Response of the RF power system to off-normal conditions on APT

Abstract

The Accelerator Production of Tritium (APT) plant utilizes a 1700 MeV linear accelerator. The accelerating potential for the 100 mA proton beam is provided by up to (depending on production requirements) 244 one MW klystrons. Control of amplitude and phase at each coupling port provides optimum beam parameters. However, when a fault occurs or operation is required at reduced beam currents ('off-normal conditions'), the Radio Frequency (RF) system must compensate to maintain the cavity field. This paper describes the projected off-normal conditions and the response of the RF system to accommodate these conditions and minimize downtime.