Components & Hardware
Vacuum-Vessel Sector
A welded segment of the chamber that holds the plasma vacuum.
- Role
- Vacuum boundary
- Lead time
- 24–30 mo (forgings)
The vacuum vessel is built from sectors — forged and rolled steel segments joined by automated field welds — that together form the sealed, ported chamber holding ultra-high vacuum. Sector forgings are a long-lead procurement item.
Common questions
What is a vacuum-vessel sector?
A forged-and-rolled steel segment of the breeder's chamber, joined to its neighbours by automated field welds to form the sealed, ported vessel that holds ultra-high vacuum and provides the first structural boundary.
Why is it a schedule driver?
The large sector forgings are a long-lead procurement item (of order two years), so they sit on the critical path and are ordered early in the build.