Fusion for Energy (F4E) has completed delivery of the eight torus and cryostat cryopumps to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) under construction at Cadarache in France. The components, a key part of the reactor’s fuel cycle and vacuum systems, were manufactured in collaboration with Research Instruments (RI) and Alsymex. Subcontractor Leering shaped the stainless-steel thermal shields through hydroforming and Pro-beam carried out electron beam welding on the plates. Later, RI assembled all the parts, carefully fitting in the cryogenic pipes and installing the casing and valve assembly produced by Alsymex.
“The cryopumps required a flawless production chain to secure the tight tolerances all through machining, welding and assembly. Thanks to a smooth coordination, we managed to meet the standards and even solve some unforeseen issues on the spot,” said Francina Canadell, Project Manager at F4E.
At ITER, the cryopumps will ensure the low-density conditions inside the massive device, to allow the fusion reaction to happen. Out of the eight delivered by F4E, two will serve the cryostat and six will be connected to the vacuum vessel through the divertor. The cryopumps will trap gas particles using cryopanels, cooled at ultra-low temperatures of about 4K (-269°C), and later release them to re-process the unburned fuel.
In the coming years, ITER Organisation will test the cryopumps under real cryogenic conditions by connecting them to the powerful cryoplant circuits.
