2023-10-16 to 2023-10-20: Semi-Annual Facility Preventive Maintenance

Facility Shutdown October 16th-20th

Birck Nanotechnology Center Preventative Maintenance Closure Notice

October 16, 2023 – October 20, 2023

The Birck Nanotechnology Center will be undergoing a semi-annual preventive maintenance and service closure October 16 through October 20, 2023.  The air handling systems, chemical exhaust systems, toxic gas delivery, and monitoring systems will be down beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, October 16 through 4 p.m. Friday, October 20.  The BNC staff will be performing appropriate preventive maintenance on the process equipment at this time as well. 

All CLEANROOM research work will be suspended until the maintenance activities are completed and all systems are returned to normal.  Only authorized personnel will be allowed to enter the cleanroom during this time period.

In addition, the laboratory areas will also be affected by this systems maintenance.  As such, all LABORATORY activities that involve exhausted fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, and vacuum systems will be down beginning 7 a.m. Monday, October 16 through 4 p.m. Friday, October 20.  However, work that involves taking standard electrical measurements may be carried out in the LABS provided that fluctuating air temperature and humidity do not affect the readings.  No chemical or biological work will be allowed during this period.

It is anticipated that the building and process tool maintenance will be completed by the end of the day on Friday, October 20.  Please check iLabs for equipment status and availability.

For long term research planning please refer to the following future dates for our preventive maintenance closures.

                        Week of April 29, 2024                   Week of Oct 14, 2024

                        Week of May 5, 2025                      Week of Oct 20, 2025

With the approval of the CHIPS Act Project, the Birck Nanotechnology cleanroom will undergo a major utility infrastructure modification that may extend our normal preventive maintenance closure in 2024 and 2025.  We are currently in the design phase and more details will be communicated as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these important preventive maintenance closures.  Please contact me if you need more detailed information.

Birck Nanotechnology Center Leadership