LS1 Report: operations on the right track
The SMACC interconnection train continues to progress in Sector 5-6 of the LHC, where the re-soldering of the opened M-lines has started (see picture 2). The interconnection teams are now also starting work in Sector 6-7, preparing and opening the interconnection bellows etc.
Picture 1: Work in progress on Route Goward.
In addition, the SMACC special intervention team, which looks after specific individual magnet and circuit-related jobs, has started disconnecting the individual magnets that are to be removed from the tunnel. The first of these, quadrupole Q5L8, was moved out of the tunnel by EN/HE overnight on 27 May.
At the PS Booster (PSB), the preparations for the removal of the existing extraction beam dump are in full swing. The current beam dump has to be replaced as part of the upgrade programme to improve PSB beam performance. This programme involves using H- ion injection from LINAC4 and increasing the PSB extraction energy to 2 GeV, both of which will lead to an increase in the power of the extracted PSB beam.
There is good news from the GS Civil Engineering teams working above the PS tunnel on Route Goward (see picture 1). This work to improve the radiation shielding of the PS machine is progressing faster than expected, which will be a welcome relief to anyone needing to access the centre of the PS ring, as the use of Route Goward is severely restricted during the work. It is also hoped that this will allow the next major civil engineering work on the PS tunnel, a project that will improve the radiation shielding above Septum 16, to start somewhat earlier than anticipated.
The primary water ring main inside the SPS tunnel will be drained in the middle of June as part of a major renovation programme. However, this water main also serves the principal SPS fire-fighting system. To ensure that the Fire Brigade have access to water in the event of an emergency, large temporary water reservoirs are being installed at each point (see picture 3).
by Simon Baird
