Radiation protection challenges for the Large Hadron Collider upgrade

Area of Science:

• High-energy physics
• Radiation protection
• Nuclear engineering

Background:

• The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is undergoing an upgrade to the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) during Long Shutdown 3 (2026-2028).
• This upgrade involves significant maintenance and decommissioning in experimental areas with high residual radiation.
• These activities present complex radiological challenges for CERN's Radiation Protection group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of radiation protection studies for the HL-LHC upgrade.
• To estimate residual radiation fields and activation levels in experimental insertions.
• To inform the planning and optimization (ALARA) of interventions for equipment upgrade and decommissioning.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing advanced Monte Carlo techniques.
• Employing simulation tools such as FLUKA, ActiWiz, SESAME, and the FCC method.
• Conducting radiation protection studies to assess radiological challenges.

Main Results:

• Estimation of residual radiation fields in experimental insertions.
• Quantification of activation levels relative to Swiss clearance limits.
• Preliminary considerations for the upgrade and decommissioning of key equipment.

Conclusions:

• Radiation protection studies are essential for managing the radiological risks associated with the HL-LHC upgrade.
• Advanced simulation tools are critical for planning and optimizing interventions in high-radiation environments.
• The findings will guide safe and efficient execution of maintenance and decommissioning tasks during Long Shutdown 3.