ITER delegation was impressed

08.07.2008 // Minatom.ru

A delegation of ITER visited Chepetsk Mechanical Plant on June 24–25 to see how the plant had organized the production of superconductors of the future thermonuclear experimental reactor

The guests were really impressed and said that CMP was ready to meet its obligations under the project.

ITER executive Arnaud Devred said that CMP was the twelfth producer of superconducting materials and current-carrying elements in the world they had visited so far. He said that they were really impressed with what they had seen, especially with the unique equipment to be used under the project. CMP is the only plant in the world to execute and control all stages of superconductor production. The whole process is concentrated in one plant and is controlled by different systems. Unfortunately, the other suppliers of ITER rely on sub-contractors, which seriously complicates their work.

Devred pointed out the key advantages of CMP: the plant enjoys super modern equipment, high safety and production culture, close relationship with the designer of the superconductor technology, VNIINM (All-Russian Research Institute of Non-Organic Materials), and shinning cleanness of the premises. Clean premises are essential for high quality.

One more positive point is that CMP buys a lot of new equipment. This gives the plant an advantage and a stimulus for further development. Devred pointed out that CMP was able to design and produce own quality control equipment. The plant controls quality throughout the production process. It has an excellent central laboratory with super modern equipment and highly-qualified and motivated personnel. “Your people love what they do and this is essential for success,” Devred said.

Devred said that CMP had to keep up its present level. The plant has huge potential for implementing all of its tasks. “Of course, we will continue our close cooperation. I am sure that your plant has all capacities for conquering new markets,” Devred said.

In his turn, the head of the Russian Agency of ITER Anatoly Krasilnikov pointed out the contribution of TVEL Corporation to the creation of ITER. He said that TVEL effectively coordinated the whole work to produce superconductors due to both budgetary and own funds. TVEL has invested hundreds of millions of rubles in this production. Krasilnikov is sure that, as soon as the production is streamlined and TVEL’s task is fulfilled, the Corporation will get lots of contracts and the investments will pay off.

Krasilnikov was amazed that lots of young people worked at the plant with some of them working as managers. “This means that you realize that the production of superconductors is not meant for one day but for a long period.”

The first vice president of TVEL Corporation Vladimir Rozhdesntvensky, the director general of Chepetsk Mechanical Plant Sergey Kukharev, the research manager of the project for production of superconductors, the deputy director general of VNIINM Alexander Shikov were present at the meeting.