EXPERIENCE WITH HIGH-POWER OPERATION OF THE PSI PROTON ACCELERATOR FACILITY

The PSI proton accelerator delivers a maximun current of 2 mA (routinely 1.9 mA) at 590 MeV. Ongoing developments aim at an upgrade of the beam current to 3 mA. This will result in an increase of the beam power from 1.2 to 1.8 MW on the meson production targets and from 0.8 to 1.2 MW on the neutron spallation source SINQ. Our approach to the safe operation of a facility a these power levels is presented. This includes considerations on the design of the cyclotrons, the beam lines and the tools to handle highly radioactive components. The protection of the facility via device controls, beam diagnostics and loss monitoring is discussed. The specific requirements for operation with a sensitive liquid metal target like MEGAPIE will also be addressed.