Materials Research Facility ( MRF ) building completed spring 2016
JET
Culham has concentrated on magnetic confinement fusion research ( mainly so-called tokamak devices ) ever since . In 1978 , in addition to a number of UK fusion devices , Culham was chosen to host the European ‘ flagship ’ fusion project , the Joint European Torus ( JET ). JET has been operating at Culham ever since , and remains the principal experiment in European and world wide fusion research .
MAST-Upgrade
Since 1990 , Culham has also been prominent in spherical tokamak research with the operation of the world ’ s first hot spherical tokamak , START . Spherical tokomaks are testing a more compact and potentially more efficient tokamak configuration . This was followed by a larger and more sophisticated machine , the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak ( MAST ) which began operations in 2000 . Following on from impressive results , MAST is now undergoing a major upgrade , which will significantly expand its operational capability . The upgraded MAST will be ready to start operation in mid 2017 .
UKAEA Technology Programme
UKAEA is also growing a burgeoning technology programme – developing expertise and design / testing facilities in the key areas required for fusion power production . Two new facilities have just been constructed at Culham Science Centre :
• A Materials Research Facility ( MRF ), which will allow industry and academia to investigate the mechanical properties of materials likely to be used in future fission fusion reactors and materials already used in the nuclear industry .
• Remote Applications in Challenging Environments ( RACE ), consolidates the expertise built up by UKAEA in remote handling in the JET experiment , and will offer design and testing facilities for the development of remote , robotic and autonomous systems in a number of challenging environments - such as deep-sea oil
Remote Applications in Challenging Environments ( RACE ) facility opened in 2016
MAST ’ s 2 tonne 5M long copper centre rod
and gas exploration , nuclear power generation , space exploration etc .
ITER
The € 14 billion International Tokamak Experimental Reactor ( ITER ) project is the next step in fusion research . Under construction in Cadarache , France , it is due to start operation in the mid 2020s , building on the success of JET and the worldwide tokamak research programme . It is intended to demonstrate integrated physics and engineering on a scale of a future fusion power station and is expected to produce 500 MW of fusion power . UK companies have already won many ITER contracts ; it is hoped that UK science parkbased companies will play an active role in supplying technology and services to the ITER project . For more details , see www . fusionindustry . org . uk .
Support for Industry The skills and technologies associated with fusion research can be useful to companies of any size . At Culham Science Centre start-up technology companies are able to draw on the skills of the UKAEA team working on one of the world ’ s greatest engineering challenges . A Technical Support Package has been developed by UKAEA to assist suitably qualified companies during the early stages of their business . Depending on their needs , the package could include , for example , technical advice and access to mechanical , electrical and electronic engineering skills , as well as computer modelling , precision diagnostics , cryogenic systems and microwave systems .
Planning for the Future In order to maintain the engineering skills base at technician level , CCFE runs an Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme – www . culhamapprenticeshipscheme . com . The scheme selects and recruits successful candidates who undergo a four year training programme based at CCFE and at a local college .
About Us Culham Science Centre ’ s eighty hectare site offers a pleasant working environment , easily accessible through an excellent road and rail infrastructure . Its unique and flexible conference facilities and various quality food outlets including restaurant , deli bar and dedicated coffee lounge , together with ample onsite parking and wide open green spaces , contribute towards a positive but relaxed campus atmosphere encouraging interaction and networking among its residents . See www . culhamconferencecentre . co . uk .
All images are courtesy of United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority .
88 UKSPA Directory 2016 / 17 Full Member • England