Removable coil form for superconducting nmr magnets and a method for its use

A refractory metal coil form for a superconducting coil capable of assembly and disassembly, comprising:

• a bore tube having a terminal end and an opposite end, the bore tube comprised of steel;
• a terminal flange connected to the terminal end of the bore tube, the terminal flange comprised of a non-magnetic refractory material capable of withstanding temperatures of about 700.degree. C. without softening;
• a means for securing the terminal flange to the bore tube;
• an end flange removably positioned adjacent to the opposite end of the bore tube, the end flange comprised of a refractory material capable of withstanding temperatures of about 700.degree. C. without softening;
• a terminal plate removably positioned adjacent to the terminal end of the bore tube;
• an end plate removably positioned adjacent to the end flange;
• and
• means for exerting an axial force on the terminal and end plates so as to secure the end flange to the bore tube, such that a superconductor wire can be wound around the outer surface of the bore tube to form a superconducting coil and such that the form can be disassembled after the superconducting coil is wound.

A non-magnetic coil form for a superconducting coil for use in a superconducting NM magnet, comprising:

• a bore tube having an integral end flange and an opposite terminal end, the bore tube and integral end flange comprised of a non-magnetic, non-refractory material;
• the bore tube having an inner and outer wall and having an annular recess in the terminal end of the outer wall, capable of being engaged with a second tube for receiving a superconducting coil;
• a demountable terminal flange adjacent to the terminal end of the bore tube, the terminal flange comprised of a non-magnetic refractory material capable of withstanding temperatures of about 700.degree. C. without softening;
• and
• securing means for fastening the terminal flange to the bore tube at the terminal end of the bore tube.