A novel remote detection method for inner leak location in a tokamak: Theory and preliminary experimental validation

作者：Bi, Hailin; Cheng, Chunpeng; Fu, Kunru; Fan, Xiang; Zi, Pengfei; Liu, Zhaoxian; Wang, Xudi; Zuo, Guizhong^*

来源：MEASUREMENT, 2023, 222: 113701.

DOI：10.1016/j.measurement.2023.113701

• Tokamak
• Leak detection
• Vacuum plume
• Molecular flow simulation

In this study, a detection scheme was investigated for small leaks in tokamak vacuum chambers, and the scheme was validated theoretically and experimentally. An ultra-high vacuum should be maintained in the tokamak chamber. However, traditional methods of locating leaks in the inner vacuum chamber are usually less efficient. A leak detection scheme in the vacuum chamber was proposed in this study. Locating leaks by scanning the vacuum chamber wall with a multi-degree-of-freedom robot arm. Moreover, a small vacuum chamber was adopted to perform a leak test at a small flow rate. The results were compared with those achieved through COMSOL, Molflow simulations, as well as theoretical calculations. Furthermore, the scenario of a small leak in the EAST vacuum chamber was simulated. Significant pressure value fluctuations were detected when the detection device passed through the area close to the leak at a reasonable detection distance.

• 单位
  中国科学院