In December, GDES’ Thermal Protections team reached a new milestone in the construction of ITER with the filling of 15 busbar penetrations (encapsulated busbars) between levels L3 and L4 of the Tokamak building.

For the first time at ITER, a specially qualified elastomer has been applied to meet demanding requirements for nuclear safety, fire resistance, leak-tightness and radiological shielding. Its qualification process was developed specifically for ITER, in collaboration with the Efectis laboratory, laying the groundwork for its use from the outset in future fusion projects requiring the same safety standards.

The project was carried out by the GDES team led by Arturo Pascual Rubio, Director A.S. Thermal Protections Spain, and forms part of a broader contract led by the Group through our surface treatment specialist company, GDES Revanti, which is now entering a new phase with an additional 150 penetrations.

In the photograph, taken by ITER, Gabriel Argilés from GDES A.S. Thermal Protections is shown pouring the blue elastomer into a mould around a busbar penetration at level L4 of the Tokamak building. This material underwent rigorous testing to ensure compliance with ITER safety standards.

Work completed according to schedule, with the next phase already underway.

You can read the full article, including photographs published by ITER, via this link.