Overview
The ITER Cryostat stands as a monumental achievement in precision engineering and global collaboration. Often dubbed the world’s largest thermos, this massive vacuum vessel is designed to insulate the ITER fusion reactor and its components from external thermal influences. With a towering height of 30 meters and a diameter of 30 meters, it is the largest cryostat ever built.
Purpose & Function
As the outer vacuum shell of the ITER machine, the Cryostat plays a critical role in maintaining the ultra-cold environment required for fusion reactions. It ensures thermal insulation for key components such as the vacuum vessel and superconducting magnets, enabling ITER to replicate the energy-producing processes of the sun.
Manufacturing & Assembly
- Fabrication Partner: Manufactured by L&T Hazira, India.
- Assembly Site: Assembled at the Cryostat Workshop of ITER-India, located at the ITER site in France.
- Structure: Composed of 54 precision-engineered segments, forming a complex mechanical puzzle .
Engineering Highlights
This project pushed the boundaries of heavy fabrication and precision welding. Key technological innovations include:
Significance
The Cryostat is not just a vessel—it’s a testament to India’s engineering capabilities and its vital contribution to the ITER international fusion energy project. It showcases the fusion of innovation, scale, and precision required to support one of the most ambitious scientific endeavours of our time