The DIII-D tokamak TROUBLE report database

Operation of the DIII-D tokamak involves many groups which work on the various subsystems. To overview and speed the solution to trouble or problem areas that limit machine availability, a common trouble report system was established. The TROUBLE database automates the recording of trouble reports and eases analysis of problem areas. It contains information on equipment affected, description of problem, cause of problem, solution to problem, and machine downtime (if any). It was created using S1032 from Compuserve Data Technologies and runs on a VAX 8650. The data are used to find the major problem areas so they can be solved and improve the tokamak availability. The data are available to Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). It is using the data with data from other tokamaks to develop a fusion failure experience data collection. The authors' experience is that a few failures are often the cause of a major part of the downtime. They discuss these failures and the actions taken to correct them. The database will also be used to determine the preventive maintenance schedule for different components.<>