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PCD Improves Productivity Through Team
Work
By John DiMaggio
Under the direction of department head Paul Bellomo, the Power
Conversion Department (PCD) has achieved major productivity improvements
in the manufacturing cycle for the High Voltage Power Supplies (HVPS).
The HVPS provide power for PEP-II’s klystrons, the microwave generators
used to accelerate electron and positron bunches.
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HVPS testing unit.
(Photo courtesy of John DiMaggio) |
There are 11 HVPS in operation at PEP-II,
one at SPEAR3, one in the Klystron Test Laboratory, one at Cornell
University and PCD is building two more for PEP-II and there are plans
for an additional three to be phased in over the next three years.
Klystron Test Laboratory, one at Cornell University and PCD is building
two more for PEP-II and there are plans for an additional three to be
phased in over the next three years.
John DiMaggio, project manager for the HVPS, supervised the
implementation of the improvements, which required a team effort from
many of the personnel within the department.
As a starting point, a laboratory was set up in Bldg. 15 dedicated as an
assembly area for the HVPS. The laboratory was refurbished by Power
Systems Operations technicians, supervised by Serge Ratkovsky.
Ratkovsky and his group also refurbished Bldg. 647, dedicated to the
storage of large parts and equipment for the HVPS. This was not an easy
task because of the many ‘treasures’ stored there by engineers over the
years. Some engineers even cried when their ‘treasures’ were sent to
salvage. Steve Lowe, supervisor of Engineering Services, is having the
roof repaired and a fresh coat of paint will spruce up the area.
Stephen Jenks, a senior technician in PCD, designed and built a new
testing system. A comprehensive electrical diagram was developed by
DiMaggio and Cliff Rogers, an associate engineer under Ponce Rodriquez
in the Electrical Systems Design/Coordination group. Documentation
support was provided by Joe Olszewski, supervisor of Electronic
Coordination/Design.
DiMaggio and Rogers incorporated several design improvements to the HVPS
blueprints. Bellomo designed a schedule system for manufacturing
planning and control. Wayne Linebarger, PCD’s Safety Officer, has
reviewed all building and facility changes to assure compliance to SLAC
and OSHA safety standards.
The improvements achieved in the manufacturing cycle will result in
large cost savings to PCD and SLAC. This will occur through efficiency
in parts ordering and control, assembly and installation cycle and the
general planning and schedule control of present and up-coming HVPS
projects. These improvements were only achievable through the team effort of the PCD employees, who deserve a big ‘Thank you.’
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