MTS Material Test Systems - Manual (Page 76)

9.1.0 Decommission Test System
The decommissioning process is performed when the system is going to be moved or taken out of service.
Disassembly is required when performing either of these tasks.
1. Remove specimen and fixtures. Large grips should be removed if the load frame is going to be tipped
over.
2. Move the actuator piston rod down to its lowest position, fully into that cushion.
3. If the unit has hydraulic lifts move the crosshead to its lowest position and torque the manual crosshead
locking bolts. However, if the unit is going to be moved, the crosshead might need to be locked at a higher
position to accommodate moving the unit.
If the unit has manual locks select a crosshead position that will accommodate moving the unit and torque
the manual locking bolts.
4. If there are hydraulic grips on the unit, ensure that the hydraulic pressure is relieved from the grip and
release ports and hoses on both grips.
On large grips, position the wedge chambers to the lowest positions, similar to the unit’s piston rod as
noted above.
If the unit has a remote 685 grip supply, cycle the grip/release handles while reducing the pressure setting
to release all pressure from the grips and hoses. Turn off the 685 grip control and disconnect electrical
power. Remove the hoses.
If the unit has an integrated grip control (318 and Landmark) on the frame control panel move the
grip/release handle to the null position and release the pressure using the pressure release valves on the
grip manifold under the control panel.
5. Turn off the HSM.
6. Turn off the HPU or shut off valves if the unit is connected to a hard line distribution system. Allow time
for pressure to bleed off before closing the return shut off valve.
7. Remove the accumulator charging pressure from all accumulators.
8. Hydraulic locks can retain stored pressure. Manually bleed them if the unit is going to be stored or
disassembled.
9. Isolate the system hydraulically.
To isolate the system from hydraulic power requires that the hydraulic supply valve or control is closed.
Depending on your system’s configuration, there is either a manual valve that must be moved to its Off
position or an electronically controlled supply valve that must be turned off. Electronically controlled valves
are either turned off using local controls or the system software interface controls.
10. Isolate the system from electrical power.
When the system electronics, control software, and the system PC are powered down, turn off the system’s
main electrical supply and disconnect all cables.
76 MTS Material Test System Operation
9.0 Decommission