Tokamak is a magnetic confinement device designed to demonstrate the fusion of inert gases such as deuterium, hydrogen and tritium. The ultimate aim of building Tokamak systems worldwide is to establish fusion as a viable source of electricity.

The Tokamak is a toroidal device with a hollow doughnut-shaped vessel through which magnetic fields twist to confine plasma. These magnetic fields are generated by electric currents passing through conductors and the plasma itself. Tokamak ADITYA is part of the Plasma Physics Programme initiated at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad and is located at Bhat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This is the first Tokamak in India built indigenously, with only the power system imported from AEG in West Germany. Design work began in 1983, and manufacturing and assembly were completed in 1988. ADITYA has been operational since 1995 and continues to function satisfactorily.

TCE’s Scope

Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) was entrusted with concept design, detailed engineering, inspection and expediting, and construction supervision for major subsystems, including core components of Tokamak ADITYA. TCE engineered critical systems such as Ohmic and Equilibrium Coils, Support Structure, Power System, Cooling and Monitoring System, and the Thomson Scattering Diagnostic System.

The support structures were fabricated from stainless steel 304L, while the coils were made from high-purity grade copper. TCE prepared manufacturing drawings, welding and quality assurance procedures, and assembly and erection procedures for coils, support structures and diagnostic systems. The team also provided inspection services for the toroidal vacuum vessel made of stainless steel 304L, ensuring compliance with stringent design and safety standards.

Impact

This project marked a significant milestone in India’s scientific and engineering capabilities. By delivering advanced design and engineering solutions, TCE enabled the successful development of the country’s first indigenously built Tokamak. The project demonstrated TCE’s expertise in precision engineering, quality assurance and complex system integration for high-technology research facilities. ADITYA continues to operate successfully, contributing to India’s progress in fusion research and energy innovation.