Dutch company to build prototype for ITER cryopump

On 13 February the EU launched a contract to build a full size prototype ITER cryogenic vacuum pump through the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA). After a competitive tendering process the Dutch company DeMaCo was awarded the contract. DeMaCo's cooperation with EFDA and the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany, is based on its long-lasting experience in Cryo and Vacuum Technology.

The ITER machine will contain ten such cryo-pumps that produce the vacuum necessary to operate the torus and the cryostat. The ITER torus pumps are unique in that they must function in a fast cyclic mode continuously pumping and regenerating the exhaust of the burning plasma, including the helium produced as a result of fusion.

The pump will take 18 months to build and will undergo a period of intensive testing at the TIMO-2 pump test facility at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. This prototype pump will enable validation of the design and fabrication methods prior to procuring the main batch of ten pumps for ITER.