September 2008
KineOptics has been awarded the contract to supply the LIGO program with another 197
HEPI Hydraulic Seismic Isolation Actuators. These will be installed in both the LIGO
Livingston Observatory and the LIGO Hanford Observatory with most installed in Hanford.
KineOptics will use Next Intent in San Luis Obispo for the majority of the machined parts.
LIGO, (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory), is a joint MIT / Caltech
project observing gravitational wave radiation.
Below are some pictures of the assembly of the LIGO HEPI Actuators.
Welding the Bleed Tubes to the Bleed Tube Sleeves.
The Diaphragm is inserted and the Diaphragm Restraint is screwed down to clamp it.
The first set of Shims are installed.
A Resistor is installed and another set of Shims. The Shims are .004" thick.
Another Resistor Plate ans the last set of Shims. The Resistor Cap is then installed and screwed down.
Welding the supply and return lines on to the Manifold.
Welding the Bleed Tube to the Manifold.
A group of Manifolds ready for installation.
A group of Actuator Plates and Bellows in a welding process, currently in a cooling cycle.
Welding the Bleed Tube to the Actuator Plate during the Manifold installation.
Welding the Top and Bottom Plates to the Bellows.
Great care must be taken while welding next to the thin Bellows.
A group of HEPI Actuators lined up waiting for final welding and components.
A closeup of the Actuator Plate and the Manifold.
Leak testing using a Varian helium leak detector.
Actuators finished and ready for shipping.
A stereo picture of a bunch of Actuators ready to ship. Cross eyes to view.
LIGO HEPI Actuators in 2003 at the LLO Observatory
