The China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) Project invited experts to the Institute of High Energy

Experts witness the on-site test of the CSNS inflatable seal(pic from IHEP)

Physics (IHEP) to witness and test the CSNS inflatable seal on September 4.

The experts listened to the design report, and conducted an on-site test. Repeated tests show that the leak rate is better than the designed value 1×10^-7Pa？m³/s, and the vacuum is better than the designed value 1×10^-4Pa. The Inflatable seal has good repeatability and stability, and the products can meet or surpass the designed mechanical and vacuum objective, which lays a solid foundation for the future assembly of PBW.

The Inflatable seal is one of the key devices of proton beam window (PBW) for the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), and it is designed by the CSNS accelerate staff. This Inflatable seal is of a novel structure, and the vacuum is achieved by the expansion of a pair of coaxial diaphragm and bellows.

As a high vacuum seal device, inflatable seal is very popular in recent years in the world. Since it can be installed and replaced remotely, the inflatable seal can operate in different environment or places where human beings cannot approach. The research is very difficult, and it will be the first time to be applied in China.