Techniques for removing a vacuum vessel from a tokamak and related systems and methods
AssigneeCommonwealth Fusion Systems LLC
InventorsMatthew Vernacchia, Theodore Wyeth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques are described for automatically removing and replacing components, including a vacuum vessel, from a tokamak. The inventors have recognized that schemes for automatically removing and replacing components from a tokamak should preferably be simple (e.g., using proven equipment to perform a series of non-mechanically complex tasks) and have a very low risk of damaging components. Techniques described herein may include splitting a tokamak into multiple pieces, separating the pieces, and removing the now separate pieces of the vacuum vessel from within the pieces of the tokamak. A new vacuum vessel can be inserted in multiple pieces and the tokamak rejoined to complete the replacement process.
Claims25
A method of removing a portion of a vacuum vessel from a portion of a tokamak, the method comprising:
- operating a device to move alongside the portion of the tokamak, the device comprising:
- a semi-annular plate comprising a rack;
- a plurality of jacks arranged over the semi-annular plate;
- and
- at least one mechanism configured to rotate the semi-annular plate in a circle;
- operating the at least one mechanism to rotate the semi-annular plate beneath the portion of the vacuum vessel within the portion of the tokamak;
- raising the plurality of jacks of the device to support the weight of the portion of the vacuum vessel;
- and
- operating the at least one mechanism to rotate the semi-annular plate out of the portion of the tokamak, thereby removing the portion of the vacuum vessel from the portion of the tokamak.
A device for removing a portion of a vacuum vessel from a tokamak, the device comprising:
- one or more self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs);
- a semi-annular plate comprising a rack;
- a plurality of jacks arranged over the semi-annular plate and configured to be actuated to raise a load on the device;
- and
- at least one actuatable pinion gear engaged with the rack on the semi-annular plate,
- wherein actuating the at least one actuatable pinion gear causes the semi-annular plate to rotate in a circle about a radial center of the semi-annular plate, extending the semi-annular plate over a side of the device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.