IFMIF replaceable backplate: Remote handling activities, rescue procedures and evaluation of a prototype reliability

The reference IFMIF target design is based on the use of a replaceable backplate. The backplate is the component most heavily exposed to the high neutron flux, and so its lifetime is expected to be very short. Moreover, the high activation levels prevent direct hands-on access to the target components and thus the maintenance work of such target facility has to be performed remotely. A prototype of the replaceable backplate, based on so-called “ bayonet concept”, has been fabricated and validated and its suitability for the remote handling maintainability has been demonstrated. Furthermore, a cycle of repetitive trials of backplate replacement were executed to evaluate the reliability of the prototype including rescue procedures. This paper outlines the remote handling activities, the reliability trials carried out and the development of the rescue procedures for the IFMIF target replaceable backplate. The overall results of the activities are also reported.