Accelerator
Normal Conducting Linac
During a week’s maintenance break in the RF conditioning of the Drift Tube Linac (DTL) section, some connection issues with the cooling system have been fixed. Additionally, a number of neutron-sensitive Beam Loss Monitors (nBLM) have been installed throughout the Normal Conducting Linac. This device will detect and measure the loss of beam particles during operations. It contains sensors that can detect different types of particles and will send a signal to the ESS integrated control system.
A System Acceptance Review, with the purpose to validate all systems needed for the next phase of beam commissioning, has been held. This is the last step on the roadmap to the Safety Readiness Review, which will determine the readiness to start Beam Commissioning to DTL4 in April.
Spoke Cryomodules
In the B02 workshop building, where 12 out of 13 double-cavity cryomodules for the Spoke section have been received, works are ongoing to prepare the modules for installation in the tunnel.
Pilot installation of one Spoke and one Medium Beta Cryomodule in the tunnel is scheduled for mid-March.
Serial installation of all cryomodules needed for the Superconducting Linac in BOT (Beam on Target) is planned to start this summer.
Cryogenic Distribution System
The Cryogenic Distribution System was successfully warmed up, and seat leak repairs and retesting of several of the valves will follow.
The next cooldown is foreseen to start this summer.
Target
MUTS testing
After the Moderator plug had been machined for a better fit to the moderator bucket, the piece was lowered into its designated space next to the Target wheel inside the Target Mock Up and Test Stand (MUTS). The interface between these two key components is now under testing.
Inner shielding
With the double pancake cooling blocks in place inside the Monolith vessel, installation of the first outer rim shielding block followed.
ECHIR
In the Monolith basement, the so-called ECHIR revolver has been installed.
ECHIR is a tool for chip irradiation studies, using unmoderated high-energy neutrons, which simulates the conditions found in outer space (cosmic radiation).
Neutron Beam Port Plugs and Inserts
The installation of inserts and plugs to the port tubes welded to the Monolith vessel is ongoing in the south sector of the bunker. Read more here.
Instruments
DREAM
Installation of the neutron guide will start once installation of inserts and plugs is completed in the south sector – inside and outside the bunker.
ODIN cave
Installation of heavy wall elements is ongoing for the ODIN cave. Each piece weights up to 23 tonnes and is approximately 5 metres tall. About half of the elements are so far in place.
LOKI
The 2-ton-crane supporting the LOKI instrument has been installed next to the cave. Next up is the shielding walls around the sample area, and then the collimation vessel installation onto the shielding platform right outside the bunker wall.
BEER
The sector 2 neutron guide installation in the E02 Beamline Gallery is completed with lower shielding blocks and grounding. Next week, sector 1 neutron guide installation will start from bunker throughout Experimental Hall 2.
