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Second round of Launch Pad selections includes eight newcomers
The National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory has announced 13 project selections across 12 companies for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, a Department of Energy–led program that integrates reactor and fuel facility authorization, testing, and deployment support for private nuclear developers.
The Launch Pad emerged from the Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program.
According to INL, projects selected include reactor development and nuclear fuel cycle advancements, including fabrication, enrichment, and conversion technologies.
O. Vincent-Viry, J. André, A. Chobriat, C. Dauteuil, F. Durut, C. Hermerel, S. Meux, M. Theobald
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 73 | Number 3 | April 2018 | Pages 481-487
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2017.1387017
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The variety in the design of laser targets experimented at CEA requires versatile and adaptable target assembly stations. Even if assembly technician know-how remains essential and indispensable, automation appears to be a valuable solution to improve productivity and target quality [Carlson et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. Vol. 70, p. 274 (2016); Lee et al., Fusion Sci. Technol., Vol. 59, p. 227 (2011); and Schmidt, Fusion Sci. Technol., Vol. 55, p. 290 (2009)]. Given the variety of target designs, automation is investigated essentially as an operator support on some specific and repetitive tasks. The gluing of the laser entrance hole membrane on gas targets is a typical example. CEA has developed an automated station dedicated to this specific operation. The main objectives are to increase productivity and reduce sensibility to operator know-how. A concept prototype (for a single holhraum) has been designed and successfully tested and the implementation of multiple devices on the station is about to begin. This paper gives a complete presentation of the station and of the developments achieved.