Development and testing of the internal sliding support for the Cryogenic Distribution Line for the HL-LHC

Abstract HL-LHC (High Luminosity LHC) is an upgrade of the LHC accelerator that will achieve a significantly higher level of integrated luminosity than the original LHC assumptions. As a result of the HL-LHC project, about 150 meters of the accelerator will be completely replaced on both sides of the P1 and P5 collision points. This will require a new cryogenic distribution system, consisting of a multi-channel cryogenic transfer line, service modules, return modules, and junction modules to the existing cryogenic system. During the design of the multi-channel cryogenic line, one of the biggest challenges was the design and verification of the internal sliding support. It required both thermal analysis and mechanical calculations considering the forces acting on the support during the equipment operation, failure, pressure testing, and transportation. During the development of the sliding support, several tests were carried out to verify the mechanical properties of the components made of G10 composite. The paper summarises the sliding support’s design, development, and experimental verification.