Used ionization gauge looks burnt out?
It's hard to see on the photo if the filament is burned or not. But as long as the filament is not damaged the gauge should work. The deposits on the glass envelope are normal especially if used with oil pumps. I never seen the bayard-alpert gauge with a getter. Do not forget to outgass the gauge before taking the readings, one that was exposed to the air for a long time may be miss-reading by few orders of magnitude until properly outgassed.
“Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
- Richard Hull
- Moderator
- Posts: 14992
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2001 9:44 am
- Real name: Richard Hull
Re: Used ionization gauge looks burnt out?
Likwise no Getter in an ion gauge. Sealed vacuum tubes, yes. I'll go along with Maciek, I am not able to determine by the image you provide if the filament is intact. The normal reason ion gauges are found loose is burned out fils.
Richard Hull
Richard Hull
Progress may have been a good thing once, but it just went on too long. - Yogi Berra
Fusion is the energy of the future....and it always will be
The more complex the idea put forward by the poor amateur, the more likely it will never see embodiment
Fusion is the energy of the future....and it always will be
The more complex the idea put forward by the poor amateur, the more likely it will never see embodiment
-
- Posts: 85
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:58 pm
- Real name: Robert Mendelsohn
Re: Used ionization gauge looks burnt out?
Thank you all! Yes, it now makes sense that a gauge would not have a getter, since it would be regularly brought up to atmosphere. I'm going to take a gamble on it. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Robert
Sincerely,
Robert
- Dennis P Brown
- Posts: 3160
- Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 10:46 am
- Real name: Dennis Brown
Re: Used ionization gauge looks burnt out?
As I tell anyone buying electronic equipment; if the seller allows returns (two weeks min.) then its worthwhile considering; if not, don't ever buy from them. Of course, ask if tested and/or working. Not that that is essential if they allow returns. Testing is simple (even w/o vacuum.) Use an ohm meter for continuity on the filament. Note how it couples to the vacuum system - that appears to use copper gaskets (but can be converted to 0-ring use.) Many ion gauges have two filaments (one is a backup) - both should work.