Progress in the design and R&D of the ITER In-Vessel Viewing and Metrology System (IVVS)

The In-Vessel Viewing and Metrology System (IVVS) is a fundamental tool for the ITER machine operations, aiming at performing inspections as well as providing information related to the erosion of in-vessel components, which in turn is related to the amount of mobilised dust present in the Vacuum Vessel. Periodically or on request, the IVVS scanning probes will be deployed into the Vacuum Vessel in order to acquire both visual and metrological data on plasma facing components (blanket, divertor, heating/diagnostic plugs, and test blanket modules). Recent design changes made to the six IVVS port extensions implied the need for a substantial redesign of the IVVS integrated concept – including the scanning probe and its deployment system – in order to bring it to the level of maturity suitable for the Conceptual Design Review. This paper gives an overview of the concept design for IVVS as well as of the various engineering analyses and R&D activities carried out in support to this design: neutronic, seismic and electromagnetic analyses, probe actuation validation under environmental conditions.