Long length PIT conductors realized by rectangular deformation route

Alcatel pursues the development of multifilamentary Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 tape conductors by the rectangular deformation route. It is shown by a simple cost evaluation that the Bi-2212 conductor represents today the optimum cost versus performance solution for applications in the intermediate temperature range 20-30 K. This interest in the Bi-2212 conductor is related: (1) to higher current density in the intermediate temperature range and (2) to the higher stability range at the formation temperature of the superconducting phase in the silver matrix which results in a simple single-step heat treatment. For the assessment of the conductors' homogeneity, studies of reacted conductors for R and W application have been realized. Kilometre lengths are available for the W and R process and hectometric lengths of fully reacted conductors with good tolerance to bending are available for the R and W process. The Bi-2223 conductor remains of course the best solution for power engineering applications at 77 K. The Alcatel conductor which is realized by the rectangular route shows a strongly reduced field dependency compared to conventional PIT conductors. (author)