The project

Assembly tooling

[画像:Dessin au trait généré par ordinateur d'un grand outil d'assemblage ITER.]

Assembling ITER requires tools to lift, tools to suspend, tools to transport, tools to assemble, tools to adjust ... over 100 custom devices have been designed for the assembly phases of the ITER machine.

[画像:Computer-generated line drawing of large ITER assembly tools that help in assembling ITER.]

A broad array of large, purpose-built assembly tools are required for ITER. These mainly motor-driven or hydraulic-powered tools are designed to accomplish specific tasks—lifting, adjusting, supporting, transporting, aligning—during assembly of the ITER Tokamak device.

The tools have loading capacities that vary from 500 tonnes for the "upending" tool that turns vacuum vessel sectors from horizontal to vertical, to 1,500 tonnes for the heavy lift cranes overhead in the assembly theatre.

In addition to the large, specialized tools, more standard tooling, generally for lifting and handling, has been designed and procured either by the ITER Organization or by assembly works contractors with specific tasks to carry out.

For major components weighing hundreds of tonnes—and with linear dimensions of up to 24 metres—the positioning tolerances are in the low-millimetre range. This subset of components includes the vacuum vessel sector assemblies, the poloidal field magnets, the central solenoid, and the cryostat.

After core machine assembly and the closure of the cryostat, in-vessel component installation will take place through the port openings of the vacuum vessel. The ITER Organization is procuring a set of specifically engineered tools for these challenging operations.

Gallery

Squeeze from the side

2025年11月04日

This bespoke yellow lifting tool is designed to move cylindrical magnet modules for the central solenoid (grey steel, top left) by grasping them like hands might lift a bowl.

Rigging for a central solenoid module

2025年11月04日

Under the bridge crane, we have a good view of the rigging needed for lifting central solenoid modules. The module in the photo (grey) will be the fifth to join the central solenoid tower in the Assembly Hall.

Designed for purpose

2025年11月04日

Because drilling into central solenoid modules is impossible, the United States Domestic Agency designed a lift tool that could "clutch" the load through radial pressure.

Constant use

2025年09月04日

Until all nine vacuum vessel sectors have been turned into sector modules by the addition of the thermal shield panels and two toroidal field coils, the standing tools in the Assembly Hall will be in constant use. Pictured is sector #8, newly arrived and not yet assembled with the other constituent parts of a module.

Up in the air

2025年05月15日

The overhead cranes winch the 440-tonne sector right up to the ceiling so that it will be able to pass over the front crossbar of the SSAT sub-assembly tool. The radial beam will be supported in the tool; the suspended sector will also be propped from below.

Two upending tools

2025年05月12日

ITER's two upending tools stand side by side in the Assembly Hall, with one hosting a 440-tonne vacuum vessel sector. For an idea of their actual size, see the two workers in yellow at the bottom left of the frame.

New upending tool: one half arrives on site

2025年03月28日

A second upending tool at ITER will speed up the process of vacuum vessel assembly. The cumbersome frame of tool #2 was shipped in two parts from Korea; the first segment just arrived on site.

Dedicated rigging

2025年03月04日

The overhead cranes cannot "grasp" major loads directly; instead, several elements of rigging intervene between the cranes and the components to be lifted. The dual crane heavy lifting beam (in yellow) allows the cranes to work in tandem and facilitates the rotation of components. The sector lift tool (in grey, with the marking SWL 1257t) interfaces with the radial beam suspending the sector and is equipped with a system to balance the load.

Pivoting

2025年02月21日

The upending tool is a 240-tonne steel frame that is designed to cradle components that are twice its weight. Vacuum vessel sector #8 and its transport frame weigh more that 440 tonnes.

In the shadow of giant tools...

2025年02月12日

On 12 February 2025, in the shadow of the Assembly Hall's giant tools, a group of ITER staff, guests and journalists awaits the arrival of the French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tools are in constant use now that vacuum vessel sector assembly has re-started.

Preparing to receive a second upending tool

2024年11月25日

Next to the first upending tool (seen standing on end, at right) reception pads are being prepared for the arrival of a second tool early next year. Two tools will save time in vacuum vessel assembly.

Same tool, different operation

2023年08月29日

The assembly of sector module #7 was almost finalized when the decision to stop the process and to dismantle was taken at the end of 2022. The reverse operation—the disassembly of the different elements making up a sector—is underway to prepare for repair work. (/newsline/-/3882

Things in reverse

2023年08月29日

The "upending tool" had to turn into a "downending tool" in order to remove sector #8 from the sector sub-assembly tool where it had been positioned. This unplanned for operation required study and measurements.

To be transferred to ITER

2023年01月10日

This scale-one Trial, Test and Training Facility reproduces one-third of the ITER vacuum vessel and a single port cell corridor. It will be transferred along with all tools and mockups to ITER for operator training and procedure development.

Manipulator arms: super strong and ultra precise

2023年01月10日

This is the in-vessel tower crane developed by CNIM Systèmes Industriels, a remote-controlled mobile manipulator that travels 360° around the interior of the vacuum vessel on dedicated rails. It can carry internal components weighing up to 5 tonnes and position them at any location inside the vacuum vessel to better than 0.5 mm accuracy. Two of these manipulators are planned.

Tools for in-vessel component installation

2023年01月10日

At this Trial, Test and Training Facility at CNIM Systèmes Industriels (Toulon, France), bespoke mechanical handling solutions have been developed for the installation of components on the inner wall of the ITER vacuum vessel. In 2022 and early 2023, the entire suite of tools passed acceptance testing ''with flying colours.'' (Read more at /newsline/-/3835.)

Sturdy

2022年09月09日

The in-pit assembly tool enters action for the first time, supporting the sector module built around vacuum vessel sector #6.

Tools galore

2022年09月08日

In this view from the rafters, major pieces of the assemlby "toolkit" are laid out before us.

Busy cranes

2022年09月06日

A 110-tonne central solenoid module hangs from one set of overhead cranes. The Assembly Hall is equipped with two sets: the heavy-duty 750-tonne cranes that work together to lift loads of 1,500 tonnes, and a smaller set of 50-tonne auxiliary cranes.

Early engineering studies in Korea for an important tool

2022年07月18日

Before ITER's giant vacuum vessel sector sub-assembly tools could be manufactured, the team at SFA Engineering Corp., Korea, built this 2010 mockup at one-fifth scale to perform structural and functional tests, and to demonstrate the global kinematics of the system. See the story here: /newsline/-/3778

A particularly complex rigging

2022年05月11日

Particularly complex rigging is on display during the transport of the first vacuum vessel sector module into the pit. Between the blue cable hooks and the component itself (deep in the pit) we see the Dual Crane Heavy Lifting Beam (DCHLB, in yellow) that synchronizes the four hooks of the cranes into a single lift point and enables the rotation of the load, and the grey Sector Lifting Tool. This last rigging attachment connects to both the DCHLB and the radial beam to precisely align the load with the cranes.

Showing their numbers

2022年05月05日

During sector module lift tests on 5 May 2022, the overhead bridge cranes display their numbers—each of the crane's four hooks is supporting a load of approximately 345 tonnes (only two of them are visible in this image). The total weight of the sector module plus its rigging apparatus is in the range of 1,380 tonnes—the equivalent of four fully loaded Boeing 747s. See the story at: /newsline/-/3754.

A gripping tool for central solenoid assembly

2022年03月17日

This unique tool was designed by US ITER to clutch 110-tonne central solenoid modules and hold them in its grip by exerting a strong radial force. The modules cannot be lifted in a traditional manner because it is impossible to add hooks and other lift fixtures to the superconductors.

Working at height

2022年01月19日

Scaffolding surrounds the docked sector to give access to every level of the giant component. Still, a bucket truck can be useful ...

Two tools in a row

2021年12月21日

In December, for the first time, each sector-sub assembly tool (SSAT) had its own vacuum vessel sector...

Complex rigging

2021年12月20日

The rigging for a vacuum vessel sector (440 tonnes) is particularly complex. For more information, see this article: /newsline/-/3592

Up and into the SSAT tool

2021年12月20日

A vacuum vessel sector is slowly lowered into a sector sub-assembly tool (SSAT #1). Two identical tools allow the assembly team to go twice as fast.

The well-named column tool

2021年12月20日

The central column of the in-pit column tool is in place. The nine radial beams will arrive next, each one designed to support a vacuum vessel sub-assembly by sharing the weight of the load between the central column and the concrete wall of the pit.

Horizontal to vertical

2021年12月08日

The upending tool raises ITER's heaviest components (vacuum vessel sectors and toroidal field coils) from horizontal to vertical. In this photo, it is sector #1(7) from Korea.

A purpose built tool for cylindrical magnets

2021年11月04日

In yellow, the purpose built central solenoid lift tool. Manufactured by Robatel (France) for the US Domestic Agency, it will move soon from storage in the Cryostat Workshop to the central solenoid work station in the Assembly Hall.

Over the top

2021年10月21日

Once completed, the sector sub-assemblies will be lifted vertically out of the SSAT tool. The required height above the tool for this operation helps to explain the height of the bridge cranes in the Assembly Hall. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE

Different types of rigging

2021年10月21日

For each lift, the rigging is adapted to the load. Here the rigging (in yellow) for this bottom correction coil allows for a smooth and balanced transfer, with no tilting.

Central solenoid assembly platform

2021年10月20日

The assembly platform for the ITER central solenoid has been positioned in the Assembly Hall (load capacity: 1,300 tonnes). Six modules will be stacked on top of this platform inside of a strong supporting structure. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE

ITER's largest tools

2021年09月07日

This tall three-pillared sector sub-assembly tool (SSAT) weighs 700 tonnes, and is capable of supporting a vertical vacuum vessel sector (440 tonnes, centre) and two toroidal field coils (2 x 350 tonnes, left and right). Impressive.

Testing a radial beam

2021年09月07日

Radial beams will arrive in the pit supporting each vertical vacuum vessel sub-assembly as it travels by overhead crane. Their precise positioning is paramount for the alignment of the machine torus. A test operation, in September, demonstrated that tolerances were respected.

Central column in place

2021年09月01日

Formed from a central column and nine radial beams, the in-pit column tool will support, align and stabilize vacuum vessel sub-assemblies as they are joined and welded. The tool is designed to support a nominal weight of 5,400 tonnes.

First building block takes shape

2021年08月30日

With the scaffolding now removed, the three constitutive components of the first sub-assembly are revealed in all their technological splendour and complexity: to the right, the 40° vacuum vessel sector encased in its silver-plated thermal shield panels; to the left, toroidal field coil #12. (Toroidal field coil #13 is only partly visible through the sector's D-shaped opening.)

First coil in tool

2021年06月09日

In a series of operations that started on 9 June and concluded six days later, TF12 was successfully attached to the left wing of one the twin sector sub-assembly tools (SSAT-1). The 320-tonne coil will be moved to SSAT-2 in about a month for the actual pre-assembly operations.

Stabilizing attachments

2021年04月26日

A special lift attachment between the load and the bridge cranes ensures that this component, poloidal field coil #6 (PF6), is kept stable (no tilt) for the duration of the transfer.

First sector safely docked

2021年04月06日

Supported by a radial beam above, vacuum vessel sector #6 is now safely docked in the sector sub-assembly tool (SSAT#2).

First piece

2021年03月27日

The bottom cylinder of the tool was installed in the pit on 27 March 2021. Four other segments will be added to form the +20-metre-tall central column.

A 90° tilt in mid-air

2021年03月26日

The first vacuum vessel sector is upended on 26 March 2021, the culmination of close to one year of planning and rehearsal.

Strong hands

2021年03月25日

The heavy-lift bridge cranes have been operating in the complete assembly space (Assembly Hall + Tokamak Building) since March 2020.

Upending operation

2021年03月25日

This specialized upending frame will be used to raise two types of large components—vacuum vessel sectors (440 tonnes) and toroidal field coils (360 tonnes)—from their horizontal delivery configuration to vertical for subsequent installation on the sector sub-assembly tools. The "tilt" operation is carried out in coordination with the overhead cranes.

Heavy base for a strong task

2021年03月20日

Close to 6 metres tall and weighing approximately 70 tonnes, this is the first segment of the in-pit column tool, the bottom cylinder. Hollow inside, it will permit access to different levels of the vacuum vessel during in-pit welding operations. Four other segments will follow to build the full column.

In-pit assembly tool

2021年03月09日

Formed from a central column and nine radial beams, this tool is installed inside of the Tokamak pit to support, align and stabilize vacuum vessel sub-assemblies as they are joined and welded. With the central column anchored to the Tokamak Building basemat and the radial beams supported between the column and the concrete bioshield, the in-pit assembly tool is designed to support a nominal weight of 5,400 tonnes.

Major tools, all in a row

2021年03月01日

Some of the major assembly tools are visible in this photo: the sector sub-assembly tools (22 metres tall, right); the upending tool (in its raised position, left); and the ITER bridge cranes.

3 handling devices

2021年02月28日

Under the overhead crane, the 90-tonne "dual crane heavy lifting beam" (yellow) provides a single connection for the next-layer of lifting attachment. The second layer—the sector lifting tool—interfaces at three points with toroidal field coil lifting beam. The lifting beam (also called a radial beam) connects directly to the top of the vacuum vessel sector (which is represented here by the dummy load).

Just right

2021年02月16日

The success of another trial operation: the two wings of the sector sub-assembly tool are rotated inward with their two outboard segments of vacuum vessel thermal shielding, and the precision of their alignment is measured.

Putting the tool through its paces

2021年01月12日

Operators are practicing with a dummy load to prepare for the upending operations to come—the tilting from horizontal to vertical of vacuum vessel sectors and toroidal field coils.

Double load trials

2021年01月12日

Testing continues with two dummy loads.

Next tool to be installed

2020年12月22日

In December, part of the central column of the in-pit assembly tool is moved to the antechamber of the Assembly Hall. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE

A new tool arrives from Korea

2020年11月02日

The "sector lifting tool" is one of the interfacing components between the heavy lift cranes and some of the heaviest ITER components. The tool is equipped to perform horizontal-plane adjustments along the X and Y axis (longitudinal and transverse) in order to balance the loads before each lift.

Functional tests conclude on sector lifting tool

2020年10月14日

Functional tests on the "sector lifting tool" have demonstrated that the tool's controller and actuators are ready to implement operator commands during the delicate lifting operations of vacuum vessel sectors, toroidal field coils, and the finalized sector sub-assemblies.

Practicing with the upending tool

2020年04月10日

The upending tool is brought to vertical by the overhead cranes during commissioning tests in the Assembly Hall.

1,000 tonnes

2020年03月28日

The 840-tonne double load on the "north bridge" of the crane (right) is complemented by a 156-tonne load on the "south bridge," bringing the total to a little more than 1,000 tonnes. Calculations and modelling are used to extrapolate the effect the actual 1,500-tonne loads will have on the building's structure.

A big beam for a heavy load

2020年03月28日

The double overhead bridge crane comprises four such 47-metre-long, 155-tonne steel girders, or beams. Arranged in two pairs and working in tandem, they can lift up to 1,500 tonnes. The double overhead bridge crane was tested at 125 percent of its capacity (1,870 tonnes) in December 2017.

Testing the path before the real loads

2020年03月28日

Totaling approximately 1,000 tonnes, the mock loads are ready to undertake their 170-metre-long journey from the entrance of the Assembly Hall all the way to the opposite end of the newly created crane hall. Testing the load path, and carefully monitoring building inflection as the loads go by, are part of the last commissioning activities before machine assembly.

Teamwork

2020年03月02日

Early tests on the upending tool are carried out under the supervision of the ITER Organization. The operation was coordinated by MOMENTUM (ITER's Construction Management-as-Agent) and involved Apave (security), contractors from the assembly consortium DYNAMIC, an operator, and an engineer from crane manufacturer REEL.

Like a steel cradle

2020年03月02日

Procured by Korea, the upending tool is a 250-tonne steel "cradle" designed and equipped to handle vacuum vessel sectors and D-shaped toroidal field coils throughout the "pre-assembly" phase.

First steps

2020年03月02日

An important step for every tool, once assembled, is testing and commissioning. This step verifies that the tool is performing according to specification and also serves to train operators.

Preparing all processes

2020年02月25日

ITER specialists and contractors involved are testing "processes"—not just lifting systems and the loads to be handled, but their interaction and the whole kinematics of upending, transporting and manipulating charges that can be as heavy as four fully loaded Boeing 747s. Here, we see the upending tool in testing.

Up in the rafters

2020年02月18日

Soon, these bridge cranes will be able to travel double distance—not only the length of the Assembly Hall, but that of the adjacent building as well. Crane commissioning activities over the Tokamak pit will start once the temporary wall comes down.

Back in service

2020年02月14日

Two 360-tonne test loads are back on the main tools of the Assembly Hall. With extra weight added, they will be used to commission the overhead cranes in the new crane hall of the Tokamak Building. The temporary wall between the buildings is coming down now.

Next to test: the upending tool

2019年12月13日

Tool commissioning is an important activity, during which the all specified functional requirements are demonstrated. Also, for tools sourced outside of the European Union, it is the occasion to show compliance with EU regulations.

Load tests conclusive

2019年11月27日

The commissioning phase for the twin sector sub-assembly tools (SSAT) in the Assembly Hall is over. The final verification tests—with test load (photo)—demonstrated that both tools are performing to expectation.

Upending tool arrives

2019年11月14日

The two halves of the upending tool (right) are headed for installation in the far right corner of the Assembly Hall, on the area of floor that has been painted.

The doors open and ...

2019年11月07日

... the segments of the upending tool, delivered by Korea, enter. This large structure is designed to "upend" ITER's largest components (toroidal field coils and vacuum vessel sectors) from horizontal to vertical.

Shift of weight

2019年09月30日

In late September, the second 360-tonne load (at left) was transferred to SSAT tool #2 (on the right). After one month of functional tests on the second tool, the loads will be removed and stored until needed for the testing of the "upending" structure that has been shipped by Korea.

Two mounted

2019年07月23日

Two mock loads were built in Scotland by Doosan Babcock and shipped to ITER for assembly. They represent a combined weight of 700 tonnes, now mounted on the tool SSAT#1. Rotational tests begin late in July.

Two mock loads

2019年07月11日

Two mock loads weighing 350 tonnes have been constructed from steel and concrete (far left) to represent the D-shaped toroidal field coils that will be mounted on the wings of the assembly tools. Lifting and installation will begin soon.

Open arms

2019年07月03日

Standing in front of one of the sub-sector assembly tools is Swiss photographer Luca Zanier, who spent two days at ITER in July in pursuit of "unusual" perspectives in industry.

Loads prepared

2019年06月12日

Load tests are about to start on the twin sector sub-assembly tools (SSAT). The mock loads in the foreground—weighing 350 tonnes each—will be installed on the tool "wings" to measure their capacity to rotate inwards and adjust to within millimetre tolerances.

Mechanical testing underway on SSAT tools

2019年04月25日

With both sector sub-assembly tools (SSATs) now erected, mechanical load testing can start. In April, teams begin testing the movement of upper alignment units. Load testing is schedule for June.

A pair of hands is still useful

2019年01月10日

Lessons learned from the first tool have reduced assembly time for SSAT-2 by approximately one-third. Still, some manual operations are still required...

Heavy machinery

2018年02月20日

Two pairs of hands will manoeuvre the ITER components from above in the Assembly Hall—the 1,500-tonne crane (on higher rails) and the 50-tonne crane, both visible in this photo. The cranes were supplied by the French firm REEL as part of European procurement contributions. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE

It's midnight, but these teams are at work

2017年12月18日

Observers during the load tests include representatives of the crane manufacturer Reel, the ITER Organization, the architect-engineer Engage, and the safety controller Bureau Veritas.

After-hours load tests for the crane

2017年12月18日

Late at night in December the principal crane of the Assembly Building was subjected to loads that were +10%/+25% of nominal—all part of commissioning tests for the important equipment.

Complex machinery

2017年11月22日

Trolleys and cranes of various capacities fill most of the space in the Assembly Hall rafters. Like a catwalk in a theatre, they host the invisible machinery that makes the production possible.

Cranes galore

2017年11月22日

Cranes galore This striking view takes in the whole lifting system installed in the Assembly Hall: the massive double overhead bridge crane, with a lifting capacity of 1,500 tonnes (top), and its much smaller sibling the 50-tonne auxiliary crane sitting on rails three metres below.

2017年11月22日

Load tests are scheduled to begin in the first week of December. A final test at 25 percent over-capacity (1,875 tonnes) will verify that the flexion of the 43-metre-long bridge crane girders remains within specifications.

A full view

2017年11月08日

Looking down across the full 97-metre length of the Assembly Hall. The travelling cranes are approximately 45 metres above floor level.

Looking up

2017年07月12日

The two large overhead cranes of the Assembly Hall are currently undergoing functional tests.

Modular tools for in-vessel assembly

2016年05月15日

In order to carry out the installation of the ITER in-vessel components—such as the diagnostic looms, in-vessel coils, blanket shield blocks and first-wall panels—the ITER Organization will require a set of specifically engineered tools. The ITER Organization is working with CNIM (Toulon, France) for a trial, test and training facility that demonstrates that the tooling can achieve the required in-vessel assembly tasks.

[画像:The sub-assembly of the nine vacuum vessel sectors]

The sub-assembly of the nine vacuum vessel sectors

2014年11月15日

The ITER "toolkit" for assembly will include very large, heavy, strong, expensive and precise tools.

Extremely specialized sub-assembly equipment

2014年11月14日

This 22-metre-high sector sub-assembly tool will assemble components weighing a combined mass of 1,250 tonnes: one 40° vacuum vessel sector; two toroidal field coils; and thermal shields. Most of specialized purpose-built tooling for ITER assembly will be supplied by Korea, as part of its procurement commitments to ITER.

Lifting configuration for poloidal field coil #5

2014年11月13日

Most of the ITER components with large diameters, like the poloidal field coils or the cryostat segments, will be handled by the synchronous use of four universal lifting beams connected to as many 375 tonne crane hooks.

The vacuum vessel Sector Sub-Assembly tool

2014年11月13日

Standing shoulder to shoulder, two Sector Sub-Assembly tools will suspend the vacuum vessel sectors from the top while carefully positioning and installing—via the rotary motion of the "wings"—the vacuum vessel thermal shielding and two toroidal field coils.

Upending the largest components

2014年11月13日

"Upending" the vacuum vessel sectors Appropriately termed the "upending" tool, this specialized tool will lift the 40° vacuum vessel sectors from the as-delivered horizontal orientation to vertical orientation for sub-assembly with two toroidal field coils and thermal shields. This tool will also be used to upend toroidal field coils.

Work platforms in the vacuum vessel

2014年11月13日

Modular platforms at four levels are planned to provide access for in-vessel installation activities. As a highly adaptable modular structure, the staging can be broken down into 10-degree sections to allow for the movement of in-vessel cranes and other handling tools.

Perfect

2014年11月13日

The lifting of this 440-tonne vacuum vessel sector and its positioning in the sector sub-assembly tool was a master class of coordination and precision.

The ITER Tokamak Building bridge cranes

2014年11月13日

In their tandem configuration of two trolleys carrying two 375-tonne cranes respectively, the ITER bridge cranes will be capable of lifting loads of up to 1,500 tonnes.

How the upending tool works

2014年11月13日

The loads will be suspended several metres above the ground as one side of the upending tool is winched to vertical. The tool will then be lowered and secured as the vacuum vessel sector (left) or the toroidal field coil (right) is lifted up and away to be delivered for pre-assembly activities.

[画像:On the inside of the vacuum vessel]

On the inside of the vacuum vessel

During assembly of the ITER vacuum vessel—11 metres tall with an interior diameter of 6 metres—temporary floors, ladders and bridges will be set into place for the teams.

[画像:In-pit assembly tool]

In-pit assembly tool

The in-pit assembly tool is made up of a central tower and a series of beams. This tool will support the vacuum vessel sub-assemblies and align them while the vacuum vessel is assembled.

[画像:The sub-assembly of the nine vacuum vessel sectors]

[画像:On the inside of the vacuum vessel]

[画像:In-pit assembly tool]