The tritium laboratory karlsruhe: R&D work and laboratory layout

Abstract

The Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe (TLK) provides the technical means for R&D work on the fuel cycle and components of the next fusion device within the framework of the European Fusion Technology Programme. Other areas of tritium research such as blanket interfaces, fueling devices, plasma facing components, etc. are within the wider scope of the future activities. This paper summarizes current tritium research activities at the Nuclear Research Center Karlsruhe; these investigations constitute the basis for the first large scale experiments at the TLK. The infrastructure of the TLK is treated in detail, in particular information is given on tritium processing systems such as storage, transfer, chemical purification, and isotope separation. Important tritium safety aspects and the control system are described. The present status of the laboratory and the time schedule for licensing and commissioning is also addressed.