Advances Towards a Large-Area, Ultra-Low-Gas-Consumption RPC Detector

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel RPC detector design that significantly reduces gas consumption by encapsulating the glass stack in a tight plastic enclosure, addressing logistical and environmental challenges.

Contribution

The study presents a new construction concept for RPCs that enables ultra-low gas flow operation, improving sustainability and reducing operational costs.

Findings

Successful operation at ultra-low gas flow regime

Enhanced water vapor blocking with polypropylene enclosure

Potential for large-area deployment with reduced gas logistics

Abstract

Large Resistive Plate Chamber systems have their roots in High Energy Physics experiments at the European Organization for Nuclear Research: ATLAS, CMS and ALICE, where hundreds of square meters of both trigger and timing RPCs have been deployed. These devices operate with complex gas systems, equipped with re-circulation and purification units, which require a fresh gas supply of the order of 6 cm$^{3}$/min/m$^{2}$, creating logistical, technical and financial problems. In this communication, we present a new concept in the construction of RPCs which allowed us to operate a detector at ultra-low gas flow regime. With this new approach, the glass stack is encapsulated in a tight plastic box made of polypropylene, which presents excellent water vapor blocking properties as well as a good protection against atmospheric gases.