TRIUMF Financial Report 2007-2008 TRIUMF’s ion beam transport systems are the result of original thinking, detailed design and constant development. by Stuart Austen TRIUMF Design Office Behind every great experiment T RIUMF has a world-wide reputation for designing and building state-of-the-art accelerators, cyclotrons, and experimental equipment of all kinds. This equipment is built for use at TRIUMF, but TRIUMF also provides specially designed and built equipment to other Canadian laboratories such as the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO). In addition, TRIUMF contributes equipment and ideas to international experiments and laboratories such as ATLAS at CERN, T2K in Japan, or wherever in the world Canadian scientists have chosen to carry out their experimental programs. The ability to provide state-of-the-art equipment as well as scientific intellectual input makes Canada a welcome and respected partner on the international scientific world stage. Behind every great experiment, there is a team of engineers, designers, and technicians that work to make the project a success. The TRIUMF Design Office, as part of the TRIUMF Engineering Division, oversees the design and development of the mechanical equipment needed for these different experiments. The Design Office also oversees the design and development of equipment for maintenance and upgrades to the main TRIUMF cyclotron and beam delivery at TRIUMF. Working behind the scenes When an experiment is put forward to the TRIUMF Experimental Evaluation Committee (EEC) for review and approval, engineers and designers work alongside the scientists to bring a practical approach to the development of any new equipment or technology needed to make the experiment a success. Once an experiment is approved, a specification is generated outlining the new equipment required or the need for changes to an existing facility. Appropriate resources are assigned according to the scope of the project. Each year the list of projects is enormous and 2007 - 2008 was no different as 92 new projects requested design and engineering assistance. The biggest challenge, and the truly creative part in the process, is pulling all the information together into a conceptual design that is both functional and practical. Although we try to freeze a design before proceeding with any detailed work, the enthusiasm of experimenters and designers is such that refinements to the project continually take place as new ideas and solutions arise. Designing for the future TRIUMF is now well into its current 2005 – 2010 Five-Year Plan, and it is over 12 years since the ISAC project was first funded. Throughout 2007 - 2008, members of the Design Office spent over 65% of their time on ISAC, divided equally between ISAC-I development and ISAC-II construction. For ISAC-II, the current focus of the Design Office is the design of the high beta cryomodule section for delivering higher energy accelerated beams to experiments. The new facility uses superconducting technology, which relies on cryogenics to achieve the required accelerated beams. Cryogenics is the branch of physics that deals with very low temperatures, and materials have to be serviceable to below four degrees Kelvin (-269 o C or -452 o F). Cryogenics present new challenges in both design, and the use of new materials 14
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TRIUMF’s ion beam transport systems are the result of original thinking, detailed design and constant development.
by Stuart Austen
TRIUMF Design Office
Behind every great experiment
TRIUMF has a world-wide reputation for designing and building state-of-the-art accelerators, cyclotrons, and experimental equipment of all kinds. This equipment is built for use at TRIUMF, but TRIUMF also provides
specially designed and built equipment to other Canadian laboratories such as the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO). In addition, TRIUMF contributes equipment and ideas to international experiments and laboratories such as ATLAS at CERN, T2K in Japan, or wherever in the world Canadian scientists have chosen to carry out their experimental programs. The ability to provide state-of-the-art equipment as well as scientific intellectual input makes Canada a welcome and respected partner on the international scientific world stage.
Behind every great experiment, there is a team of engineers, designers, and technicians that work to make the project a success. The TRIUMF Design Office, as part of the TRIUMF Engineering Division, oversees the design and development of the mechanical equipment needed for these different experiments. The Design Office also oversees the design and development of equipment for maintenance and upgrades to the main TRIUMF cyclotron and beam delivery at TRIUMF.
Working behind the scenesWhen an experiment is put forward to the TRIUMF Experimental Evaluation Committee (EEC) for review and approval, engineers and designers work alongside the scientists to bring a practical approach to the development of any new equipment or technology needed to make the experiment a success.
Once an experiment is approved, a specification is generated outlining the new equipment required or the need for changes to an existing facility. Appropriate resources are assigned according to the scope of the project.
Each year the list of projects is enormous and 2007 - 2008 was no different as 92 new projects requested design and engineering assistance. The biggest challenge, and the truly creative part in the process, is pulling all the information together into a conceptual design that is both functional and practical. Although we try to freeze a design before proceeding with any detailed work, the enthusiasm of experimenters and designers is such that refinements to the project continually take place as new ideas and solutions arise.
Designing for the future TRIUMF is now well into its current 2005 – 2010 Five-Year Plan, and it is over 12 years since the ISAC project was first funded. Throughout 2007 - 2008, members of the Design Office spent over 65% of their time on ISAC, divided equally between ISAC-I development and ISAC-II construction.
For ISAC-II, the current focus of the Design Office is the design of the high beta cryomodule section for delivering higher energy accelerated beams to experiments. The new facility uses superconducting technology, which relies on cryogenics to achieve the required accelerated beams.
Cryogenics is the branch of physics that deals with very low temperatures, and materials have to be serviceable to below four degrees Kelvin (-269oC or -452oF). Cryogenics present new challenges in both design, and the use of new materials
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and techniques for manufacture. Working with stainless steel, aluminum and copper is familiar territory; electron beam welding of niobium for a superconducting cavity is a new challenge for the designers.
Experience generates new ideas To ensure reliable beam delivery, the infrastructure that runs the beam line and cyclotron must be constantly maintained and upgraded. This is accomplished through solid modeling and engineering analysis combined with experience from operating the various machines over time. The resulting designs optimize operations, improve performance, and enhance reliability.
To accommodate the increasing number and special requirements of experiments, major changes are continually being planned. Despite a range of technical expertise, the answers to these changes will largely be derived from the creative minds and insights of the design team. The solutions may come from three-dimensional computer modeling or start with a clean sheet of paper and a list of ideas. Whatever the starting place, the solution will be driven by imagination and innovation. An example of this creativity is the support structure for the TIGRESS detector.
One of the preeminent components of the ISAC-II experimental program is the TIGRESS detector. The support structure for the TIGRESS detector array was created by designer Franco Cifarelli. Machined from forged aluminum, this work is indicative of the unusual challenges and intricate nature of the design work undertaken by the design team at TRIUMF. Mr. Cifarelli’s work shows the application of great skill and imagination, and the ability to translate broad specifications into functional equipment, the nuts and bolts of the TRIUMF laboratory.
Supporting Canadian industryInternationally, collaboration with laboratories such as CERN in Switzerland or J-PARC in Japan allows our designers the opportunity to participate in a broad spectrum of projects. The benefits are threefold. The work furthers the skills of our design team, allows Canada to take a respected and important role internationally in world-class physics, and provides the opportunity to introduce Canadian manufacturers and businesses to the international scientific community.
TRIUMF’s Technology Transfer program transfers new and innovative technologies to Canadian industry. TRIUMF designers work with industry specialists in several fields of expertise including design, manufacturing, and sales. Equipment developed at TRIUMF has spawned new businesses such as construction and marketing of small cyclotrons for isotope production, and related support systems for diagnosis and control. TRIUMF designers have played a
by Stuart Austen
TRIUMF Design Office
Franco Cifarelli and the TIGRESS detector array; its innovative and unique support structure required forged aluminum blanks and a local manufacturer with specialized machines capable of the precision desired.
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critical role in the recent transfer of superconducting radio frequency technology to a local company that is now one of only five companies in the world able to supply this technology.
To reach Canada’s young scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers of tomorrow, the Design Office provides graphics and video support for seminars, presentations, and publications. New educational software and video packages, created in collaboration between TRIUMF’s scientists and graphic artists, teach the basics of physics and highlight the opportunities of a career in science and technology.
Part of the TRIUMF Design Office program includes an opportunity for engineering and physics students to work with us. Co-op students from Canadian universities and technical institutes work at TRIUMF with the Design Office for their co-op work terms, usually three or four months. This time is often a springboard to new opportunities for the students in the arena of design and engineering.
Staying strong and technically current Since its inception in 1969, TRIUMF has been fortunate to have a team of talented designers with the ability to respond to the varying and demanding needs of each new experiment. Though technical or university education is essential, the specialized nature of the work at TRIUMF means hiring people with the prerequisite training, but also with a passion for success and the ability to learn the unique skills needed to work in a scientific facility. By pursuing designers with these attributes, the Design Group has achieved a high level of success.
The current Design Office consists of 11 designers and 1 photo-based graphic artist. Each came to TRIUMF with a variety of previous experience, training and skills, from areas such as production engineering, aerospace, submarine design and manufacture, and other research and development positions.
Our team is also a good balance of youth and age. Senior designers offer experience, while junior designersbring new energy and proficiency in the latest computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing techniques. These computer skills are an asset for efficient merging with the latest computerized processes at the TRIUMF Machine Shop where CNC machining is currently used. We are fortunate to be able to provide a “full service” environment where all aspects of design and manufacture can be taken care of in house. The combination of senior and junior staff provides the comfort of a succession plan for the future and assurance that the TRIUMF Design Office will be behind great experiments at TRIUMF and at Canadian and international experiments and laboratories far into the future.
Stuart Austen is the Group Leader of the TRIUMF Design Office
by Stuart Austen
TRIUMF Design Office
Looking to Canada’s next generation of designers. The ability to create new and practical designs is only begun in university. One of the strengths of TRIUMF’s design team is its ability to educate talented new designers in the varying demands of
operating in a specialized science facility.
TR30 cyclotron for Nordion Canada. TRIUMF’s licensing agreement with MDS Nordion has generated several
