From: IRBY@PSFC.MIT.EDU Tue Mar 11 20:45:25 1997
Subject: Alcator C-MOD Weekly Highlights
Organization: MIT
Newsgroups: sci.physics.plasma



Alcator C-MOD Weekly Highlights
March 11, 1997



A major milestone in the assembly process was passed this week
when the 44,000 lb cylinder was installed on Alcator C-Mod. The cylinder
must be in place before we can begin the installation of horizontal
extensions and ports, and the ports are in turn required before some of
our invessel work can be completed. A great deal of work was done last
week in preparation for the cylinder. Spring plate installation
was completed, TF leg backing plates were installed and trimmed
to size, shims were installed on the TF arms and legs, thermocouple
and heater connections were checked, and joint to joint measurements
of resistance were made on the TF magnet. A very thorough cleanup of both
the machine and cylinder was also required.
As the last invessel components have been fabricated, baked, cleaned,
and leak checked, we have begun to concentrate our efforts inside the
machine. Support hardware for some of the new periscopes has been installed.
Alignment and calibration of the new edge, high spatial resolution,
x-ray array has been completed, and work is moving rapidly on other high
resolution edge diagnostics. The JHU divertor spectrometer has been fit
up invessel and is ready to install.
Much work was done last week on the new transmitter installation.
The FPA cavity for transmitter #3 had been assembled and the water cooling is
being connected to both transmitters #3 and #4. We have also begun to test
transmitter #4 at low voltage levels. PLC and Paragon programming for
both new transmitters continues. Fiber optic cables for CAMAC and PLC
signals involved with transmitter data acquisition and control are being
installed to link new RF systems in the power room, cell, and control room.
The checkout of the TF power supply is complete. The regulator
was tested, and the new "hard limit" inversion clamps were checked for
proper operation. The TF crowbar was checked for proper gate firing, fuse
continuity, and overvoltage detection and annunciation. The high and low tap
transition was checked. With completion of the TF work, the inspection and
checkout of the OH1 supply has begun.
Progress on the DNB system included installation of the new
ACCEL supply in the power room. We are now setting up to vacuum degas and
filter the oil for both the new supply and the filament/bias supply, and a
checklist is being developed to bring up the new supply and make it
operational.
John Heard from Auburn has arrived at C-Mod and will be based here
setting up the O-mode radiometer for the spring run campaign. He will also
develop an E-mode radiometer in the longer term. Roger Bengston from U. of
Texas is visiting this week installing hardware for his new scanning probe.
Sean Regan and Mark May from JHU have been here installing the new
divertor spectrometer.
Miklos Porkolab was in San Diego last week at the Iter Scientific
Council to the US Home Team (ISCUS) meeting.