By Amalia Ballarino (CERN)

The Magnesium Diboride (MgB2) Superconducting Links (SC-links) of the HL-LHC Cold Powering Systems (HL-LHC Work Package 6A) terminate at their warm (20 K) end in complex cryostats, called DFHX for the Triplets and DFHM for the Matching Sections. These cryostats receive the helium gas cooling the SC-links, support the REBCO High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) current leads, and host the MgB2-to-REBCO high current (up to 18000 A) splices, which are cooled by a forced flow of helium gas at about 20 K.

While the design of the DFHX and DFHM took place at CERN, the complex manufacturing and assembly of their mechanical components was carried by Uppsala University in the framework of a collaboration agreement with CERN. RFR Solutions (Sweden), via Uppsala University, was an important partner for these activities.

The collaboration agreement between CERN and Uppsala University was signed in January 2022, when CERN started sharing of technological know-how. Since then, intense work was carried out at Uppsala University. This included ensuring the availability of skilled personnel not only for mechanical manufacturing and welding and but also for vacuum testing. The first series components were delivered to CERN in June 2023 and, too date, CERN and Uppsala University celebrate the successful completion of the manufacturing of the components for the full series of DFHX (five units) and DFHM (five units) cryostats. Deliveries are well in line with the global HL-LHC Work Package 6A schedule.

“This activity is a great example of a collaboration between CERN and an academic institute for the construction of complex hardware. Sharing of knowledge as well as constructive, collaborative, and inclusive efforts have been instrumental for the successful and timely completion of the work”, says Amalia Ballarino, leader of the work package.

“The trustful collaboration with the university and its industrial partner was the key to overcome the daily challenges raised by such demanding manufacturing”, adds Yann Leclercq, Project engineer for the DFH activities.

Figure 2. Left: DFH components produced at Uppsala University, Sweden. Right: Celebration of the completion of the DFHX and DFHM series production.

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