Lessons from 2011 - Machine protection

The present architecture of the machine protection system is being recalled and the performance of the associated systems during the 2011 run will be briefly summarized. The LHC Machine Protection and Equipment Systems have been working extremely well during the 2011 run. Ever more failures are captured before effects on the particle beams are seen (i.e. no beam losses or orbit changes are observed). An analysis of the causes of beam dumps as well as an assessment of the dependability of the machine protection systems (MPS) itself is being presented. Emphasis will be given to events that risked exposing parts of the machine to damage. Further improvements and mitigations of potential holes in the protection systems will be evaluated along with their impact on the 2012 run. The role of rMPP during the various operational phases (commissioning, intensity ramp up, MDs...) will be discussed along with a proposal for the intensity ramp up for the start of beam operation in 2012