Subscribe options

Select your newsletters:

Please enter your email address:

@

Your email address will only be used for the purpose of sending you the ITER Organization publication(s) that you have requested. ITER Organization will not transfer your email address or other personal data to any other party or use it for commercial purposes.

If you change your mind, you can easily unsubscribe by clicking the unsubscribe option at the bottom of an email you've received from ITER Organization.

For more information, see our Privacy policy.

News & Media

Latest ITER Newsline

  • On site | 28 who "truly shined"

    The new ITER Star Awards recognize exemplary performance and commitment. Every year, during the annual assessment campaign, ITER staff may be recognized for exe [...]

    Read more

  • MT-28 Conference | Superconducting magnets as a catalyst

    Many passers-by paused for a moment and picked up their cell phones to capture the scene. It was indeed rare to see dancers on the square outside of the Pavillo [...]

    Read more

  • Fusion world | TCV tokamak turns 30

    The Swiss TCV tokamak (for Tokamak à Configuration Variable, or 'variable configuration' tokamak) has been exploring the physics of nuclear fusion for 30 years [...]

    Read more

  • Image of the week | Port cell with a view

    A visit to ITER would not be complete without a peek into the Tokamak pit where the machine is being progressively assembled. For several years, one of the equa [...]

    Read more

  • Visit | Chinese Minister reaffirms "full support"

    ITER Director-General Pietro Barabaschi and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) Wang Zhigang share a common academic background. They both tra [...]

    Read more

Of Interest

See archived entries

Central solenoid

All one needs to begin stacking

A beginner's Erector Set? Elements for an innovative board game? Not quite: these three circular structures and the tools and accessories scattered about are all one needs to begin building the ITER central solenoid, a massive, 18-metre-tall magnet weighing in excess of 1,000 tonnes.

All the elements are now in place to start building the 1,000-tonne, 18-metre-tall central solenoid—a superconducting magnet powerful enough to lift an aircraft carrier out of the water. (https://www.iter.org/newsline/-/2924) (Click to view larger version...)
All the elements are now in place to start building the 1,000-tonne, 18-metre-tall central solenoid—a superconducting magnet powerful enough to lift an aircraft carrier out of the water. (https://www.iter.org/newsline/-/2924)
The yellow structure at the bottom left is the "lifting fixture," a bespoke tool that will handle each of the six central solenoid modules by exerting a strong radial force from the outside, clutching and securing them in a 220 kN (kilonewton) embrace. To the right of the lifting fixture, awaiting assembly, is the circular helium manifold plate that will support the C-shaped pipe connected to the magnet's cooling circuit.

Wrapped in pink protective plastic at the upper left of the image is the first of the six modules that will be stacked, connected and held together by a set of tie plates to form the central solenoid. Manufactured by General Atomics in California, the central solenoid modules are the most emblematic of US Domestic Agency contributions to ITER.

To the right of the module sits the assembly platform. Nine circular fiberglass plate are already in place for ground insulation and height adjustment. The future stack of modules, in its support structure, will rise 18 metres.

Delivered in September last year, verified and equipped throughout the fall and winter, the first central solenoid module will be lifted and positioned on the assembly platform this summer.



return to the latest published articles