Preparation of Call for Proposal related to the design of the ITER Hard X-Ray Monitor

Fusion For Energy is planning to launch a Call for Proposal (CfP) for a Grant related to the Design and Technical Specifications for the ITER Hard X-Ray Monitor (HXRM).

The purpose of the HXRM is to detect in a short time - typically in a few ms – the high energy photons (X and gamma rays) induced by the “deconfined” (lost) Runaway Electrons (REs) to trigger mitigation actions as early as possible before potential damages occur.

  1. Context and objectives of the HXRM

Plasma instabilities, such as severe disruption followed by rupture of the plasma equilibrium, may result in the generation of high-energy (relativistic) REs.In normal plasma operation, the toroidal electric fieldconstantly accelerates the electrons that are subsequently slowed down by collisionswith background electrons and ions. In such a situation, the electrons donot reach relativistic velocities and remain confined into the plasma. By contrast, when a rupture of the plasma equilibrium occurs (e.g due to a disruption), a large amount of “deconfined” runaway electrons may escape the plasma with energies of several 10 of MeVs and hit the ITER Wall.During the interaction of the REs with the PFCs, high energy photons are emitted which reveals the occurrence of deconfined REs.

As monitor, the HXRM aims at detecting these high energy photons induced by the “deconfined” REs.

  1. System characteristics, features and top level requirements

The HXRM must detect High Energy Photons (X and Gamma Rays) in the range of 0.5-20 MeV (depending on the first wall material) with typical photon flux from 5x107 -5x1010ph/cm2s.

Since the detector heads of the HXRM will be installed in an Equatorial Port-Plug (EPP), the environmental conditions for the detectors are expected to be:

  • 40-70 oC during plasma operation
  • 220-240 oC during backing conditions (HXRM is not functioning)
  • 1 Tesla (strong magnetic field expected)
  • No severe nuclear (gamma or neutron) background from plasma (operational inhydrogen plasma only)

In a first instance, the system shall be preferably taken out from the ITER machine after the hydrogen-phase. Alternatively if it is decided to leave the HXRM for the full ITER lifetime, the design shall take into account the material compatibility with thermonuclear burning plasma conditions, i.e the HXRM system even if not require to be operational after the hydrogen phase must not impede or perturb the ITER operation.

The exact location of the system in EPP is not yet identified and could be a non EU EPP. In such a case, interfaces and integration of the system into ITER becomes challenging because it will require interaction with non EU Port Integrator (likely China).

Additional design characteristics and feature related to the HXRM can be found in the ppt annexed(System and project information on ITER Hard X-Ray Monitor Plasma diagnostic) to this document on F4E Industry Portal.

  1. Scope of the Grant

F4E is preparing a Call for Proposal for a Grant to cover the supply of design activities for the HXRM. In particular, these activities shall address the following topics

  1. Establish the design baseline:identify and define the requirement applicable to the system from F4E and IO supplied documentation, perform functional analysis and identification of interfaces
  2. Support F4E and IO in the definition of the conceptual design
  3. Perform design and proposed technical solutions:
  4. Provide CAD work:low and detailed CAD specifications of the system including detailed specifications of the interface (required deep knowledge of CATIA V5 software)
  5. Interface and integration in ITER: define the technical specifications of the interfaces of the system with other ITER components & services. This may require interaction with non EU Domestic Agencies (likely China)
  6. Perform RAMI analysis: including technical and project management risk analysis
  7. Perform performance and simulation analysisto predict system behavior and validate design requirements
  8. Supply engineering analysis and system design: identify load specifications (such as thermal, mechanical, electromagnetic and seismic loads) and conduct detailed engineering design
  9. Prototyping and testing: identify need for prototyping (as part of RAMI analysis and requirement validation process), define the specifications of the prototype and test conditions where necessary
  10. Support design review: produce documentation and participate to design review
  11. Support for Build-to-Print drawings: review, check and assist F4E in the production of final drawing and manufacturing specifications.
  12. QA & Project Management:apply and follow F4E & IO QA processes. (HXRM System is quoted Quality Class 1). Develop strong design practice by implementing value engineering & cost-effective design principles as well asefficient Project Managementincluding management of scope, cost, quality, schedule and risk of the project (remark: time scheduling requires the use of PRIMAVERA software).
  1. Grant characteristics

F4E contribution at 40 %: up to 1 M€

Date for CfP: 1st Quarter of 2014

Start of Grant: 3rd Quarter of 2014

End of Grant: 2017-2018