Accelerator
All set to start RF conditioning
The Normal Conducting part of the Linac is now closed off with the temporary shielding wall and fences in place. A Faraday cup has been installed into the vacuum vessel inside the shielding block after DTL4. Waveguides are being connected and DTL 2-4 have been aligned and plugged in to all media.
Final integration tests for the Personnel Safety System were completed and the system handed over to operations.
Cryomodules
The second high beta cryomodule is in the bunker with cavity conditioning and cooldown in progress.
Instruments
The BEER neutron guide installation continues in the beamline gallery. Precise alignment of each section of the neutron guide optics is needed.
The bunker wall in the east sector has been dismantled in order to prepare for the SKADI bunker wall insert sleeve to be installed soon.
Optics assembly for the CSPEC Neutron Beam Port Insert is in progress. This involves installation of a super-mirror guide, precise alignment and vacuum tests. The last batch of NBPIs is expected to arrive at ESS from German in-kind partner Jülich in March (number 13-16).
Installation of inserts and plugs to the port tubes surrounding the Monolith is expected to commence this spring, starting in the north sector.
Target
Monolith inner shielding
Procedures are fully in place for the flushing and welding activities inside the Target high bay cleanroom.
Several steps of flushing are applied to the internal cooling channels of each block, after which a quality inspection with a small camera is performed. Once the cleanliness is proved satisfactory the block is lifted to the welding workshop.
The first block – a cooling block with space for the moderator bucket – was successfully equipped with new welds and pipes. This is now subject to quality and alignment inspections. Before being reinstalled to the Monolith vessel it will be meticulously cleaned on the surface.
Cryogenic Moderator System
Reinforcement, including some re-welds, to the piping system for the Cryogenic Moderator System has been performed. Further testing of the system will follow.
Active Cell
Delivery of waste pit lids for the maintenance cell has taken place this week. Installation of the pit lids is now in progress.
Activities in the Target Test Stand
Syncronisation tests to the Accelerator timing system were successfully performed. Further wheel rotation tests have followed. Preparations will now start for the installation of the Moderator/Reflector plug, which currently sits unpacked on the Target high bay. This critical part of the Target system will be installed into the pit next to the wheel inside the test stand, with very precise positioning requirements.
