Proposal of cooling plant, for SPIDER and MITICA experiments

Abstract This paper presents a proposal of Cooling Plant for two new Neutral Beam experiments called MITICA and SPIDER to be realized in Padova (Italy). A large amount of Power (up to 70 MW) has to be removed from in-vessel components and auxiliary systems belonging to these two experiments. Different experimental scenarios (pulse duration ranging from few seconds up to 3600 s), requirements for operating temperature, coolant quality and voltage holding are taken into account in this conceptual design proposal. To reduce the radiological risks due to possible presence of activated corrosion products (ACP) in some water cooled components suitable design choices have been analysed. This work was carried out by considering carefully a lot of different aspects like operability, standardization of components, maintenance and repair, optimization of the installed power and the overall costs of the plant. Experiment components with similar requirements are grouped in the same primary circuits where fine temperature regulation, water quality monitoring and calorimetric measurements are the main characteristics. Each primary circuit (PC) is connected to secondary circuits which allow thermal dissipation and, in some cases, also component preheating. Secondary circuits are connected to two large basins the water of which is cooled down by active cooling rejection system such as cooling towers and air coolers. In this way the requirement for impulsive heat dissipation is fulfilled by the water basins allowing to install a less powerful active rejection system and so reducing the total costs. A large effort was done to guarantee good plant integration with the Experiment Main Hall (in which MITICA and SPIDER are located) and other technical supplies, buildings and areas. Other special requirements for stand-alone systems like Draining and Drying System, Pressure Test System and Chemical Control System are also part of this work.