Manufacturing monitoring and mock-ups validation of the WEST divertor structure and coils

Abstract

In order to fully validate “ITER-like” actively water cooled tungsten plasma facing units, the implementation of an axisymmetric divertor structure in the Tokamak Tore-Supra has been studied. With this major upgrade, the so-called WEST (Tungsten Environment in Steady state Tokamak), Tore-Supra will be able to address the issues of long plasma discharges using a tungsten divertor based on monoblock targets.The divertor structure and coils assembly are made up of two stainless steel casings containing a copper winding pack cooled by a pressurized hot water circuit (up to 180°C, 4MPa) in which a total divertor current of up to 16×13kA is circulating in steady state. The conductor is electrically insulated and wedged inside the casing in order to be mechanically protected.The divertor which is designed to perform steady state plasma operation (up to 1000s), must sustain harsh environmental conditions in terms of ultra light vacuum conditions, electromagnetical loads and electrical insulation (5kV ground voltage) under high temperature (180°C).Therefore, a feasibility study of such a complex structure has been performed. It implied activities on a scale one dummy coil, such as installation, assembly issues and representative tests (electric, thermal and hydraulic).The manufacturing of the divertor structure, which is a large assembly of 4-m diameter representing a total weight of around 20tonnes, started in the second half of 2013 and is expected to be delivered by the end of 2014.The paper will illustrate the technical developments and tests performed during 2013 and beginning of 2014 in order to fully validate the design concept before the industrial phase. The manufacturing methods proposed by the contractor in order to fulfil the technical requirements will be also addressed.