Progress in the conceptual design of the ITER cask and plug remote handling system

Abstract One function of the ITER remote maintenance system is the transportation of in-vessel components and remote handling systems to and from the vacuum vessel and docking stations in the Hot Cell via dedicated galleries and lift. The cask and plug remote handling system (CPRHS) has been adopted as the solution to provide this nuclear confinement and transportation. This paper discusses the development of the conceptual design to-date and presents the processes being implemented to effectively control the subsequent CPRHS development. The CPRHS is a complex suite of systems with a significant number of interfaces with other ITER systems. Significant effort is being made to ensure that the system requirements are comprehensively defined and carefully managed and a feasible solution is developed – including planned and rescue operations. With the CPRHS performing a critical confinement function appropriate processes are being put in place to control the system development of the CPRHS. The expectation is that the combination of these factors will have a significant impact on the successful implementation of the CPRHS.