Concerning HL-LHC upgrade, piezo valve actuators may be installed in areas with radiation levels exceeding 50 kGy. These actuators are equipped with integrated electronics, which include ICs and microcontrollers. Consequently, the electronics are susceptible to failure at radiation doses significantly lower than 50 kGy. To address this, a custom PCB was developed at CERN to replicate the actuators' functionality using only relays, resistors, capacitors, and diodes, ensuring enhanced resilience to radiation-induced failures.

Valve actuators had to be carefully disassembled for the electronics replacement. After doing so, they were tested to make sure that they still operate according to their specifications.

Last year, a piezo valve actuator was exposed to 56 kGy of radiation in a passive test, aimed at evaluating the effects of such radiation levels on its materials. The test revealed that certain components, particularly the black holding case, became brittle. As a result, the case was redesigned and 3D printed using Accura25 and ULTEM materials to improve durability. Extended testing is planned over the coming months to further assess the performance and resilience of the actuator under radiation exposure.