Recent Progress on the Predesign and Feasibility Studies of the Net Shielding Blanket Segments

This paper summarizes the main conclusions of a study contracted by the NET Team to the CEA, with Framatome as subcontractor, to perform predesign and feasibility studies of the NET shielding blanket segments. A first phase of the study has been devoted to a comparative assessment of candidate blanket concepts, according to a list of criteria including the main design features, the operating performances and the relevant manufacturing process. A second phase of the study is currently in progress, with the dual objective of producing a detailed design of the selected concept for the updated NET configuration, and proposing a development programme for the qualification of the specific manufacturing methods and the verification of the target performances.