Current status of the engineering design of the test module interface heads in the IFMIF target and test cell

The current design status of the test module interface heads (TMIHs) in the target and test cell (TTC) of the international fusion material irradiation facility (IFMIF) is described with the emphasis on new progresses in the design of cable/pipe connections and one irradiation shielding plate. A summary of the pipes and cables that will penetrate the TMIHs is outlined. In order to increase the convenience of the remote handling (RH) tools and to reduce time consumption of RH operations, piping optimization in the TMIHs is performed and industrial solutions on quick multi-pipe coupling systems for the cables and pipes are investigated. The number of pipe connections to be handled by RH tools is reduced by approximately 40%, comparing to the number of pipes that are connected to the test modules. A market available multi-pin plug/connector system is proposed to house electric power and signal lines, while a preliminary concept on multi-pipe coupling system is also introduced. In addition, a shielding plate made of lead is proposed to be installed between the pipe/cable connections and primary radiation sources to extend life spans of electric insulation materials.