Status of the large coil test facility

The Large Coil Test Facility (LCTF) is serving as the focus for international collaboration in the development of superconducting toroidal field coils. The United States is providing the test facility and three test coils. EURATOM, Japan, and Switzerland are each providing one coil, to be tested in a six-coil compact torus. Construction of the LCTF was completed in November 1983 within the $35.75 million budget established in December 1980. Concurrently with the later stages of construction, the vacuum system, the liquid nitrogen system, and the helium refrigeration system were operated in acceptance and performance tests. Two test coils with bath-cooled windings were received and installed by October 1983. Shakedown of the integrated facility systems and limited testing of the two coils are beginning in December 1983. Preparations have been made for installation of the other four test coils, which are now nearing completion in Europe and the United States