Welding equipment

Tender description

The machine has been specified for the welding of DUNE PIP-II niobium RF cavities; these require higher than normal vacuum levels in the welding chamber and a guarantee of cleanliness to assure the welded assemblies meet the stringent material property requirements when in service. In order to achieve optimum performance from the cavity, it is essential that welding is carried out at 5x10-5 mbar or better, using a dry pumped system. This differs in specification from electron beam welding machines currently available within UK universities, research and technology organisations and industry. Therefore, although TWI is able to provide a test machine suitable for early stage trials, the overall delivery of the project is contingent on the procurement of a suitable machine with the correct pumping, chamber dimensions and part handling to enable welding of the cavity for supply to STFC for integration within the module. This specification has been produced as part of an initiative known as PIP-II (LBNF/DUNE PIP-II Cryomodules), which is part-funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) using Research Council UK Grants (RCUK).