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Cryogenic valves for use in magnetic fields in nuclear fusion research

Nuclear fusion research is a pioneering field that promises enormous progress in energy production. A central component of this research are superconducting magnets that generate extremely strong magnetic fields to control the hot plasma. To cool these magnets with liquid helium, cryogenic valves are required that can be used in an area with strong magnetic fields.

Use of cryogenic valves in magnetic

  • Robust design: WEKA's cryogenic valves are specially designed to withstand the special requirements in magnetic field environments. Their robust design ensures reliable performance even under extreme conditions.
  • External control units: To use the valve in the vicinity of strong magnetic fields, external control units are used that are placed outside the magnetic environment. This enables safe and efficient control of the valve without the sensitive electronics being affected by the magnetic field.
  • Compatibility with superconducting coils: Valves must be able to function in close proximity to superconducting coils that require liquid helium for cooling. WEKA's cryogenic valves meet these requirements and help to ensure stable and efficient cooling of the coils.
  • High reliability: Over many years of use and thanks to proven technology, WEKA cryogenic valves have proven to be extremely reliable. They offer a long service life with low maintenance, which is crucial in the demanding environment of nuclear fusion research.

Test procedure:

WEKA's cryogenic valves have been leak tested with helium in accordance with the EN 1779 standard, including vacuum and pressure tests taking into account the vector load of compressive forces. Valve seats are leak tested at the specified minimum shut-off pressure or, if not otherwise specified, at PN (= design pressure in bar(g) at 20 °C, which is also assumed up to cryogenic temperature). A pressure test of the complete valve is carried out with 1.5 * PN.

Cooperation with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Overall, cryogenic valves play an indispensable role in the field of nuclear fusion research, particularly in the cooling of superconducting coils for generating and controlling magnetic fields. Thanks to their special design and proven performance, WEKA's valves are the ideal choice for applications in this demanding environment and are therefore already being used in other promising research facilities such as CERN.

If you would like to find out more about WEKA components in nuclear fusion, we have something for you here.

For individual information, please contact our experts for cryogenic components today. They look forward to a personal exchange.

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