In its bi-weekly LHC update. the CERN Bulletin reports good progress on the installation of the LHC's new helium pressure relief system, with one sector now complete. The new system will allow helium to escape at a greater rate from the LHC, thus avoiding the possibility of dangerous pressure build-ups in the future. The LHC sector involved in last September's incident is a hive of activity, with teams working nights and weekends to install magnets at a rate of six or seven per week.
The Bulletin also features an article on the chain of accelerators that leads up to the LHC, which has also been undergoing repairs and maintenance during the shutdown period. The accelerators date from various periods in CERN history, with the oldest celebrating its 50th birthday this year. The upcoming run of the LHC will be the longest period of continuous beam operation in CERN history, and special care is being taken to ensure that all of the accelerators operate smoothly. Re-start testing began on the first link in the chain, a linear accelerator, on March 18.
