Accelerator
Beam commissioning in the Normal Conducting Linac
Beam commissioning, covering a distance of about 42 metres from the Ion Source to the Faraday cup after Drift Tube Linac 4 is in progress. On April 20, a first probe beam on DTL4 was achieved.
The fifth and final part of the ESS Drift Tube Linac, DTL5, is under preparation in an on-site workshop. All five modules have been connected and vacuum tested. DTL5 is set to be ready for installation this summer.
Cryomodules
The pilot installation of one spoke and one medium beta cryomodule is progressing according to plan. The process pipes were connected to the valveboxes and welding performed. Leak tests are following.
RF waveguides were connected and installation of the water manifold and vacuum connection is done.
In the test stand bunker on the gallery-side, another medium beta cryomodule is subject to cooldown and testing.
Repairs and modifications to the Cryogenic Distribution System continue in preparation for the next cooldown session.
Klystron Gallery
Power tests continue in the medium beta cells in the Klystron Gallery. 22 out of 26 RF power stations are in place in the Spoke section, with energisation and power testing ongoing.
Target
Target Monolith
Vacuum leak tests to the Monolith inner shielding piping are completed. The installation of inner shielding blocks will now resume.
To facilitate the installation of the outer rim shielding blocks on level 5, the connection ring was temporarily removed. These blocks must be fitted straight down onto the pipes welded to the blocks underneath.
Final installation of the connection ring will take place after the layer 6 blocks are in place. The ring, which sits on the rim of the vessel and contains all media connections to the Target systems, will be sealed, bolted and welded in place.
Moderator/Reflector plug
The plug for the Moderator/Reflector plug has been subject to machining, for a better fit to the moderator bucket in the Target Test Stand and subsequently in the Monolith vessel.
Neutron Beam Port Inserts and Plugs
The south sector installations are substantially completed, with just two neutron beam windows left to fit. In the east sector, all plugs are in place with the VESPA and ESTIA insert installed and the SKADI insert set out to finish off the east sector.
The installation of inserts and plugs will now continue in the north and then finally the west sector, until all 42 port tubes are equipped with an insert or plug.
In an on-site integration tent, the NMX optics were installed and T-REX with vacuum leak tests following..
Three inserts remain to be equipped with neutron optics: BEER, MIRACLES and HEIMDAL.
Instruments
NMX choppers
Two choppers for the NMX beamline have been installed in the stretch between the neutron shielding bunker and the beamline gallery wall.
A chopper selects the desired neutron wavelengths suitable for the instrument and the experiment conducted.
DREAM
The neutron guide is in place from inside the bunker to the experimental cave. Inside the cave, electrical infrastructure works and cabling is ongoing.
Test Beamline
The construction of the control cabin for the Test Beamline is under way.
LOKI
The sample area shielding installation is nearing completion.
