A horizontal powder injector for W7-X

Injection of low-Z powders into fusion plasma has been used to improve wall conditions, similar to the standard boronization process using diborane. Powder injection has the advantage of being much simpler, non-toxic, and efficient. The W7-X stellarator is planning on utilizing powder injection in long pulse discharges; a proof-of-principle test for horizontal injection into the plasma was conceived, a Probe Mounted Particle Injector (PMPI). The PMPI concept is developed using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) paddle wheel hub that is driven by a piezo motor, due to the high magnetic fields, that rotates at 100 deg/s. This small PMPI fits into an envelope of 120 mm diameter × 150 mm long, a standard size for Multi-Purpose Manipulator (MPM). The device is housed in a carbon cup mounted on a retractable probe that can be placed near the plasma edge, enabling powder injection ˜4–8 cm radially into the boundary plasma. The feed for the paddle is via piezo electric actuator that vibrates a funnel filled with powder into a trough for the paddle to push. The 8 paddle arms, 35 mm long and 10 mm wide, are made from 0.38 mm thick PEEK which drag slightly along the powder-filled trough bottom, becoming a spring-loaded paddle which accelerates the powder upon release. Design challenges are the high ambient magnetic field, vacuum compatible materials, high temperature environment, limited rotary-drive options, and compact space. The design and testing of this new device will be presented.