Investigation into the pumping characteristics of ITER cryopumps

Within the framework of the European Fusion Technology Programme, a cryopump system for ITER is being developed. It is based on combined sorption and condensation of gases at 5K-surfaces, which are coated with activated charcoal. For verification of the design conditions an experimental programme has been launched. The tested cryopanels followed a quilted design, which is currently being discussed for its use in ITER. According to the composition range of the ITER exhaust gas in the various operation modes foreseen, pure gases (protium, deuterium, helium and neon) and gas mixtures (pseudobinaries of a D2-based mixture and one noble gas out of helium, neon or argon) were investigated. Quantitative measurements of pumping speed and equilibrium pressures at zero flow conditions were performed as a function of gas load; relative pumping probabilities were also derived. It is revealed that protium is pumped by sorption whereas neon is pumped by sublimation and deuterium is subjected to both mechanisms. The results demonstrate that the required pump ultimate pressure can be achieved. It is further shown that for the gases investigated the pumping characteristics will not be a limiting factor; the ITER requirements are well achieved. The saturation capacity will not be reached, except if pure helium is pumped.