FAQs

What is the maximum pressure I can achieve with the One20DAC and a given culet size?

(*) The Pmax values are only indicative. The maximum pressure achievable with a DAC is influenced by many others experimental parameters, like the gasket characteristics (material, thickness and hole size) or the pressure transmitting medium.

How do I properly fix and maintain the upper seat of the Bragg Mini?

To securely attach the upper seat of the Bragg Mini to the upper plate, use two-component araldite glue. First, ensure the upper seat is pressed against the upper plate with a slight force. While maintaining this pressure, apply a ring of araldite glue between the edge of the seat and the upper plate. This method ensures that the seat is correctly aligned and firmly attached to the upper plate, providing optimal stability and performance.

How do I load and operate the Bragg Mini?

Anvil Alignment:

1. Document Plate Orientation: Note the orientation of the upper plate relative to the lower before assembling.
2. Prepare Plates: Place the bottom plate on the microscope table.
3. Slide Top Plate: Carefully lower the top plate along the guiding rods. If resistance occurs, restart the process without forcing the plates together.
4. Contact Without Gasket: Align the two plates so that the culet circles on each plate overlap perfectly.
5. Adjust Anvils: Create a small gap between the anvils, then adjust the lower anvil using a 0.9 Allen Key and the three lateral screws to align the culet circles into a matching pattern.

Loading the Bragg Mini with a Sample:

1. Prepare Top Plate: Place it on the microscope table and add 1-2 ruby chips on its culet surface using a sharp needle. Note the high risk of displacement when working with liquids.
2. Set Top Plate Aside: Move the top plate away to avoid disturbances.
3. Position Bottom Plate: Place it back on the microscope table.
4. Gasket Placement: Position the gasket on the lower anvil, aligning it correctly using the orientation mark.
5. Add Ruby Chips: Place ruby chips into the gasket hole.
6. Insert Liquid Sample: Use a syringe to add your liquid sample into the gasket hole.
7. Assemble DAC: Lower the top plate down the guiding rods and secure it.
8. Secure with Screws: Tighten the DAC using the three screws.
9. Verify Ruby Placement: Ensure the ruby remains within the gasket hole under the microscope; restart if dislodged.

Increasing Pressure in the Bragg Mini:

1. Secure DAC: Clamp the DAC using the screws.
2. Label Screws: Number each screw to avoid confusion during adjustments.
3. Mark Starting Points: Place a mark on each screw head as a reference for the starting position.
4. Adjust Screws: Turn each screw incrementally with an Allen key.
5. Monitor Pressure: Check the internal pressure by observing the ruby fluorescence.

These instructions are designed to provide clear, step-by-step guidance for setting up, loading, and operating the Bragg Mini, ensuring precise and safe use.