Design of a brazing connector for DEMO in-vessel components

The cost of electricity generated by fusion power will be strongly conditioned by the availability of future reactors. One key issue is the developing of feasible quick pipe connectors for the connection/disconnection of critical in-vessel components during maintenance operations. Brazing is a widely used joining technique which produces leak-proof high strength joints, with excellent stress distribution, little distortion and minimum oxidation. This work presents a design of a self-brazing/debrazing connector to be used with helium, lead–lithium and water pipes in DEMO. The remote handling compatible design includes an induction heating system, a brazing atmosphere supply, an inspection system (leak testing), a bolted/clamped union to provide stiffness against disruptions and thermal loads, and a positioning and alignment system.