APT Target Blanket Module Fabrication and Characterization of Prototypical Assemblies

Practical aspects of producing tritium with a linear accelerator were studied recently as part of the U.S. Department of Energyʹs Accelerator Production of Tritium program. The concept uses the neutrons produced by an energetic accelerator beam striking target material, to convert He3 gas to tritium. Design requirements for the modular assemblies that surround the target posed some challenges in fabrication. Small-scale modules fabricated for accelerator tests were followed by production-scale modules, built to identify preferred fabrication and assembly processes. Casting, used successfully in the small modules, displayed distinct disadvantages with production-scale parts, and was replaced by extrusion. Machining and welding were minimized, extrusion was incorporated for lead cores and aluminum housings, and the modules were assembled manually. Two prototypical production-scale blanket modules and one tritium production module were fabricated to demonstrate the recommended techniques.