In 2022, Bertin Technologies has supplied its partner Fusion For Energy (F4E) with the prototypes of an In-Vessel Viewing System dedicated to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER project. Its mission: visualize and control the ITER Tokamak’s walls.
Located in Saint Paul-lez-Durance (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), ITER is the largest Tokamak in the world. It is an experimental machine designed to determine the technical and scientific feasibility of fusion energy as a large-scale, carbon-free source of energy for electricity production purpose.
Inside this toroidal installation, the hydrogen gas – under the influence of extreme pressure and temperatures – turns into plasma from which hydrogen atoms can merge and produce energy. This energy is then absorbed as heat by the walls in the vacuum chamber, where it is stocked.
Should there be plasma disruption in the Tokamak’s enclosure, the walls are likely to erode: this is why it is necessary to equip the machine with an internal metrology system such as IVVS, developed jointly by Fusion For Energy and Bertin Technologies.
Deployed by a mechanical system, IVVS’ 6 probes will perform several measurements to know the general state of the Tokamak’s internal structure. They will carry out a thorough inspection of the walls, and give information about the potential erosion of the machine’s walls.
As part of this project, Bertin Technologies was in charge of both conception and implementation of tests on the 6 instruments of the In-Vessel Viewing System, including:
- Project study, carrying out of the critical analysis and proposal for a development plan;
- Critical analysis of the preliminary design;
- Design, conception and evaluation of prototypes.
Once again, this unique and highly technological project demonstrates Bertin Technologies’ know-how in the design and development of state-of-the-art systems for the diagnostics of big scientific instruments.
Image : Credit F4E
