Expertise: experimental tools for ITER
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Qualification of cutting tools for maintenance operations in the future ITER experimental fusion machine

Illustration de la Pipe Forest et du système de découpe - carré © IRESNE/CEA

Our Fuel Studies Department (DEC) has a wealth of experience accumulated from its work on licensed nuclear facilities (INB). It supports the future experimental fusion machine called ITER through contracts signed between the CEA and ITER Organization.

The department specifically provides support in the fields of design, operation and maintenance of equipment used in hostile environments. This involves integrating stringent nuclear safety and industrial safety requirements when developing highly specific maintenance tools.

Within this scope, our experts have been asked to investigate and then propose the most suitable tools for dismantling experimental equipment and large structural components. Such equipment and structures can be either classified as waste or re-qualified before being repurposed.

Our nuclear engineering laboratory is conducting the studies and preliminary qualification tests on the tools thus proposed.​​​​