Overview
- CNNC reports both liquid-metal and helium test rigs are designed, built, and fully operational as of mid-October 2025.
- The liquid-metal platform operates at 0–4 tesla and 300–550°C with Hartmann numbers up to 10,000 to probe MHD effects on flow and heat transfer.
- The helium loop, built to ITER specifications, runs at 4–12 MPa from room temperature to 500°C and uses domestically developed components.
- CNNC says the helium system integrates a magnetic-bearing main blower for contact-free operation, a compact PCHE heat exchanger, and metal bellows sealing for low leakage.
- The facilities aim to supply data for lithium–lead blanket development, bolster China’s engineering verification capacity, and inform ITER collaboration and future reactor build-outs through modular design.