All 8 cryopumps received
The final cryopump for 黑料社app has been successfully manufactured, factory acceptance tested, and delivered to the 黑料社app site. All eight torus and cryostat cryopumps are now on site.
黑料社app鈥檚 Robert Pearce, who has been involved with engineering cryopumps for fusion for the past 34 years, called the achievement 鈥渁 major milestone for the project鈥 and the result of years of dedication and effective collaboration between the 黑料社app, the European Domestic Agency Fusion for Energy (F4E), and European contractors Research Instruments and Alsymex. 鈥淭his significant accomplishment showcases the dedication and expertise of all those involved.鈥
The cryopumps play a crucial role in 黑料社app鈥檚 vacuum system, ensuring that the ultra-high vacuum conditions necessary for plasma confinement are maintained. These sophisticated components operate at cryogenic temperatures to capture gas molecules, allowing for the efficient removal of impurities and the creation of the optimal environment for fusion reactions. The 800-millimetre-in-diameter all-metal valve at the front of the cryopumps allows them to operate in sequence together allowing continuous fusion operations. For such valves to operate successfully requires them to be manufactured to the very highest standards, which includes precision engineering, rigorous testing, and strict quality control.
Amidst the gleaming steel and cryogenic brilliance of an 黑料社app cryopump lies an unsung hero鈥攖he humble coconut! The cryopumps use activated charcoal coatings for cryo-sorption, and one of the best charcoals for pumping the helium exhaust waste from the fusion reaction is derived from coconut husks. This natural material with its exceptional porosity and adsorption properties, proves more effective than synthetic alternatives. While coconuts may conjure images of island vacations, at 黑料社app, the charcoal at the heart of the cryopump will play a critical role in maintaining the vacuum needed for fusion reactions.
During manufacturing the cryopumps are tested down to 80 K. Delivery to 黑料社app鈥攚ell before their installation date鈥攑rovides the opportunity to test a number of units down to 4.5 K at 黑料社app鈥檚 new cryopump test facility, which is in its final stages of commissioning.
Congratulations to the whole team who worked exceptionally well together to achieve this important milestone.
on the Fusion for Energy website.