3 maintaining the library, Periodic and routine maintenance, Maintaining tape cartridges – HP EML E-series Tape Libraries User Manual
Page 67: Cleaning ultrium tape drives

3 Maintaining the library
This chapter describes routine maintenance and solutions to problems you might encounter while
operating the library.
Periodic and routine maintenance
This section describes maintenance that occurs on a scheduled or as-needed basis.
Maintaining tape cartridges
NOTE:
In addition to the information provided in this manual, see the
HP StorageWorks Ultrium Tape Drive
User’s Guide
from
For longer life of recorded or unrecorded tape cartridges:
•
Do not carry tape cartridges loosely in a container that exposes them to unnecessary physical
shock. Dropping or bumping tape cartridges can dislodge and damage internal components.
•
Store tape cartridges vertically in their protective cases until needed. Store tape cartridges in a
clean environment that duplicates the conditions of the room in which they will be used.
•
Use tape cartridges in temperatures between 10˚C and 40˚C (50˚F to 104˚F).
•
If a tape cartridge has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, stabilize the tape cartridge at room
temperature for the same amount of time it was exposed for up to 24 hours.
•
Keep tape cartridges out of direct sunlight, and do not place tape cartridges near electromagnetic
interference sources, such as terminals, motors, and video or X-ray equipment. Doing so can
cause data on the tape cartridge to be altered or erased.
•
Do not touch the tape medium or open the tape door unnecessarily. Dust and skin oils can
contaminate the tape, impact performance, and cause damage.
•
Store tape cartridges in a dust-free environment where the relative humidity is between 20 percent
and 80 percent. For longer tape cartridge life, store the tape cartridge at 40 percent to 60
percent relative humidity.
•
Use only HP qualified bar code labels. Apply them only in the designated areas of the tape
cartridge, and do not apply more than one per tape cartridge.
•
Follow guidelines provided by the tape cartridge manufacturer.
CAUTION:
Do not touch the tape leader or the tape medium. Dust or skin oils can contaminate the tape
performance, and cause damage.
Cleaning Ultrium tape drives
Be aware of the following:
•
Ultrium tape drives have been developed to have a minimal cleaning requirement.
•
An HP Ultrium universal cleaning cartridge can be used up to 50 times. If you are using an older
HP Ultrium cleaning cartridge, check the documentation that came with your cleaning cartridge.
Enterprise Modular Library E-Series
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