In the first quarter of 2024, ESS made significant progress in preparing the Accelerator for the 'Beam on Dump' milestone set for November. This involves the commissioning of all technical components and operating the accelerator to the beam dump, ensuring readiness for the next big objective of Beam on Target and neutron production.
Video: ESS highlights Q1 2024
Here is a summary of the progress made in January to March 2024.
Accelerator
Normal Conducting Linac (NCL)
The alignment and connection of RF waveguides as well as the installation of beam instrumentation and controls for the final Drift Tube Linac tank (DTL5) have been carried out, preparing the NCL for the next phase of conditioning. The DTL5 klystron and waveguide system on the gallery-side is subject to upgrades, with final low-level connection anticipated by the end of May.
Key components such as beam loss monitors, beam position monitors, beam current monitors, and non-invasive profile monitors are getting ready.
Additionally, the installation of a Faraday cup for DTL2, with the purpose to measure the intensity of the proton current, was completed.
Superconducting Linac (SCL)
Within the superconducting part of the linac, all 13 spoke cryomodules (CMs) have been installed, with one undergoing an exchange. All nine medium beta CMs have been delivered to ESS, with most installed and only two left for cooldown tests in the test stand bunker. The five high beta CMs needed for BOD are in place in the tunnel. The Linac Warm Units are being connected in a particle-free environment, and significant progress has been made in connecting waveguides, pipes and other critical components.
Accelerator to Target (A2T)
For A2T, major components such as the bending dipole magnets and raster magnet system have been installed and tested. The vacuum housing is also in place, with only two Linac Warm Units remaining before the system can be tested.
Klystron Gallery
The gallery has witnessed a successful 'RF Test-a-thon' with power tests nearing completion. All RF power supplies for the spoke section have been tested for extended hours, and preparations are underway for energising the remaining two modulators in the high beta section of the gallery.
The high beta cooling substation has been successfully commissioned, with installations underway in the medium beta section, featuring the integration of two heat exchangers manufactured from net-zero recycled steel – a first of its kind.
Target
Target Monolith
The monolith has seen the head of the vessel installed and sealed, with the proton beam instrumentation plug and beam diagnostic mirrors placed and tested. Ongoing works include piping connections from the utility building to the connection cell, grating floors and lead shielding installations, among other tasks to prepare for the arrival of the proton beam.
Utilities
Preparations for the delivery of helium circulators are nearing completion and the water cooling systems are undergoing integrated tests.
The drainage system linked to the waste building is also undergoing tests and a transport vessel for radioactive residue has been received.
Active Cells
The Active Cells Facility has advanced with the second round of training for robotic handling of manipulators now complete. The cask lifting frame has been received, and the construction of a shielding wall for the waste transport area has been finished and placed in the target transport hall.
Cryogenic Moderator System (CMS)
Connections for the moderator system, including the helium transfer lineto the target moderator cryoplant, have been established in the monolith, with the commissioning of the CMS currently in progress.
Instruments
The Neutron Scattering Systems division is responsible for significant developments on several instruments, including ODIN, LOKI, DREAM, MAGIC, BIFROST, SKADI, and NMX.
Electrical and utility installations around the ODIN cave is advancing, with neutron guide re-installation in the bunker ongoing. LOKI has seen its collimation vessel selectors installed, network, timing and PSS racks are in place on the cave roof, and the in-bunker guide and chopper are ready for in-bunker placement. DREAM is progressing with detector installations, and in-bunker components have been reinstalled. MAGIC is shaping up with completed cave walls and a control hutch, and the cave is equipped with precision floors. BIFROST is testing newly received detector modules. SKADI's cave has been equipped with a roof hatch and a heavy-duty motion-controlled door. Lastly, in NMX, control hutch installations have started.
Utility installations are substantially completed in-bunker and along the beamlines for tranche 1 instruments.
Integrated Controls
Personnel Safety System (PSS) & Machine Protection System (MPS)
The PSS installations are moving forward both for the instruments and in the Accelerator tunnel, where zone gates with an interlock system are in place. MPS has seen testing and verification for the vacuum systems in the linac, and mock-up tests for the target wheel are underway.
Software and Hardware
The integration of the Super Cycle tool into Phoebus has been completed, with pending test results expected soon. MicroTCA-Carrier-Hubs have been delivered, and the production of MTCA crates has resumed. The timing system for the accelerator has been established, and the development of the Neutron Factory Control System is underway.
Waste Treatment Facility
In the waste building, large tanks have been installed, and a shielding bunker for the waste handling area has been constructed.
Sample Environment
The development and testing of an upgraded sample changer systems are underway, with integrated tests using the YMIR test beamline coming up.
Visits and Public Engagement
So far in 2024, ESS has hosted a number of events, including a French state visit, school programmes, and various forums, demonstrating the commitment to engagement and collaboration within the scientific community and the general public as a whole.
