NTS Awarded Multiple Contracts for Testing Critical Components of ITER, the World’s Largest Fusion Reactor

ANAHEIM, California – (BUSINESS WIRE) – National Technical Systems, Inc. (“NTS”), the leading independent provider of qualification testing, inspection and certification solutions in North America, is pleased to announce that it has won multiple contracts to test critical components internationally at Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the world’s largest fusion reactor.

The ITER project is a joint international research cooperation with the USA, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the European Union. The project includes a magnetic fusion device designed to generate an unprecedented amount of energy. This makes it the first reactor in the world to generate net energy. The demonstration plant has started assembly in St. Paul-lez-Durance, France. The first work is planned for 2025. Upon completion, ITER will be the largest experimental fusion reactor in the world and demonstrate 500 MW fusion power.

As one of the most complex technical projects in history, millions of components supplied by seven international partners will be used to assemble the 23,000-ton, ten-story fusion reactor. Almost 3,000 tons of superconducting magnets, some heavier than a jumbo jet and strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier, are connected by 200 km of superconducting cables. The project involves using the world’s largest cryogenic systems to keep the components at -269 ° C. Fusion is an attractive potential source of energy: fusion reactions do not produce climate-warming carbon dioxide, cannot melt and produce a limited amount of short-lived radioactive waste. The world is eagerly awaiting the further development of a path to practical fusion energy as an innovative solution for sustainable carbon-free energy.

Two major manufacturers of the ITER initiative, Hayward Tyler, Inc. and Vacuum Technology, Inc., selected NTS to conduct qualification tests for critical components in support of the US ITER. Hayward Tyler’s canned motor pumps and Vacuum Technology’s Cryogenic Guard Vacuum System pumping stations are key components in ITER’s innovative engineering design. These critical components undergo rigorous nuclear facility qualification tests that include radiation aging, seismic testing, thermal aging and analysis, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing. All test protocols conform to the Huntsville 10 CFR 50 Appendix B quality assurance program of the NTS.

NTS ‘Huntsville Laboratory, one of the company’s 28 laboratories in North America, has a long history of assisting in the qualification of components used in nuclear power plants worldwide and in DOE facilities in the United States. As a leader in innovation in nuclear testing, NTS has consistently led the way in validating and certifying new technologies in many sectors. “NTS is proud to continue its 60-year heritage of innovation and to be fully involved in this important scientific endeavor for the nuclear science community,” said Tom Boonarkat, NTS nuclear facilities qualifications manager.

“The qualification and testing of hardware for nuclear power plants is unique, extensive and complicated. and is a mandatory, critical step in providing the safest, most reliable systems for power generation. NTS is one of the few select companies that is trusted to test the core components and hardware required for nuclear power generation, ”said Jeffrey Belotti, Business Development Manager at Hayward Tyler, Inc.

“As a trusted partner, we can safely turn to NTS to conduct the most complex nuclear tests in the world. We are excited to be working with NTS on ITER, the world’s most ambitious energy project, ”said Jason Alfrey, ASNT NDT Level III, Leak Detection, Sales and Technical Director, Product Development, Sales and Support Team at Vacuum Technology, Inc.

“NTS ‘Huntsville Laboratory is a huge test facility with advanced capabilities in dynamics, environment, mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics and testing. The laboratory is considered the Nuclear Center of Excellence by NTS and is used to overcome the most extreme testing challenges for military, aerospace and space programs. “We are excited to continue our customers’ 60 years of dedication to ensure the best possible test experience,” said Gary Dennis, Operations Manager at NTS Huntsville.

Via national technical systems

National Technical Systems, Inc. (NTS) is the leading provider of qualification testing, inspection and certification services in North America, serving a wide range of industries including civil aviation, aerospace, defense, nuclear, telecommunications, industrial, electronics, medical and end markets Automobile. Since 1961, NTS has built the broadest geographic presence in the United States, offering more than 70 different categories of environmental simulation and material testing, including climate, structure, dynamics, fluid flow, EMI / EMC, lightning, product safety, acoustics and failure analysis, chemical and other industry-specific Testing.

Thanks to its geographically diverse footprint, which has a network of more than 28 technologically advanced test laboratories, NTS facilities are in close proximity to their 8,000+ customers, enabling NTS to provide industry-leading accessibility and responsiveness to the most innovative companies in the country. NTS is accredited by numerous national and international organizations and operates its inspection department under the Unitek brand and offers a wide range of supply chain management services. NTS ‘certification division, operating under the NQA brand, is one of the largest and most respected global ISO registrars with active certifications in more than 75 countries. For more information about NTS, visit our website at www.nts.com or call 800-270-2516.

About Hayward Tyler

Hayward Tyler, part of Avingtrans plc’s Engineered Pumps and Motors division, manufactures and services performance critical electric motors and pumps to meet the most demanding applications in the global energy and chemical industries that specialize in high pressure, high temperature and fluids to handle. With locations in the UK, USA, China and India, the company has built a solid reputation as a provider of quality, reliability and world-class engineering. More information is available at https://haywardtyler.com/.

About Vacuum Technology Incorporated

Vacuum Technology Incorporated (VTI) is the world’s largest calibrated leak provider, providing flow standards to hundreds of companies, universities, and governments around the world. VTI’s calibrated leaks are essential components of vacuum systems that support innovative industrial manufacturing techniques, space exploration, and scientific research. Please visit https://vacuumtechnology.com/ for more information.

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