ITER opts for Enerpac SyncHoist for electromagnet module move

Enerpac’s SyncHoist lifting technology has played a key role in the final assembly of the world’s largest pulsed superconducting electromagnet, which weighs 110 tonnes, at ITER in the south of France.

Placement of the final module brings the solenoid to its full height of 17.8 m, with engineers now able to complete its final operating configuration.

The ITER central solenoid is a powerful magnet at the heart of the ITER tokamak that acts as a massive transformer, initiating, driving, and maintaining the electrical current required to sustain the fusion plasma. When fully assembled with its support structure and instrumentation, the central solenoid will weigh 1,000 tonnes and be roughly the height of a five-story building. It will have a stored magnetic energy of 6.4 gigajoules.

The central solenoid module was lifted into position using one of the ITER assembly hall’s overhead cranes. Below the hook, the module was connected to a sling and two Enerpac SyncHoist synchronous sling adjusters. Mounted directly in-line with the rigging, the SyncHoists allowed the lift operator to precisely monitor and adjust each lifting point independently.

Precise synchronised control

Having been raised above the five modules that were already stacked, the 110-tonne component was lowered into place between busbar leads with clearances of 50 mm on one side and 65 mm on the other.

“Each module had slightly different clearances and the final module was particularly interesting because it’s the top module and required a unique installation path and a rigorous metrology effort to avoid the busbar leads from the two previously installed modules,” explained Carl Cormanythe ITER superconducting engineer who supervised the operation. “We’re happy with how the lifting operation went and having the six modules in place is a major accomplishment.”

With the central solenoid having reached its full height, work will now begin on the final assembly connecting piping, installing instrumentation, assembling the tie plate system that will provide structural support and compressing the stack into its final operating configuration. These activities are expected to continue for more than a year.

Last month, Enerpac released its 33-tonne capacity TJP308 remote-operated hydraulic toe jack.