Thanks to the timely precautions initiated by and the outstanding efforts of the CAMD staff, especially that of George Rupert, Andy Gentile, and Vic Suller and his wonderful crew, CAMD came through Category-2 Hurricane Storm Gustav relatively unscathed. While routine precautions included switching-off of all accelerator systems, the ion vacuum pumps were kept operational using a stand-by generator that powered the pumps and emergency lights. Before the onset of the storm, the generator was tested and filled to capacity with approximately 500 gallons of diesel fuel, with an additional 150 gallons on hand. It powered the ion pumps (situated in the Linac tunnel and in the ring) on emergency circuits. The liquid-nitrogen tank also was filled, as were the liquid-helium dewars (for the wiggler), as precautionary moves before the storm. Computers were switched off and unplugged to protect then from unwanted power surges.
Amidst a raging storm, flying debris, and gusty winds, our infallible George and resilient Andy performed the following actions:
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September 1: Manually reset the main electrical breaker, chiller, and SOLA power supply for ring operation, following a momentary power outage at 10:30 a.m. Electricity was lost again at 2:00 p.m., due to a shutdown of the Bocage electrical substation that provides the main feed to CAMD.
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September 2: Replenish liquid helium and secure the buildings.
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September 3: Replenish diesel fuel in the generator.
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September 5: Everything up and running! More helium, please!
Damages
Our wiggler was temporarily in short supply of liquid helium since our regular supplier in Louisiana could not provide due to storm damage. Attempts to obtain it from Florida were successful, and the ring is now operational. Beam is available to users according to normal schedule. The Quintel machine in the cleanroom and the DEX scanner-controller computers in the Experiment Hall were malfunctioning, and Vincent Mitts is in the process of repairing them.
Considering the monumental destruction that Hurricane Gustav has wreaked in Baton Rouge and in the surrounding areas, CAMD’s other damages are relatively minor. These include the untimely lightning-caused demise of the door-card system in the third building, a piece of siding ripped from the external walls of the Experiment Hall, flashing torn from the roof of the Experiment Hall, and the uprooting of two crepe myrtle trees and the lone Hackberry tree near the entrance to CAMD.
