The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt (Germany) since the seventies operates one of the world’s leading particle accelerator facilities. The facility is now being significantly expanded and upgraded to a “Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research” (FAIR) in cooperation with partners from several different countries. The international accelerator centre currently under construction is set to make Darmstadt, south of Frankfurt, one of the hubs of the global particle research community. In future, matter that usually only exists in the depths of space will be produced and researched there by scientists from all over the world. They hope to gain new insights into the structure of matter and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present.
Vacuum control system for the UNILAC Beamline
The existing accelerators serve as the first acceleration stage. In the course of the construction work at the GSI, the UNILAC (UNIversal Linear ACcelerator) – the oldest part of the facility – will undergo extensive modernisation, which can be separated by vacuum-tight slide valves. This is where futronic comes in. UNILAC consists of a 120 metre-long beamline divided into about 50 sections. High or even ultra-high vacuum conditions prevail in the beamline and are essential for particle acceleration and the following experiments. To enable this extreme vacuum to be produced and maintained, each section is equipped with special pumps, for example turbo molecular or so-called ion getter pumps. Countless gauges and other measuring devices keep a permanent watch on all relevant parameters. A SPS facility control system monitors, visualizes and archives the vacuum quality and controls the slide valves and pumps. It also offers the operator and vacuum expert the user interface for controlling the slide valves and pumps.
futronic wins European tender
As part of the modernisation project, the complete vacuum controllers and discreet control systems are now being replaced with SPS contol systems and latest-generation equipment of different manufacturers. The new facility control system is housed in a total of 17 control cabinets, which are being built and wired at futronic in Tettnang. There will also be 75 junction boxes for the stationary backing pumping stations. The electrical planning and design, as well as all software, is being taken care of by specialists at GSI Helmholtzzentrum. The contract was put out to tender Europe-wide. Not only is this the first time that futronic has taken part in an international bidding procedure – it also proved to be a highly successful premiere against tough competition. “With futronic we found a reliable and competent partner who could simultaneously convince us with good value for money”, explains Christine Betz, Group Leader Industrial Controls at GSI and as such responsible for the project. The conversion and commissioning of the UNILAC vacuum system is currently taking place.