Conceptual design finalisation of the ITER In-Vessel Viewing and Metrology System (IVVS)

Abstract

The In-Vessel Viewing and Metrology System (IVVS) is a fundamental tool for the ITER machine operations, aiming at performing inspections as well as providing information related to the erosion of in-vessel components. Periodically or on request, the IVVS probes will be deployed into the Vacuum Vessel from their storage positions (still within the ITER primary confinement) in order to perform both viewing and metrology on plasma facing components (blanket, divertor, heating/diagnostic plugs, test blanket modules) and, more generically, to provide information on the status of the in-vessel components. In 2011, the IO proposed to simplify and strengthen the six IVVS port extensions situated at the divertor level. Among other important consequences, such as the relocation of the Glow Discharge Cleaning (GDC) electrodes at other levels of the machine, this major design change implied the need for a substantial redesign of the IVVS plug, which took part to an on-going effort to bring the integrated IVVS concept – including the scanning probe and its deployment system – to the level of maturity suitable for the Conceptual Design Review. This paper gives an overview of the various design and R&D activities in progress: plug design integration, probe concept validation under environmental conditions, development of a metrology strategy, the whole supported by a nuclear analysis.