Assembly of the IFMIF SRF Linac cryomodule

Complementing its contributions to the JT-60SA and ITER fusion reactors, Fusion for Energy contributes to the R&D for material characterization facilities. Under the Broader Approach agreement, Europe and Japan are developing the Linear IFMIF Prototype Accelerator (LIPAc) in Japan, a deuteron accelerator demonstrator producing neutrons by nuclear stripping reactions on a liquid lithium target, part of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) project. In 2024, LIPAC prepared for the installation of the SRF cryomodule, concluding its construction. As first prototype, the cryomodule assembly faced challenges at various stages. Started in March 2019, the assembly was paused during its cleanroom phase due to quality issues with the superconducting solenoids, resuming in Aug. 2022. Further issues delayed the completion of the cleanroom activities until Sept. 2024. In 2024, the cryomodule assembly progressed at a good rate. The clean room worked concluded in Sept. and by late 2024 the cold mass was ready for insertion into the vacuum vessel, with transfer to the vault planned for early 2025. In this paper, we will outline the critical steps of this assembly process.