Image of the week
Designed for a strong embrace
21 Mar 2022
Contrary to most components, the 110-tonne central solenoid modules cannot be equipped with lifting rings—drilling into the module is impossible and there is no space to place the attachments. As a consequence, US ITER has designed a unique tool that will clutch the module and secure it in its hold by exerting a strong radial force from the outside.
The wedge pads in the lifting fixture will clutch the module by exerting a radial force of 220 kN (kilonewtons) each.
Nine rectangular wedge pads located at the bottom of the "lifting fixture" (five are clearly visible in this image) will each exert a force of 220 kN (kilonewtons) on the module as it is lifted and moved from the temporary table to the assembly platform.
From November 2021 to January 2022, the teams practiced this delicate operation in the free space inside the Cryostat Workshop. Last week, the lifting fixture was moved to the Assembly Hall area dedicated to central solenoid activity. The installation of the first module on the assembly platform is scheduled during the last days of April.