High standard: Precision logistics for DESY high-tech experiment

19.12.2024

Hasenkamp transports key components for the ATLAS experiment at CERN on behalf of the Hamburg particle accelerator centre DESY.

Cologne-Frechen, 19 December - When a highly sensitive particle detector for the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest accelerator at CERN in Switzerland, goes on its journey, precision is the top priority. Every move is meticulously planned - from the special low-vibration packaging to the exact transport route. Hasenkamp's logistics experts recently successfully transported the basic mechanical structure of the end cap for the new silicon strip detector of the ATLAS experiment from Amsterdam to Hamburg.

The transport began at Nikhef, the Dutch Institute for Particle Physics, and led to the Detector Assembly Facility (DAF) at the Helmholtz research centre DESY in Hamburg. This route was the first stage on the way to the final destination: CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Final Mile Services division of project logistics provider Hasenkamp took on the demanding task of safely transporting the sensitive component. "This order was a special challenge that we mastered with our many years of experience in handling highly sensitive goods," explains Thomas Bräuning, Managing Director of Hasenkamp Final Mile Services. "With a specially developed low-vibration and climate-stable transport solution, we were able to fulfil the high requirements of the project."

"The transport was an exciting part of the project - it will take a few days before the end cap can be pushed into the DAF's clean rooms. There it will be fitted with silicon sensors and other components over the next three years," said DESY engineer Volker Prahl.

Two tonnes of packaging weight - equipped with space insulation

A customised transport box was developed for the end cap of the ATLAS detector: Measuring 3 x 3 x 3.5 metres and weighing 1,800 kilograms, it ensures a stable environment for the sensitive carbon fibre structure. The box is insulated with 8.5 cm thick aerospace material and maintains a constant temperature and humidity for 72 hours. Special storage dampers prevent shocks during transport.

During the journey, sensors were used to monitor temperature, humidity and vibration. The data collected will be used to optimise the next transport, during which the end cap will be fully assembled with around 35 m² of silicon sensors and other components.

"The high demands on stability and climate control are crucial to prevent damage to the structure," explains Bräuning. "The transport was also a dress rehearsal for the later delivery of the finished end cap to Geneva."

Hasenkamp is providing long-term support for the project and will be responsible for a double transport to Geneva: both the sister endcap built at DESY in Hamburg and the sister endcap from Nikhef in Amsterdam will be transported to CERN in two journeys and deployed there as part of a long-planned conversion window.