A Possible Method of Carbon Deposit Mapping on Plasma Facing Components Using Infrared Thermography

TL;DR

This paper proposes an infrared thermography-based method to map carbon deposits on plasma facing components by comparing in situ temperature maps with theoretical models, aiding in real-time deposit assessment during experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining infrared imaging and fuzzy logic to estimate deposit thickness, improving real-time mapping accuracy during plasma experiments.

Findings

Method aligns well with visual inspection results.

Enables in situ, real-time deposit mapping.

Utilizes advanced imaging techniques for better accuracy.

Abstract

The material eroded from the surface of plasma facing components is redeposited partly close to high heat flux areas. At these locations, the deposit is heated by the plasma and the deposition pattern evolves depending on the operation parameters. The mapping of the deposit is still a matter of intense scientific activity, especially during the course of experimental campaigns. A method based on the comparison of surface temperature maps, obtained in situ by infrared cameras and by theoretical modelling is proposed. The difference between the two is attributed to the thermal resistance added by deposited material, and expressed as a deposit thickness. The method benefits of elaborated imaging techniques such as possibility theory and fuzzy logics. The results are consistent with deposit maps obtained by visual inspection during shutdowns.