Toward starting up of the ALICE dipole magnet

The ALICE experiment is being installed in Point 2 of the CERN LHC, the former Point 2 of LEP. ALICE will have a single arm forward muon detector which requires a dipole magnet with a very large aperture that will be installed next to the solenoid used in the L3 experiment of LEP. A pre-assembly and pre-commissioning of the magnet appears essential before installation in its final position. Firstly, the permanent location will be very close to the large L3 solenoid and will lead to significant interference between both magnets. Secondly, the major components of the magnet have been realized in collaboration with several institutes and manufacturing companies in different countries. Finally, the assembly schedule and space in the final location of the magnet are very tight. The magnet is currently assembled in the experiment underground cavern in a location with convenient access conditions where it will be powered and tested during the last quarter of 2003. Subsequently, the magnet has to be completely dismounted and the components need to be lifted over the L3 solenoid to the final location where it will be re-assembled and fully commissioned. The different stages require special tooling and handling jigs to guarantee a controlled and repeatable assembly of the device. Some of the major handling tools which have been designed and manufactured for this process are described. Specific features of the assembly process are highlighted. Particular requirements are described and the results of the first magnet tests are discussed. The future assembly and test program is summarized in the conclusion.