25 July 2019
Design and Production of industrial systems
End of 2018, CNIM has been untrusted with installing the two Sector Sub-Assembly Tools (SSAT), key tools for the construction of ITER reactor (as they will assembly the sectors of the vacuum chamber), with unparalleled adjustment performance (moving twice 400 tons to the nearest millimeter).
Assembling SSAT n°2 - march 2019 © ITER Org
After the installation, it is time for load tests
The SSAT assembly operation completed in June 2019, load tests can now be performed. It consists in carrying out a series of kinematic operations with two mockups, simulating the Toroidal Field Coils (superconducting magnets contributing to the confinement of the plasma inside the vacuum chamber) and positioned on both arms of each SSAT.
The complexity of the functional load tests lies in the dimension of the test models - 17 m high, 8 m wide by 8 m, their weight - 353 tons each - and the positioning to the millimeter.
One more step was taken by CNIM this Monday, July 22 for the ITER program.
Using lifting equipment supplied by ITER, as well as an 800 tons mobile crane and a 750 tons bridge, CNIM, the maneuver leader, managed the delicate operation of installing 353 tons test loads on SSAT # 1, in particular the lifting of the parts and their very precise positioning.
ITER Organization-supported load tests can now start on SSAT # 1. They will last 1 month.
Delivery of functional SSAT is scheduled for fall 2019.
Positionning 353 tons loads to the nearest millimeter: watch the video
Pictures of the installation main steps
Raising 353 tons mockup with 800 T mobile crane
and 750 T bridge ©CNIM
Verticalize the part before routing
the mockup to the SSAT n ° 1 ©CNIM
Securing the mockups on the SSAT n ° 1 before
unhooking the lifting devices ©CNIM
CNIM & ITER : a long-term collaboration
Since 2009, CNIM group has been working closely with ITER Organization and F4E on the ITER nuclear fusion reactor. CNIM provides its expertise in the design and manufacture of highly secure handling solutions, as well as in the industrialization and manufacturing of large equipment with high added
