SM18 horizontal test benches

On the 10 horizontal test benches, we can test all LHC main cryo-modules at temperatures between 1.9 and 4.5 K, with currents up to 20 kA. By using LHC conditions, we train and qualify the magnets before installation in the LHC or before designating them as spare magnets. Additional tests on the cryo-modules, such as magnetic field quality measurements, splice resistance measurements, and electrical insulation checks, are performed in these benches.

We have tested here all 1232 LHC main dipole and all 456 LHC main quadrupole cold masses, including their spares. Since 2019, we started a large reconstitution project to be able to timely test the cold masses for the HL-LHC upgrade, including the 11 T dipole, the low-beta inner triplet quadrupoles, and the superconducting link.

See more information about the horizontal test benches here.

SM18 vertical cryostats

Non-cryostated research and spare magnets, current leads and diodes can be tested in our five vertical test cryostats. These cryostats can operate in liquid helium between 1.9 and 4.5 K, and one of them can operate in helium gas up to 80 K.

In these stations, we perform thorough testing of research magnets, including studies of the protection elements in multiple conditions to validate models, training beyond the nominal current to see the intrinsic limits of the magnet, and endurance tests, such as repetitive thermal or mechanical cycling. Magnetic field measurements are typically done with dedicated rotating coil magnetometers operated at cryogenic temperature.

Some of the devices we tested in these cryostats include the Nb3Sn 11 T dipole and low-beta quadrupole short model magnets for HL-LHC, the world-record Fresca2 magnet, several NbTi spare magnets for LHC, tens of diodes for qualification, the MgB2 EESD magnet, and the REBCO Feather2 magnet.

You can find more information about the vertical cryostats here.