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Colin Judge: Testing structural materials in Idaho’s newest hot cell facility
Idaho National Laboratory’s newest facility—the Sample Preparation Laboratory (SPL)—sits across the road from the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF), which started operating in 1975. SPL will host the first new hot cells at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) in 50 years, giving INL researchers and partners new flexibility to test the structural properties of irradiated materials fresh from the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) or from a partner’s facility.
Materials meant to withstand extreme conditions in fission or fusion power plants must be tested under similar conditions and pushed past their breaking points so performance and limitations can be understood and improved. Once irradiated, materials samples can be cut down to size in SPL and packaged for testing in other facilities at INL or other national laboratories, commercial labs, or universities. But they can also be subjected to extreme thermal or corrosive conditions and mechanical testing right in SPL, explains Colin Judge, who, as INL’s division director for nuclear materials performance, oversees SPL and other facilities at the MFC.
SPL won’t go “hot” until January 2026, but Judge spoke with NN staff writer Susan Gallier about its capabilities as his team was moving instruments into the new facility.
S.J. Breretonb, L.J. Perkins
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | May 1991 | Pages 1563-1568
ITER | Proceedings of the Ninth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Oak Brook, Illinois, October 7-11, 1990) | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29564
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The ultimate performance of ITER has the potential to exceed the nominal levels needed to meet the objectives of the Physics and Technology phases, as outlined in the ITER Terms of Reference. Higher power levels, even with the existing set of physics design rules, may be achievable with modifications to torus components and appropriate additions to the balance of plant. It may also be possible to generate net electric power from a machine the same size as the current ITER baseline, but with a slightly different design. Because of the large investment in ITER and the value of the information gained from its operation to the progress of fusion research, it is important that the operation and performance of the machine be maximized. The greater value of information that could be obtained with more ambitious performance levels must be weighed against the additional costs, technological risks, and safety implications. This study examines the feasibility and implications of a potential third phase, or Advanced Technology Phase (ATP) for ITER. Performance prospects for this phase, under certain assumptions, have been assessed. Impacts on other systems, other components, safety, and configuration have been assessed. The study shows that net electric power can be obtained, but innovative divertor designs are needed, along with changes in the heat transport system, shielding, and machine configuration. The net electric power produced comes with the risk of increased safety concerns, and additional costs. Net power generation from a single sector (1/16) of the machine is also considered. In terms of cost, complexity, and risk, this may be a more desirable option for demonstrating net electric power production.