Basis for the reliability analysis of the proton linac for an ADS program

In the framework of the ADS projects (Accelerator Driven System) developing worldwide, a reliability activity is on going to validate and qualify the linac accelerator design with focus on the general operational and design characteristics that shape the accelerator performance. Further quantitative results should be based on estimations mostly deriving from operational surveys at existing accelerator facilities. Currently, a validated accelerator component reliability data base has not yet been assembled, and because of the early stage of the ADS design in which several systems are not established at this time the topic can be addressed by the application of a preliminary FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) methodology, helpful in the identification of reliability-critical areas, where modifications to the design can help to reduce the probability of system failures. In this paper, the preliminary results of this activity are presented together with possible solutions to improve the reliability of the reference linac design.