Enerpac’s SyncHoist lifting technology has played a key role in the final assembly of the ITER central solenoid, the world’s largest pulsed superconducting electromagnet, at the fusion research facility in southern France.
The milestone was achieved with the installation of the sixth and final 110 tonne central solenoid module, bringing the magnet to its full height of 17.8 metres. Once fully assembled, the central solenoid will weigh around 1,000 tonnes and will generate the powerful magnetic field required to initiate and sustain the fusion plasma inside the ITER tokamak.
The final module was lifted using one of the ITER Assembly Hall’s overhead cranes, with two Enerpac SyncHoist synchronous sling adjusters installed directly within the rigging. The system enabled operators to monitor and independently adjust each lifting point, ensuring precise alignment throughout the operation.
After being raised above the five previously installed modules, the component was lowered into position through extremely tight clearances of just 50 mm on one side and 65 mm on the other.
“Each module had slightly different clearances and the final module was particularly interesting because it’s the top module and required a unique installation path and a rigorous metrology effort to avoid the busbar leads from the two previously installed modules,” said Carl Cormany, ITER superconducting engineer. “We’re happy with how the lifting operation went and having the six modules in place is a major accomplishment.”
The successful lift marks a significant milestone for the ITER programme. Engineers will now begin the final assembly phase, including piping connections, instrumentation installation, structural support assembly and compression of the solenoid into its final operating configuration.
Enerpac’s SyncHoist system enables the precise positioning of heavy and unbalanced loads through synchronised hydraulic control, providing millimetre level accuracy during critical lifting operations.
