On-line optimization of ISOL@MYRRHA performance through an intelligent and automated control system.

ISOL@MYRRHA is the Isotope Separation On Line facility to be constructed in the first phase of the MYRRHA project. It will be capable to produce a large variety of radioactive isotopes for applications in the field of nuclear physics, condensed-matter physics, biology, nuclear medicine and others. The quality (purity) and quantity (intensity) of the supplied RIB depends heavily on the proper tuning of the underlying process steps and their mutual interaction. From feedback of running ISOL facilities (ISOLDE/TRIUMF) it is known that the operation of an ISOL system needs constant intervention of an experienced operator/user. His job is to adjust the operational parameters of the system at a regular basis to compensate for effects likes ageing of the target and ion source, foiling of the extraction electrode, aligment issues due to temperature effects, etc ... . ISOL@MYRRHA aims at providing long uninterrupted beam times whichout compromising the quality and quantity of the beams to the users. An online optimization (retuning target, ion source and RIB transport parameters, ...) would unsure the continous delivery of the RIB to the users at optimal parameters and without interuptions. In this project, a control strategy will be developed to provide initial optimal selection of the control parameters as well as provide online tuning to keep the system continuously in the optimal operational regime.

Keywords:OPTIMAL DESIGN, ISOTOPES, AUTOMATION, CONTROL SYSTEMS

Disciplines:Applied aspects of nuclear physics, Automation and control systems, Computer aided engineering, simulation and design, Systems theory, modelling and identification

Project type:Collaboration project