2nd central solenoid module on its way
A second module for the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ central solenoid, the "most powerful magnet in the world," is on its way to ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ.
Procured by US ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ and manufactured by General Atomics in San Diego, California, the 110-tonne element was transported by road to Houston, Texas, and loaded on an ocean-faring vessel on 17 September 2021.
The load was received in France at Fos-sur-Mer harbour on 6 October, placed on a trailer, and brought aboard a barge to cross the inland sea Étang de Berre.
The superconducting magnet will now travel by convoy across Provence on the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Itinerary before passing through the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ gates on Thursday 14 October—just one month after the first module reached the construction site on 9 September.
The tall central solenoid magnet—18 metres in height, 1,000 tonnes—will be assembled at ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ from six individual modules and a strong supporting structure.