Remote Maintenance Challenges for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

During the Conceptual Design Activity (CDA) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a tokamak reactor design was established that emphasized performance of the individual systems in a minimum overall reactor and building size. The resulting high component density arrangement dictates careful attention to assembly and maintenance (A&M) considerations in the development of the configuration. The A&M task is complicated further because remote maintenance techniques will be required in many areas of ITER after the start of deuterium-tritium operations. During die CDA, the ITER design team addressed many aspects of an overall A&M system. This paper discusses the ITER A&M philosophy that evolved, describes the ITER configuration as it relates to maintenance, and describes the procedures and equipment required for specific maintenance operations. Remote replacement of the in-vessel divertors and blanket/shield modules is discussed in detail. In addition, research and development needs for key enabling technology are addressed.