Equipment safety
It is essential that the facility is safely managed in order to ensure that all users can safely and conveniently carry out their experiments. A variety of equipment is employed across numerous projects here at MLF, hence we are engaged in efforts to predict and avoid potential hazards. Additionally, we have established usage rules regarding these types of equipment. We request that all users follow these safety standards and rules when bringing in applicable equipment for use in experiments.
Recorded criteria
Equipment safety: safety standards
Safety standards for the typical equipment brought in by users are recorded here.
Recorded equipment
Equipment safety: rules
Rules on High-temperature furnaces and Electrical safety are also applicable to other instruments, hence we record them here.
Instrument safety: safety standards
1. High-temperature furnaces
Equipment that generates high temperatures (exceeding 100℃) are designated as high-temperature furnaces, and safety inspections (including pre-tests) will be conducted prior to any beamline experiment. The equipment will be permitted for use once its safety has been confirmed. Rule (high-temperature furnace) Please reference the points below for the safety inspection.
1.1 Electrical safety
We will check if the cable and connector conform to equipment specifications. We will check if there are any wiring issues (whether the connectors are exposed, etc.). We will check that the equipment is properly grounded.
1.2 Interlock
We will verify that there is an interlock system that automatically switches off an uncontrollable piece of equipment following a failure of its control mechanisms.
1.2.1 Overheating prevention
The following two methods are used:
- Control thermometer
Once a designated temperature has been surpassed in the control thermometer, the controller automatically halts power input to the device. Many commercially available temperature controllers have this function. - Monitor thermometer
A monitor thermometer, which differs from a control thermometer, is used, and power output is automatically stopped once this exceeds a designated temperature. There are very few commercially available controllers that employ this function. However, cases in which this functionality is effective are as follows: a thermometer that should be in its intended sample position is detached for some reason and is in a different location; the wrong type of thermometer is set up, and normal temperature measurements are not taken; or heater control is working as intended, but a section that should not be heated begins to increase in temperature. For these reasons, monitor thermometers an important system for assuring equipment safety.
As a general rule, MLF asks that high-temperature furnaces that feature both overheating prevention interlock systems mentioned above be brought in and used.
1.2.2 Water cooling
Incorporating an interlock system that uses water or hydraulic pressure is effective when water cooling is required.
1.2.3 Vacuum (pressure)
Incorporating a pressure-limiting interlock system is effective when experiments need to be conducted in a vacuum or within a specific pressure range.
1.2.4 Interlock release
The interlock should be designed so that the equipment does not automatically return to resume operations when it deviates from the activation condition (e.g., in cases where the temperature of the equipment decreases after being automatically stopped due to overheating) once the interlock has been activated and the equipment automatically stopped. The release of the interlock should be manually conducted by an operator after having determined the cause of its activation.
1.3 Emergency stop
A high-temperature furnace should have an emergency stop setup (button) that immediately stops its output whenever there is a problem. Additionally, this setup option should be immediately accessible once a problem has been detected.
1.4 Indicator light setup
We recommend that there be an indicator light that allows for the immediate identification of the operation and abnormalities of the high-temperature furnace. Here at MLF we recommend that the color of the indicator light corresponds with the following: ○ High-temperature furnace operation: red light ○ Abnormality present: flashing red light + warning sound MLF is considering providing this indicator light to users in the future.
1.5 Operation confirmation tests
We test whether the temperature can be controlled in a stable manner by increasing the temperature of the device to around 10 ºC above the maximum temperature expected to be used in the experiments.
1.6 Burn prevention
Please be careful not to burn yourself by touching the heated samples—for example, when replacing them after the high-temperature measurements. We suggest to place a thermometer to check temperature of sampels.
1.7 Monitoring system
At MLF, we currently demand the constant monitoring of all high-temperature furnaces brought in by users during heating operations. In cases where measurements are predicted to take place over long periods of time, we request that a sufficient number of monitoring individuals are designated prior to experiments.
1.8 Special high-temperature furnaces
The above sections apply to standard high-temperature furnaces; below, we explain those that have special heat generation and sample environment characteristics.
1.8.1 Lamp-based heating furnaces
A furnace tube surrounding the sample in coil-based electric furnaces is hit by the neutron beam, and is causes background. In contrast, heat generation achieved by lamps have an advantage in that you do not have to place any device around the sample. A problematic issue from a safety standpoint is that because samples are radiatively heated from lamp-generated light, setup mistakes or instrument damage may cause light to concentrate upon or irradiate an unintended location, and the subsequent heating of that location may cause unexpected problems. For this reason, we place temperature monitors at various locations during pre-operation tests, to ensure that this type of problem does not occur.
1.8.2 Laser-heating furnaces
Laser-heating furnaces have similar characteristics to the lamp-heating furnaces mentioned above, but are different in that a highly-directed laser is used to heat samples. This instrument is subject to safety inspections by the J-PARC Center Specialized Laser Safety Committee, the inspections are distinct to those conducted by the MLF instrument safety team. Please see Section 7. High-output light sources for reference.
1.8.3 Atmosphere furnaces
Some experiments may perform heating by placing samples in a specified gas atmosphere. In these cases, a safety inspection carried out by the gas safety team will be required in addition to the safety inspections carried out by the equipment safety team, so please be sure to discuss this with the technician—especially so if explosive gases will be used.
2. Cryogenic containers, freezers
2.1 Points of attention when using a top-loading cryogenic container or freezer
[What is a top-loading type?] To facilitate easier sample replacement during cryogenic experiments, some freezers may be designed to enable the extraction of samples while their measurement region is still frozen. In these cases, the sample is attached to a long pole referred to as a "stick", which is used to place the sample into the freezer from the outside (i.e., top). These are referred to as "top-loading type" freezers. If the seal is damaged or weak during stick attachment, external air and moisture can enter into the freezer and either liquefy or solidify. Several baffles are often attached to the stick for heat insulation; however, if moisture develops near the baffles and solidifies (ice block), the liquefied gas inside cannot escape and is trapped inside. When the stick is pulled out at the end of the experiment, the liquefied gas vaporizes due to the increased temperature, and the stick can shoot out like a pistol if the gas suddenly expands.
2.2 Sticks brought in by the user
Self-made sticks used in experiments are also treated as equipment brought in by the user.
We recommend keeping in mind contacting the instrument group before the stick’s manufacture. In addition, please submit an experimental equipment carry-in / use form from the user support system before bringing in and using the stick.
We have sticks provided by beamline groups, so please be sure to refer to the webpage of the beamline you intend to use.
https://mlfinfo.jp/en/beamlines.html
2.3 Points of attention when operating in the presence of cryogen
2.3.1 Types that use cryogen (liquid helium, liquid nitrogen)
(1) Safety education (cryogenic team) lectures on liquid nitrogen / helium use
A safety education lecture delivered by the cryogenic team must be attended by all users when handling cryogens at J-PARC. Please visit the website below and watch the e-learning lecture (please note—this can only be accessed with a J-LAN network, hence will need to be completed after arrival at J-PARC).
http://jnu-cryo-srv2.j-parc.jp/~cryo-section/e-learning/
Recommended browser：Google Chrome
Confirmed operating environments：Google Chrome 32.0.1700.102 and later versions
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
Safari 5.1.10
Non-operating environments：
Internet Explorer 8 and later versions (according to the "KEK Cryogenics Science Center User Education page")
(2) Points of attention
- Do not operate in a sealed environment
- For instances in which vaporized gases may become trapped: set up an oximeter and warning devices ・Frostbite prevention: gloves worn ・Prevention of hypoxic / anoxic conditions (suffocation) ・Cases where work is performed at elevated height -Implementation of precautionary steps against falls
2.3.2 Types that do not use cryogens
We will primarily confirm the safety of electrical wiring, such as the power supply relating to the operation of compressors used in refrigeration, etc. Please refer to Section 5. Electrical equipment for details.
3. High-strength magnetic field generator
3.1 Hazards accompanying strong magnetic field generation
When magnetized objects (e.g., screwdrivers, wrenches) are placed near to a strong magnetic field, they can be suddenly pulled in. This can result in human injuries through pinching, and furthermore applies unnecessary force to instruments, resulting in quench—discussed later.
As a general rule, we hope that experiments are set up so that these events cannot occur; however, when this is difficult to do, we will consult the experimental procedure to confirm that the experimenter does not intend to engage in these types of activities.
We will check that access is restricted for anyone other than the experimenter during magnetic field excitation. The standard for restricted entry is set at 5 Gs. We also request that the extent of magnetic field leakage in the vicinity of the instrument be determined beforehand.
Please ensure that a notification or a rotating light is used so that the presence of magnetic field excitation can be made known to everybody in the vicinity, in addition to the experimenter.
We are currently preparing a rotating light setup for future users. The recommended display method at the facility is as follows: operation – red light abnormality (quench occurrence) – flashing red light + warning sound.
3.2 Dangers associated with cryogen (liquid helium / nitrogen) use (in superconductor magnets using cryogens)
3.2.1 Please refer to the page on cryogenic containers and freezers for points of attention concerning the handling of cryogens.
3.2.2 Points of attention during quench occurrence
In superconducting magnets, a coil is cooled to below a superconducting transition temperature, and a large electric current is passed through it after its electric resistivity has been reduced to zero, this generates a strong magnetic field. However, the superconducting state can be broken for a number of reasons, suddenly preventing the flow of electric current; this phenomenon is known as a quench. A large amount of heat is generated when quenching occurs; if liquid helium is used to cool the coil it boils off immediately. This can result in suffocation for anybody in an enclosed space around the apparatus.
For this reason, please assess the airspace conditions near the magnet, to ensure that there are no potential suffocation hazards for the experimenters in the case of a quench occurrence. Please set up (or carry) an oximeter if this hazard is present, and undertake safe practices so that this hazard does not occur in the operating space while conducting experiments.
For the above, even if a quench occurs, there is no hazard if nobody is present in the suffocation hazard area.
Therefore, there is no need to put a person to observe the apparatus.
However, white smoke is generated when a quench occurs, which may cause confusion among other experimenters in the Experimental Hall if they think that a fire has broken out; thus, at MLF we currently request that a person is present during magnetic field excitation. However, if quench occurrence is displayed with a rotating light and its reporting procedure is followed, the experiment may be conducted without a person observing the apparatus. Please ask us during the safety inspections for details.
3.3 Safety precautions for electrical equipment
We will confirm the standards and specifications of the cables connecting the power input / output and electromagnets, as well as the wiring conditions in power sources for electromagnet use. Additionally, we will confirm whether there are interlock functionalities in place to cut off power in cases where an electric current exceeding electromagnet or cable specifications flows as a result of some kind of error.
Compressors are used for cooling coils in cases of superconducting magnets that do not use cryogens; however, in these cases we will confirm the safety of the compressor power wiring, etc. Please see the electrical equipment page for further details on safety precautions for electrical equipment.
4. High-voltage application devices
4.1 Connectors
BNC connector standards are suitable up to 500 V. Please use an SHV connector for voltages above this value. However, please assess the specifications of each product for their maximum usable voltage.
4.2 Cables
Please select cable specifications by inspecting their specified voltage or maximum usable voltage. In these cases, please check the maximum voltage of the equipment (which is generated as a result of the instrument using this equipment). Please avoid situations in which the cable junctions, etc. do not have their plastic sheath removed and their bare wires exposed, because these would allow for people to easily touch them.
4.3 Power sources
Please use a power source with specifications that are appropriate for the experimental conditions.
4.4 Systems
Another important point is to put a protection circuit as a safety measure against the rare case of short circuiting, in order to safeguard against fires and equipment damage occurring as a result of the large flow of electric current.
4.5 Equipment maintenance
Dust is a serious issue in high-voltage experiments. Please be particularly mindful of this in areas where high voltage is applied.
4.6 Warning displays
We request that warning displays such as "High Voltage!" be included on devices that generate high voltage.
4.7 Post-experiment handling
After completing measurements in experiments where high voltage is applied to samples, please keep in mind the possible electrification of samples, and ensure that operational procedures are followed, such as an appropriate discharge treatment.
5. Electrical equipment
5.1 Cables
Please ensure that the cables used match the rated capacity of the equipment. For this reason, please record the rated capacity on the experimental equipment carry-in / use form.
5.1.1 Power cables
Power cables that connect instruments, etc. often use a vinyl cab tire (VCT) (e.g., control panel – pump, power source – electromagnet).
However, here at MLF, we request that a Grade 2 rubber cab tire cable (2PNCT) is used for power supply that travel over a fixed distance (2 m), considering damages caused by human traffic and the movement of equipment over the cable.
Cables for power supply other than electric outlet plugs should use a round crimping terminal, and an insulation cap should be used so that the metal sections are not exposed.
5.1.2 Cord reels, extension cords
These are permitted only for temporary work.
Please prepare and use either item with a sub-15 A circuit breaker (rated below 15 A) and a 2-pole ground wire-included terminal, or a separate surge protector that includes a circuit breaker rated below 15 A, etc.
Please be sure to draw out the entire length of the cord from the cord reel when in use. Please do not use an item if its cord is frayed, and ensure proper repair when this is the case.
5.1.3 Degradation over time
Even ready-made products can undergo age-related degradation and abnormalities such as damage to their cables and connectors. In these cases, we request an appropriate treatment, such as replacement.
5.2 Plugs
As a general rule, please use a grounded two-blade model for 100 V plugs.
In order to avoid confusion with 100 V plugs, 200 V plugs have a design that is specified by law (JIS C8303 and NEMA standards). We also request that they feature indicators that allow them to be immediately identified.
5.3 Grounding
We will confirm whether equipment is properly grounded for electrical safety purposes. We will confirm safety even in exceptional cases, such as a floating ground (for noise prevention), etc.
5.4 Fuses
Self-made equipment must have an appropriately rated fuse, in anticipation of the event that it short circuits and generates a large electrical current.
5.5 Capacity
Additional application procedures may be necessary for cases in which a user brings in electrical equipment with a rated capacity of 7.5 kW or exceeding 7.5 kVA, or alternatively a rated electric current that exceeds 30 A.
6. Stress-generating devices
We list below the necessary precautions to be taken when high pressures are generated by pressing the sample, or in the converse case in which high stresses are generated by a device pulling on the object.
6.1 Projection of sample, sample container, anvil, etc. due to failure
The major hazards of high-pressure and tensile tests occur during the pressurization or tensile application process, when damage to the sample, sample container, anvil, etc., or errors in the pressurization or tensile application, can result in an explosive energy that projects the internal components outward.
We will confirm the pressure resistance of sample containers. Please conduct pressure resistance tests to ensure that items can sufficiently withstand the planned pressures of the experimental conditions. Additionally, please prepare documents that display these test results.
Please have these documents ready in cases where pressure resistance calculations were performed during the experiment design stage.
We will confirm that a protective layer is installed if there is a risk that internal components might become projectile due to large stress levels. We will confirm in the operational procedure whether there is a risk of collateral damage to other individuals in the area.
6.2 Preventing the projection of radioactive samples and other contents
Please refer to the "Scattering of radioactive samples and containers" section of the sample container page.
6.3 Cases where gases are used for high pressure generation
Please refer to the gas safety page.
7. High-output light sources
First, please confirm the classification of the laser to be used.
7.1 Class 3B and 4
A safety inspection by the J-PARC Specialized Laser Safety Committee is required and will take time. Please try to carry out this inspection prior to proposal submission; if this is not possible, please contact the staff promptly via the user’s office following proposal acceptance.
Note: We request that you contact us as soon as possible, because this may affect the feasibility of the experiment at our facilities.
7.2 Class 3R, 3B, and 4
Users must submit a "laser setup form." After the proposal has been accepted, please submit the "experimental equipment carry-in / use form" once the users have decided to bring in their laser.
User support system: https://jus.j-parc.jp/usjparc/ui/index_E.jsp
7.3 Class 1, 1M, 2, and 2M
Users are not required to undergo the aforementioned safety inspection or submit a "laser setup form." Similar to the case in which other equipment is brought in, users must submit an "experimental equipment carry-in / use form."
User support system: https://jus.j-parc.jp/usjparc/ui/index_E.jsp
7.4 High-output light sources other than lasers (xenon light source, mercury vapor lamp light source, etc.)
- We will check how to use the device to make sure it will not damage your eyes.
- We will confirm ventilation conditions in cases where ozone may be generated due to ultraviolet light.
- We will confirm whether suitable prevention measures are in place for cases where the possibility of ignition due to heating from light radiation.
- Inspection standards for high-temperature furnaces will be applied if the light source is used for heating purposes.
- We will confirm whether there is any damage to the cables, and whether there is proper grounding, etc. in its capacity as a piece of electrical equipment.
8. Sample containers
Powders, liquids, and gases cannot hold their own form, hence sample containers are required for cases in which these are to be measured as a unit with a specified quantity.
Additionally, when high pressure is applied, samples are to remain sealed in their container, and pressure is to be applied to this container. Standard sample containers are often provided for each instrument; however, there are cases in which users may wish to bring and use their own containers to conduct measurements under special sample environments. In these situations, we will assess the soundness of the sample containers, using the following criteria.
8.1 Chemical safety
Leaks from containers that hold strongly acidic or basic solutions can damage equipment in their vicinity and injure nearby workers. Containers with these types of liquids are to be made of a material that is not affected by these liquids and with a structure that does not allow for leakage of the sample. The same requirements hold for containers that are intended for toxic or flammable (ignitable) samples.
The chemical properties of samples can change in response to experimental conditions (e.g., temperature changes). For these reasons, it is important to confirm that the container can safely hold the sample under the desired experimental conditions. With this in mind, we request that the soundness of the sample and sample container under the desired measurement conditions be confirmed prior to arrival, and that any observed effects be indicated in the notes sections of the sample / chemical carry-in application form (for samples) and the experimental equipment carry-in / use form (for sample containers) to be submitted. If indicated, we will consider these confirmation results during the safety inspection.
8.2 Damage to the sample container
Sample containers can be damaged if they are unable to withstand the pressure differences between the inside and outside of the container. The container will break, and both it and its contents will become projectiles with large energies, particularly if the container does not have the sufficient pressure resistance to cope with the temperature changes of the gas sealed within it. The same situation also expected for experiments in which a high pressure is generated; for example, high-pressure experiments, in which a container will break if it is not sufficiently pressure resistant, again resulting in it and its contents becoming projectiles with large energies. We will confirm the permittable pressure differences as well as the pressure resistance of the container during safety inspections.
Depending on the instrument, there may be cases in which the gases in sample containers are not classified as high pressure, or in which only temperature changes occur. In these cases, the beamlines have sample containers whose soundness has already been confirmed, thus we recommend that these standard sample containers be used.
8.3 Scattering of radioactive samples and sample containers
Samples and sample containers will become radioactive during neutron beam experiments. Radioactive substances may leak from their container if the sample container is damaged. Depending on the degree of leakage (minute, massive, explosive), this may result in the spread of contamination to the experimental equipment, laboratory, and Experimental Hall, as well as to the relevant users and those in the vicinity (facility operation will need to be suspended under worst-case scenarios). Decontamination will be performed if contamination is confirmed, and experiments will not be able to re-commence until this has been completed.
To avoid such situations, please ensure that the sample container is sufficiently pressure resistant.
In order to avoid such scenarios, we recommend that an additional external container or a protective cover be included to minimize the degree of sample spread in the rare event that samples escape the container. Please discuss with the radiation safety team via the staff for details on sample and sample container radio-activation.
We will confirm the opening and sealing procedures of the samples held within the container, with the aim of preventing the scattering (occurrence of contamination) of radioactive samples (powders, liquids, gases, etc.). The opening and sealing of radioactive samples (powders, liquids, gases, etc.) held within containers will be carried out in the MLF Experimental preparation laboratory 3. Please discuss with the staff for details.
9. Vacuum pump
The use of oil-sealed rotary pumps is prohibited at MLF. We lend out scroll pumps, roots pumps, and turbo-molecular pumps, so please discuss this with the staff when necessary.
10. Vacuum container / gas piping
10.1 Vacuum containers
MLF will primarily conduct reviews on the material and thickness of sections whose boundaries with the atmosphere are thinnest (e.g., windows) in the case that vacuum containers are used at MLF. The review conditions will vary depending on whether the vacuum container is directly connected with the beamline vacuum.
- Cases in which the vacuum container is independent from the beamline (i.e., not directly connected to the beamline vacuum)
We will evacuate the vacuum container under the actual experimental conditions, and confirm whether there are any abnormalities such as window damage, etc., over the course of at least 30 minutes. - Cases in which the vacuum container is directly connected to the beamline
Users will be required to show via structural calculations that the windows, etc. have a sufficiently high strength for the large atmospheric pressures, or that pressure resistance tests have been conducted at a level at least 25% greater than the pressure levels to be used in experiments. As a general rule, we request that pressure resistance tests be conducted prior to bringing items to MLF, but please discuss with the staff in cases where this is difficult. Additionally, pressure resistance tests in which positive pressures are applied to the vacuum container side (a positively / negatively reversal pressures typically applied during use) are permitted, and separate tests on the sections whose structural calculations are difficult are also permitted.
10.2 Gas piping / containers
Safety inspections on items of equipment that enclose gases, such as gas piping and containers, are similar to those conducted on vacuum containers in that the primary focus is on structurally vulnerable sections such as windows. Inspection standards will vary according to the gas pressure to be used.
- Cases below atmospheric pressure
Items will be maintained in the actual experimental conditions, and we will confirm there is no window damage or gas pressure changes for at least 30 minutes. - Cases above atmospheric pressure
Users will be required to show via structural calculations that the windows, etc. have a sufficiently high strength for the large atmospheric pressures, or that pressure resistance tests have been conducted at a level at least 25% greater than the pressure levels to be used in experiments. As a general rule, we request that pressure resistance tests be conducted prior to bringing items into MLF, however please discuss with the staff in cases where this is difficult. Separate tests on sections for which structural calculations are difficult are also permitted.
Please refer to the radiation safety and chemical safety pages for details regarding the gas to be used. We also request that the bringing in of gas cylinders, etc. be discussed with the high-pressure safety scientist.
11. Equipment setup
All equipment is required to be setup in a safe manner. Safety inspections will confirm the following criteria:
- Is the equipment placed in a stable position so as not to topple over, or alternatively, is it fixed to the floor or a platform?
- Are accessories appropriately attached so as to prevent falling, and are there any unnecessary items placed on top of the equipment?
- Is there a risk of people tripping on cables, etc.?
Equipment safety - regulations
1. High-temperature furnaces
1.1 What are high-temperature furnaces?
"High-temperature furnaces" refer to furnaces that heat measurement samples to temperatures over 100 ºC.
1.2 Pre-test
In cases where the high-temperature furnaces are used to conduct beamline experiments at MLF, their safe operation must be confirmed prior to coming to the beamlines. Ideally, pre-tests should be conducted outside of MLF; however, pre-tests in the sample environment and beamline preparation areas are permitted in cases where the implementation of these tests at MLF is preferable due to experimental preparation-related issues. Three individuals, including the equipment owner (most often the principal investigator (PI)), an MLF equipment safety team scientist, and the instrument scientist, will be present during the pre-test and will confirm the safety of the equipment.
1.3 Confirmation of sample soundness
When conducting high-temperature experiments, it is necessary to consider the occurrence of risks due to changes in the sample conditions under high-temperature environments—for instance, gas generation from the sample resulting in increase of the container pressure, in addition to the risks arising from the high-temperature furnace itself. For these reasons, the principal investigator will confirm the soundness of the sample during high-temperature experiments up to the measurement temperature conditions and report this to the chemical safety team.
1.4 Observation of high-temperature furnace
As a general rule, a pesson who observe the furnace should be present at all times during high-temperature furnace operation. However, there are cases for which observation at all times is not necessary, depending on the equipment. This decision will be made for each case of equipment, using a combined consideration of the furnace risk assessment, the safety measures in place, and the performance experience of the furnace at MLF.
2. Electrical safety
2.1 Experiments conducted at MLF must follow the electrical safety rules of J-PARC and JAEA, in addition to those given by MLF.
2.2 Rules that are applicable at MLF are as follows:
- Standard specifications on the construction of government and other public office facilities (Electrical / Construction design section)
- Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)
- Japanese Electrotechnical Committee (JEC) Standards
- Japan Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (JEM) Standards
- Japanese Cable Standards (JCS)
- Technical Standards for Electrical Equipment
- Indoor Wiring Regulations (JEAC8001)
- Other associated rules / regulations
The following laws are also applicable:
- Electricity Business Act
- Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act
- Electricians Act
- Act on Ensuring Fair Electricity Business Practices
2.3 Specific rules
Additional application procedures are necessary for cases in which a user brings in electrical equipment with a rated capacity of 7.5 kW or exceeding 7.5kVA, or alternatively a rated electric current that exceeds 30 A. In these cases please contact the staff as soon as possible after being informed of proposal acceptance.