E. Kuzmin

ITER vacuum vessel design and construction

Abstract According to recent design review results, the original reference vacuum vessel (VV) design was selected with a number of modifications including 3D shaping of the outboard inner shell. The VV load conditions were updated based on reviews of the plasma disruption and vertical displacement event (VDE) database. The lower port gussets have been reinforced based on structural analysis results, including non-linear buckling. Design of in-vessel coils for the mitigation of edge localized modes (ELM) and plasma vertical stabilization (VS) has progressed. Design of the in-wall-shielding (IWS) has progressed in details. The detailed layout of ferritic steel plates and borated steel plates is optimized based on the toroidal field ripple analysis. The procurement arrangements (PAs) for the VV including ports and IWS have been prepared or signed. Final design reviews were carried out to check readiness for the PA signature. The procedure for licensing the ITER VV according to the French Order on Nuclear Pressure Equipment (ESPN) has started and conformity assessment is being performed by an Agreed Notified Body (ANB). A VV design description document, VV load specification document, hazard and stress analysis reports and particular material appraisal were submitted according to the guideline and RCC-MR requirements.

Vacuum vessel port structures for ITER-FEAT

The equatorial and the upper port structures are the most loaded among those of the ITER-FEAT vacuum vessel (VV). For all of these ports, the VV closure plate and the in-port components are integrated into the port plug. The plugs/port structures are affected by plasma events and must withstand high mechanical loads. Based on typical port plugs, this paper presents the conceptual design of the port structures (with emphasis on the supporting system), and the results of analyses performed.

Final design and start of manufacture of the ITER Vacuum Vessel ports

The ITER Vacuum Vessel (VV) features upper, equatorial and lower ports. Although the port design has been overall completed in the past, the design of some remaining interfaces was still in progress and has been finalized now. As the ITER construction phase has started, the procurement of the VV ports has been launched. The VV upper ports will be procured by the Russian Federation DA, while the equatorial and lower ports will be procured by the Korean DA. The main industrial suppliers were selected and development of the manufacturing design is in progress now. Since the VV is classified at nuclear level N2, design and manufacture of its components are to be compliant with the French code RCC-MR and regulations of nuclear pressure equipment in France. These regulations make a strong impact to the port design and manufacturing process, which is in progress now.

Design and manufacture of the ITER Vacuum Vessel

The main functions of the ITER Vacuum Vessel (VV) are to provide the necessary vacuum for plasma operation, act as first nuclear confinement barrier and remove nuclear heating. The design of the VV has been reviewed in the past two years due to more advanced analyses, design modifications required by the interfacing components and R&D. Following the signature of four Procurement Arrangement (PAs), the manufacturing design of the VV sectors, ports and In-Wall Shielding (IWS) is being finalized and the fabrication of the VV sectors has been started in 2012.

Fabrication Preparation of ITER Vacuum Vessel—Material Considerations, Regulatory Requirements, and Fabrication Plans

Abstract SS 316 L(N)-IG (ITER grade) has been selected as the main structural material for the ITER vacuum vessel (VV), considering its high mechanical strength at operating temperatures, water chemistry properties, excellent fabrication characteristics, and low cost relative to other candidates. The ITER VV is a class-2 box structure as defined in RCC-MR, 2007 edition, which was selected as the code for the design and construction. This paper describes materials, applied code and regulatory requirements, baseline fabrication procedures, and assembly on the site.