This instructional video demonstrates how to clean the penning gauge.
The Penning Gauge uses high voltage to measure the vacuum in the analyzing chamber. Perform maintenance after putting the instrument into shutdown mode and turning the power supply OFF. You need to clean this gauge if there is a sudden fluctuation in the (AN) vacuum meter reading of more than 5 x 10-3 Pa while you are monitoring the meter. In this case, the typical meter fluctuation is ±10%. Spiking signals are another indication of the need to maintain the Penning Gauge.
Tool and Supplies Required
The following items are needed to maintain the Penning Gauge:
Safety glasses
Protective laboratory gloves
Circlip pliers (pointed nose pliers)
Needle nose pliers
Fluoro-elastomer O-ring
Jewel driver or feeler gauge
Waterproof sandpaper (Agilent P/N G1833-65404)
2% Detergent solution
Pure water
Laboratory tissue
* Use powder-free gloves that are resistant to organic solvents (methanol).