PRESS-RELEASE

The final stage of the first in the world special tokamak physical start-up was realized in the National Nuclear Center of RK designed for testing of functional and structural materials for the future thermonuclear power.

On November 20, 2019 plasma discharge was obtained that met requirements of the second and final stage of KTM facility physical start-up. At the current stage operability of KTM facility was demonstrated as well as its main technological systems with plasma obtain in ohmic mode (without supplement heating device). During experiments, the initial phase of plasma discharge scenario and ionizing gas breakdown were carried out, as well as optimization of plasma thread scenario and achieving plasma discharge parameters corresponding to the calculated values. Hydrogen was used as a working gas. The main goals of KTM Tokamak physical start-up final stage were met.

Specialists from the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan actively participated in the current work, as well as the members from Kurchatov complex of thermonuclear power and plasma technologies of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” (Russia), under methodological support of NIIEFA named after D.V. Efremov (Russia).

Realization of KTM Tokamak physical start-up is a significant event, a responsible reporting stage, enabling to commence work on KTM facility bringing to a full-scale design parameters.

In 2020-2022 it is planning to work on KTM facility plasma discharge design parameters reaching – transition from round section of plasma thread to elongated one and hence to diverter configuration for plasma. Then it is planning to connect the system of additional high frequency plasma heating and plasma current bringing to values of about 750 kA. Plasma discharge duration will be up to 5 s. In fact, that is a technological limit for the facility, enabling to execute a full-scale operations on study of plasma effects on candidate materials for the future thermonuclear reactors.

The efforts mentioned will be realized under ATOM-CIS Program and corresponding agreements on joint use of KTM Tokamak by CIS countries. Operations completion is planned for 2023.

About the Project.

Project “Kazakhstani Material Testing Tokamak KTM Construction” has been realizing in Kurchatov town pursuant to the RK Governmental Resolution in support of the Program on construction of the international thermonuclear experimental reactor ITER, development of modern science and technologies in the Republic of Kazakhstan, training of scientific research and engineering personnel of high qualification.

For additional information, please, contact: utenkova@nnc.kz, nurgulya@nnc.kz