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ITER NEWSLINE 8

Dutch company to build prototype for ITER Cryopump

On 13 February the EU launched a contract to build a full size prototype ITER cryogenic vacuum pump through the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA). After a competitive tendering process the Dutch company DeMaCo was awarded the contract. DeMaCo's cooperation with EFDA and the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany, is based on its long-lasting experience in Cryo and Vacuum Technology.

Contract launch meeting at DeMaCo, with from left to right: Robert Pearce (EFDA), Hans Jensen (FZK), Christian Day (FZK), and Ronald Dekker (DeMaCo). (Click to view larger version...)
Contract launch meeting at DeMaCo, with from left to right: Robert Pearce (EFDA), Hans Jensen (FZK), Christian Day (FZK), and Ronald Dekker (DeMaCo).
The ITER machine will contain ten such cryo-pumps that produce the vacuum necessary to operate the torus and the cryostat. The ITER torus pumps are unique in that they must function in a fast cyclic mode continuously pumping and regenerating the exhaust of the burning plasma, including the helium produced as a result of fusion.

Model of ITER cryopump. (Click to view larger version...)
Model of ITER cryopump.
The pump will take 18 months to build and will undergo a period of intensive testing at the TIMO-2 pump test facility at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. This prototype pump will enable validation of the design and fabrication methods prior to procuring the main batch of ten pumps for ITER.

return to Newsline #8