Philosophy and concepts for ITER maintenance

The Assembly and Maintenance (A and M) System is the complete set of personnel, equipment, and procedures required to successfully assembly and maintain the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) components into a reactor capable of operation in the prescribed manner. It is composed of the complete collection of general and special purpose tools and their operating procedures, required for the assembly and maintenance of the ITER device. Included are the reactor specific auxiliary equipment (such as vacuum pumps and heating systems) directly coupled to the reactor and required for its operation. Also included are special facilities, including tools and fixtures, required for preassembly, inspection, disassembly, repair, or testing of components prior to delivery and final assembly. The A and M system operated within an envelope bounded by the plant confinement/containment system. It must have access to all reactor external and internal surface as required to perform its functions. Access to in-vessel components shall be primarily through the four designated maintenance ports located on the machine equatorial plane. Other ports, such as the top vertical port, can be used for maintenance; however, their use shall be limited to less frequent or unplanned operations such as the change-out of internal shielding or blankets. (orig.)