Cryogenic tests of the first two LHC quadrupole prototypes

Two LHC (Large Hadron Collider) twin aperture quadrupole superconducting magnet prototypes were constructed at CEA Saclay, in the framework of a collaboration agreement between CERN and CEA in Saclay. Their main characteristics are: 3.05 m length, 56 mm coil aperture, 180 mm between the two apertures, 252 T/m nominal gradient at 15060 A. They have been tested and measured in the 1.8 K Saclay test facility in a horizontal cryostat. The magnets are instrumented in order to investigate their behaviour during cool-down, stand-by, powering and current ramping, quenching and warming-up. The paper presents a summary of the cryogenic, mechanical, pressure and electrical measurements. The 15060 A nominal current was reached with little training. The quench protection heaters are efficient down to 3000 A. Losses during ramping up and down are reported.<
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