Study of in situ heating of aged anode wires

In situ anode wire heating with elevated currents has been studied as a means for elimination of polymer deposits in a methane+TMAE filled wire chamber. One hour heating of an aged wire at 200°C results in a recovery of the initial gain, which is followed by a quick drop. However, the gain remaining after this drop is higher than its value prior to heating, so periodic heat treatments of anode wires would have a beneficial effect. Results of mass spectrometry of anode wire deposits are also presented.