Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology

The Nanotechnology Research Center (NRCB) at the Georgia Institute of Technology provides 30,000 Sq. Ft. of tri-level cleanroom area to facilitate interdisciplinary physical and biological research in nanoscience. Vitatech was retained by M+W Zander to assess the potential EMI impact from main electrical distribution room (i.e., switchgears, transformers, ATS’s, distribution panels, etc.), primary transformers, passenger and freight elevators, and other potential EMI sources to be located within the proposed research center. Vitatech simulated the electrical switchgears, distribution panels, and predicted transformer decay rates to illustrate typical magnetic flux density levels anticipated at specific distances from EMI generating electrical distribution equipment.

During the design phase Vitatech performed switchgear simulations to predict the EMF emissions from the switchgear room. The nanotechnology research center design featured 30,000 square feet of clean rooms critical to research and instruction in microelectronics, semi-conductors, materials, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. 2500-3500 kVa transformers and 4000 amp switch gears were identified as EMI sources that would interfere with research tool performance. Magnetic shielding was recommended for the main switchgear room.

Vitatech designed, fabricated and installed AC ELF Magnetic Shielding Systems inside the main switchgear room to minimize the EMF impact from the dual 4000 amp switchgears on adjacent EMI sensitive research laboratories and to ensure optimum tool performance over the lifetime of the building. Final EMI Commissioning was performed in August 2008 and verified compliance to the 0.1 mG Brms (Bx, By and Bz axes) magnetic flux density performance requirement measured 3 meters from the shield under all normal and peak loads.

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