Control of TFTR during DT operations

Since beginning routine D-T operations in December, 1993, there have been more than 500 DT plasmas and approximately 600,000 Ci of tritium processed through TFTR culminating in greater than 10 MW of fusion power produced in a single discharge in November, 1994. These performance levels were achieved while maintaining the highest levels of personnel and equipment safety. Prior to D-T operations, a Chain of Command structure and a TFTR Shift Supervisor (TFTR SS) position were developed for centralized control of the facility with all subsystems reporting to this position. A comprehensive surveillance system was incorporated such that the TFTR SS could easily review the operational readiness of subsystems for D-T operations. A TFTR SS Station was constructed to facilitate monitoring and control of TFTR. This station includes a camera system, FAX, a networked personal computer, a computerized tritium monitor and control system and a hardware interlock system. In the transition from D-D to D-T operations, TFTR's procedures were reviewed/revised and a number of additional procedures developed for control of activities at the facility. This paper details the equipment, administrative and organizational configurations used for controlling TFTR during D-T operations.