Design challenge
As part of a complete LN2 cooling system for Tokamak Energy’s ST40 fusion reactor, GRE needed to supply 10 separate LN2 cooling channels, each of which had its own separate exhaust line. With restricted space, there was little to no room for twenty individual vacuum insulated lines.
Design details
GRE’s engineering team developed a concept to provide two huge, multichannel SIVL sections, which linked the systems distribution cryostat and vapouriser, to ST40 itself.
With 10 inner flow pipes – all individually wrapped and spaced, multiple direction changes and a specially designed male/female locating/connection flange, the SIVL itself was a complicated project.
The transfer lines, nick-named the ‘Elephant Trunks’ proved to be of such a size, that GRE designed a custom-made jig, which allowed a perfect alignment of the component parts during manufacture, testing and allowed for safe and secure transit. Further to this, it also doubled as a lifting/placement jig for the final fitting.
As with all of GRE’s vacuum insulated pipework/systems the client was then presented with a comprehensive document package including:
- Full system P & ID with mechanical drawings for each component
- Material Test Certificates
- Individual line/component factor test reports (Vacuum Conditioning, Helium leak and positive pressure tests)
- Installation and operation manuals
- Declaration of conformance documentation
All actuated and manual isolation valves were from the Stohr range of cryogenic equipment, which can be provided by Gas and Liquid Controls Ltd