Experience with Zr-Al getter pumps in the ISX-B tokamak

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5470617

Emerson, L C; Mioduszewski, P K; Simpkins, J E

Zr-Al getter pumps have been used in the ISX-B tokamak in connection with a series of pump limiter experiments. Experience with these pumps in this environment has revealed several problems that may limit their usefulness under typical tokamak operating conditions. Although the pumps perform satisfactorily while in operation with hydrogenic pumping speeds of 1-2 x 10/sup 3/ L/s at pressures of approx. 10 mtorr, some unknown mechanism, on occasion, slightly activates pumps that had been previously passive. Such behavior precludes the use of any operations that require high hydrogen pressures in the torus. Additionally, discharge cleaning operations cannot be safely carried out after the pumps are fully activated. Continued use of the pumps eventually leads to destruction of two getter cartridges from hydrogen embrittlement.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5470617
• Report Number(s): CONF-830942-78; ON: DE84004377
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700209* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Component Development & Materials Testing
ALUMINIUM
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
GETTERS
ISX TOKAMAK
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
METALS
PERFORMANCE
PUMPS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
TOKAMAK TYPE REACTORS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VACUUM PUMPS
ZIRCONIUM