Neutron Scattering Systems
A shielding bunker is being constructed around the Target Monolith and the first few metres of the 15 scientific instruments’ hardware and neutron guides, with the purpose of providing a safe work environment in the Experimental Halls adjacent to the Target building. Mounting of steel structure and concrete walls are completed for the west and south sector bunker, with the north sector bunker being next up for construction.
In the Beamline Gallery, where neutron guides for the long instruments will be installed, vacuum housing for the neutron guides has been placed along the CSPEC beamline. Vacuum tests are currently performed.
The BIFROST spectrometer vessel, with the primary goal to create an evacuated volume where neutrons travel from sample position to the detectors, has faced vacuum tests, and will be lifted inside the scientific cave shortly.
Labs
The chemistry laboratory adjacent to Experimental Hall 3 is fully equipped and in operation.
Right now, the lab supports the construction and installation teams with element analysis, material optimisation and chemical investigations. In the future, when ESS is producing neutrons for scientists, these labs will have an important role in sample preparation and characterisation.
Target roof
Installation of the cantilever roof structure surrounding the Target building and two adjacent Experimental Halls is in progress, with a view to have the entire sombrero-style roof complete with cladding this autumn. Right now, the last few elements for the steel skeleton are put in place, and cladding with aluminium lamellas is following.
Target building
Inside the Target building, internal finishes, including floor treatment, painting, tiling, in-ceiling installations, are ongoing throughout the Target building. Air handling units are installed in the Accelerator to Target building.
Cryomodule testing
The first serial-produced medium beta elliptical cryomodule has been positioned inside a test stand bunker and preparations are under way to connect it to radio-frequency (RF) power sources and hook it up to the cryogenic distribution system. In the next couple of weeks tests with 3 MW full RF power, cooling the cavities inside the cryomodule to 2K (-271 degrees Celsius), will start.
Accelerator commissioning
In preparation for beam commissioning, sending a beam of protons from the Ion Source through the first few accelerating components, a temporary shielding wall and additional shielding elements have been installed in the tunnel, together with a personnel safety system providing safe working conditions for operators.
Tests of the RF waveguide system, providing power to the Accelerator, have been conducted and early June this system will be connected to the radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) down in the tunnel for conditioning and preparations for BEAM ON later this summer.
Tuning works and leak tests for the Drift Tube Linac (DTL) tanks are ongoing in a designated workshop inside the Klystron Gallery. The first DTL tank will be installed in the tunnel after the first cycle of beam commissioning has been completed.
