Engineering challenges and development of the ITER Blanket System and Divertor

Abstract

The ITER Blanket System and the Divertor are the main components which directly face the plasma. Being the first physical barrier to the plasma, they have very demanding design requirements, which include accommodating: (1) surface heat flux and neutronic volumetric heating, (2) electromagnetic loads, (3) nuclear shielding function, (4) capability of being assembled and remote-handled, (5) interfaces with other in-vessel components, and (6) high heat flux technologies and complex welded structures in the design. The main functions of the Blanket System have been substantially expanded and it has now also to provide limiting surfaces that define the plasma boundary during startup and shutdown. As regards the Divertor, the ITER Council decided in November 2013 to start the ITER operation with a full-tungsten armour in order to minimize costs and already gain operational experience with tungsten during the non-active phase of the machine. This paper gives an overview of the design and technology qualification of the Blanket System and the Divertor.