Digital valve system for ITER remote handling – Design and prototype testing

[Display omitted] ITER-RH system is used to exchange the divertor’s 54 cassette assemblies in the vessel. Water hydraulics and servo valves are currently used in the task but concerns exist with robustness and availability of suitable components. An alternative option is to use digital technology wh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fusion engineering and design 2019-09, Vol.146, p.1637-1641
Main Authors: Siivonen, Lauri, Paloniitty, Miika, Linjama, Matti, Sairiala, Harri, Esqué, Salvador
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Digital hydraulics
Fault detection
Fluid dynamics
Fluid flow
Hydraulics
Prototype tests
Remote handling
Servovalves
Tracking
Tracking control
Valves
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Summary:[Display omitted] ITER-RH system is used to exchange the divertor’s 54 cassette assemblies in the vessel. Water hydraulics and servo valves are currently used in the task but concerns exist with robustness and availability of suitable components. An alternative option is to use digital technology where on/off valves and intelligent control is used to produce proportional output. So far, no proper high-pressure on/off valves existed in the market and therefore a new concept was developed and tested with promising results. A mock-up of the remote handling system was used as test bench. The system was simulated in order to dimension the valve system and to tune the valve controller. A complete valve package with 16 prototype on/off valves and a manifold was manufactured and long-term tests of 60 working days was conducted. A new level of performance was demonstrated throughout the tests as tracking accuracies were approximately ten times better than with servo valve. Although some design faults where detected and system had faulty components, tracking accuracy was very good. Tracking and positioning capability of digital valve system exceeds all requirements and seems applicable for ITER RH application.
ISSN:0920-3796
1873-7196
DOI:10.1016/j.fusengdes.2019.03.006