Remote Handling and Maintenance of Fusion Reactors

Abstract

The operation of fusion reactors creates one of the most severe industrial environments for maintenance. Remote handling and maintenance systems are essential because of the high radiation levels. The severe temperatures and high heat fluxes incident on first wall equipment mean that maintenance and repair is required. The manipulator equipment must be compatible with vacuum, high temperatures and very high radiation fluxes. The equipment must enter through very small entry ports into the vacuum vessel and yet provide a rigid base for the manipulation of large components. Spar has investigated these problems for the TFTR, JET and NET reactors. This paper describes design solutions appropriate to these toroidal reactors and discusses some of the difficulties associated with the implementation of these designs. Typical maintenance tasks are also described. Future fusion reactor maintenance equipment is considered.