Advances towards a large-area, ultra-low-gas-consumption RPC detector

Large Resistive Plate Chamber systems have their roots in High Energy Physics experiments at the European Organization for Nuclear Research: ATLAS, CMS and ALICE, where hundreds of square meters of both trigger and timing RPCs have been deployed. These devices operate with complex gas systems, equipped with re-circulation and purification units, which require a fresh gas supply of the order of 6 cm3/min/m2, creating logistical, technical and financial problems.In this communication, we present a new concept in the construction of RPCs which allowed us to operate a detector at ultra-low gas flow regime. With this new approach, the glass stack is encapsulated in a tight plastic box made of polypropylene, which presents excellent water vapor blocking properties as well as a good protection against atmospheric gases.