Beryllium Health & Safety in Fusion Materials Research and Laboratory Decommissioning at KBHF

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Beryllium metal has been important in fusion research since the 1980s, first as a plasma-facing material in JET (Joint European Torus). Research progressed on beryllium for use as a neutron- multiplier material in solid breeder-blanket concepts in the designs of magnetically confined fusion machines, such as ITER and DEMO (Demonstration Power Plant). Those investigations included higher-temperature performance materials, such as beryllide intermetallic compounds,in the form of pebble beds and blocks. With the rise of commercial fusion companies over the past several years, beryllium in the form of FLiBe (lithium-beryllium-fluoride) molten salt is now being considered as a liquid breeder material. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany is one of the world leaders in fusion materials research. In the course of that work, KIT has fostered the development of on-site, autonomous laboratory and pilot industrial resources. First came GVT (Goraieb Versuchstechnik) in 1993, and that led to the eventual founding of the Karlsruhe Beryllium Handling Facility (KBHF) in 2009. KBHF was a "spin-in" organization that has been located on the KIT North Campus and worked closely with other research labs within KIT, while GVT could still function independently and seek projects with fusion collaboration partners external to KIT. The last two years KBHF and GVT also supported CERN with cutting and polishing beryllium samples and the design of their new beryllium fabrication facility. Since its inception, KBHF has worked continuously with all forms of beryllium. The importance of safety in all aspects of fusion research cannot be overstated, and that includes this specialized work with beryllium, which brings its own particular EHS (Environmental, Health and Safety) challenges. This presentation will delve into KBHF's work with beryllium over the years, focusing on the systems that have been put in place to ensure the safe handling of the various forms of the material to…