Context
Test station created in 2003 for the characterization of superconducting strands to meet R&D needs of large-scale projects (support in the strand choice in the early stages).
Critical current measurements on superconducting strands (1.8 K ≤ T ≤ 60 K) under high magnetic field (B ≤ 17 T).
So far, there has been no need to work with higher temperature.
Nevertheless, the station could operate at T = 200 K, with however lower performances in terms of temperature stability and capacity of the current leads.
Technical means
- Stabilized power supply, I < 3000 A,
- Temperature control of the sample, with a 1000 m3 /h pumping group Roots,
- Sample holder [1.8 K, 4.2 K] equipped with a JT valve,
- Evaporator cryostat (P =10 W),
- Field, temperature and current control by computer.
- Two cryostats with associated equipment:
CETACES 1
- Generation of a magnetic field B ≤ 17 T, with a hybrid solenoid (Nb3Sn / NbTi) contained in the cryostat,
- Sample temperature 1.8 K ≤ T ≤ 200 K,
- Useful diameter of the warm bore: Φ = 49 mm (Vamas sample),
- 2 sample holders with concentric current leads (one sample holder suitable for the temperature range [1.8 K, 4.2 K], and the other one used in gas version, over the range [4.2 K, 60 K]),
- Maximum current in the sample: 2000 A for 1.8 K ≤ T ≤ 4.2 K,
1000 A for 4.2 K ≤ T ≤ 60 K,
- Thermo-regulated sample:
± 0.05 K in the range 1.8 K ≤ T ≤ 60 K,
± 0.5 K in the range 60 K ≤ T ≤ 200 K.
CETACES 2
- Generation of a magnetic field B ≤ 13 T,
- Identical helium bath for the magnet and the sample,
- The sample temperature can take only certain specific values depending on the value of the generated magnetic field:
More precisely: - for 0 T ≤ B ≤ 11 T, T = 4.2 K,
- for 11 T ≤ B ≤ 13 T, T = 1.8 K.
- Useful diameter: Φ = 93 mm,
- Maximum current in the sample : I = 2000 A.
Achievements, related projects
Critical current measurements on superconducting strands in the framework of the Nb3Sn, R3B, ITER, NED, ISEULT projects.
Technical steps, expertise
- Adjustment and tuning of measurement and security chains,
- Check at high and low temperatures of the quality and insulation of measurements and diagnostics,
- Cooling of the magnet (the magnet remains cold on an almost permanent basis, low consumption),
- Check-up of the « Magnet Safety System » (MSS),
- Securing the area (markup),
- Partial operating tests before increasing the current to its nominal value,
- Calibration of the station with a superconducting CERN strand whose characteristics are known (error <5%),
- Critical current measurements on the sample to be tested.
Contact:
