Korea Institute of Fusion Energy Signs Contract with Haneul Engineering for ITER Component Manufacturing

The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (Director Oh Young-guk) announced on the 3rd that it has signed a contract with Haneul Engineering (CEO Hong Chang-deok) to manufacture the 'ITER Vacuum Vessel Port Sealing Flange,' one of the items procured by South Korea for the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

Oh Young-guk, Director of the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, and Hong Chang-deok, CEO of Haneul Engineering, are posing for a commemorative photo after the contract signing ceremony for the production of ITER sealing flanges. Photo by Korea Institute of Fusion Energy

The interior of the fusion reactor vacuum vessel, where the fusion reaction occurs, must maintain an ultra-high vacuum state. The vacuum vessel has about 40 ports for attaching diagnostic, heating, cooling, and fuel injection systems necessary for the experiment. The component that prevents leakage at the boundary between the port and the external system is the 'sealing flange.' The sealing flange directly affects the overall performance and stability of the device, requiring high precision and technical expertise in its design and manufacture.

The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy explained that Haneul Engineering was selected as the manufacturer of the ITER vacuum vessel port sealing flange due to its proven experience and recognized technical skills, having successfully produced ITER procurement items such as the vacuum vessel support structure and port sealing in 2020. Haneul Engineering plans to complete the production of ITER port sealing flanges in three phases by December 2029.

Director Oh Young-guk stated, “We will continue to support domestic industries in securing excellent fusion technology and strive for the development of the fusion ecosystem.”