The software development for the control system of the cryogenics in the LHC is partially automatized. However, every single modification requires a sequence of consecutive and interdependent tasks to be executed manually by software developers. A large number of control system consolidations and the evolution of the used IT technologies lead to reviewing the software production methodology. As a result, an open-source continuous integration server has been employed integrating all development tasks, tools and technologies. This paper describes the main improvements that have been made to fully automate the process of software production and the achieved results.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) cryogenic system comprises eight independent refrigeration and distribution systems that supply the eight 3.3 km long accelerator sectors with cryogenic refrigeration power as well as four refrigeration systems for the needs of the detectors ATLAS and CMS. In order to ensure the highest possible reliability of the installations, it is important to apply a reliability centred approach for the maintenance. Even though large scale cryogenic refrigeration exists since the mid 20th century, very little third party reliability data is available today. CERN has started to collect data with its computer aided maintenance management system (CAMMS) in 2009, when the accelerator has gone into normal operation. This paper presents the reliability observations from the operation and the maintenance side, as well as statistical data collected by the means of the CAMMS system.
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