Newsgroups: sci.physics.plasma
From: BLIP@CMOD2.PFC.MIT.EDU
Organization: MIT
Subject: Alcator C-Mod weekly report 11/9/94

Alcator C-MOD Weekly Highlights
November 9, 1994

Pumpdown of the machine was accomplished last week. Several large leaks were
found in reflectometer feedthrus at A-port. These were blanked off and the
pumpdown proceeded again before the weekend. Over the weekend a 60-hour bake
of the machine was conducted up to temperatures of 120 degrees C. Leak checking
resumed once the base pressure was low enough. Argon was used in conjunction
with the RGA due to the large deuterium background. A smaller leak was found
at a periscope at A-bottom (small one). That is being pumped while the
leak check continues today. The base pressure is currently in the 10^-7 range.
After the leak check finishes the machine will be let up to air to
fix any leaks tomorrow. Then baking will then resume.

All power systems have been tested under PLC control at low power. Further
tests at high power will be started tomorrow. Hybrid control will
be reimplemented next week with the high power testing repeated.

The Thomson scattering systems are mostly operational. A in-cell
calibration will proceed when the leak check is completed and the
calibration source can be put in place. Machine interfaces are being
tested (through the shot cycle). New baffle assemblies in both the
vertical and horizontal ports were installed during the vacuum break.

CRYO is up and operational. Cooling was active during the bake keeping
the coils at -25 degrees C. The Alternator is up and running as well.