The test facility for the short prototypes of the LHC superconducting magnets

Abstract

The LHC development program relies on cryogenic tests of prototype and model magnets. This vigorous program is pursued in a dedicated test facility based on several vertical cryostats working at superfluid helium temperatures. The performance of the facility is detailed. Goals and test equipment for currently performed studies are reviewed: quench analysis and magnet protection studies, measurement of the field quality, test of ancillary electrical equipment like diodes and busbars. The paper covers the equipment available for tests of prototypes and some special series of LHC magnets to come. ABSTRACTThe LHC development program relies on cryogenic tests of prototype and model magnets. This vigorous program is pursued in a dedicated test facility based on several vertical cryostats working at superfluid helium temperatures. The performance of the facility is detailed. Goals and test equipment for currently performed studies are reviewed: quench analysis and magnet protection studies, measurement of the field quality, test of ancillary electrical equipment like diodes and busbars. The paper covers the equipment available for tests of prototypes and some special series of LHC magnets to come.

Test results of a variant-design LHC twin-aperture dipole magnet

“…The coils were equipped with a set of voltage taps for quench detection and localization. Magnetic measurements were carried out by means of rotating coils [8]. The magnetic measurement shafts were also used as quench antennas, and quench localization was accomplished by combining information from the latter and from the voltage taps.…”