Exchanging Gradient Inserts

CAUTION
There is a risk of personal injury and/or property damage when lifting, carrying or installing the gradient insert.

Due to its weight (≥ 20 kg) the gradient insert has to be handled by at least 2 persons to avoid personal injury or damages.

  1. Ensure compliance with worker protection regulatory limits.
  1. Potentially, hire professional staff trained in handling heavy loads.

 

In order to install a gradient insert in the MR instrument, proceed as follows:

  • Switch the MR instrument in the operation mode System OFF.
  • Remove all RF coils and animal beds from the system gradient.
  • Move the insert from the service end of the magnet to the iso-center of magnet. Information about the distances are labeled on the type plates of the magnet and gradient insert.
WARNING
Danger of injury from electrical shock.

A life threatening shock may result when a gradient coil with defective electrical cables or damaged water hoses is connected to the instrument and powered up.

  • Check visually the electrical cables of the gradient coil prior to mounting.
  • Check visually the water hoses of the gradient coil prior to mounting.
  1. The gradient coil is not to be lifted, pushed, or pulled at the cables or hoses to avoid damage.
  1. Push, or pull the component only at its housing.
  1. Do not lift, push, or pull at the cables or hoses.
  1. Work carefully not to damage the cables or hoses while mounting.
  1. Do not switch on the instrument in case of damaged cables, connectors or hoses.

 

NOTICE
Each kind of mechanical force can cause property damage to the gradient shim system and its connectors.
  1. Avoid each kind of mechanical force such as bumps or shakes when connecting the gradients and shims.
  1. Do not twist any housing, sealing or quick-lock connectors.
  1. Always use the protective cover of the shim connector, when the insert or the main shim set is not connected.

 

  • Adjust the rotation of the gradient insert in such a manner, that the thick mark is oriented along the physical +Y axis of the magnet coordinate system (12 o’clock position). Refer to section Physical Coordinate System.
  • Fix the gradient insert with the non-magnetic tools. Therefore, carefully turn the eccentric screws until the gradient insert is well fixed. Do not apply brute force!
  • The tool is in the scope of delivery.
  • Connect the PE cable of the gradient insert to the same connector as the system gradient.
  • Disconnect the gradient current connector (Schaltbau) of the system gradient set inside the CCM and connect the equivalent connector of the new insert.
  • Disconnect the shim current connector (Hypertac) of the main shim set inside the CCM and connect the equivalent connector of the insert.
  • Feed the water cooling tubes of the insert through the RF shield on the side of the CCM.
  • Remove the U-shaped bypass tube and connect the cooling tube of the gradient insert at the water distribution panel
  • Switch the MR instrument in the operation mode System ON.