Plasma facing components of EAST

Abstract

EAST plasma facing components (PFCs) have the function of protecting the vacuum vessel, heating systems and diagnostic components from the plasma particles and heat loads, and also additional to this particles and heat loads handling. The PFCs are designed up–down symmetry to accommodate with both double null and single null plasma configuration. All PFCs use graphite tile for plasma facing surfaces affixed to copper alloy heat sink considering economical factor. Based on this structural design, detailed structural and thermal analysis had been carried out. A special deep hole drilling technology was developed to drill cooling channels directly on heat sink for high efficient heat removal. A dry lubricate material is used between stainless steel support and heat sink for the purpose of absorption of thermal expansion. And analysis results show that the present PFCs need to be improved for the next stage of steady state operation. The PFCs are installed in the vacuum vessel together with in-vessel coils, cryopump and diagnostic components. The design, analysis, manufacture and assembly have been finished. As indicated, all the in-vessel components were fabricated and assembled successfully and meet the design requirement for the plasma operation.