Leap forward for ITER's correction coils
25 May 2012
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Wang Li, ASIPP
Laser welding equipment for the correction coils.
The manufacturing line for the ITER correction coils was inaugurated in Hefei, China on 28 April in the presence of leaders from the Chinese Domestic Agency for ITER (CN-DA), the Anhui Provincial Department of Science and Technology, the Institute of Plasma Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), experts, and representatives of sub-suppliers. This marks the official launch of correction coil production task.
"The correction coils are part of the ITER magnet system and they will play a key role in ITER's performance," said Luo Delong, vice director of CN-DA. "All of the correction coils will be manufactured and provided by China. No matter how difficult the task is, we must complete it on time, and with high quality. I hope that ASIPP can take advantage of this opportunity to improve the technology and processes in superconducting magnet manufacturing."
CN-DA Director Luo Delong and ASIPP Director Li Jiangang witnessing the final assembly of the manufacturing line.
Within the vast, 2,300 square-metre facility, the equipment was assembled on time, including the winding line—one of the most important parts of the manufacturing process. The equipment for vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) had undergone commissioning tests in the presence of ITER Organization representatives that showed that all parameters can meet technical requirements. A laser welding process for correction coil case closure was also selected.
The completion of all commissioning tests will ensure the start of Phase III in the correction coil production task: manufacturing process qualification.
Luo Delong congratulated all those responsible for the completion of the correction coil production line. Wang Min, vice director of the Project & Engineering Department at CN-DA; Li Hongwei, correction coil Technical Responsible Officer; and Li Jiangang, ASIPP director, also took part in the ceremony.