Blanket Information Day held at F4E

Targeting potentially interested companies, this one-day meeting was held on 19 May at F4E. The technical requirements of the ITER blanket first wall system, about 50% of which will be supplied by Europe, were presented to a total of 66 representatives from 30 different companies/associations who participated at the event.

This system is an essential metal protection assembly made of 440 panels fabricated from stainless steel, copper alloy and beryllium, mechanically attached to shield blocks fastened on the inner shell of the vacuum vessel. The blanket system provides shielding against neutrons and heat generated during the fusion process. Organised by the F4E Business Intelligence Group, the Information Day which was also an opportunity for participants to meet and network with each other, possibly to establish consortiums and reply to the call for tender for the blanket first wall that F4E must deliver to ITER.

All the participants made brief presentations presenting their companies and what they specialise in. Representatives have also provided F4E with written information regarding their respective capabilities and their capacity to work in a prime or sub-contractor position.