The ITER magnet systems: progress on construction

Construction of the ITER magnet systems has been started at the end of 2007 following the signature of the first procurement arrangements (PA) for the toroidal field (TF) conductors. Six ITER members are involved in the share of the ITER magnet components and, to date, eighteen PA between the ITER Organization and six domestic agencies have been signed. Substantial progress towards full-scale construction has been achieved with the placement of the first large manufacturing contracts, the production of several tens of tons of advanced Nb3Sn and NbTi strand, and the set-up of large cabling and jacketing facilities. The detailed design of the coils and support structures has also been finalized. The qualification of the fabrication processes for the TF coils and poloidal field (PF) coils has been initiated. The detailed design of the central solenoid (CS) coils is being developed. The design of the correction coils (CCs) with their support structures has been finalized, as well as for the TF gravity supports and clamps of the PF coils. The manufacture of prototypes of the feeder lines and current leads has been started, while ITER is in charge of the procurement of the required magnet instrumentation. This paper provides a progress report on the ITER magnet construction as per December 2010. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)