Tritium extraction systems for the European HCLL/HCPB TBMs

One of the most challenging issues for the TBM (Test Blanket Module) testing campaign foreseen in ITER is the operation of TES (Tritium Extraction Systems). This is essential not only to prove the ability to manage correctly the bred tritium but also to validate and qualify the neutronic codes for the prediction of tritium production in view of their use in future fusion plants. Two are the European candidates to be tested in ITER: the HCPB (Helium Cooled Pebble Bed) TBM and the HCLL (Helium Cooled Lithium Lead) TBM. For both these TBM concepts the following points have been addressed in this work: a) the gas stream to be processed by TES b) the TES process flow diagram c) a first assessment of the required space