Progress in the development of the in-vessel transporter and the upper port cask for the remote replacement of the DEMO breeding blanket

The breeding blanket (BB) segments are by far the largest in-vessel components of DEMO. For their remote replacement through upper vertical ports vacuum vessel (VV) recently a new concept has been developed, [1]. minimizes spread contamination as all operations carried out from within cask that is sealed to VV and located room providing second confinement barrier inside nuclear building. removal BB transporter operated on elevator system >20m higher cask. limited available space makes compact design solutions have developed critical overall concept. designed according codes for high payloads since may weigh up 180 tons. Due eccentric engagement points backside due seismic accelerations, need be considered, too, resists also bending moments. It can carry translational well tilting movements required disengage supports remove them port. main requirements regarding integration, manipulation structural integrity verified. Next development steps include further improvements, integration position survey, definition control motion actuations, supply cable routing, rescue recovery scenarios validation in relevant test facilities. This article describes lifting tools including several modifications following set analyses were performed.