All auxiliary cold boxes connected
The cryogenics group at ITER has achieved a significant milestone with the successful integration of the five massive auxiliary cold boxes in the Tokamak Building. Each one, weighing approximately 28 tonnes, has been positioned with exceptional precision to ensure the necessary alignment with the cryoline system.
Located on Level 3 of the Tokamak Building, the auxiliary cold boxes are central to ITER鈥檚 cryodistribution system. They receive cryogenic helium from the cryoplant and distribute it to core tokamak components such as the superconducting magnets and the cryopumps to maintain the ultra-cold conditions needed for fusion experiments. Procured by India and manufactured by Linde Kryotechnik AG in Switzerland, the ACBs began arriving in the Tokamak Building in December 2023. The connection process started in the summer of 2024 and the integration with the cryoline network was completed this month.
鈥淭he process required accurate metrology so we could position everything as per design and line up perfectly with the network cryolines that carry liquid helium in from the cryoplant,鈥 said Lahc猫ne Benkheira, ITER鈥檚 cryogenic systems responsible officer. 鈥淲ith all the connections now completed, we have been able to start testing activities.鈥
Verification and initial testing of the cryolines is underway; the next step will be to install large maintenance platforms around the auxiliary cold boxes and to complete cryoline interconnections on the plant bridge linking the Tokamak Building to the cryoplant.