Design of a helium passivation system for the target vessel of the Beam Dump Facility at CERN

Abstract

A: The Beam Dump Facility (BDF) is a proposed general-purpose facility at CERN, dedicated to fixed target and beam dump experiments, currently being developed in the context of the Physics Beyond Colliders program. The design of the facility will allow to host different types of experiments, of which SHiP is planned to be the initial one. The core of the facility is a high-density target/dump absorbing the full intensity of the SPS beam and generating a cascade of particles that are detected downstream the target complex. The target and its shielding blocks are positioned inside a vessel, which is planned to be passivized with helium, in order to reduce the activation of the gas surrounding the target and to extend the operational life of materials and equipment. The passivation system that will be in charge of purifying and circulating the helium is a critical component for the operation of the facility. Fluid dynamics simulations have been performed to study the circulation of the helium through the vessel. A detailed design of the helium passivation system and its main components has been developed. K: Gas systems and purification A X P : 1910.00333

Study of alternative locations for the SPS Beam Dump Facility

“…The target complex has been designed to house the target bunker, along with the cooling, ventilation and helium purification services below ground level [28,29]. Remote handling for manipulation of the target and surrounding shielding is mandatory due to the high residual dose rates expected after operation.…”