Next European Torus Plasma Exhaust and Fuel Processing Systems

In a steady-state operation, the Next European Torus fuel system must process more than 20 mol/h of gas with minimal production of solid wastes and environmental releases. Requirements, operating conditions, and resulting options for plasma exhaust and fuel processing are discussed. An integrated process for exhaust pumping, impurity removal, and impurity processing is outlined. This process is based as much as possible on proven elements, or those under intensive investigation in fusion facilities around the world. The integration of a cryogenic roughing pump with helium pump-through and total reflux of the electrolyzer products are novel process enhancements.