Outokumpu supplies quarto plate for a fusion nuclear research project
PRESS RELEASE
15 December 2011 at 10.00 am EET
Outokumpu has won a tender for supplying 350 tonnes of quarto plates for a fusion experiment project in Japan called JT-60SA. The mission of the JT-60SA project is to contribute to the early realisation of fusion energy by supporting the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project in identifying and exploring how to operate fusion power reactor plasmas in the demonstration electricity-generating power station (DEMO) that should follow ITER.
Theoretical advantages of fusing atoms, instead of splitting them as done in commercial reactors today, include a higher energy output per fuel unit used as well as almost radiation-free waste.
The stainless steel quarto plates, made out of low cobalt 304, will be used in the cylindrical section of the cryostat, which is the hull surrounding the main components of the Tokamak reactor. Fabrication of the cryostat vessel body cylindrical section will be done in Spain for Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA).
Outokumpu has also earlier in April 2011 delivered some 355 tonnes of the same material to IDESA for the fabrication of the base of the same cryostat for CIEMAT (Centre for Energy-Related, Environmental and Technological Research) in Spain.
"Outokumpu has a long track-record in supplying stainless steel to the nuclear industry where projects have high standards for product safety and reliability. Stainless steel with low cobalt content is particularly used in core structures in nuclear equipment where, for example, corrosion resistance, permeability and cleanliness requirements are decisive", says Hirokuni Yoshida, head of Outokumpu sales office in Japan.
Construction and utilisation of the JT-60SA takes place in Naka, Japan under the Satellite Tokamak Programme (STP) as part of the Broader Approach agreement signed between Japan and European Atomic Energy agency.
For more information, please contact
Hirokuni Yoshida, General Manager, Outokumpu K.K., tel. +81 3 54498311, mobile +81 90 32031041
Erik Johansson, Product Manager, Outokumpu S.A., tel. +34 933238134, mobile +34 609888446
OUTOKUMPU OYJ
Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel with the vision to be the undisputed number one. Customers in a wide range of industries use our stainless steel and services worldwide. Being fully recyclable, maintenance-free, as well as very strong and durable material, stainless steel is one of the key building blocks for sustainable future. Outokumpu employs some 8 000 people in more than 30 countries. The Group's head office is located in Espoo, Finland. Outokumpu is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.www.outokumpu.com
